Frequent Iowa City School District critic running for school board seat

Gregg Hennigan

Jul. 24, 2013 1:00 pm

A frequent critic of school officials is trying again for a seat on the Iowa City school board.

Phil Hemingway, of 415 Elmridge Ave. in Iowa City, lost his election bid in 2011, but said he remains committed to bringing change to the school board.

“Because nothing's changed as far as transparency, fiscal responsibility, lack of career and tech education for our students, a lack of putting students first,” he said of his decision to run again. “The list goes on and on.”

Hemingway, 54, cited as an example the school board's vote Tuesday to approve a facilities plan that closes Hoover Elementary, a move met with stiff opposition from Hoover parents.

Hemingway has been a constant presence at school board meetings the past few years. He speaks at nearly every meeting, often critically of district administrators and individual board members. But Hemingway said he has no doubt he could work with district leaders if elected.

“I've got a low hypocrisy meter, and I'm sorry, I can't sit idly by if I see that,” he said.

Hemingway owns Phil's Repair LLC, a car and truck repair shop in Iowa City. He and his wife, Anita, have a daughter who graduated from City High.

There are three open seats in the Sept. 10 election. Also running are incumbents

Karla Cook and