School board seat races set
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Several candidates seek to gain public favor in the upcoming school board election on November 7.
In an effort to assist voters in making an informed decision, the Record-News invited all Mount Ayr school board candidates to respond to questions pertaining to how they would best represent the community. The following answers are presented as stated by each candidate:
“Why are you seeking to be elected to the school board?”
Craig Winemiller is seeking re-election because, “I love this community and I truly believe that our community revolves around our school.
Being a school board member is a tough, thankless job. You truly have to want to do it just for the betterment of the community. Anyone that has an agenda or a chip on their shoulder is not the right person for the job.”
Mark Budach stated, “I offer a unique perspective being a former teacher in the district. I believe my experiences in education would be an asset to board discussions. Having a working knowledge of how a school system works from the inside will help create policies that will make Mount Ayr a great place for our youth to learn and succeed after graduation.
I have lived and worked in Mount Ayr for 33 years. My girls graduated from the Mount Ayr Community School district, and I currently have five of my six grandkids enrolled in at Mount Ayr Elementary School. I would consider it an honor to be on the Mount Ayr School Board. We have a great school system with outstanding facilities. Being a retired teacher, I am accustomed to working collaboratively with peers to make decisions that impact student achievement. I would bring that same skill set to the board to keep our school district moving forward. I would appreciate support from Mount Ayr Community School District voters.”
Patricia (PJ) West stated, “About 15 year ago I was contacted by Beth Whitson, who at that time had decided not to run for school board re-election. She contacted me personally and asked if I would be willing to run for her spot in District 3, stating she thought I’d do a good job and be able to represent the community well. I was absolutely honored that she thought of me, and I did not hesitate to say yes. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was willing to give it a try, and I am absolutely glad I did.
I did not run for school board because I had an “agenda”, or something I wanted to see happen differently within the school district. I ran for school board because it was an opportunity to get more involved in the school district, to learn about the role of the school board, to represent District 3, and to truly give back to a community that I was born and raised in. I thought I could do that well then, and I think I can do that well now, 15 years later.
I told someone recently that I was just not quite ready to be done serving on the school board yet, that I still very much enjoyed being a part of it. I have many years of experience in serving on the school board. I am familiar with school finance and understand the role of school board member. I am excited for the opportunity to serve another term on the Mount Ayr Community School Board of Directors, and promise to do what is in the absolute best interest of children in our communities and within our School District. I would appreciate your vote on November 7th.”
Brian Still said, “I’m wanting to be involved in decision making for our school that best fits the needs of all students and staff.
I have lived in this community my whole life and do not ever intend on leaving it. I feel as if I was a fairly good kid while in high school and thanks to my wonderful parents I’m a very respectful adult. I hope to pass on the same to my kids. If you feel that I’m a good choice for our school, then vote for me.”
Samantha Elliott stated, “As a dedicated parent and coming from a family of multiple educators, I understand the importance of a good education and the impact it has on the future of our students and community. I am coming into this position with no agenda other than to help bring new perspectives and ideas to our school and community.
I plan to come into this position with an open mind and would be excited to be able to serve our community on this board. Please consider voting for me for the at large position on the school board.”
Jim Uhlenkamp said, “The Mount Ayr Community School District helped my family and me become who we are. Jane and I raised three girls with the help of the Mt Ayr Community Schools, and my grandchildren are now beginning as students in this excellent school district. I want to give back to the community again in return.
My motive for running for the school board is simple: I want to ensure that the district adheres to its tradition of excellence and maintains its close focus on the current and future needs of our children and grandchildren.
I understand that we are educating students for the challenges they’ll face in five years and those they’ll face in 30 or 40 years. We must teach them how to learn, to think, and to question. Board members with that understanding can help lay the ground for that learning to happen. I appreciate your support in this coming election.”
What skills and experience do you have that would be beneficial to you as a school board member?
Craig Winemiller stated, “I have several years experience on the board and have worked through many challenges. I feel that I am approachable and willing to listen to any concerns. I have knowledge in many different areas that are required to best serve the position.”
Mark Budach said, “I think my 33 years in the classroom would give an invaluable perspective to the school board. I have experience with teaching required, elective, and college classes, preparing Career and Technical Education reports for both the state of Iowa, and purchasing classroom items with federal Perkins CTE funding. I also coached many different sports in the district over 28 years.”
