Four candidates have thrown their hats into the ring this summer, and the Newton Community School District Board will feature some new faces this fall. School board elections will take place on Sept. 12 this year. Residents will be able to vote at the Jasper County Community Center.
Current board members Travis Padget and Robin Friedman are running for re-election, and Newton residents Cody Muhs and Graham Sullivan are running for the remaining seats, with current board members Shari Benson and Andy Elbert opting not to seek re-election this fall. All four candidates for school board are running unopposed.
Candidate Graham Sullivan wrote in a post on Facebook announcing her candidacy that she chose to run for school board to further her passion for her hometown. In a post dated July 21, Sullivan wrote, “I hope to be able to make a positive impact on our schools, administrators, teachers and most importantly our kids. I would love to have your vote on Sept. 12.”
Cody Muhs also chose to announce his candidacy on Facebook, asking friends and neighbors to gather the 50 signatures required to get onto the election ballot. Muhs wrote on Facebook in a post dated July 23 that he wanted “to do what I can to help bring teachers, parents, school staff, and the community together to make our school district better.”
Board President Travis Padget, who is running for re-election said he feels like there’s still more he can contribute to the school system in Newton. Nearing the end of his first term on the board, Padget said he found plenty of challenges and rewards to being part of the board.
“There’s so much learning during the first four years, I feel like four years isn’t enough,” Padget said.
Board members need time to learn how the board works, and to gain a solid understanding of the financial decisions that the board faces Padget said. He said he’s focused on making constant improvements, and he hopes interest in serving on the board will increase.
“I think there’s a passion for it, but when people see the real work that’s involved they are not as exciting, so it can be hard to find a lot of extra interest,” Padget said.
With four candidates seeking seats on the board this year Padget said he’s thrilled to see residents taking an interest in contributing to the school system.
“It’s too important to leave open to random chance,” Padget said.
Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com