The News Chronicle sent questions to all three of the declared candidates for STC school board including incumbent Joe Hanus in District 2, who is running unopposed, and incumbent Elizabeth Dolezal and challenger Angela Bair in District 1. Below are responses from the candidates running in District 1.

Elizabeth Dolezal

Age: 44

Residence: Toledo

Profession: Office Manager at Dolezal Farm Supply

Elizabeth Dolezal.

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

Family: Married to Darron (21 years) with three children, Aubrey (18), Taylor (17), and Grant (14)

1. What motivated you to run for this office?

Serving the South Tama County Community School District these last four years has been a privilege. I am proud of how we have grown in many ways despite challenging circumstances and I believe we have worked together on some pretty great plans to continue to support and grow an environment where ALL students can learn and staff are supported with professional development, resources, and administrators who believe in the work they’re doing.

2. What do you see as the primary roles and responsibilities for a school board member?

Angela Bair.

Board members are elected to represent their school district community and make sound and informed decisions on matters within the board’s authority on behalf of the district.

A board member has to take their own learning as seriously as we want our students to. Preparing for meetings by reviewing the agenda and items within, learning about school finance, legislative issues, and the districts policies and handbooks and how all of these things can support safe and thriving environments for our school district community.

3. How would you address feedback or criticism of the school district if you’re elected?

If I am approached with feedback or criticism I try to start with listening and take my time to evaluate the situation before taking any action and then provide follow up. Sometimes it’s simply listening to take back to the board table, other times it’s reporting to initiate response or investigation in the district communication flow chart.

4. What do you think about the proposed sale of the middle school property? If you had to ask a question during the next public hearing about the sale, what might you ask?

I think the proposed sale of the middle school is an opportunity for our community to imagine a different future for our old school buildings. If I had to ask a question it would be two-part and I would want to hear from the room: What do we stand to gain? And what do we stand to lose?

5. 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?

Recruitment and retention are vital to the district’s success and with a nationwide staffing shortage it’s important to put ourselves out there and promote South Tama as a community we believe in and welcome new faces. It’s pretty cool when of all the places someone can choose to work these days that we have so many amazing people that choose South Tama.

Managing financial challenges that face us as a district with declining enrollment should be an ongoing priority. This work can be supported from the board table by sound forecasting, thoughtful evaluation and continuous oversight.

Mental health matters and finding ways to connect resources to our district – especially being far away from bigger communities where resources are centered, is important. As a board member prioritizing mental health resources among all the push and pull is another way we can help provide a safe and welcoming school district to our community.

6. Why should people vote for you on November 4?

My goals are to listen, learn, and use my experiences as a leader, a community member, and parent to serve in a way that will unite and support students, faculty, and the South Tama community.

Angela Bair

Age: 56

Residence: 300 N. Green St Toledo

Profession: Instructional Coach

Education: BA in Business and Special Education

Family: Married to Kevin Bair, with 2 kids. My son Derek Bair and my daughter Chelsea Naniot. 3 grandchildren Daxten, Evylen, and Kayvn Naniot

1) What motivated you to run for this office?

South Tama has been my home my entire life. I graduated from South Tama, raised my kids here, and now have grandchildren in our schools. My father also attended Tama schools, so our family’s connection spans generations. I’ve worked for the district in many roles–teacher (5 years), paraeducator (10 years), and food service (3 years)–which gave me a clear view of what helps students and staff succeed.

I’m running because I care deeply about our community and want to keep decisions student-centered, practical, and fair. I believe steady leadership, clear communication, and respect for all staff roles–classroom and support–make the biggest difference. Serving on the board is another way to give back to a district that has shaped my family.

2) What do you see as the primary roles and responsibilities for a school board member?

A board member represents the community while keeping students at the center of every decision. That includes setting policy, adopting budgets, and establishing goals that are aligned to student learning and well-being–without micromanaging day-to-day operations. The job is governance, not administration.

It’s also about transparency and trust: asking good questions, communicating the “why” behind decisions, and ensuring taxpayer resources are used responsibly. Effective board members listen, learn, and collaborate with families, staff, and administrators. With experience across teaching, para support, and food service, I understand how policy choices affect real classrooms, cafeterias, and hallways. My focus would be calm, consistent leadership that supports staff and delivers for students.

3) How would you address feedback or criticism of the school district if elected?

Feedback–even when critical–is an opportunity to understand concerns and improve. My first step is to listen respectfully, gather the facts, and separate individual issues from broader system needs. Many challenges can be eased by clarifying information, closing communication loops, and following up.

If a concern points to a larger pattern, I’d work with the board and administration to review data, look at options, and communicate the next steps openly. Throughout, I’ll keep the tone civil and student-focused. Having worked in classrooms, as a para, and in food service, I know the value of frontline perspectives. I’ll use that practical lens to help bridge gaps between community expectations and district capacity, aiming for solutions that build trust rather than blame.

4) Thoughts on the proposed sale of the middle school property? What question would you ask at the hearing?

Before selling any property, we should confirm how the decision fits long-term facility, enrollment, and program needs. The community invested in that site; we owe a transparent explanation of the benefits, costs, and alternatives. I support a process that includes clear public communication, independent valuation, and an analysis of downstream impacts on transportation, program delivery, and future flexibility.

Question I would ask: “Please show the long-range facilities plan that demonstrates how this sale supports student learning, financial stewardship, and community use over the next 10-20 years. What alternatives were analyzed, why were they rejected, and how will proceeds be restricted to directly benefit students?” That level of clarity helps residents understand the trade-offs and ensures we’re making the best decision for students today and tomorrow.

5) Three most important issues–and how I’d address them

1) Recruit & retain quality staff. Great schools depend on great people. I’d support competitive compensation within our means, mentorship for new staff, recognition of support roles, and a positive climate focused on respect and teamwork.

2) Facilities & finances. Use a transparent, multi-year plan tied to enrollment and program goals. Communicate early and often, evaluate options with real costs/benefits, and prioritize spaces that directly impact student learning and safety.

3) Student success & well-being. Strengthen family-school partnerships, monitor academic growth with clear measures, and maintain access to supports that help students feel safe, included, and ready to learn.

My approach: set clear goals, review data regularly, communicate decisions and their “why,” and adjust when evidence shows a better path.

6) Why should people vote for you on November 4?

I’m a South Tama graduate, a parent of alumni, and a proud grandparent of current students. I’ve lived in our community my whole life–Toledo, Tama, and the county–and recently moved into town. I also worked for the district for 18 years in roles that touch nearly every corner of our schools.

I bring steady, practical leadership rooted in real experience and a commitment to listening, clarity, and respect. I’m not running for politics; I’m running because I care about our kids, our staff, and our community. If elected, I’ll keep decisions student-centered, communicate openly, and work with others to make thoughtful, long-term choices that strengthen South Tama for the next generation.