South Tama County School Board Candidate: Elizabeth Dolezal

District 1 (vote for one)

Age: 40

Residence: Toledo

Profession: Procurement professional for Meskwaki Tribal Operations

Education: B.A. in Communications from Iowa State University

Family: Married to Darron Dolezal (17 years), with three children, Aubrey (14), Taylor (13), Grant (10)

What motivated you to run for this office?

I have had years of positive experiences with our school district. I have also experienced concerns, challenges and frustrations as a parent that I productively worked through with my children’s teachers and the administration. I know that my interactions with STC are unique to my family and myself, but for anyone who does not feel that our district is as accessible as I do, I want to hear their concerns and find productive ways to bridge the gap. As a district, I think we have a lot we can be proud of and build on, and I want to ensure that continues.

What qualities and behaviors should school board members exhibit?

Board members should promote high ethical standards, be approachable, open-minded and compassionate, but decisive. Hearing all sides of an issue and evaluating the long-term impact of decisions.

What do you see as the primary roles and responsibilities for the position you are running for?

I believe school board members should lead by example in carrying out the district’s shared vision and goals, evaluating district policies and implementation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability, and planning for the district’s long-term operations.

How would you handle requests if approached by an individual? Special interest group?

The district has provided a clear hierarchy of communication for any number of concerns that employees, parents, students or private citizens might have. Not everything comes under the authority of the board of education. For those requests that do escalate to the authority of the board, I believe they should be handled fairly and objectively. Requests should be shared in writing or to a quorum of the board so that they may be presented at a scheduled meeting. It would not be my place as a board member to respond alone, but as one of five – acting on behalf of the district.

What do you feel are the three most important issues the school board will face during your (anticipated) term as a school board member? How do you plan to address those issues?

Working with the Facilities Task Force to evaluate the possibility of a new middle school construction project, I see the need for the board work together with district leadership to prepare a capital improvements master plan that identifies scheduled improvements and maintenance for facilities, transportation, athletic grounds, and technology.

Student participation in extra-curricular and enrichment activities is one of the strongest value-added engagements we can bring to the student experience. They also contribute to academic success. I want to be a voice on the board to support bringing additional enrichment opportunities that reach a broader group of the student population at all grade levels.

Staff shortages are impacting the day to day operations of the district. I want to advocate for staff resources, support and recruitment to make sure we can continue to provide high quality education our students deserve.

Why should people vote for you on November 2, 2021?

I will be an advocate for our district on all platforms. I will be someone who asks questions and looks for answers. I want to hear all sides, I want to share your concerns, and I want to look for lasting solutions that meet the needs of our diverse community.