Hilary Foster officially steps in as Cody Muhs exits school board

Hilary Foster was officially sworn in to the Newton Community School District Board of Education on Monday night now that the election results have been certified by Jasper County. The school board also took time to recognize the service of member Cody Muhs, whose seat will now be filled by Foster.

Four seats were up for grabs this past election. With only four candidates running for the Newton School Board — Foster, Robyn Friedman, Travis Padget and Ray Whipple — it meant there was no opposition and they would all assume their spots on the board unless a write-in campaign was successful.

Election results show Foster earned 996 votes. Friedman earned 1,012 votes, Padget earned 1,009 votes and Whipple earned 973 votes.

Foster has frequently attended and engaged in school board meetings over the past few years, especially during the elementary building configuration process. As a citizen, she asked hard questions. As an elected official, she told Newton News she will continue asking questions and making sure people feel heard.

Superintendent Tom Messinger said he had always liked working with Muhs and commended him for his willingness to help the board when it was in need.

“At a time when we were down a board member and we needed somebody to come in and help out, you didn’t hesitate at all to step up and say you were willing to do it,” Messinger said. “I think I speak for not only the people here at the table but the people throughout the district that we really appreciate that.”

Messinger added that he appreciated Muhs for his valuable input and his analytical way of thinking through things. Robyn Friedman, chair of the Newton School Board, spoke highly of Muhs during the focused recognitions portion of the meeting. She, too, highlighted the positive qualities he brought to board.

“Thanks for filling the rest of the board term that you filled,” Friedman said to Muhs during the Nov. 24 school board meeting. “You’re always appreciated and your voice will definitely be missed. I was the phone call to ask your wife and then talk you into/ask you to do this. So thank you.”

In spring 2024, Liz Hammerly resigned from the school board. Her increased workload as a Heartland AEA employee compromised her plans to fulfill her term.

Muhs was inevitably appointed to Hammerly’s seat, which was set to expire after the 2025 election. The school board was given the choice between Muhs and Foster to fill the seat, ultimately siding with the former due to his past experience as a board member who was well-respected by his peers and administrators.