LINN-MAR GLASSER: Building effective communication

When our family relocated to Iowa, I sold my veterinary practice in West Virginia. Our younger son was born here six weeks after our move. I had to decide at this point - go back to full-time work, or stay home with my children? Our older son went to work with me at my office at first, but went to full-time child care shortly after. The decision wasn't hard - I wanted to see my children grow, and be involved with their education.

In 2010, my older son started at Indian Creek. I discovered how much volunteer help is welcomed in Linn-Mar. I have been an active volunteer since then, donating over 300 hours of my time last school year. In addition, I volunteer with Fur Fun Rescue, a foster-based dog rescue, in many aspects of rescue work.

My interest in the board of education in Linn-Mar started two years ago, when boundary changes were being discussed. I started attending the board meetings on a regular basis, so that I could keep up with happenings and developments in the district. What's happening with the budget? What facility updates are needed, and when are they likely to happen? How is staffing, both professional and support staff handled? What kind of growth has happened and is likely to happen in the future? What are the district's growth plans?

Because I was interested, motivated and willing to dig for the information I was interested in, I was able to find many of the answers I wanted. But it wasn't always easy to find. Again and again, I kept seeing a problem with communication between the board of education, the superintendent's office, and the shareholders in the district - the parents, the teachers, and the general public in the district.

Communication must be a two-way street. If you are a Linn-Mar parent, get involved where you can - volunteer, talk to the teachers and staff. Do you live and vote in the district? Attend a board meeting once in a while - you may learn something new and interesting.

My main reason for running for board of education is to foster even more communication between the board and the public. The school district is not only for the success of our students, but also for the success of our community - and the district doesn't do it alone. We are Iowa, we are Marion, and we are Linn-Mar.

' More information: GlasserForLMBoE@gmail.com