Eight of the nine candidates are vying for the four seats on the board that are up for election. The ninth candidate, Dan Altman, is the lone candidate running to fill a vacancy. Altman had been appointed to the board in March 2022 to fill a seat that had been vacated by the resignation of board member Dan Hansen. Iowa law requires board vacancy appointments to go through the election process at the next school board election to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term.

The seats up for election for full terms are currently filled by Angie Tracy, Bill Kent, Diane Pratt and Matt Moritz. Kent and Pratt are running for re-election to another four-year term each. Moritz and Tracy did not file for re-election.

New candidates for school board include Brian Pederson, Keenan Schuur, Teri Townsend, Allison Roderick, Sara Sankey and Emily Dencklau. The Messenger sent each candidate a list of questions to answer, which are printed below.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7.

Bill Kent

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

I believe in volunteering. I think everyone should volunteer for something. Ideally volunteer for something where your background or training can be effectively utilized. The school board is a good match for my skill set. I ran a business in Fort Dodge for 38 years. This community supported myself and my family. Serving on the board has been my way to repay a portion of the kindness that was shown to me. Fort Dodge’s future is our children. There is no better place for me to impact those kids than serving on the board.

What are your goals if you are re-elected?

Over the last couple of years, the school board has been discussing significant organizational chart changes for the school. This last spring, we put those changes in place.

We hired:

New Superintendent

New Executive Director of Education Services

New Director of Curriculum

New Security Director

New Communication Director

New Middle School Principal

They are all new to their positions and some are new to Fort Dodge.

The new staff will need experienced support from the school board. I am retired now, and can spend more time as needed. Most of our board members work full time and are not always available.

I am very pleased with our new administrative team, and I want to help them be successful.

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

The goal of the school board is to provide to the youth of the community, the very best educational experience possible. We are always balancing educational best practices against available school funding and resources. State school funding increases have been lower over the last 10 years. At the same time, our enrollment has dropped. This combination has required the board to carefully control our expenditures. Budgeting is something I have worked with my entire professional career.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

A school board policy has existed for some time. Any parent concerned about a book, can contact their building principal and complete a form. A school panel will review the request and make a determination.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

To support our new administrative team as they identify and implement curriculum and educational process changes. The goal is to see performance improvements by students at all levels.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I would ask that the community review our record of accomplishment.

Financial Literacy graduation requirement. Working with other board members, we put this class in place before the state required it.

This year, the state dropped the class requirement. The need for our students to have some basic financial literacy training is stronger than ever. Our board still considers this class beneficial to students, and maintained this class as a graduation requirement.

As a member and later chairman of the Facilities Committee, our projects included: Middle School and Auditorium, Replace Duncombe Elementary, Administration Building, Early Childhood Learning Center, Renovate Cooper Elementary, Plans for renovation of Dodger Stadium.

Our school system is a major institution within our community, and requires board direction and management:

Enrollment 3,560

Total staff 505

Adopted budget of all funds $64M

Property value $201M

I have always tried to do what is best for the youth in our district. I ask the community to support my reelection.

Teri Townsend

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

I am running for school board because I want to give back to the community and help support the children and teachers of our great school district.

What are your goals if you are elected?

I want our teachers to feel supported and valued in this district. Improving teacher retention is a goal if I am elected.

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

Across Iowa and the nation, retention of teachers has been a challenge. We have seen this in our district as well. That is a major challenge for Fort Dodge going forward. How do we retain teachers, retain those we train, and support our students appropriately? We must look at ways to help educate our own and keep them in our district. Offering ways for on the job training as well as incentives to keep those we train in our district.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

I have heard of the book bans and have reservations. Book bans seem helpful to some, but we should really be able to think critically about what we read. I think it is important for parents to be involved in discussing what their children are reading and seeing if that aligns with their values.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

Teacher retention and making sure our children receive the best education available.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I believe that I can work well with the other board members to support education for the students of Fort Dodge Community School District and support the teachers as well.

Keenan Schuur

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

At the core of every growing and thriving community, is a strong school district. The district has made great progress in recent years, but there is still work to be done. Having a fresh perspective coming on the board can go hand-in-hand with the new leadership and lead to further improvements, both short term and long term.

