PCM School Board Election Candidates 2023

Name: Scott Grass

Age: 43

Occupation: Nichols Cryo Genetics

1. Please introduce yourself and explain why you are running for school board.

My name is Scott Grass. I am 42-years-old and I’ve been employed by Nichols Cryo Genetics for 13 years. We are a bovine collection facility and ship Nationwide. I have currently been serving on the PCM School Board for four years now.

I was raised in Southeast Minnesota on a Dairy and Crop farm and moved to Prairie City in 2010 when I married Amy Steenhoek. We currently reside in Prairie City and have a son Grady in 7th grade.

I am running for school board first and foremost because I want the best for the PCM students. I am committed to planning for future growth for our students, such as, working with our administration to ensure the academic programs we offer are preparing our kids for the future. I am also a strong advocate for improving our facilities in order to make sure we are a top-of-the-line public school.

2. What’s the best quality of PCM Schools? What can we improve on?

The best quality of PCM Schools is our administration, staff and students. Right now, we have one of the best team of administrators and teachers in the state of Iowa. I am proud of the work they’ve done.

I also love the tight-knit communities who support our school. The communities work together to help make this school district what it is.

We could improve on communicating to the public to keep them knowledgeable on where PCM needs to be and help them understand any changes coming.

3. What challenges do you see in public schools and how do you propose to address them?

Some challenges in public schools is finding and retaining quality educators. Teachers are leaving this profession at a high rate. We need to make sure these educators are supported and wanted. Administrators and the School Board can ensure teachers are provided with resources, me and support to allow them to focus teaching their students. We can also offer competitive pay and benefits which will help retain and attract teachers.

4. Where would you like to see PCM grow?

Aside from items that are already in the works for PCM Schools, I would also really like to see more tech and STEM programs for our kids. Education is an ever-changing role and we have to be able to adapt. We also have to prepare our students so they are prepared for college and/or careers once they graduate. STEM and technology are two key components of this.

5. What is a parent’s role in the education system?

I feel a big thing, being a parent myself is, raising our children to have respect for others. Not only their peers, but for the Educators that are teaching them. If the students are not showing respect to our staff, then it’s hard for them to teach and ensure the students are getting the education they need. We need to be role models for our children. I take that seriously as a parent and as a Board Member.

6. What other school issues are you most passionate about?

As a current board member and parent, I am most passionate about making PCM one of the best small public schools that we can be. We have to be willing and able to make changes in our educational program and our facilities for us to be one of the best, all while staying within our certified budget for years to come. With school choice now in effect, we have to make PCM the best and only choice for parents. I believe we’re already putting the things into place to make that happen.