Letter: Vote Claussen for IC school board

I will vote for J.P. Claussen in the July 19 Iowa City school board special election.

As the parent of two kids who receive special education services and academic accommodations, I was shocked by results of the Iowa Department of Education's recent investigation. We need board members who are going to hold the administration accountable and make sure our kids will receive the services they are entitled to by law. As a former special education teacher, Claussen is the only candidate who has the knowledge and experience to do this.

Many in this community feel this election is a referendum on the secondary boundary plan. In reality, it's about so much more than that. I want to make sure we elect a board member who is qualified to serve and understands the broad scope of what our district is facing. To elect a board member based on his or her view on one issue would do a grave disservice to all of the kids in our district.

Claussen has the qualifications and knowledge to make sure all of our kids have what they need to succeed.

Nick Westergaard

Coralville