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 , and Teresa Simpson filed to run for the district's four, four-year terms.

Name: Teresa L. Simpson

Age: 51

Family: Husband, Marty Simpson; daughter, Lisa Marie, 27; and Grant, 23; both attended Ames Community Schools.

Occupation: Registered Nurse-Quality/Risk Education Coordinator at McFarland Clinic.

Education: Des Moines Area Community College, Associate in Nursing- training Broadlawns Medical Center-Registered Nurse 1981.

Previous elected experience: Member of the Iowa board for the Iowa Association of Health Care Quality as a District Representative.

Why are you running?

My children benefited from a great education in the Ames Community School District and I would like to play an active role in keeping the excellent education provided in the Ames Community School District intact for future generations. Since my children are now grown, I have the time, energy and commitment to seek a seat on the School Board. As a nurse I am an advocator for my patients and will continue that role on the school board as an advocator for the entire community of children we have in our school district.

What issues are most important to you?

I am passionate about being an advocate for the Teachers, Adminstration, Community to provide a  cohesive strong school system for the benefit of our children. Providing each child with a community of support!

It has been said that the cost of construction inflation has not been accounted for in the current $65 million bond project for 6 elementary schools. If it's approved, how will you ensure that all projects are completed and that buildings are built to last?

I will listen to the experts and carefully weigh their recommendations, and move forward with our board to achieve our goals!

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?

(Said she did not fully understand the question).

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

I will look at the recommendations from our administration, I would like input from our facilities manager Gerry Peters. From viewing previous board meetings, I heard Gerry Peters, Facilities Manager, had a plan that he wanted to share, not sure why but he was never given time to give his input. I want to make sure that the person who we hire to maintain our facilities recommendations is heard. I will work very hard as a board member to have a bond ready for the April 3, 2012 election as I realize people want to move forward with our facilities, and our schools are in need of major upgrading.

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• Ames Tribune