Oskaloosa School Board Candidates Emphasize Accountability, Vision, and Student Success at Public Forum

The Experience Oskaloosa School Board Candidate Forum brought the district’s education debates into sharper focus this week, with four candidates, Scott Van Veldhuizen, Kathy Butler, Crystal Jimenez-Boender, and Tasha Janssen, outlining distinct approaches to governance, leadership, and student achievement. While the tone remained largely collegial, the event made clear that Oskaloosa’s upcoming election will shape the district’s priorities on transparency, fiscal management, and the future of its strategic plan.

Candidates agreed on one core idea — that the school board’s most important responsibility is ensuring student success — but differed on how to define and measure that goal. Each referenced the district’s five-year strategic plan as a foundation, though several questioned whether it was being implemented with consistency and clarity.

The conversation repeatedly turned to accountability: not only for district administration but for the board itself. Candidates emphasized the importance of clear direction, measurable outcomes, and a unified vision. Some expressed concern that the district’s long-term goals have become fragmented, arguing that the next board must reestablish focus to ensure resources and staff energy are aligned toward student achievement and staff support.

Candidates discussed the need to connect classroom instruction with real-world applications — from technical trades to internships and local partnerships. Several pointed to growing opportunities with local industries, emphasizing that preparing students for life beyond high school requires both academic rigor and exposure to career pathways within the Oskaloosa community.

Others focused on critical thinking and adaptability, describing these as the most valuable skills graduates can carry into adulthood. Whether entering the workforce or pursuing higher education, candidates agreed that Oskaloosa’s schools must help students develop resilience, communication skills, and the ability to solve complex problems independently.

When the discussion shifted to recruitment and retention, candidates underscored the growing challenge of keeping talented teachers and support staff in Oskaloosa. Each acknowledged the district’s competitive disadvantages compared with neighboring schools and noted that pay, benefits, and working conditions all play critical roles.

Several candidates called for improved morale and professional development opportunities, arguing that teachers are more likely to stay when they feel valued, supported, and heard. A recurring theme was that retaining excellent staff begins with fostering a culture of trust and empowerment — where educators have both the autonomy and resources to do their jobs effectively.

Some suggested exploring innovative scheduling or professional development models to help educators balance time demands, while others highlighted the need for consistent administrative support and improved communication across district levels.

Financial management drew sharp attention, particularly around the district’s recent audit findings and concerns about timeliness in financial reporting. Candidates agreed that public trust depends on transparent budgeting and careful oversight.

Several emphasized that fiscal discipline does not mean avoiding investment, but rather making sure that spending directly aligns with strategic goals. They pointed to the need for stronger internal review processes, regular updates to the public, and clearer explanations of how decisions affect classrooms and staff.

Others warned that without improved financial communication, the district risks losing credibility with taxpayers — especially as major facility decisions loom, including the future of Webster School and ongoing maintenance needs.

Looking ahead to 2028, each candidate was asked to describe a single aspiration for the district. Their answers reflected both optimism and urgency. Some envisioned a school system recognized statewide for academic and extracurricular excellence, while others focused on fostering a culture that prioritizes belonging, innovation, and community connection.

Nearly all agreed that the district’s long-term success will depend on rekindling public confidence — ensuring that every student, teacher, and parent feels proud of Oskaloosa schools. The evening closed on a shared recognition that the next school board will inherit both opportunities and challenges, with its decisions likely to shape the district’s direction for years to come.