City High grad running for Iowa City school board

Gregg Hennigan

Jul. 1, 2013 5:50 pm

A City High School alumnus is running for Iowa City school board.

Brian Kirschling, 40, of 2101 Banbury Circle NE in Iowa City, said he'll campaign on ensuring equal opportunities for all students, committing to neighborhood elementary schools, fiscal responsibility, diversity and making data-driven decisions.

Those are issues that touch on debates in the school district this year over a diversity policy and an under-development comprehensive facilities plan to help get a handle on rapidly growing enrollment.

“The district must move forward on the long-term planning of school construction to promote smart growth and prevent overcrowding,” Kirschling said in a news release. “It's time to make the difficult choices and become a proactive district.”

Kirschling is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and an optometrist at the Iowa City VA Health Care System.

He and his wife, Jen, have two children at Shimek Elementary School.

Kirschling was president of the City High Alumni Association from 2007-11 and served on the board for nine years overall.

Three of the school board's seven seats are up for election Sept 10. Current board member

Karla Cook has already announced her candidacy, as have challengers