Marcy Roundtree, candidate for Cedar Rapids Community School Board director at-large

Marcy Roundtree, Carrie Davies, Kerri Davenport and Bridgette Williams Robinson are running for an at-large director seat on the Cedar Rapids Community School Board. ► Get to know the other candidates

Name: Marcy Roundtree

Office sought: Cedar Rapids Community School Board director at-large

Age: 46 (born March 2, 1975)

Occupation: Washington High School community engagement advocate

Email: niaimani@live.com

Have you held office before? If so, what office did you hold? No

Personal bio: I am Marcy Roundtree, wife of Dedric Roundtree Sr. We have been married for 21 years. We have three children: Dedric Jr., Diamond and Dynasty. All of our children have graduated from Washington High School Our youngest child just graduated in May. They are all in college now. Both girls attend UNI, and our son attends Kirkwood. We have lived in Cedar Rapids for 16 years and have loved raising our children here in Cedar Rapids. My husband has been an educator in this district for about 16 years. My family and I are very active in our community. I have volunteered throughout our children's schooling. I've built relationships with staff, students and their families as I have worked closely with them at each school my children have attended. Polk, Garfield, Franklin and Washington. Advocating for students and their families has always been a big part of my involvement with our schools. I have worked at Washington High school since 2019 as a community engagement advocate.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

Being very involved in this district for over 14 years both as a parent and on staff. I've seen so many things and have worked closely with students, parents and staff.

What I bring to the school board is “Insight from the Inside.” I have experience in dealing with many of the issues and concerns that come about. I'm passionate about our education system and the students their families and our staff. I want to represent the under represented and advocate for our staff to make sure they feel supported in their roles. I've seen and know too much not to step up and do the necessary work to it's going to take to bring about change. I'm coming with a new voice, new vision and a listening ear. Breaking barriers and advocating for what's best for our students, staff and families

How do you rate the district’s current performance? What areas are going well, and what could be improved?

These are very hard and trying times. There has been a lot of readjusting and uncertainty. I feel the district has done a great job with getting us through this tough season

What are the three largest issues facing the school district and what will you do to address them?

I will gather information and detailed data. Consider all facts and make a decision that will support our students and staff in the best way possible.

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

The school board should be allowed to have control to a degree of personalizing their education plan according to what's best for their individual district. I believe it's important they are able to allocate resources that are needed and make decisions based on what the needs of the district are.

What will you do to be responsive to concerns by parents, students and staff? What type of communications should they expect from you?

I want students, parents and staff to know that your concerns matter. I care very much about the things that you are concerned about. I've been a parent in this district for 14 years So I understand the need to communicate different concerns. I will be a listening ear and address issues that you make known. I will work to find solutions so that you are certain that you have the support you need to help your child thrive. Students and staff are super important. without them there would be no schools. So I want you to know that I will listen and create action steps to insure you have what you need to be successful.

Should school districts be allowed to enact a mask requirement for students during the COVID-19 pandemic? If yes, what type of masking requirement would you want to see in place?

I want students, parents and staff to know that your concerns matter. I care very much about the things that you are concerned about. I've been a parent in this district for 14 years So I understand the need to communicate different concerns. I will be a listening ear and address issues that you make known. I will work to find solutions so that you are certain that you have the support you need to help your child thrive. Students and staff are super important. without them there would be no schools. So I want you to know that I will listen and create action steps to insure you have what you need to be successful.

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

It’s important to make decisions about budget cuts. It is also equally important to take all who will be affected into consideration as well

Are there curriculum concerns that you have with the district? What are they? What process should the district use to address the concern?

Considering the climate of our world and current changes and restrictions that have been made to our curriculum. There are definitely some great concerns. However, once I become a member of the board, I will dig in on the best process to make sure that our students are given the that we can give.