Candidate Q&As 2025: Ray Whipple for Newton School Board

Name: Raymond Whipple

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired teacher/administrator

Office seeking: Newton School Board

1. Introduce/Reintroduce yourself to voters and explain why you are running.

I am Raymond Whipple and I am running for reelection to the Newton Community School District Board of Education. I have been very involved with several activities within the district. My wish is to see our district continue to educate our students to be well-rounded, productive citizens and to upgrade all facilities to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

2. Newton Community School District is now a few years into the elementary building configuration. Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson have seen big changes. How do you feel the process is going so far?

I feel the progress with the elementary building configuration has been going well.There was a little hiccup with the TJ driveway due to the weather, but that has been resolved, and I believe drop off and pick up is going as well as can be expected now.

3. Use of leftover school buildings has been brought to light at recent meetings. What do you think should happen to Emerson Hough and Woodrow Wilson when the configuration is fully completed?

When the configuration is fully completed, I would like to see the district maintain control of Emerson Hough for district use and lease part of the building to de-fray the cost of maintaining the building. I would be willing to consider any ideas put forth for Woodrow Wilson, but truthfully due to its age and condition it needs to be torn down, and the lots sold for housing.

4. Enrollment in Newton schools is declining. The configuration was a direct response to having fewer students and the anticipated reduction in revenue. What else can the district do to address declining enrollment numbers?

The main thing the district can do to help with declining enrollment is to maintain strong academic achievement to provide well-rounded graduates for the workforce, which will help attract new industry to Newton.

5. What are some things you think the district does well? What are some things you think the district can improve? Explain your answers.

I believe our district does an excellent job of providing the opportunity for students to receive a well-rounded education. Students have the opportunity to receive college credits at no cost thru DMACC to put towards a four-year college/university degree or learn a trade where they can receive employment immediately after graduating high school. There is always room for improvement in all areas. I do believe the district does a pretty good job of addressing improvement issues as they arise. I believe the district needs to do a better job of updating all facilities to meet ADA regulations. The high school needs to upgrade ADA regulations for handicapped students and athletic spectators so handicapped students and athletic spectators can access all areas without having to go outside the building to access areas they need to be.

6. Any final thoughts? Are there any issues you would like the school to address?

The final thought I have is: I believe the Newton Community School District provides an excellent educational and athletic experience for the students and community. “Once a Cardinal always a Cardinal.”