What are your goals if you are elected?

My main goals would be increasing our graduation rate, teacher retention, and teacher recruitment

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

Teacher recruitment is one of the biggest challenges. We have great teachers and admin across all schools in the district, but we are still short staffed. There are less and less students going to college to obtain teaching degrees, and with less in the job pool, it makes it difficult to compete with other districts when recruiting.

Continuing to improve our culture, furthering the support we give to the teaching staff and admin, and continuing our on-going community partnerships, will all be key in highlighting our school system when it comes to recruitment.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

I don’t have a strong opinion in either direction. I do think there is a difference between banning something based on a political bias and banning something that is clearly not age appropriate, so it should be looked at on a case by case basis. There is currently a policy on the books that gives credence to that. I am aware that recent state legislation would leave our hands tied in most cases. However, I intend to support our teachers, staff, students, and the district as a whole, in any way I can.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

As stated before, teacher recruitment and increasing our graduation rate are both major factors in strengthening our school system. Having that strength in the school system, ultimately leads to positive change in the community as well.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

Having a real estate background, I understand the importance of having a strong school district. If a company or developer is looking at our community to expand, they look at the school district to see if they can recruit families to move here to work. If our current employers are looking to expand and recruit a larger workforce, the school district comes into play as possible applicants, and recruits look to move here with their families. Having three kids in the district, I see the positives and potential our district has, and know if we can continue to strengthen and grow it, it will not only better prepare our kids for the world but ultimately help grow and strengthen our community as a whole.

Diane Pratt

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

The past three years, I have learned immensely about the role and duties of School Board membership. As a current School Board member, I have participated in decisions that have led to an immense transition in administrative personnel, and vision for district improvement. I have enjoyed attending the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) conferences as our district delegate for the past two years, and hopefully again this year. My attendance at local board meetings has been over 95 percent. I currently serve on the board Policy and Teaching and Learning Committees, and am involved in the district curriculum committee to investigate and adopt a new English Language Arts curriculum.

Retiring in 2019 after 30 years, I have taught Dodger learners at all age levels. During that time I also served in many supporting and leadership roles at each level. These experiences afforded me the opportunity to interact with many colleagues, meet parents, and to better understand the main perspectives of Dodger culture and climate. Having seven grandchildren in PK-12 has allowed me to continue to enjoy the exposure to the creative talents of current teachers and administrators in our district schools, while building new connections with parents and grandparents with whom I meet.

What are your goals if you are re-elected?

If re-elected, I hope to further contribute to the positive transitional journey the FDCSD has begun. The vision on which we’ve embarked requires further hard questions, implementation, and accountability. Improvement will require trust in innovative ideas, belief in the talent of individuals, and a growth mentality. There are always new and exciting ways to educate!

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

FDCSD is faced with the challenge of schools across the state and country: how to attract and hire the best candidates to employ as teachers and support personnel. Fewer graduates in the field of education mean those who choose education will navigate to districts that pay the most and have the best benefits. Because state funding is calculated by enrollment, that usually means candidates navigate to larger districts with greater income resources. Our district must continue to investigate creative ways to show potential candidates that they cannot only begin their career, but have support for developing into educational leaders in Fort Dodge. We’re currently working on this.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

I have not taught in other Iowa districts, but I enjoy sharing that all parents in the FDCSD have always had access to teachers, administrators, school board members, libraries, and curriculum. They only need to take advantage of the many school-sponsored activities and conferences or to initiate a visit or discussion with school personnel. Parents are always welcome to peruse a school library! This may be an issue that is more globally difficult to address than locally.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

I hope to continue to carry out the responsibilities and support of the collaborative vision we’ve begun that will strengthen our district and ensure success for all learners, teachers, and support staff. We’ve done much of the messy and difficult work of identifying needed improvements. Continued questions and trusted communication will be essential.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I am approachable, an intent listener, and problem-solver. I believe in the quality of employees who keep our schools running every day. I am able to anticipate how decisions made at board meetings will play out in the classrooms of our schools. I am also aware of how policies and procedures impact families. Based on those roles, I pose questions of my colleagues on the board from those perspectives, sometimes essential to making decisions. I hope that the community of voters will allow me to continue to increase the educational value and security of our children and families.

