Candidates at Clear Creek Amana forum emphasize teacher retention, class size and branding; moderators clarify write-in process

Lisonbee Momini, president of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District board, opened a candidate forum on the district campus, introduced Vice President Abdulman Bila and invited five candidates to introduce themselves and answer pre-submitted questions about their priorities and qualifications.

The forum clarified election logistics that have drawn community questions: Momini said no names qualified on the printed ballot for Districts 2 and 4, and that voters who wish to support Braden Smith (District 2) or Gabe Schapfeld (District 4) must write them in. Momini also explained that if Schapfeld, currently serving in an at-large seat, wins District 4 and resigns his at-large seat, the district would appoint someone to serve the vacated at-large position for two years. Nick Pfeiffer’s name will appear on the ballot for District 3 to complete a remaining two-year term.

During the question-and-answer portion, candidates emphasized common themes and some distinct goals. Braden Smith, a data and analytics specialist who serves on the CCA Foundation Board, said he is motivated to “be more of an advocate for our teachers and staff” and would focus on classroom supports and policies to enable educators to succeed. Smith said he would prioritize smaller class sizes and attracting and retaining high-quality teachers.

Casey Cooney, running for an at-large seat, said he would press for competitive compensation and professional development for teachers, expand curriculum options including AP and STEM, grow extracurriculars and cultivate strategic partnerships with local businesses to help fund infrastructure. "I truly believe this is one of the best areas and I want to preserve that while elevating our competitiveness as we grow," he said.

Rick Hergert, a former board member, highlighted experience with budgets and prior school-board service and said he wants to keep class sizes low and explore programming to increase attendance at Manor Elementary. He also recommended a facilities committee to plan for district growth and suggested stronger pathways into trades in partnership with local businesses and unions.

Incumbent board member Gabe Schapfeld, who said he is running as a write-in for District 4, described himself as a district graduate and long-term community member and emphasized fiscal stewardship and community connection. Schapfeld urged examination of why some students open-enroll elsewhere and supported more in-district outreach and branding to retain families. "We need to sell ourselves better," he said.

Nick Pfeiffer, whose name will appear on the District 3 ballot, said he wants to "finish what I started" in filling a vacancy, support a new superintendent, improve district communications and set measurable goals: becoming a top-15 school in the state, retaining 95% of the teachers the district wants to keep, and reducing open enrollment by 50%.

Candidates repeatedly named teacher and staff retention, managing rapid district growth, and building community identity across multiple towns in the district as challenges and opportunities. Several urged more public engagement — superintendent roundtables, town halls and inviting the public into school events — and suggested facility-sharing partnerships with cities and civic groups.

The forum ended with Momini reminding attendees of the upcoming election and how to vote for the seats discussed: "If you go to vote next Tuesday there'll be Nick Pfeiffer for District 3 and there'll be Casey Cooney and Rick Hergert for at-large. And you should feel free to write in Gabe Schapfeld for District 4 and Braden Smith for District 2."