Get to know the candidates running for school board

11/6/2023

Monte Journal recently reached out to candidates seeking election or re-election to the Montezuma, BGM and Grinnell School Boards of Education. Each candidate was sent the same four questions and a request for a photo. The following is what was received back by press time.

Montezuma School Board Candidates

Name: Joel Kercheval

Why are you seeking election or re-election to the School Board of Education?
I had the opportunity to be appointed to the school board earlier this year to fill the remainder of Stacie Cameron’s term. It has been a rewarding and educational experience. The opportunity to serve our community, our school staff and administration and most importantly, our students is something that is very important to me. As a graduate of this school, with my two daughters currently in this school and my son a recent graduate, it is important to me that we keep this school thriving to ensure the success of the young people that attend it.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your four-year term?
If elected to the school board, student safety and educational experience would be of utmost importance. Our school administration and staff need to be supported by the board and community to ensure that all students attending Montezuma Community Schools are given not only a safe environment to attend, but given opportunities that students in other districts aren’t afforded. Enrollment is something else that should be analyzed and acted upon to ensure that our school continues to grow and thrive in the future. The current bond referendum is also important and a way for our community to invest in the future of our school and the students attending. If we can provide a better learning and extracurricular experience for our students and their parents our school will be well positioned to attract more young families and great teachers and administrators to our community.

Please list names of spouse and children:
My wife, Tiffany, son Joey, a 2021 Montezuma graduate who is currently serving as a Seabee in the US Navy, my daughters Laila, a senior this year and AJ who is a freshman.

Name: Al Rabenold

As an MHS graduate, class of ’69, and a former teacher/coach here for thirty years, I feel the need to help our school as we battle declining enrollment and a teacher shortage. Presently the school board is working with the Montezuma community to pass a Bond Referendum that would address many needed physical repairs and possible additions to our existing educational facilities.
Spouse, Denise, MHS ’69: Children: Scott, MHS ’93, Marie, MHS ‘96

Name: Nichole Bushong

Why are you seeking election or re-election to the School Board of Education?
In the time our daughter has been in the Montezuma school district, we have met so many great staff members and families. Montezuma is a great community and we will always call this “home.” I want to be a part of the future of Montezuma and the school district to not only continue those positive experiences for my immediate family, but for others in the school district now, and for those in the future. I want this to be a place my daughter and her peers would like to raise their families.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your four-year term?
I would like to have clear, measurable, short and long term goals set for topics such as budgeting, student achievement, community involvement, and staff retention as well as action steps to meet those goals. I would also like to make information more easily accessible to the community.

Please list names of spouse and children:
My husband is Lucas Bushong and we have an 8 year old daughter, Kaylee, in 2nd grade.

Anything interesting about you and your family (a hobby, an experience, a family vacation, job) that you wish to share?
I work for Short’s Travel Management and we arrange travel for collegiate athletic teams. My role entails coordinating ground transportation for teams in NCAA Championships (i.e. March Madness, College World Series…) Lucas farms and has cattle. Our daughter, Kaylee, keeps us busy with dance, Upward basketball, having a bottle calf at the county fair in the summer and Girl Scouts.

Name: Cori Henkle

Why are you seeking election or re-election to the School Board of Education?
For the kids and staff. Our kids and staff make our school what it is, successful! I want the best for everyone involved in our school, to make sure their needs are met to succeed. Teachers have everything they need to make our students the best they can be. So when they leave Montezuma Schools, they are great and upstanding citizens.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your four-year term?
Better lunches. Updating some of our facilities that are beyond needing fixed. Painting those old brown bricks inside! Making it colorful!

Please list names of spouse and children:
Thomas, Abbi (13), Tait (11)
Henry and Sadie (4 legged kids)

Anything interesting about you and your family (a hobby, an experience, a family vacation, job) that you wish to share?
Thomas and I both graduated from Montezuma, we see every day the pride that our community has in our school. Nothing is better than attending an event at our school and seeing most of the community present. That is why we returned and established our home in Montezuma. To have our kids attend a school that is successful and be raised in a community so full of PRIDE!

Brooklyn School Board Candidates

Name: Daneen Schafbuch

I am running for a seat on the BGM School Board because I would like to be part of the team that makes decisions for our students. I have a daughter that graduated from BGM in 2017 and currently have a son that is a freshman at BGM.  I have a financial background and as a small business owner I believe that I can be an asset to the decision-making regarding policy that helps make our students productive citizens after graduation.

If elected I will do my part to make sure that our school proficiency is improved. If elected I will also do my part in making sure school curriculum and our grading system is evaluated to make sure that our proficiency in all core subjects is improved. If elected I will do my part to be sure our school administration is giving our teachers, faculty, and students all of the necessary tools that they need to be successful.

I am married to Rick Schafbuch and we farm in Brooklyn.  I am a small business owner and flower farmer and own New Day Flower Farm in rural Brooklyn.

Name:  Amber Toney

Why are you seeking re-election or election to the School Board of Education:
-The success of our children and school faculty is top priority.
-School board decisions should be based on supporting the needs of educators/staff and administration.
-Partnering with families, educators and staff to ensure that they are supported and provided the best recourses they need to give EVERY one of our students the best education possible.
-Making sure administration has clear guidance.
-Transparency is KEY!

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish in your four- year term:
-Focus on education fundamentals: reading, writing, math, science and history.
-Making sure everyone within our community is represented.
-Continue to focus on strengthening our extracurricular activities including the arts, sports and FFA.
-Ensuring our schools are a safe learning environment.

Names of Spouse and Children:
My husband is Landon Toney
My children include Eli (5th grade) and Madalyn and Lucas (3rd grade).