Sara Sankey

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

I am running for school board because I want to be able to support what the district already has in place for communication with the community and build on what they have. I want to be a voice for parents, community members and most importantly, students in our school district.

What are your goals if you are elected?

If I am elected to the school board I want to see higher rates of teacher retention, lower numbers of students dropping out, and bring more student voice to the decisions made.

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

I feel like the district’s biggest issues are teacher retention and dropout numbers. I would like to see some changes in teacher evaluation, and more input from teachers and students about what is or is not going well. I feel with adequate input we can improve in teacher retention and student graduation rates.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

I don’t support “book banning”. I feel that books are a great way to expose children and adults to different cultures and customs. Teachers can use the books as conversation starters and encourage healthy conversation and learning across a broad range of topics.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

If I am elected to the school board my number one priority will be to focus on the Middle School. I hear concern from the community about the climate at the school. I believe the Middle School can be a wonderful place for the staff, students and community. I think there can be improvement in teacher retention, student behavior and climate. I strongly feel that the middle school years are so important in the development of children. I am dedicated to making progress at the Middle School because I believe it directly affects the number of students dropping out.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I feel that I would be a good addition to the school board because not only have I been an educator in the district but I am also a parent. I have three children in the district. One at the High School, Middle School, and Cooper Elementary. I am 100 percent convinced that the Fort Dodge School District can be one of the best in the state. I know with community, student, and staff voice and determination we will get there together. Together We Rise!

Brian Pederson

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

I am running for school board because I believe in the Fort Dodge Community Schools. I moved my family back here so my children could receive the Iowa education that has helped me. I’m excited at the possibility of helping our new superintendent succeed. I think Josh Porter has a great opportunity to influence the long-term success of our schools and I want to be there to help this administration succeed in any way I can. Our schools are a critical part of the health of our community, and we want our children prepared to join the workforce. I believe in the importance of local government, and the responsibility we have as citizens to serve in our own governance.

What are your goals if you are elected?

Focus on the basics- English, math, science. Balance the success of the students, staff, and administration of our school district in all decisions that come before the board.

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

There are a couple of statistics I came across on the state of Iowa’s Department of Education website that I think illustrate our biggest challenges coming from 2021-2022 school year. We are falling well behind the state average in math, English, and graduation rates. While these statistics can’t tell the whole story, they are the metrics we have to measure student success. We must address these areas for the future success of our community. I’m interested in finding ways to support our teachers in improving these types of scores, and to try to improve the recruitment and retention of teachers who can help us reach our goal.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

I’m less concerned with banning a book, than a student’s ability to read, comprehend, and report on whatever book they read. I think it’s also a nuanced discussion. Should all books be available to be read? Yes. Are all books appropriate for all students? No. If it’s in the curriculum we as a district are using then it’s up for debate whether it’s appropriate, but changing curriculum and banning a book are two very different things.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

Focus on the basics- English, math and science. If our students are successful, then our teachers are successful, and our community will be successful.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I’m an open-minded person, I want to hear from teachers, parents, and the community to try to find the best solutions. I have a strong business background, a passion for volunteering, deep connections within the community, and commitment to stay focused on what’s best for the greatest number of our students. Did I say focus on the basics?

Allison Roderick

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

I am running for a position on the Fort Dodge Community School Board because it is time for a change in leadership. I believe that if you want to see change, you have to be part of it and do something to make a difference. It is time for the next generation to become more involved in the community and in making a difference.

What are your goals if you are elected?

My goal, if elected to the school board, is to work with the administration and parents to come to resolutions that will better the district as a whole. I also want to foster relationships between the school board, city council, and county supervisors to better our entire community.

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

Some of the biggest challenges I think the Fort Dodge Community School District faces are attendance and community involvement. I would like to see a more strict attendance policy enforced and ultimately hold guardians accountable for their child not attending school. While it is important to teach accountability and responsibility to children, ultimately it is the parent’s responsibility.

