Ensuring opportunities for Lisbon students

The start of a new school year brings with it the chance for our children to explore new opportunities and learn and build upon the foundation of things already learned. In Eastern Iowa, we have a choice of great school districts that strive to provide our children with continued opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. Lisbon is one of those great districts.

Four years ago, as our twin boys were getting ready to start school, my husband and I chose to send them to Lisbon. The school district and community share a strong common goal in helping our children grow, learn and become successful future leaders of our communities. Lisbon is a smaller community that provides big opportunities for our children. With two children in the district and with two girls who will attend school in the coming years, my family has a strong, long-term interest in making sure that the Lisbon Community School District continues to provide those opportunities for our community's children.

We need to continue to ensure that our school district is focused on the best interests of children. We need to focus on accountability for decisions made, trust our talented and creative teachers and staff to continue to educate our children in the best way possible and make sure that the educational and financial decisions made by our school district are consistent with the goals of our community. That starts with listening to our students, their parents, our alumni and our staff. I don't have all the answers, but as I run for school board, I am committed to having the conversations that will help me identify those areas where our school district can improve.

As a school board member, I will work to make sure that we are accountable, earning trust for decisions made and consistent in our goals. I ask for your vote and look forward to working together to give our children the best opportunities to grow.

' Abbe Stensland is a candidate for Lisbon Community school board. More information: stensland4lisbon@gmail.com