Meet the candidates running for Van Meter School Board in the 2023 election
Five candidates are vying for two seats on the Van Meter School Board, including incumbent Tony Bradley, Jennifer Bruins, Luke Reimers, Meredith Scott and Robyn Sullivan.
Dallas County News asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they're running and the issues their district/community is facing. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
Bruins and Sullivan did not respond to the questionnaire.
The election is Nov. 7.
More: Here's what you need to know for Election Day in the Des Moines metro
Tony Bradley
AGE: 47
GREW UP: Oelwein
CURRENT HOME: Rural Adel in Van Meter School District
EDUCATION: BA Elementary Education, Central College / MA National Security & Strategic Studies, Naval War College
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Van Meter School Board 2019-2023
Luke Reimers
AGE: 44
GREW UP: Ogden
CURRENT HOME: Van Meter
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, Simpson College, Indianola, IA, 2001
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Waukee Park Board, Waukee, IA (2007-2008); United Way of Central Iowa Education Cabinet Board (2018 – present); University of Northern Iowa, College of Business student mentoring program (2012 – present); Van Meter Booster Club Volunteer (2015 – present)
Meredith Scott
AGE: 42
GREW UP: West Des Moines
CURRENT HOME: Adel
EDUCATION: B.S. in Child and Family Services, specialized in Child Services, Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, specialized in Child Development
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Bulldog Love Committee, Van Meter Schools Facilities Committee, Van Meter Schools Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC), over 10 years of weekly classroom volunteering, and various volunteer opportunities throughout the years (field trips, concession stand, book clubs, etc.)
Why are you running?
Tony Bradley: I am running to be an advocate for all Van Meter Students, public education, and to help keep Van Meter Schools on its current upward trajectory.
Luke Reimers: I grew up in a small community with a parent who taught in the public school system for 37 years. This upbringing provided me a strong understanding of the impacts of a dedicated teacher, coach and administrator and gratitude for a quality education. When my family and I decided to move to the Van Meter School District, it was because we saw that the opportunities that the district could provide for our children. Over the last 8 years, our family has had a positive experience in all aspects of their education, inside and outside the classroom. This led me to consider how I could give back to the community and district in a way that could help drive the continued success of all staff and students.
Meredith Scott: I am passionate about children, their learning and development. I believe that parents are their child’s first and most influential teacher and that families have a profound impact on their child’s learning. I want to advocate for and represent children and their families by being a board member. I also have a huge passion for our staff and schools. We have a phenomenal staff that are the true backbone of our schools. They have a vested and personal interest in all students and their learning. I would be honored to advocate for them on the board.
What is the most pressing issue facing the school district and how would you address it?
Tony Bradley: The most pressing issue for Van Meter schools is the industry and population expansion around us. The school must work with the city of Van Meter and other communities within our school boundaries to ensure the school is aware of forecasted growth.
Luke Reimers: Having been in the district for the last 8 years I have had a front row seat to the growth we have experienced. One of the most critical needs that we have as a district is space for our educators and our students. The plan that will be funded by the bond was thoughtfully developed by our administration, school board and community members with consideration for our most immediate needs as well as our future near-term and long-term needs.
Meredith Scott: I feel that growth is the most pressing issue Van Meter Schools are facing. We currently are out of space for the children we serve and will continue to run into growing pains in the years to come, as growth in the community continues. I believe that an addition is needed on the current building to accommodate this growth. So an addition can be built, it is essential we pass the G.O. Bond that is also on the ballot for this election.
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?
Tony Bradley: Van Meter teachers do an excellent job of creating positive relationships and ensuring personalizing learning for each student. I'm confident the adoption of Senate File 496 will have little impact on the great student/teacher culture at Van Meter Schools.
Luke Reimers: Balancing the complex needs of students and staff is a significant task for any district to undertake. Some points to consider, 1) staff training and professional development to ensure the staff is equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to be successful. 2) Parent and Guardian engagement to ensure understanding of the changes related to the law, address concerns and reiterate the district’s commitment to a quality education. 3) Monitoring of the implemented plan and evaluating the success of the strategy so adjustments can be made. It will be important to continue to foster an inclusive and accepting environment for all of our students and staff, regardless of instruction requirements.
Meredith Scott: As a public school, it is our job to follow the laws and regulations set for us by the state. I believe we can do this and also maintain an inclusive environment for our staff, students and their families. It is essential that all students and staff feel safe and comfortable at all times, regardless of their beliefs and backgrounds. We are a public school and at the foundation of that we provide quality education for all. Van Meter has done, and will continue to do a wonderful job at providing educational experiences that both comply with state law and make all feel valued.
What can the district and board do to manage future student growth?
Tony Bradley: Working with communities within our school boundaries to be aware of population growth and managing open enrollment accordingly are ways the school district can manage future student growth.
Luke Reimers: The use of data to better understand the projected enrollment path will enable the district to proactively manage the changing demographics. The board will also need to collaborate with the local governments for their growth and development plans to help determine how this will impact enrollment into the district. The Van Meter administration and school board has done a great job of balancing the needs of our students and staff, keeping our class sizes small and managing open enrollment to an appropriate level for our facilities and staff. It will be essential for the district to be adaptable as it strives to continue its commitment to providing quality education for all students and an excellent working environment for our educators.
Meredith Scott: As mentioned above, I feel that one of the best ways we can manage growth is with an addition to our current schools. I also feel it would be valuable to have a long-term plan set into place for continued growth. I support the board’s current open enrollment strategy, that has limited the number of students that are allowed to open enroll into our district. It is essential to me that as we grow we also maintain our excellence. We are a top-rated district in the nation, with students and staff that are second to none. As we grow, it is my goal that we maintain this level of excellence.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Five candidates are running for Van Meter School Board in 2023
