Four candidates are running for three open seats on the North Scott School Board. The North Scott Press sent each of them six questions about the current state of affairs at the district. We asked them to answer each question in 100 words or fewer. Here are their responses.
1. What motivated you to run for school board?
Tracy Lindaman: My husband, my five children, and I have all been students at North Scott, which motivates me to help our district be the very best it can be. My background in education as a secondary mathematics teacher originally inspired me to serve on the North Scott School Board, and I am eager to contribute my time and talents in service to the North Scott community.
Frank Wood: I am finishing up on my first term as a board member and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow colleagues. I feel that with my experience and educational background give me the knowledge and balance to serve on the board. I feel that I have something to offer and give back to the community that I call home.
Morgan Dunn: I was inspired to run because I want to participate in the selection of our next superintendent, a very critical role in the district. Timing is everything and I believe my skill set and experience are a solid match for the upcoming term.
Miguel Puentes: Moving to this community, part of the attraction was the reputation of this district. Our experience, especially the education of our eldest, has exceeded our expectations. As members of this community, I seek this opportunity as a way of giving back what we’ve had the benefit of receiving. I want the best for my children and I am confident that the way to ensure their bright futures is to ensure the success of our community as a whole. Success of all children promotes the success of my own. Like the old adage goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.
2. What relevant experience will you bring to the board?
Lindaman: For eight years, I have been privileged to serve on the North Scott School Board. It has been my goal to be an active member of the board and community during this time. Thus, I have served as Vice Chair for several years. Additionally, I have gained valuable insights into the perspectives of North Scott staff, students, and families through my work with the Curriculum Cabinet, IBPS (negotiations), and Policy Committee. Through these experiences, I have better understood the governance and day-to-day complexities of the district’s needs.
Wood: I feel that my 47 years of public school (35 in North Scott Schools) experience and working in three different school districts (Riverdale and Rock Island) in my career has allowed me with a greater insight into what makes for a great school district. My continued growth and professional development in working with the Iowa Association of School Boards (currently as their president-elect) has made me a better school board member and knowledgeable of current trends in our state and country.
Dunn: My profession is Human Resources which has many similarities to the responsibilities of a school board member. Both work with policies, employment actions, monitoring financials and building trust. They must work collaboratively and use data and policies to drive decisions. Sometimes that means having tough conversations and my experience has given me many opportunities through the years to start these conversations when needed, focus on facts and always keep our values in perspective.
Puentes: Given my employment history as a public defender, I’ve learned to be deliberate, quick thinking and a problem solver. Sometimes those solutions involve rather obvious common-sense tactics and others require a bit of creativity. I’ve found success with both. I’ve also acquired the ability to compartmentalize when necessary. To be clear, in this context, I can sever my politics or my personal feelings or my preconceived notions and utilize logic and reason when those other things may only complicate an issue. Also, as a supervisor, I’ve conducted the functions of hiring/firing of employees and creation of policy.
3. What would you seek in a new candidate for superintendent?
Lindaman: Our next superintendent should bring many of the same strengths that Mr. Stutting has modeled. The key qualities include: active community involvement, strong communication skills, knowledge of the curriculum and state standards, excellent character, and the ability to work with stakeholders to develop both short-term and long-term visions. The next superintendent must also be grounded in the stewardship of the North Scott community’s tax dollars and be able to make tough decisions that consider the voices of all groups impacted.
Wood:
A. Has strong leadership skills, is a visionary, good in decision-making and has integrity.
B. Has good communication skills, effective communicator, active listener and is transparent.
C. Has sound education expertise, has a deep understanding in curriculum, teaching and educational policies, a commitment to student success and support teachers
D. Strong management and organizational skills. Budget managing, problem solving, and staff management.
E. Collaboration and community engagement, builds relationships, cultural competency.
F. Adaptability and innovative, embracing change and forward thinking.
Dunn: The superintendent sets the tone for the whole district. We must select someone that approaches decisions with the district’s values in mind. This role requires someone to begin with collaboration and also have the ability to know when it’s time to make the decision and execute. I would also be looking for experience building a successful team because leaders are only as strong as the team they support. This also builds bench strength for future opportunities in the district which supports retention of district staff. This district is successful and we want to continue that momentum.
Puentes: I would place significant weight in a problem solver who acts in a proactive rather than reactive way. We all exist in a quickly evolving world that requires the ability to adapt to those changes and effectuate appropriate and forward gazing policy and leadership. Additionally, I would look for an applicant who can communicate to both children and parents with the understanding that there are a wide variety of different histories and education. Lastly, my ideal candidate would be an individual looking to remain in the community rather than making our district a quick stop along a career trajectory.
