Oskaloosa School Board Candidate Carl Drost

Carl Drost

Oskaloosa News sent out an email to all candidates with the exact same questions. Our question is in bold text, with the candidates answer following just below in normal text.

First and Last name.
Carl Drost

Your education level and where did you attend?
I went to West Center country school for 7 years, Osky Jr. and Sr, High and graduated in 1965, and graduated William Penn Colllege, 1969 with degree In Industrial Arts, Teacher Education

What other training that you believe makes you qualified for the school board? I have been a teacher at Montezuma Secondary school for 1 yr., I have been concerned about our youth forever and still teach High School Sunday School, mentor young people, and have been on the school board previously for 20 years. I have also been a local implement dealer businessman for 39 years (30 yrs John Deere) and I know how to balance a budget.

How long have you called Oskaloosa home?
65 years

How do you believe your service on the school board will make a difference to the school system and the community?
I take the best for young people seriously and will work to improve the educational results. I will research issues and will be outspoken for results.

Some of you are running for the first time, other have in the past or are currently serving, but what moment made you realize you wanted to serve? How do you believe you will be able to impact the school district and make a difference with that?
The decision was not made at a moment in time, but the (1) drop in test scores in 3rd grade reading from the 88th percentile to the mid 50’s in 3 years, (2) and the amount of time my grandkids are out of the classroom for teacher in-service and other things, and (3) the seemingly total lack of accountability in the system.

Recently at the school board meetings, the subject of the good conduct policy came up. What are your thoughts on the current policy, and why do you believe your opinion is the correct one for the district?
The new Code of Conduct for the students should be reviewed. The school does not have control of our children 24/7 and parents rights should be considered. Extra curricular activities are a privilege so the students should be held to a higher standard but so should the coaches, Activity Directors, Superintendent, Principals, and the School Board members.