Roudabush: Choose Mount Vernon school board candidates wisely

School board members must demonstrate many qualities to be strong representatives of their district. As voters, the individuals elected are your representatives, the link between the public and the district. Consider these points as you vote Sept. 8.

What educational insight does this candidate offer to represent the needs of all learners with a variety of educational opportunities? School boards act in the best interest of all students, understanding they are entrusted by parents and the community to uphold high educational expectations and strive for success at all levels.

Does the candidate have time in their personal and professional life to be an effective board member, having demonstrated reliable contributions in previous long-term volunteer activities? Effective board members come to meetings prepared, have high attendance percentage, and are engaged at the board table, making the commitment a priority. This includes meetings and training, as well as visiting the district school buildings, listening to constituents, and observing programs in action. A strong understanding of policies and educational trends is ineffective if they cannot attend meetings in entirety, lack ability to contribute to discussions or miss votes.

Can they express the mission of the district, addressing both current issues and a strategic long-term vision? Successful board members must be knowledgeable of policies and programs, accountable for decisions, understand opportunity cost, and solution oriented while strategically positioning the district for long term success.

Has the candidate attended school board meetings? Every school board has their own unique format and flow. Only a frequent attender of school board meetings has a sense of the practical operation of the board, enabling them to be ready to contribute.

Diversity of the board membership in total creates strong representation of the entire district community. Consider the characteristics and attributes each candidate brings to the board. Could this candidate bring unique skillsets or represent a constituent base currently lacking a strong voice?

Successful board members are committed to working alongside each member of the board and administrative team to have respectful, collaborative conversations, being a voice for all constituents, while ensuring decisions are transparent and fiscally responsible. They are partners with the academic leaders, contributors to inspire the critical thinkers of the next generation and advocates for district excellence. Those are the people I want to represent our district, those I want to serving beside on our board. Your vote on Sept. 8 will determine those representatives.

' Virginia Roudabush is an incumbent candidate for the Mount Vernon school board. More information: vroudabush@mountvernon.k12.ia.us; www.facebook.com/Virginia4MVCSD

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