4. How would you help to make North Scott a district of choice for area students?
Lindaman: I am extremely proud of the strides we have made as a district. We want every student at North Scott to feel safe, and valued. We want to guide the student to a pathway that will help them in their future, whether that be in a career, college, the trades, or in the military. The RIC (Regional Innovation Center) and YMCA are both wonderful additions to our school and community. Open enrollment has increased at North Scott, and the new housing construction remains strong.
Wood: Making sure that we provide opportunities for ALL students to experience and thrive. This includes, not only activities but academic programs and courses that interest and excite students to be successful. We have just completed project 2025. With that, we added on to several school facilities that will enhance the opportunities for our students. The Regional Innovation Center (RIC) will be an outstanding opportunity for the district to add courses and programs, to meet the needs of our students, as well as students from other local school districts.
Dunn: First and foremost a quality education is the ultimate goal. This comes from having well trained and supported educators and staff. I believe the district does a fantastic job offering a wide variety of programs and opportunities for students and we need to ensure that continues, especially with the new Regional Innovation Center (RIC.) We must maximize everything that facility has to offer.
Puentes: I would establish a focus on setting up our children for success when they exit public education. Whether that be through offerings with a focus on financial literacy or encouraging entrepreneurship through the expansion of existing programs with more focused specialty classes and the addition of new opportunities like JROTC.
5. Following the recent renovation and expansion, what improvements would you like to see next?
Lindaman: As a board, we have started to look at further renovations that will be prioritized. Some of which are: the sound systems with security in the buildings that have yet to be updated, separate the band and orchestra rooms at the high school, update the playgrounds at the elementaries, updates to the soccer and baseball fields, and a dedicated space for the dance team to practice. The board is also exploring land purchases for future growth. There are always more improvements needed, and the board and superintendent will determine what and when these will be addressed.
Wood: I believe we need to look at our high school orchestra/ cheer and dance room and see what we can do to eliminate the overfill. We also need to continue with our audio improvement system that we started in Shepard and the Junior High and get our other buildings in the same system. The elementary playgrounds will need to be addressed to make sure our playground equipment is up-to-date and safe. We have also looked at getting a storm shelter/multipurpose room for Virgil Grissom so that all elementaries would have a gym separate from their lunch rooms.
Dunn: My student is older so I haven’t seen all the updates in person but what I have seen certainly deserves recognition for all involved. The RIC is one key component to keeping North Scott the district of choice for the area. I was thrilled to see the updates to 5th street with additional parking and that would be an area for consideration. Also looking at our district lines and analyzing options that may be available in regards to land and potential expansion in the long term.
Puentes: I understand from the last board meeting that a 5-year facility plan recommendation already exists, which is subject to change upon subsequent board approval. With that in mind, I am in agreement with the current recommendations. I certainly can see the benefits of these upgrades moving forward, but would also consider procuring additional land for future expansion of existing and new facilities as the population of this district continues to grow.
6. Where do you stand on vouchers for parochial schools? Do you support the expansion of vouchers to home schooling?
Lindaman: This is a new and difficult question to answer. I am still learning about the impact of vouchers on public schools. First and foremost, I support public schools. I am committed to following the laws established by our elected state officials. Thus, to some degree, my personal opinion on this topic is not relevant. I aim to be open-minded about the growing homeschool population. North Scott has provided a state-funded homeschool program for over a decade. Iowa Code provides opportunities for homeschool students to dual-enroll in their local school.
Wood: First, I would like to say that I believe in educating ALL children. I feel that if taxpayer money is going to be used for vouchers in parochial schools and home schooling, there must be some accountability in how those funds will be used, just as they are in the public sector.
Dunn: I support parent’s choice when it comes to their children’s education regardless of their preference. From my perspective these options are no different than the open enrollment option we have available. If you think about it, open enrollment drives districts to be a district of choice. I do encourage parents to strongly consider our North Scott district because I am very proud of what we have to offer.
Puentes: Setting my own personal beliefs and opinions aside, this question really boils down to who would I serve in this position should I be elected. In short, the school district would benefit most from the money staying in the district and helping its students. North Scott is a place where children learn skills, but also develop a sense of community. Having the resources to ensure this district is able to both provide and maintain quality instructors while also supporting a safe and stimulating academic environment is what’s best for North Scott.