Hamilton explains desire to run again for school board

Aug. 6, Fran Henderson announced on Facebook the creation of a write-in campaign to elect Darrin T. Hamilton to the Newton Community School District Board of Education.

In the announcement, Henderson stated Hamilton “has proven to be a thorough and forward thinking board member. He came very prepared to board meetings and extensively researched topics that were coming before the board.”

Hamilton explained his candidacy in a press release issued this morning.

“I’m seeking write in votes to be elected to serve on the school board,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunities my education has afforded me and I would like to give back to my community by serving on the school board.”

Hamilton said he has more than 22 years of experience in municipal corporate law, most recently as the Newton City Attorney from October 1998 to this past February when the City Council switched to outside legal counsel in anticipation of cost savings. He served on the Newton Community School Board from 2008 to 2011 and served on the Meet and Confer, Union Negotiations, Jasper County Conference Board, Board Policy Review and Early Childhood committees.

Hamilton said one of the accomplishments in his term he is proud to have taken part in was the establishment of the pre-school program because, “when kids can be brought into a preschool, they’ll have all kinds of advantages as they continue in their schooling.”

“The district’s employees and students are our strongest asset, and we need to support our students,” he continued. “One way is for the district to reduce the number of incidents of bullying, and not just the numbers that get reported to the state.”

Hamilton grew up in central Iowa, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics from the University of Iowa and his law degree from Drake University. He is in the final stages of opening up his private law practice.

He has served on more than 15 corporate boards, including public- and private-sector, for-profit, non-profit and charitable boards. He has more than 50 years of combined service.

“[W]ith my background, experience, and prior service on the board, I believe I’d bring a unique perspective to serve our students if elected to the board and would ask for voters to write my name on the ballot for school board,” he said.

Besides addressing bullying concerns, Hamilton would like to see graduation rates continue to rise, and increase the learning opportunities for students.

“Not having any children of my own, I looked at what was best for all the students, and would do so again with your vote.”

The election will be held Sept. 10 to fill four seats on the Newton Community School District Board of Education. To vote for a write in candidate, color the oval in by the write-in line on the ballot and write in the name of the person you want to elect.