Two candidates are running for Des Moines School Board at-large in the 2023 election

Patrick Dix and Logan Villhauer are vying for the Des Moines School Board at-large seat.

Board member Kelli Soyer decided not to run for reelection.

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

The election is Nov. 7.

More: How to vote in Iowa's 2023 city and school elections, including early voting and absentee ballots

Patrick Dix

AGE: 49

GREW UP: Wilmette, IL

CURRENT HOME: Des Moines

EDUCATION: Bachelor's of journalism from University of Missouri Columbia

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: First-time candidate for any office.

Logan Villhauer

AGE: 33

GREW UP: Rockwell City

CURRENT HOME: Des Moines

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in human services with a minor in psychology

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: In college, I was the vice president of Political Action and vice president of the student body of Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. I was a precinct captain for both the 2008 and 2012 Obama campaign. I have volunteered for multiple Democratic candidates at all levels of government.

Why are you running?

Patrick Dix: I am the parent of two DMPS students and am running with three primary goals:Accountability: I want to advocate for high expectations in our schools and for the resources to achieve them. Communications and Collaboration: I believe there are opportunities to better articulate the successes of DMPS and be transparent about its challenges. I would push for better communication with families so they stay engaged and I would seek partnerships in the community that open resources and opportunities for our students. Environment: We must work to make our schools a place where all students, teachers, staff and administrators are welcomed and valued.

Logan Villhauer: I have primarily worked in a field that requires me to advocate for those I serve. As a queer person, I have seen my community come under attack and there isn't a candidate running that our queer students can see themselves in. I have heard our communities say the board is not representing what they want to see in schools and since they are pleading for community engagement and mental health advocacy. Voters deserve the choice of electing an advocate willing to meet them where they are at, uplift their voices, and with mental health background.

More: Who is running for Des Moines School Board? A look at the 2023 candidates

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

Patrick Dix: The district has multiple pressing issues and focusing on just one is not likely to result in the progress I envision for the district. But, one area I am especially passionate about and believe is an urgent priority is grade level reading. We need a bigger push from the community to focus on all students reading at or above grade level by third grade. This is an important indicator of future success and is a big step toward lowering other barriers to a DMPS student reaching their potential.

Logan Villhauer: Board engagement. School boards should be the voice of our communities and currently it is not. Communities are pleading for mental health advocacy and community building. We have many issues to address but cannot effectively address those without elected officials engaging those they serve. If elected I pledge to be a voice of the community, to meet and listen, and uplift the voice of the community to ensure our solutions are community driven and equitable.

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?

Patrick Dix: I don’t believe it is the role of the school board to decide which laws to follow and which ones to ignore. That said, I believe DMPS can implement the law in a way that is a better reflection of our own communities’ values. Des Moines is a community committed to giving our children an education that is grounded in a diverse set of thoughts and ideas. We must offer our students the highest quality education, and exposure to content that helps challenge them to think beyond their own lived experience is essential.

Logan Villhauer: Educators are trained to ensure lessons are age appropriate. We should trust them. This law is an attack on our BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. Des Moines voters demand equity, inclusion, and representation. If elected, LGBTQ staff, students, and parents will have themselves reflected in leadership. People of color and LGBTQ people are here, have always been here, and we are not going anywhere. We live, work, and raise families here. This is our home. Teaching our history is not an affront to anyone. Everyone is equal under the law. We deserve to participate in meaningful ways without fear.

More: Who is running for mayor, Des Moines City Council seats? A look at the 2023 election candidates

A facilities study is expected to recommend closing some of the district’s buildings by the 2025-26 school year. What should the school board’s priorities be when deciding which schools or buildings should be closed and/or consolidated?

Patrick Dix: There are so many factors that would have to go into a decision to close a building and I would certainly wait to read the results of the study and listen to community feedback before making any conclusions. Part of the conversation would have to go beyond the data about the physical buildings and deeply explore the impacts on neighborhoods, students, teachers, and their families. Our schools are at the heart of our communities and long-term implications must be considered.

Logan Villhauer: Before closing or consolidating any school, we should exhaust every option to keep them open. As a product of school consolidation in rural Iowa I have seen what happens when schools merge. Class sizes go up, teacher retention goes down, and equity is never a consideration. If the district has no choice but to close a school, I will be an advocate for equity and that the consequences do not further place barriers on marginalized communities. Where a student is from should not predetermine their access to the best education our district can provide.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 2 candidates are running for Des Moines School Board at-large in 2023