Anything interesting about you and your family:
My husband and I moved to Brooklyn seven years ago.  Together we own and operate Eastern Iowa Geothermal, LLC. & Heartland Directional Drilling, Inc.  Our three children are the heart of our family and it’s my passion for them and their education that has inspired my decision to run for school board.  I want to make sure that every child in the BGM school district has the opportunity to learn and flourish.  I would be honored to be a part of the team responsible for shaping the future of our school.

Name: Katherine Boelen

Why are you seeking election or re-election to the School Board of Education?
Running for re-election allows me to continue making a positive impact on education for our community and my children. Over the last four years I have gained an understanding where our district succeeds and where our district has challenges. I understand the importance of data and of professional development. I've worked to understand the complexity of school finance and worked to ensure our public schools are adequately funded by advocating for them with our state Legislature.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your four-year term?
I will continue to prioritize student success and ensure that the needs and interests of the BGM school district are met. I aim to work collaboratively with fellow board members and the community to enhance education and support the growth of all students.

Please list names of spouse and children:
My name is Katherine, I am the wife of Joris Boelen and we have four children, three currently attending BGM elementary. James-3rd grade, Joanna-2nd grade, Kate-Preschool, and Kassidy.

Anything interesting about you and your family (a hobby, an experience, a family vacation, job) that you wish to share?
I'm a Minnesota native and Iowa captive. Brooklyn became my home eight years ago. I didn't know many people beyond the dairy farm, but everyone seemed to know who I was. I have spent some time building my reputation in Poweshiek County so I can be known for more than being "married to one of those Dutch dairy boys". I currently serve on the Poweshiek County Farm Bureau Board, I'm finishing up my first term on the BGM School Board, and I'm a Poweshiek Leadership Program graduate. I can often be found supporting and participating at local events throughout the county. I've even started my own event, the Dairy Drive-Thru, with the help of family. I absolutely love being part of our community and actively participating in its growth. Continuing to support and serve our community would be an absolute joy for me.

Name: Craig (Sammy) Kuntz

Why are you seeking election or re-election to the School Board of Education?
I was born and raised here in Brooklyn and we are raising our two children in this community. I am seeking an election for the school board to help ensure the future of their education and all the children in this school district. I believe everyone’s voice should be heard and considered when making decisions.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your four-year term?
If elected, I hope to get a better understanding of how everyday operations work and how we can improve on them. From there, adding my knowledge to any future discussions. I hope to see more accountability by everyone to make it a better school and continue with the great education for all students.

Please list names of spouse and children:
My wife is Tonya Kuntz. Our kids are Jaxon and Kenadie.

Editor’s Note: Monte Journal did not have contact information for Eric Hodina, so we were not able to send him a questionnaire.

Grinnell School Board Candidates

Name: Jessica Anderson

I was born and raised in Grinnell. My wife and I moved back 10 years ago from Des Moines. We moved back because it's an amazing community with an amazing school district and educators. Our daughter is currently in second grade at Fairview within the district. I have very deep ties to Grinnell and this is one way I can hopefully give back to the community and school district in supporting our educators, children (as they are our future), and everyone else who works within the walls of the schools. Teachers are superheroes in our household and I want to do all I can to support them.

The first major thing the board will need to do after the election is hire a superintendent. The process for this is just in the beginning phases and will ramp up in the next month or so. The other thing that is extremely important to me is staff retention. I want to work in keeping the amazing educators and staff we already have and make the district more attractive to future educators and staff. Our kids deserve the best. We would also love to see a bond passed in the next couple years for a new K-5 elementary school. The buildings we have a falling apart and costing a lot of money to keep them up. We have simply outgrown them as well. They are bursting at the seams. Teachers and staff need this, but more importantly, our kids need it. This will also be an attraction for gaining new educators down the road and overall the entire community with benefit from this as well. The kids are our future no matter what age they currently are and we need to continue to give them a strong foundation to go out into this world. We need to equip our educators and staff with the best tools to help build this foundation for the kids.

My spouse is Brenda Anderson. We have been married for 12 years. We have a 7 year old daughter, Gracie.

I currently work for the Iowa Department of Human Services. I have worked for them for the last 18 years since graduating from college. I serve Iowans across all of Iowa determining eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF (cash assistance), and Child Care Assistance. I also just recently joined the board at the Grinnell Community Early Learning Center located at Ahrens Park.

Name: Chris Grundler

Why are you seeking election or re-election to the School Board of Education? I want to ensure all students have a safe and inclusive environment where they can thrive. I want to see students and teachers succeed and am committed to creating an excellent educational experience. My experience as a parent and community advocate has prepared me well for this role. I volunteered with the Grinnell Elementary PTO (formerly Connected PTO) for 6 years. I currently serve on the boards of 100+ People Who Care-Grinnell and the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter, am a grade representative with the Grinnell Band Boosters, and volunteer my time helping my wife with LINK Mentoring events.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish during your four-year term? A quality educational experience for the students and a rewarding professional environment for the educators. If elected, I would help in the hiring of a new superintendent. I hope the superintendent chosen will unify the district and community in the hopes of constructing a new PreK-5 school.

Please list names of spouse and children – Ashley Grundler (wife), Claire Grundler (daughter)

Anything interesting about you and your family (a hobby, an experience, a family vacation, job) that you wish to share? I’m a Sr Healthcare IT Recruiter with Divurgent which is based in Virginia Beach, VA. I like to spend time with my family, and we like visiting different areas of the country, especially the Myrtle Beach, SC area. We also love volunteering as a family at the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter. And I’m not fast by any means, but I like running 5 and 10K’s.

0 Comments

Get to know the candidates running for school board

Leave a Reply.