Stream running to provide new perspective
Lynette Stream (Facebook)
by Charlie Comfort
OSKALOOSA, IOWA- Lynette Stream is a stay at home mother who sends her children to the Oskaloosa School District. After watching issues such as student discipline unfold in the district, Stream started attending school board meetings and speak at them on the student discipline issue. Stream is now running because of her passion for the kids of the Mahaska Community.
“I have felt called to take a stand for our kids and our community. I have a passion for all kids and want to have a positive impact on them and the community,” Stream said.
Stream said there’s six qualities that make her a good candidate for the school board, including being a good listener and speaking the truth.
“I am a good listener. I ask questions and speak truth. I have a heart and passion for our kids, their families, and our community. I like to build relationships. I’m eager to learn about budgets, policies, and the ins and outs of being on the board. I have been attending board meetings for the last year; at first to speak out and then to gain knowledge as I started kicking around the idea of running for the School Board,” Stream said.
Asked if she would send her students to the Oskaloosa School District if she was a young parent moving into the district, Stream said she would, despite the challenges facing the district.
“My response has been that I am going to take a stand and do what I can to make our schools and community better for our kids and their future. Improvements have been made. I believe in our kids and our town and know that we can strive for excellence,” she said.
She added that knowing what she knows about the district right now is why she has chosen to run for the Oskaloosa School Board.
“I have had a lot of people ask me this, including my own parents, recently. I have always had the mindset that you send your kids to school in the district that you live in. Knowing what I know is why I am running,” She said.
The issue of student discipline is one of the reasons why Stream started speaking at school board meetings. It is also an issue that has dogged the board since the 2015-2016 school year. Stream said she is encouraged by what has been done in the issue.
“In the recent months I agree with hiring Rozey with Take Action Consulting. I felt encouraged by the presentation she gave to the board and have heard good things about what she has already done at the beginning of the school year,” Stream said.
Student achievement in the district has been talked about since the 2013 round of school board elections saw over half the board replaced in one election. One issue has been whether or not standardized tests are the only way to measure student achievement. Stream said she believes there’s more to the issue than just standardized tests.
“ Test scores are only part of the picture. I think there are a lot of variables to look at when discussing student achievement. Are you teaching to the test material or are you teaching the curriculum and do they both match up?” she said.
She added that student mindset on the day of the test can also play a role in results.
“Some students may not be good test takers or have an off day. Some may be able to apply the knowledge, but struggle with a timed, standardized test. What type of environment was the test taken in? Are they tested too much, or too little?” Stream said.
Regardless of the results of the test, Stream said that it is important for the district not to become complacent with scores.
“I think there is always room for improvement when it comes to scores. If we are satisfied, then we quit reaching for more,” she said.
Another issue that has been talked about is open enrollment. Incumbent Board President Tom Richardson, who Stream is challenging, noted at the Oskaloosa News School Board Candidates’ Forum that the district conducted a survey of parents who open enroll their students out of the district and found that the majority of them chose reasons other than student discipline and achievement as reasons to open enroll to a neighboring district. Stream questioned the results of the survey.
“I do not believe the results of the survey that was conducted on Open Enrollment in 2015-2016 to be accurate. I question the way the survey was conducted and how the data was compiled. Also, according to the results only 84 students out of 165 that open enrolled were surveyed. Of the parents I have talked to, because I believe you need to hear their heart not just collect data, some say reasons are the environment, student behavior and low achievement. One also said that 7 out of the 8 criteria applied to them based on the way the questions were asked,” Stream said.
Stream added that the reasons her opponent have cited may be factors parents consider but may just be part of the whole picture.
“All these may have been a contributing factor, but I ask what really made you open enroll? Would you deal with the fact that Oskaloosa is a bigger district if they were performing well academically and behavior was great? Pella is a district of similar size and they are retaining their students. Why?” Stream said.
Stream suggested that one way for the district to improve this issue is to improve morale and let all parents be heard and communication in general increased.
“The school is part of the community, and where parents send their kids for a majority of the day, so it is important that all feel heard and valued. Parents need to feel that their children will be safe when they are away from them at school,” Stream said.
Stream said that voters should cast their ballots for her on September 12 because she will provide a new perspective to the board.
“Vote for me if you are ready for a new face and a new perspective. I will listen to all and look forward to getting to know teachers, administrators, board members and parents. I don’t have all the answers and have a lot to learn, but take a chance on me and know my heart is in it for the kids and our community,” Stream said.
She added that a recent trip to a leadership conference has stuck with her as she has mounted her campaign for school board.
“One thing that has stuck with me is doing things “Uniquely Better”. How can Oskaloosa Schools do things Uniquely Better?” Stream said.
Lynette Stream is challenging incumbent Tom Richardson for the Director District 5 seat on the School Board. All votes in the district can vote for the Director District 5 seat regardless of if they live in Director District 5. School Board Elections will be held on September 12. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots can be cast until 5 p.m. on September 11 in the Mahaska County Auditor’s Office. On election day, voters can vote at one of two vote centers, whichever is most convenient. Voter centers will be located at the ISU Extension Office on North I Street or at the Assembly of God Church on Highway 23 South.
