By MICHAEL SCHAFFER
OSKALOOSA — North Mahaska District 3 school board member Duane White is facing a challenge from newcomer Tina Layman. District 3 in the only North Mahaska School District where the incumbent is being challenged.
School board elections will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Only registered voters residing in North Mahaska District 3 may vote for either White or Layman. Voting will take place in the New Sharon City Park Building, 102 W. High St., New Sharon.
Both White and Layman agreed to answer three questions concerning their qualifications, motivations and outlook for the North Mahaska School District.
What are your qualifications to be on the school board?
WHITE:
“I have six years of previous school board experience. I have attended school board ABLE training sessions. I have attended Mahaska County supervisor and New Sharon city meetings dealing with the school.
“With one son in engineering and the other in pre-vet, I understand the importance of a good curriculum in education, especially, the need for higher math and science classes.
“My college degree in Business Administration is very helpful making sound financial decisions.”
LAYMAN:
“Throughout my professional and volunteer careers, I have been an advocate for children. My background includes youth program development, education coordination, youth group ministries, development of tutoring and mentoring programs, and involvement in supporting local youth organizations.
“Recently, I have been working very closely with Mr. Moffit, superintendent of North Mahaska School District, and the other key individuals who have combined efforts to help make the dream of a childcare and preschool facility a reality. I feel the cooperative efforts and support shown throughout the building development of the NEW North Mahaska Early Childhood Education Center is EXACTLY why our community is a perfect place to call home! The balancing of energy, enthusiasm and efficiencies makes North Mahaska School District the cutting-edge community that we boast about.
“Currently, I am Vice President of Sunshine & Smiles Children’s Center. Being involved in the management and care of a non-profit organization has proved to be an experience that feeds my interest in pressing for high community standards.
“If elected to the school board, my intent is to resign from the Sunshine & Smiles Board, yet continue to be very active in assuring the cooperative relationship between the childcare center and the school district.”
Why do you want to be on the school board?
WHITE:
“As a graduate from North Mahaska, I was always proud that we were a leader in education. I would like to see that leadership role in education continue. Children are our most valuable commodity and I think we should do everything in our power to give them the education to be successful.”
LAYMAN:
“I have chosen to run for School Board of the North Mahaska School Director District No. 3 due to my passion for kids. I also have an interest in community involvement. I believe, no matter where we live, that the community is very influential in the raising of our children. I want to be an involved, active part of our community.
“The reputation of the North Mahaska School District is already a VERY strong catalyst for the growth of our community. I feel it is essential to support and be involved with the public school system. It is the baseline strength that helps bring new families to our community, and retain the great community members that already live here because it represents the standards and expectations of our community at large.
“I feel that the school board is the elected body of individuals responsible to the community that assures accountability of the school operations and successes. If elected, I intend to assist in the assurance of continued strength of the North Mahaska School District!!”
What is right, wrong, or needs to be changed at North Mahaska?
WHITE:
“We have good students at North Mahaska with good parents to back them. It is amazing how the whole North Mahaska community backs the students and school.
“The pre-school is a great addition to North Mahaska schools and the daycare is valuable to the community. These are both progressive moves that North Mahaska has taken.
“Needs?
“We have a large group of fourth-graders that needs an additional classroom. Growth is a good problem, but we have to provide adequate space for these students.”
LAYMAN:
“I strongly believe in the concept that change is the only way we grow. I am always open to entertaining ideas, and allowing the think-through process to take place in order to achieve sound decisions of change. Thankfully, our school district holds very little improvement needs; yet, as new ideas and suggestions come forward from our community and our staff, I vow to welcome all input to each current issue.
“Some of the most important issues I feel the School Board is responsible are:
• Monitoring budgetary responsibilities.
• Awareness and meeting of statewide curriculum requirements and standards.
• Exceeding state levels of curriculum requirements and standards.
• Assurance of positive, fun, high-level learning provided to all students.
• Provide support to all staff in order to assure the best possible daily performance served to our children.
• Offer opportunity for our youth to become strong community members themselves (and retain those future community members).
“As for today, I am proud to be considered for the opportunity to become more involved in the district as we continue successes and daily growth progress that is healthy to our entire community.”
White is employed by the United States Postal Service. He has been on the North Mahaska School Board since September of 2002. He has two children, Drew, a senior at ISU majoring in pre-veterinary and Matt, an UNI graduate working in Minnesota as an engineer. His wife, Karen, works for the Oskaloosa School District as an elementary teacher librarian.
Layman is the sales manager for Lied Lodge & Conference Center of the Arbor Day Foundation. She has four children, Tassie Layman, Middle School Teacher in Omaha, Neb., Cody Layman (CJ), product merchandiser in Omaha, Neb., and full time student, Paige Layman, a first-grader in Mrs. Brigg’s class at North Mahaska and Ronni Layman, a Kindergartener in Mrs. DeBoef’s class at North Mahaska. Her husband’s name is Tom and they have been married 26 years.
Herald City Editor Michael Schaffer can be reached by email at mschaffer@oskyherald.com
