Lewis Central board candidates emphasize student safety, special‑education supports and teacher retention

At a candidates forum for the Lewis Central School District in Council Bluffs, eight people running for the school board outlined similar priorities: student safety, stronger supports for special‑education students, and measures to recruit and keep teachers.

Greg Sturm, a parent who said his construction background informed his candidacy, listed safety as his top priority and education second, saying recent safety improvements matter because "I want every parent, teacher, staff, and student to always feel safe" in district buildings. Several other candidates described a range of safety measures already under way and urged continued investment in secure entrances, door sensors and other facility upgrades.

Special‑education issues came up repeatedly. Laura Ladhoff, a 14‑year district parent who has served on parent panels, argued paraeducators should be included in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings because they often know students best. Multiple candidates recommended expanding sensory‑friendly options at school events and launching a Unified Sports program in partnership with Special Olympics so students with disabilities can participate alongside peers.

Teacher recruitment and retention were central themes. Jolene Miller, a 35‑year educator, said the national teacher shortage makes retention a priority and urged the board to make Lewis Central “known throughout the state of Iowa as an excellent place to come and teach.” Candidates discussed wages, benefits and workplace culture; one candidate noted the district reports high teacher retention (above 95% in the forum remarks) but said competitiveness with neighboring districts remains a concern.

Candidates also praised recent program expansions. Multiple speakers highlighted a new welding program and other career and technical education (CTE) offerings and called for more work‑based learning, summer support for students who need extra help, and partnerships with local businesses and arts organizations to broaden hands‑on opportunities.

The forum included repeated appeals for fiscal transparency. Incumbent board members and other speakers thanked voters for passing a recent bond and said the district posts costs and progress online; at the same time, several candidates urged careful budgeting to balance new programs with long‑term fiscal health.

The candidates closed by stressing different strengths — long tenure on the board, classroom experience, or advocacy for special needs — and asked attendees to vote in the upcoming election.