Meet an Urbandale Candidate: Mark Wierson

Newcomer Kyle Kruidenier is running for the open seat of Cynthia Munyon, who is not seeking re-election after 12 years on the board.

Incumbents Cate Newberg, Adam Obrecht, and Mark Wierson are seeking re-election.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Check the Polk County Auditor's site for your polling place. 

Mark A. Wierson

Age:  56

Occupation: Portfolio manager

Address: 9825 Iltis Drive

Email: mawierson@q.com

Mark Wierson is running for a second term to give back to his community. He has one son who is a graduate of Urbandale High School and one son who is a senior.

“I believe serving on the Urbandale School Board is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family,” he said.

Wierson sees the district as moving in a positive direction with the many physical improvements and a renewed emphasis on curriculum.

“I am very excited to see the momentum grow and I am interested in continuing to help shape the path forward for our students and teachers,” he said.

His 35 years experience in accounting and finance, and as a parent, are his qualifications.

One challenge facing Urbandale — and all Iowa school in all districts — is school financing.

“School financing is one of the most pressing issues facing all districts in the state,” he added. “Districts are continually being asked to do more for all students with less funding and increased regulation.”

To reach the district's goal of reaching all students, he said the board's role is to focus on district improvement goals, curriculum, assessment data, and staff development in order to meet the needs of students and provide the support they need to excel.

“Our staff is the best aspect of the school district,” Wierson said. “Quality education begins with a combination of strong leadership from administrative staff and a dedicated teaching staff committed to improving the quality of education for each student.”

He believes it is important at board meetings to ask the tough questions; to review the finances so that each dollar spent helps the goal of improving every student's ability to achieve; and to hold the administration and staff accountable for improved student achievement.

“As a board member, I think my greatest accomplishment has been to be part of a positive and strong functioning board that supports the overall quality of education; that has improved the overall financial ratios of the district; and has overseen the building of quality facilities at the middle- and high-schools, which every elementary student in the district will have the opportunity to use,” he said.