Patricia (PJ) West stated, “I truly believe my past experience on the school board is most beneficial. I understand the role of a board member, I am familiar with our district policies as well as the school budget. Having someone(s) on the board who has that knowledge base, experience and some historical perspective is crucial in helping to make the absolute best decisions for students in our district. I currently serve as the Mount Ayr Community School Board president, serve on the districts Roundtable Committee and serve on the Family Resource Center (our local childcare center) Board as a representative of the school board.
I have worked within family support programming for over 25 years. I know the importance of a family’s role in raising and educating their child. A parent is truly a child’s first and best teacher. I bring that unique vision, passion and experience to the boardroom every time I enter.
I also have a 20 year old daughter who is a graduate of MACS and an almost 14 year old daughter who is in Middle School at MACS. I not only have a vast knowledge of what happens in the board room, but also have a good sense of what is happening in classrooms and within our school district as a whole.”
Brian Still said, “Being involved in the agricultural field for many years and working hands on with lots of different farm equipment and customers, I have gained a good understanding of how to communicate with anyone.
I have had a lot of pressure of decision making and sometimes rushed decision making that can greatly affect a persons business. I would also add that I am good with working with others and keeping everyone’s intentions in mind with a task that may be ahead.”
Samantha Elliott stated, “I have spent my last eight years in a leadership position in my career and have had the privilege of working on many committees focusing on quality, financial, and process improvement projects.
I believe this experience will play a major role in my contribution to the school board. I am also interested in taking classes and educational opportunities to learn more about being a school board member so that I can serve the board to the best of my abilities.”
Jim Uhlenkamp said, “I taught English as a Second Language and German at the middle and high school levels from 1986-2004. Besides teaching, I coached wrestling with Ron Scott for 3 years.
I served two terms on the Mt Ayr Community School Board after I left the high school teaching ranks in 2004, including two years as vice president of the board. I served on the board negotiations team throughout my two terms of service on the board.
After leaving Mt Ayr, I taught at Southwestern Community College from 2004-2007, and then went to Graceland University, where I taught writing and education classes from 2007 to 2019.
From 2019-2022, I served at Clarke University in Dubuque as director of institutional research. I currently lead a project with the Department of Veterans Affairs to research the economic and social impact of the GI Bill and related benefits. I have developed a deep understanding of educational policy needs from K-12 through to graduate studies.
In voting for me, Mt Ayr Community School District voters have a seasoned professional who understands school finances and school law. You will not have to wait for any on-the-job training.”
How do you plan to involve others in the decision making process and get feedback from families within the school district?
Craig Winemiller stated, “I try to never make a decision without communicating with the people that it will involve. I am always available for input. We will also get input from a District Study to get a sample of opinions from the community.”
Mark Budach said, “While making sure to follow the chain of command is important, you always need to take time to listen to stake-holders of the district.
Continuing with SIAC (School Improvement Action Committee) meetings within our district is a great time to hear from others and serving on auxiliary boards connected to the school board also helps to hear from others with interests within the district.”
Patricia (PJ) West stated, “I am a strong proponent for communication at all levels and the best way to find out what families need and what families want from their school district, is to ask them. Again, parents are a child’s first teacher, and as a school district, I know it’s important to communicate with parents however is needed.
There is no one size fits all for communication, so we need to make sure we are communicating with parents in a way that works for them, whether that be at a meet the teacher night, by phone, email or individual meetings. Again, communication is so important, however it happens.
Our district has recently re-initiated the District Study committee, which is made up of parents and community members who meet with school board members and administration to talk about goals and objectives for the school district. This serves as a great opportunity for parents and community members to share strengths, questions and concerns that they have about the school district.
It’s important to listen when families express concern. It’s also equally as important to route them through the proper chain of communication, whether that be with a teacher, administrator or with the Superintendent, when they have those questions or concerns.
A board member should be a good listener, but a board member must also remember that there is a proper chain of command and to always suggest that for communication within the school district.”
Brian Still said, “I plan to do so by knowing most everyone in our community and I feel that they know me as well. I’m an easy person to talk to and treat everyone fairly.”
Samantha Elliott stated, “I am a person that is always open to suggestions and process improvement ideas. I like to look at things from many perspectives and working cohesively with others to come up with solutions to issues presented to me.”
Jim Uhlenkamp stated, “An important part of collaborative decision making lies in hearing the voices of the stakeholders. Obviously, one forum for that is during the public comment period at open school board meetings.
Board members also have email addresses to receive comments and feedback from the community.”
