Five run for two spots on Clinton school board
CLINTON, Iowa — Five people will compete for two spots on the Clinton Community School District board in Tuesday’s school board election.
Terry Bader, Dan Collins, Beth Geltz, Steven Luett and James McGraw are seeking two spots left vacant by two current board members. Dave Frett chose not to run again and current board president Jim Tuisl filed papers to get his name on the ballot, then asked to have his name removed.
Bader said he joined the race because he wanted to make a contribution to the community. He believes the school district lacks teamwork, and as a result, students are not getting the best education possible.
Bader said more effective communication is needed between district administration and staff.
“I really believe we’re not doing that,” he said.
Collins said he believes the district is doing a good job, but could be doing better. Collins is serving on a committee to examine the district’s facilities needs and said improvements are needed at the middle school and high school levels. He also favors seeking partnerships with Clinton Community College and local industries to provide vocational training for students.
He wants Clinton schools to be a model for others in the state.
“I think we as a community owe our young people the best education possible,” Collins said.
Geltz said she wanted to be a part of a period of transition in a district she believes is doing a good job of educating children.
“I just wanted to have an opportunity to help make it better,” she said.
Geltz said she would like to see the district work toward improving student test scores and work within its budget.
Luett said through his work as a Realtor, he has heard people say they would rather not live in Clinton because they want their children to go to a better school district. He said the district’s image needs improving, which includes school facilities.
Luett also supports improving the technology available to students in the district and identifying new sources of income rather than waiting for the state Legislature to fund programs.
“It’s not going to be there in some instances,” he said.
McGraw also has served on the district’s facilities task force and said his previous service on the school board from 1995-2000 allows him to bring a voice of experience to the board.
McGraw also said he is willing to stand up to state and federal lawmakers and tell them the district can’t afford any more unfunded programs mandated by the government.
By giving children a quality education, the district can help create more opportunities in Clinton that would keep young people in the community, he said.
“They need to have a future, and our school system is that future,” he said.
Sidebar to clinton school election
School voting centers
Here are voting sites in Clinton County for Tuesday’s school elections, which are consolidated by district and may be different than general election polling sites. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Calamus-Wheatland — Wheatland City Hall, 205 E. Jefferson St., Wheatland.
Camanche — Camanche Administration Center, 702 13th Ave., Camanche.
Central Clinton Community — First Congregational United Church of Christ, 520 E. 11th St., DeWitt.
Clinton — Church of the Open Door, 816 13th Ave. N., Clinton.
Delwood — Grossman Hall, 309 N. Main St., Delmar.
Northeast — Goose Lake City Hall, 1 School Lane, Goose Lake.
Clinton County school board candidates
Most other school board races in Clinton County are uncontested. The candidates are:
Calamus-Wheatland — Jodi Rickels, At-Large, and Kevin Garland, District 2. There is no candidate on the ballot in District 4.
Camanche — Jeffrey Swalve is the only candidate on the ballot for two at-large seats. Patricia Bryan is the only candidate for a one-year term created by a vacancy on the board.
Central Community — Christy Kunz and Ray Kimble are running for one open seat.
Delwood — Rhonda Denger, District 1, and Carmen Gerlach, District 2.
Northeast — William Costello, At-Large
Eastern Iowa Community College District V — Mary Lou Engler
Steven Martens can be contacted at (563) 659-2595 or smartens@qctimes.com.