Meet the candidates running for North Polk School Board in the 2023 election

Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register
Updated ·4 min read

Candidates Ashley Delaney, Kyle Campbell and Dennis Goering are running for two at-large seats on the North Polk School Board.

Board members Travis Davis and Joe Heintz are not seeking another term.

The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to answer questions on why they're running and the issues their district is facing. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.

Campbell did not respond to the Register's questionnaire.

The election is Nov. 7.

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Ashley Delaney

Ashley Delaney
Ashley Delaney

AGE: 41

GREW UP: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

CURRENT HOME: Polk City

EDUCATION: Ph.D. in STEM education; Master's in teaching and learning, and human growth and development; Bachelor of Science in history, political Science, and education

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Polk City Parks Commission, 2019-present

Dennis H. Goering

Dennis H. Goering
Dennis H. Goering

AGE: 59

GREW UP: Ames

CURRENT HOME: Polk City

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Iowa State University

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 12+ years Polk County Agriculture Extension County

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Why are you running?

Ashley Delaney: I have dedicated my life to education. As a parent, educator, and community leader, I know our communities flourish when our schools do. I will bring my passion, experience, and commitment to NP Schools through:

  • Relationships with community stakeholders to plan for responsible physical and fiscal growth.

  • Deep knowledge of comprehensive education systems. Students need diverse opportunities to develop foundational skills and knowledge as well as the creativity necessary for our rapidly changing world.

  • Supportive policies that attract and retain superb educators.

  • Expertise around the infrastructure, technology, and resources required for student and staff success.

Dennis Goering: As a 21+ year member of the North Polk District, a son in high school, a teacher in the district, I feel I have a well-rounded and unique perspective of our district and community. Having worked with tax funding for many years I have a good understanding of the process and funds available.

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What is the most pressing issue facing the school district and how would you address it?

Ashley Delaney: The most pressing issue facing North Polk schools is balancing tradition with growth. I would achieve balance by prioritizing inclusive, proactive, and transparent growth which includes:

  • Cultivating partnerships to increase our commercial tax base and reduce residential burden.

  • Increasing to seven board members with districts and at-large seats to represent NP communities.

  • Committing to the best educational system while advocating for proactive growth.

  • Planning for vertical program development to include more stakeholders. Most programs do not have the capacity to keep up with growth, especially youth sports and vocational programs.

  • Increasing transparency by using neighborhood representatives and staff advisory board.

Dennis Goering: Rapid growth and managing the limited funds available and how best to serve all students.

How would you balance the needs of students and staff while complying with a new state law, Senate File 496, that restricts certain books and LGBTQ instruction for certain grades?

Ashley Delaney: The intention of this bill is “establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions,” aka choice and transparency. I strongly believe in transparency and family choices, but instead of transparency, the changes automatically prohibit some topics thereby eliminating choice. Sen. Rozenboom compared the restrictions to movie ratings, a tool for families to determine age-appropriateness. However, decisions about age-appropriateness were made for families instead of requiring transparent communication and permissions. Since legal and ethical requirements remained for education professionals, many are stuck in jeopardy. I believe districts will balance this by relying on external service providers leading to rising costs.

Dennis Goering: I support Senate File 496.

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In recent years, Des Moines metro school districts have seen their enrollment numbers steadily increase. What can the district and board do to manage future student growth?

Ashley Delaney: Managing growth requires foresight and cooperation between multiple entities. I believe the most important elements are:

  • Fostering relationships with community partners including local governments and businesses to ensure symbiotic growth. Each entity should contribute to and benefit from ongoing growth.

  • Include diverse educational options including a range of post-secondary plans beginning in elementary and continuing through graduation with alumni follow ups.

  • Attracting and retaining superb staff should be a top priority. This requires an excellent work environment, positive building culture, and working toward competitive salaries.

  • Craft short- and long-term district growth plans shared to gather stakeholder input.

Dennis Goering: Growth is important, if you don’t have growth the district becomes stagnant and limits the amount of opportunities available to students. It’s key to have long-term planning so you can be prepared for future growth and future needs. It’s very important to have a multi year plan in place so you can evaluate your needs for the future and forecast any potential issues.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Three candidates are running for North Polk School Board in 2023