Dan Doyle for Cedar Rapids School Board: Ensure parents’ voices are heard

I grew up in Cedar Rapids and attended Pierce, Harding and Kennedy. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a mechanical engineering degree. My wife Amber graduated from Iowa State with a chemical engineering degree. We chose to live and raise our kids in Cedar Rapids because Cedar Rapids is a vibrant community with family-centered values, great schools and teachers. My family and I are active community members and we have 11 family members (including two kids) who are either graduates or currently enrolled in the CRCSD. For the last fifteen years I have worked at Collins Aerospace in roles where we analyze data and trends and develop solutions with our customers, suppliers and engineering to develop solutions in the industries that we serve.

There is a concern among many parents and families that they are not heard or represented in the topics discussed and decisions made at the CRCSD level. I am seeking a position on the school board to represent families and ensure our voice is heard. Educating our kids and providing support to our teachers and students should be our number one priority, and the school district should be transparent and focused in executing this mission.

The district needs to be cognizant of not letting some of the national discourse topics flow into the scope of educating kids. It appears the district is moving in certain directions without input or diversity of thought. The decisions and topics discussed in the district are consistent with certain agendas. Politics should not play a role in the scope of education.

We have wonderful families, teachers and students. Let’s continue to unify around that and draw on those successes and enthusiasm.

Dan Doyle is a candidate for Cedar Rapids School Board.