DCG forum: candidates stress communication, teacher support and staff recruitment ahead of Nov. 4 vote

AJ Ellingson, communications director at the Dallas Center‑Grimes Community School District, opened a candidate forum at the DCG High School Auditorium, introducing four candidates competing for three seats on the district's board and describing the forum format. Michelle Weymouth, the district's business manager and board secretary, served as timekeeper.

The candidates — incumbent board member Monica Muhlberg (running unopposed for District 2), incumbent Nick Fiela (seeking re‑election for District 1), and at‑large candidates Julie Quandt and Will Bridal — used two‑minute openings and two‑minute closings, plus short answers to moderator questions, to focus on communication, staff recruitment and the district's culture.

Monica Muhlberg said visible, open engagement and transparency are central to effective governance. "Transparency and communication were two of my biggest things, and I think we've done a tremendous job in that area," she said, and she urged residents to vote for both board candidates and the bond. Julie Quandt emphasized listening and clear outreach, saying she has "no political agenda" and wants the board to keep the community informed.

Will Bridal framed his candidacy around protecting teachers and the district after he said he observed "folks in our community were attacking our teachers, attacking our students and attacking our schools." He said board members must be prepared, understand board policies and use experts or ad hoc committees for complex personnel and retention issues. "Once you take the oath of office ... you need to do your homework," Bridal said, citing training offered by the Iowa Association of School Boards.

Nick Fiela, a current board member, highlighted staff surveys and workshops the district has used to identify and address retention issues and said a positive attitude and availability are important qualities for trustees. He noted the district expects enrollment growth as local development continues: "You can see by all the development around the area here that we're going to be on the uptick of enrollment here very soon."

On recruitment and retention, candidates described district efforts such as staff surveys, a benefits statement prepared to help employees compare total compensation, and professional learning communities. Julie Quandt urged more parent volunteering to support classrooms and said district culture keeps many staff returning.

Candidates also described how they would engage parents and staff. Several said face‑to‑face conversations at community events are effective, while Will Bridal stressed that operational matters should be routed through the superintendent and the board president, not handled unilaterally by individual trustees.

The forum closed with each candidate asking for votes on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and the moderator noting the district had recorded the session and would post video to the district YouTube page. The evening also included a reminder that a bond referendum town hall would begin immediately afterward.

The forum did not include formal motions or votes; it served as a public opportunity for candidates to present priorities and for voters to hear how each would address staffing, communication and the pending bond measure.