Ames School Board Candidate Profiles

 have filed to run for five seats on the . AmesPatch asked each candidate to answer the same questions and their answers will be posted on AmesPatch each day leading up to the Sept. 13 election.

Incumbents, Mary Jurenka, Francis Todey and Dan Woodin and newcomers Rodney Briggs, Lucas Deardorff and Teresa Simpson filed to run for the district's four, four-year terms.

Name: Lucas Deardorff

Age: 31

Family: Wife, Amber; three children ages 6 and below. My 6-year-old is enrolled at Fellows Elementary School.

Occupation: First National Bank Vice president and commercial lender.

Education: Ames High School and Iowa State University graduate. I have a business degree in management information systems.

Previous elected experience: None

Why are you running?

I am running for the Ames School Board to ensure that all young people of this community have the opportunity to receive the highest level of education possible. An effective board member, in my opinion, is one which views the larger picture and is governance-driven to ensure a stable environment which nurtures education and provides long-term financial viability. A board member in this position should set the general direction of the district and not micromanage administrative functions. I am fiscally conservative and I understand the importance of responsible use of taxpayer money for our education system.

What issues are most important to you?

The long-term facilities plan needs to be addressed. The results of the Sept. 13 election will give the Board a sense of the community’s commitment to a five-or six-elementary school configuration. Whatever the result, the board and community need to come to a reconciliation and move the district forward in a positive collaborated vision.

Secondly, continuing to focus on how to best educate all students in our community. We need to make sure that teachers are provided the appropriate tools and resources to be effective, allowing them to provide quality education to all student demographics.

It has been said that the cost of construction inflation has not been accounted for in the current $65 million bond project for six elementary schools. If it's approved, how will you ensure that all projects are completed and that buildings are built to last?

I would rely upon our construction consultant’s recommendations for appropriate ways in which to build/renovate our facilities. Inflation costs are inevitable as projects span over many years. Board members need to be responsible stewards of taxpayer money and I would make sure that philosophy was carried out if I am elected to this position.

How much of SILO (School Infrastructure Local Option sales tax) funds are you willing to contribute to the current elementary school project before the voters?

It is always important for our school board members to be cognizant of levy rates that directly affect property taxpayers. Based upon my understanding, it is proposed that half of the SILO would be used for the elementary renovations/construction project. We need to have reserves to cover other potential expenses. I believe the 50 percent assumption would be accurate.

If voters do not approve the bond issue what will you do to address the needs of school facilities?

Our community needs to move forward with a referendum to address our aging facilities. If the bond is not passed and I am elected to the position, I would push, with community, teacher, and administrative collaboration, for a five-elementary school configuration. My goal would be to have another bond on the ballot in April 2012, the earliest possible time as outlined by state law.

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• Ames Tribune

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