Q&A with Linn-Mar School Board candidate Laura Steffeck

Laura Steffeck is running for the Linn-Mar School Board. She is not an incumbent. Here are her answers to a survey we sent to all of the candidates.

Occupation and Employer: Business Owner

How and who should determine curriculum?

Curriculum is the strategic plan used to educate students. Many influencers should be considered. The state, of course, has standards that each school must follow. After that the teachers should have input, as they are the ones to implement the plan. They should be excited about the content and eager to relay the knowledge to their students. The school board is ultimately responsible, but by listening to the principals and teachers they should be able to come to a good decision. Parents should be welcome to review all content and ask questions. When a subject crosses the boundary from "normal" academic subjects to "controversial" subjects, parents must be included. Sex education has always been one of those subjects. There must be an extreme effort made to include parents. They need to be listened to and included as equals in this area. It is ultimately their children, and they are responsible for them.

Why do you want to serve on the school board? What relevant experience do you have?

The Linn-Mar school district has been such a strong district offering a wide range of opportunities. The academic and extra-curricular activities have been a source of pride for our community. I feel like the last few years something has changed and the good things that Linn-Mar has been known for has taken a back seat to a small group of people that are pushing an agenda that is beyond academic and outside the extracurricular activities.

This group is driving a wedge, where there should be no wedge. I am running to give parents a voice and to stand strong for families.

How would you describe your attendance at past school board meetings?

It's been a long time since I attended school board meetings on a regular basis.

What are your three top priorities for the school district? What will you do to address them?

I would like to:

Help restore common sense to the school board.

Look into the school budget to confirm that our money is being spent appropriately.

Rebuild trust between parents and the administration, school board, and teachers.

What do you see as strengths and weaknesses of the school district?

Our community is a strong community with parents invested in their children's education. Families are so proud that they are a part of the Linn-Mar District. Many families have moved to this district just to go to the schools. The teachers are committed and really care about their students. We have more strengths than weaknesses, and they need to continue to be emphasized.

Are there any curriculum concerns you have with the district? Why? How should the school board address these issues?

I'm confident the overall curriculum is strong, and that most of the teachers are more than competent.

If you were required to cut the district's budget, what areas would you look to for savings and why?

Being fiscally conservative, I would have to look into the complete budget before making an intelligent response to that question.

What level of control do you think school boards should have?

School boards are elected by the community to oversee the schools. This should involve, not only overseeing the budget, but reviewing curriculum, hiring the superintendent, and listening to parents as they navigate their families through the system. The board should be background. It is behind the scenes, the eyes and ears for the community, to make sure all is going well for the children of the district and that the administrators, principals, and teachers are all meeting expectations.

If the school district had additional funds available, what should they be allocated to? Why?

To answer your question, I would need more information on the current allocation of funds.

What will you do to be responsive to parents, teachers and district staff? What types of communication should the public expect from you?

When there are questions, I hope parents, teachers and staff would contact the board through emails or phone calls. I would work to answer calls and emails efficiently and accurately. I think it would be great if I could send an informational newsletter monthly or quarterly to anyone interested in a written school board update.