Le Mars, Iowa · Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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Franke won't seek re-election to school board

Wednesday, June 11, 2008
By Beverly Van Buskirk
Two seats on the Le Mars Community School Board are up for election this fall.

The seats held by Marjorie Franke, representing District 3, and Dan Smith, representing District 5, will be filled at the Sept. 9 school board election.

At the board's Monday meeting, Franke announced to fellow board members she does not plan to seek re-election to her seat. Franke, a retired teacher with the Le Mars Community School District, has served on the board 18 years, since 1990.

She indicated she has enjoyed her time serving on the board and representing the school district.

Smith indicated he intends to seek another term on the board. He has served his district for 12 years.

Fifty signatures are needed on nomination papers for Le Mars Community School board candidates.

The first day to file nomination papers with the board secretary is July 7, with the deadline to file 5 p.m. Thursday, July 31.

Election for school board candidates will be Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt also presented the board with information on HF 2620 which was adopted by the Iowa Legislature this year. That bill affects the terms of school board and community college directors. School boards will need to develop a transition plan for moving directors from three-year terms to four-year staggered terms. The bill requires the districts to file a plan for transition by Aug. 1.

School boards will need to develop a transition plan for moving directors from three-year terms to four-year staggered terms.

The bill also calls for school board elections to be held only in odd years, rather than every year.

© Copyright 2008 Le Mars Daily Sentinel

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I'm surprised anyone would seek re-election after what the school board has been through during the past year. It is commendable when citizens are willing to give of their time and opinions to run for public office, especially those offices which are unpaid. However, when you see 12 and 18 years of service, it makes a good point for term limits. Once you have served two (maximum 3) terms, it is probably a good idea to step aside for someone with a fresh outlook. You certainly still have the right to voice your opinions as a regular citizen, but if you haven't accomplished your goals in six to ten years, let someone else try.

Mrs. Franke, thank you for your service.

-- Posted by FoodForThought on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 4:35 PM

Term limits would be very difficult for school board members as it takes approximately 6 years of experience to even grasp Iowa School Board Finance as well as the district's policies, law etc. Individuals who serve on the school board do not do so to ACCOMPLISH THEIR GOALS, they serve because they are concerned for children and are committed to quality education. Individuals who have hidden agendas or personal goals do not belong on the board. A school board consists of 5-7 members who work TOGETHER to achieve DISTRICT goals and develop vision etc. The LeMars Community School board took a hit this past year politically. In part it was their own fault for not effectively communicating to the community regarding the ISL. In a LARGE part they took a hit from individuals who were very vocal in their opinions and criticisms. Those same individuals were exceedingly loud in their silence regarding constructive solutions to fiscal problems that the LCSD was facing. I would venture to guess that the loudest criticisms came from the very individuals who rarely, if ever, attended a school board meeting regularly to stay up to date on the discussions that take place to make the financial decisions. These same individuals are personally unwilling to step up to plate to put in their time by running to serve on the board. Being a school board member is not a "glory position"...it is a thankless, time consuming position. Only committed individuals would serve to 18 years. To imply that there is a need to "step aside to let others accomplish their goals" is proof enough that individuals with those notions are ignorant to what board service is all about. Continuity on a board of education is important to hold the system accountable as well as maintain and move the district defined vision forward.

-- Posted by NDuckMuck on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 10:14 PM

well put, NDuckMuck,well put

-- Posted by former_resident on Tue, Jun 17, 2008, at 6:10 PM

the board needs a house cleaning

-- Posted by 1mkicks on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 3:47 PM

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