LINN-MAR ADAMSON: Engage in school decision-making

Parenting is tough … in case you haven't noticed. Working 40 plus hours a week to provide food, shelter and clothing is certainly taxing. However, another major parental responsibility is the education of their children. We talk all the time about the importance of education, and we love to brag about how Iowans value education - especially since we can't brag about our ocean or mountain. I'm one of those Iowa education braggarts though. Born and raised in Iowa, I got a great education at an Iowa public school where my dad taught for most of his 40 year career. And I graduated from on of our excellent public universities -The Iowa State University.

Despite 1000s of hours of Linn-Mar parents volunteering in the classroom, PTO, and as coaches for various sports, parents like me are still not as engaged as we should be. There are nearly 7,000 students at Linn-Mar and yet only 1,000 to 1,500 voters make it to the polls for a school board election? That is a serious concern. Retirees (presumably with no children of their own in school) make up a large part of that voting bloc. I know I wonder why parents can't spare 15 minutes to vote on their kids' future and yet complain vigorously about boundary changes and playing musical chairs with our favorite principals.

Speaking of taxing, have you looked at your property tax bill? Your Linn-Mar taxes make up the majority of that bill. And your school board creates the spending policies. Policies like building brand-new aquatic centers instead of more classrooms. Yet we don't attend school board meetings. Parents (me included) have sat idly by while our state and federal government waste our tax dollars on bureaucracy instead of letting us spend our own money on hiring more teachers. Teachers who now can't use their God-given gifts because they are stuck with No Child Left Behind and Common Core (aka - Iowa Core). Now our own governor thinks State Fair attendance is more important than education.

I'm running for Linn-Mar school board to represent you. But I can't do it alone. First, I need your vote. Second, I need you to stay engaged by keeping in touch with me so I can represent you. Third, besides volunteering and going to parent teacher conferences, I want you to commit to attend at least three board meetings each year. Hold me accountable.

' More information: www.facebook.com/CraigAdamsonLinnMarSchoolBoard