South Tama County School School Board Candidate: Ronald Houghton

District 1 (vote for one)

*Write-in campaign candidate, will not appear on the ballot

Age: 62

Residence: Toledo, Iowa

Profession: Retired

Family: Married to Susan, four children including Dr. Jacob Houghton (STC Valedictorian 2003) Jonah, 15 Hannah, 14 Josiah, 12, dog Boris and several cats

What motivated you to run for this office?

My decision was obviously last minute. I declined to fill out the candidates paperwork thinking I could do more as a parent, I could say what I really think without upsetting the Officers of the Board and Superintendent. However, I was later convinced that I needed to run after all, I may be only One vote but I can continue holding the others accountable on record. You can decide if you want our District to be run by the Whole Board, or the select few.

What qualities and behaviors should school board members exhibit?

The truth is something we all promise when we run, but very few maintain those truths once they get the seat. The seat becomes more important than the responsibility to voters.

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

First, Show Up! How can you make decisions without discussion by the entire board? Plus: Read the materials and be prepared to share your thoughts based on facts, not here say. Look at each situation with the best interest for the students, staff, and District in mind. Be prepared to reconcile Board decisions with Parent opinions. Fairly. Openly. Justly.

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

Individuals or groups that approach me can expect me to talk openly about any situation and make recommendations to the Board and Superintendent. I am one vote, thus, some of the things I bring forward for discussion do not end up on the Agenda, the Superintendent and Board President set the final Agenda. I would then speak individually to the other Board members for support of the issue or request. And as always, we invite the person or group to come to the meeting and use the time set up to hear from the public.

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?

The three main issues will be the Bond referendum for the Middle School, staffing shortages, and continued effort toward transparency and community involvement.

I will continue to be the watchdog and keep the Board honest and fair, again not popular but I vote No sometimes.

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

What I want people to know is that I will continue to be diligent in my effort to change the relationship the Board has with parents and the community in general. We should be making a concerted effort to restore confidence in the Board.

If you voted for me before and are happy with my representation please write my name in on Election Day.

I look forward to hearing the other candidates and answering any questions