Former school official to run for Iowa State House

DES MOINES - The former Center Point-Urbana school superintendent will run for the open Iowa House 95 seat that covers parts of Linn and Buchanan counties.

Richard Whitehead, 67, who is retired after a career in teaching and school administration, will run as a Democrat for the seat held by Rep. Quentin Stanerson, R-Center Point. Stanerson, 38, is not seeking re-election. He first was elected in 2012 and said he has decided to focus on his high school teaching career and family.

Whitehead is running because 'politicians in Des Moines must start working together.”

'As an educator of more than 40 years, I have seen what works in the classroom,” he said, adding that he will work with members of both parties 'to do what is right for Iowa's parents and children.”

Whitehead began his 32-year career in the Center Point-Urbana school district teaching social studies. Later, he was principal and superintendent. He was superintendent of the College Community school district from 2003-12. Whitehead has been a promoter of early childhood education, STEM education, and personalized learning.

'Throughout my career I have worked with community groups to identify common values and find solutions that benefit the community and its children,” Whitehead said.

He was born in Des Moines and attended Clarinda High School in 1967. Whitehead earned a bachelor's degrees at Simpson College. He has a master's degree and did additional graduate work at the University of Northern Iowa. He and his wife, Donna, live in Center Point with their three children.

House 95 consists of the communities of Center Point, Palo, Walker, Central City, Springville, Prairieburg, Mount Vernon and Lisbon.

Republicans have an active voter registration advantage of 6,132 to 5,942 over Democrats, but there are 8,359 active no-party voters.