‘Future-focused’ Neumann for CRCSD board

I have lived in Linn County for 42 years. For many of those years I have known a smart, dedicated and focused fellow citizen — Jen Neumann. She has raised a family and built an innovative business with the same qualities she brings to her role on the Cedar Rapids Community School District board: Collaboration, inclusion and dedication.

I know Jen pushes for better student outcomes and continuous improvement. She knows that education is a shared process involving teachers, parents and staff rallying around each student. Jen is not just focused on today’s education issues. She also wants our schools to be ready for future generations. Many great jobs are based on skills and tools that didn’t exist a few years ago. Jen gets that, and is future-focused.

I know she also believes there are many careers and choices for our young people. I have heard her speak passionately about expanding career and technical programs, from STEM to skilled trades. She knows the writer and the builder, the chef and the welder all have a place in Iowa’s future. Jen Neumann also believes as I do — that local control and public funds belong with all of us, in public schools.

I will be voting for Jen Neumann to continue to volunteer her time and wisdom to the Cedar Rapids Community Schools. I invite you to do the same.

Steve Carpenter

Cedar Rapids