Oskaloosa School Board Candidate Profile: Amanda McGraw

Amanda McGraw (submitted photo)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – On Tuesday, voters will once again head to the polls, as the Oskaloosa School District looks to fill a vacancy on the Oskaloosa School Board. Director District 1 Representative Nick Hansen resigned from the board, effective November 1, due to a new job opportunity that will force him to relocate to Minnesota. Shortly after Hansen’s resignation became effective, a petition was presented to School Secretary Chad Vink, requesting a special election. Amanda McGraw and Elaine Fontana both filed to run in the special election.

Amanda McGraw grew up in Oskaloosa and graduated from William Penn University with a degree in Business Management. For the past 19 years, she has been employed at Musco, more recently in the Developmental Sales Division. McGraw has also been a volunteer for the Summer Lunch Program, and recently began coordinating the Weekend Backpack Lunch program at Oskaloosa Middle School.

McGraw said that the main reason she chose to run for the vacant school board seat is her interest in education and children.

“Our kids are our future … so I would love to be part of a team that can directly impact all of our students by providing the necessary tools and resources to become successful learners.”

In recent months, test scores have been heavily scrutinized by Oskaloosa School Board members, with concerns being raised about how Oskaloosa students are stacking up against students in other districts. McGraw sees test scores as perhaps the biggest challenge facing the district in the coming years.

“I see the biggest challenge is continuing to find ways to improve our assessment scores in regards to the state standards, whether it be by implementing new programs or having more one-on-one time with students.”

McGraw said that if elected, she will work to be supportive of current initiatives developed by the board to work on student achievement. She also praised the school district for their recent hire of Joy Prothero as interim Curriculum Director.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to really help the district improve in these areas.”

The role of the school board is also one area that can see sharp philosophical disagreements between board members. As a board member, McGraw says she would see the school board as a mix between policy setters and de facto administrators.

“I see the role of the School Board as setting a vision and goals for the District while creating policies that will allow the District to achieve those goals.” She added,“While you are creating the vision/policies for the District, you are also holding the District accountable, overseeing the budget and making financially sound decisions.”

The Oskaloosa School Board has also taken a hit in the eyes of the public in recent months, with noted fighting between school board members over alleged open meeting law violations, and school policy related to student behavior. McGraw said that it will be important for the board to work together as a team and communicate well with each other to work towards solutions to the problems facing the district. She also encourages parents to actively attend school board meetings, which she noted are also available to be viewed online.

“From a personal experience, I would encourage the public to ask questions, be educated on what is happening within our schools and your child’s classroom,” said McGraw.

Recently, the school board heard a report from high school teachers on scheduling options for the high school, which currently operates on an eight period day, three trimester schedule. Superintendent Russ Reiter indicated at that meeting that the board could look to implement a new schedule for the 2018-2019 school year. McGraw said that she would be open to considering a change to the high school schedule.

“If creating a schedule at the HS level that would provide additional resources to our students for needed instruction, then I would support that change. It appears currently, we are seeing those successes with the addition of the eighth period.”

She stated that she would support moving from a trimester schedule to a semester schedule.

“Moving to a semester schedule would allow the instruction time to be greater in that subject area and would allow students more time to learn and apply the new concepts. It also prepares them for the adjustment in post-high school academic life as most colleges are on a semester schedule.”

McGraw also addressed the issue of student behavior at the elementary school, which she believes warrants frank discussions.

“I feel parenting and make-up of families is different today than it used to be and our schools can’t control what goes on in our students’ homes. However, when the students are in school, I firmly believe we should set expectations for them to follow and if they can’t, we must have some sort of consequence for them.”

She added that she was happy to see a response from district administrators after concerns were brought before the board by parents.

“I feel we are on the right track and would look forward to continuing to work with the Administrators, Faculty and parents on acceptable solutions to this issue that is fair, and in the best interest of all students.”

When asked why she believes the residents of the Oskaloosa School District should vote for her, McGraw stated that she believes she will be a voice for all, noting however, that she believes the primary customer of the district is each and every student. McGraw added that she believes she can provide new perspectives to the board.

“I would love to be part of a Board that lays the foundation and provides the tools and resources for our kids to be successful.”

Voters in the Oskaloosa School District will head to the polls on January 10 to elect a new Director District 1 representative. Despite the fact that McGraw and Fontana are running for the Director District 1 spot on the board, anybody in the Oskaloosa School District can vote in the election. Polls in next Tuesday’s election will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will only be one polling place in next Tuesday’s election, that being at the Fellowship Bible Church Activity Building, located off A Avenue West. Absentee ballots are also available for Tuesday’s election. Absentee ballots may be cast at the Mahaska County Auditor’s Office until 11 a.m. on January 10.