I would also like to see community involvement through volunteering. Unfortunately, Fort Dodge does not have the best reputation. While I admit I had that same mindset when I was younger, the more involved I have become in Fort Dodge, the more I am proud to be from this community. If we instill that same mentality in the students of Fort Dodge, our community will be better as a whole.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

I am not too familiar with the book-banning trend that other districts in the state are implementing. However, banning books isn’t a new trend; it dates back to the 1600s. In my opinion, we live in a world with so much technology at our fingertips between TV, movies, streaming services, social media, etc., a student will find a way to be entertained with whatever they are interested in. The Fort Dodge Community School District tested below the state average in 2022 for English Language Arts, so I would rather see someone reading a book that piques their interest than using another form of media (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, TikTok, etc.). That said, Fort Dodge Community School District is a public school funded by taxpayers’ dollars, we live in a democracy, and if the conversation about banning books from the district makes its way to Fort Dodge, then I’m sure that many level-headed conversations will need to be had to determine what is best for our staff and students.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

I don’t think I have a number one priority. I don’t think the school board can at this time, as the majority of seats are up for election. It is not a one-person job; it is a team effort. At the end of the day, I would like to think that the board has one common goal: do right by the students and staff. So I would say that my number one priority is to do right by the staff and students of Fort Dodge.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I think I will be a good addition to the school board because I am a hard worker, I am a listener, and I want this community to do and be better. I will admit that I won’t always get it right and that I am not perfect by any means, but I am honest and trustworthy, and I want to make a difference for our home – and it starts with the school.

Dan Altman

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

I am running for a position on the school board primarily because I want to serve the community that I live in. We all must do our part. I am passionate about the well-being of our children. I am committed to the success of our teachers, students, and their families.

What are your goals if you are elected?

To see teacher support and compensation increase.

To ensure that every child has a safe place to learn and develop in an atmosphere that provides a superior education.

To be a positive role model for the next generation.

To support the vision of our new superintendent.

What do you think are the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

One challenge that all schools across the U.S. are faced with is teacher shortages and teacher retention. I think that is one of our biggest challenges going forward. With that said, I am confident and encouraged that our superintendent is taking the right steps and being proactive to get ahead of this challenge.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

Personally, I believe that the discretion of certain books should be left to the parent or guardian. When everything is taken into consideration, parents can make the decision for their children. If there are books that they want their child to read or not read in their homes, then they can make the right choice for their child. Most parents are just as concerned about what their children are viewing on their digital devices, and they are trying to navigate that also. We must stay focused on academic excellence!

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

It is difficult to narrow it down to one. Safety is always on my mind, and I believe we have done a great job in this area thus far. My focus is to work to raise teachers’ salaries. Our teachers are working hard, and they should be compensated appropriately. Our teachers are preparing the future generations for success; we need to compensate them as so.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I believe that I have a servant’s heart, and I genuinely care about our staff and students. I don’t view myself as someone special, but I will continue to work hard to make a difference. I try my best to lead by example and rely upon my faith to get me through. I believe that I have a unique perspective and insight because of the relationships that I have built in this community. I take great pride in being a father who is passionately involved in my children’s education. It has been a great honor to serve our district, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity.

Emily Dencklau

Why are you running for a position on the school board?

I am running for school board to gain new insights into our school system and a different perspective than that of a parent in our district.

What are your goals if you are elected?

I want to have the opportunity to listen to what is going well in our schools and hopefully be able to provide some clues or ideas that can improve things that may not be going as well.

What do you think is the FDCSD’s biggest challenges, and how do you plan to address those challenges?

I’m sure there are many challenges as we are a very large group of schools. As a parent, I would like to continue to address some of the challenges that my children who are attending schools currently are facing as well as issues that my children who are no longer attending here faced.

What are your views on the recent “book banning” trend in many districts across the state?

It is sad that my children won’t have some of the same experiences with some of those books that I did going through school. I hope that parents who want their children to experience those books have the opportunity to provide that to them.

What will be your No. 1 priority if you are elected?

My No. 1 priority, if elected, would be to provide the opportunities for parents, families and staff that attend and work in our schools to be able to talk and voice their opinions about the current challenges as well as what is going well in our schools. If there is a problem, I want to be a part of finding the solution.

Why do you think you will be a good addition to the school board?

I believe I will be an asset to the school board because I want to be here. I want to listen. I want to help. I want to be a part of making us the best we can be!

Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include the answers later submitted by candidate Emily Dencklau.