Q&A with Iowa City School Board candidate Robert Decker

Robert Decker is running for the Iowa City School Board. He is not an incumbent. Here are his answers to a survey we sent to all of the candidates.

Occupation and Employer: LDSP @ MYEP

How and who should determine curriculum?

Parents by disclosing the curriculum online with no hidden agenda

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

My kids and other parents who need a voice

Also, I have children in the District I don't need experience. I don't have a political agenda just a vested interest in the education of our children

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

Not a single one

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

Reading, writing and arithmetic. I will inform the parents about all things

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

Strength-Close knit community

Weaness-Politically Controlled

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

The District needs to focus on education not social restructuring and propaganda. All issues have two or more sides and all viewpoints need to be presented. I will keep the District Accountable and keep parents informed on all issues. Informed choices lead to critical thinking not indoctrination.

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

I would cut unnecessary assemblies that do not directly address education. No assemblies for propaganda. The parents are responsible for any issues outside of actual education. The school doesn't control how our children view the world parents do. The school is not a political organization and should not be guiding what beliefs our children have about social issues.

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

More than the Administration

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

To make sure that all kids at all grades are able to attend their sporting events. I have recently heard that Jr. High students are not able to attend away games and often need to forfeit. This is unacceptable

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

Parents are the primary audience and need to be fully informed. Teachers and District staff already have a link to information, but I will listen to the concerns of all people. I will use whatever means necessary to keep the parents fully informed about all things going on in our schools.