Published: July 18, 2008 11:58 pm      

Residents asked to consider running for school board

By Rebecca Boysen

Herald Staff Writer

CLINTON — School board elections are fast-approaching, and the Clinton Board of Education will have two seats up for re-election. Although service on the board is an unpaid position, many of those who have given their time feel the rewards are worth the effort.

“Serving on the school board was one of the most personally rewarding things I have ever done,” said Les Shields, who was a member of the Clinton School Board from 1987-1990 and from 1999-2005. “It was worth every minute that I had to give up.”

Current board members agree.

“By serving on the School Board an individual has the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of the children in our community, as well as help shape the future of Clinton,” said Thea Engelson, who has served on the Clinton School Board since 2006. “It’s hard work, but rewarding.”

Shields says he was able to attain a wealth of information during his years on the board.

“There is so much to learn about education, leadership, working together with others to define and accomplish goals,” Shields said. “I would have to say my total nine years was nine years of a learning experience for me.”

Those interested in running for a seat on the board may pick up a candidacy package in the office of Board Secretary Gayle Isaac at the Roosevelt Administration Building.

Qualified candidates must be at least 18-years-of-age and live within the Clinton School District, and must complete an Affidavit of Candidacy and submit a Nomination Petition containing the signatures of 50 eligible district voters. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on July 31 to return their completed materials to Isaac’s office.

The seats of President Jim Tuisl and Vice-president Dave Frett are both up for re-election this year. While Frett announced at a recent School Board meeting that he will not seek another term, Tuisl has not formerly announced whether or not he will run again.

“No one has taken out any papers to run at this time,” Isaac said.

This year’s election will take place on Sept. 9, and those elected to the board will serve three-year terms. In compliance with recent state legislation, beginning in 2009, candidates will be elected to four-year terms, and elections will only be held on odd years.

A release from the Iowa Association of School Boards states that included among some of the many responsibilities of a school board are accountability for student learning, determining educational goals, setting policy, and overseeing school finances. The IASB lists a qualified candidate as someone who possesses leadership, vision and dedication, and is willing to devote themselves to improving student achievement for all children.

Isaac noted that School Board members have “homework” every week, and must stay informed on future board meetings, upcoming conferences, and statewide requirements on curriculum and other matters.

“It isn’t just an hour-long meeting twice a month. It’s a lot more than that,” Isaac said. “The school board is responsible for education overall, and needs to be knowledgeable about what the district should be doing to improve our student learning.”

Shields feels that those interested in running for the board must have sufficient time to devote to the organization, and a strong desire to provide “the best educational system possible under the financial restraints you’re faced with.”

“You can’t be in it for the money,” Shields said. “But what you get back is worth more than what they could ever begin to pay you.”