Meet the Candidates for Ankeny School Board

Candidates running for four seats on the Ankeny school board participated in a forum Sunday night hosted by the Ankeny Parents Association and the Elementary Parent Teacher Organizations.

Seven of eight candidates attended the forum, including incumbents Andrew Martin, Trent Murphy, Leslie Petersen and Aaron Johnson, as well as challengers Brad Huss, Mike Rooney and Dustin Graber.

The eighth candidate, Stephanie Jorgenson, was unable to attend.

Below are excerpts from introductions given by the candidates at the forum, including biographical information and why they are seeking a seat on the Ankeny school board:

• Aaron Johnson has lived in Ankeny for 11 years. He and his wife have four children. He has been involved in civic organizations including the Ankeny Parks and Recreation Board, as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission. He was elected to the school board in 2008. He is running for re-election because he enjoys serving his community.

• Mike Rooney has lived in Ankeny for nine years. He and his wife have two young daughters, and he has worked in finance for 20 years. He is running for school board because he feels he can be a bridge to bring all sides of Ankeny together and be a voice for teachers and citizens.

• Andrew Martin has lived in Ankeny since 1997 and has four children attending Ankeny schools. He has 15 years of executive business experience. He is completing his second term on the school board.  He is running because he wants to finish implementing the transition to a two-high school system and enjoys being part of what he calls a vibrant community.

• Dustin Graber grew up on farm in southeast Iowa and he and his wife have three kids. Graber said his kids are the top three reasons he is running for school board. He’s also running to improve student achievement, support teachers and staff, spend wisely, improve communication and unite the community during the transition to new facilities.

• Trent Murphy grew up in Bondurant and has a master’s degree in education. He has been on the school board for 10 years. He is seeking another term to finish what he started and fulfill his commitment to keep a high level of education in district schools and finish its facilities plan.

• Leslie Petersen is a 1988 Ankeny High School graduate. She is a financial controller for Principal Financial Group. She has two children who attend Ankeny schools and is in her sixth year on the board. She is running to make sure students continue to have the tools needed to succeed academically and to finish the transition to a two-high school system.

• Brad Huss has lived in Ankeny since 1988. He and his wife, Shelly, are business owners in the community and have three children. He is running for school board because he feels there is a disconnect between the current school board and the community as a whole. He also is concerned with rising debt and tax rates.