Iowa City man launches another school board campaign

Jim Tate is making another run at the Iowa City school board.

Tate, who failed in an election bid two years ago, has announced his candidacy for the Sept. 10 school election.

A former Marine who is now a forklift operator at United Natural Foods, Tate said his goals as a board member would be fiscal accountability, greater transparency and community engagement and improving student health with nutritious school lunches and other wellness programs.

“Whether it is my time in the Marine Corps or as an active member of my community, I believe a strong democracy rests on our obligations to serve the public,” he said in a news release. “I see the school board as a positive outlet for that belief.”

Tate, 40, of 2830 Sterling Dr. in Iowa City, is also the head union steward at his job.

He and his wife, Lily, have a daughter who attends South East Junior High School.

In the 2011 school board election, Tate came in last among eight candidates seeking four seats on the board.

Three seats in are available in this year's election. Announced candidates include incumbent Karla Cook and challengers Brian Kirschling, Chris Lynch, Jason Lewis, and Sara Barron.

The candidate filing period ends Aug. 1.