CARRIE WATSON
CITY/TOWN: Missouri Valley
CANDIDATE FOR: School Board
EXPLAIN WHO YOU ARE: My late-grandmother, father, and I are all proud MVCSD graduates. A member of my immediate family — whether my brothers, my children, or me — has been a student in Missouri Valley schools every year since the early 1980s. My husband and I are raising the next generation of Big Reds. We have one graduate from the Class of 2018 and two middle-school students in the district. Missouri Valley has been home to my family for generations. I want to help keep it a place we’re all proud to call home. At work, I lead a team in the financial services industry where clear communication, good data, and steady improvement matter every day. I bring that same approach to school board decisions. Those skills help me think things through, plan ahead, and stay connected with our staff and community. My fellow board members and administrators often describe me as detail-oriented, someone who asks thoughtful questions, listens carefully, and works collaboratively to find solutions that keep students at the center.
WHY DID YOU RUN FOR THIS POSITION? I’m seeking re-election because serving our schools has been an honor, and there’s more work ahead to keep Missouri Valley strong for our students and families. Missouri Valley schools honor where we come from and prepare students for what’s ahead. As a parent and lifelong resident, I want students to feel supported, teachers to have what they need, and families to stay proud of our district. Serving again will let me keep making decisions that put our kids and community first.
WHAT FROM YOUR BACKGROUND QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? In my career, I lead a team that depends on clear communication and informed decision-making, the same skills needed on the board. During my term, I’ve supported our district’s continued use of the no-cost I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol — a nationwide school-safety model that we’ve leaned into as part of our board priority on school safety. It’s been an important tool in strengthening how we communicate and respond in emergencies. I also understand how important it is to equip educators with the tools to help every student succeed, whether their path leads to college, trades, or the workforce. Being part of this community as a parent, neighbor, and board member continually reminds me what makes Missouri Valley special.
WHAT ARE YOU GOALS IF ELECTED? My priorities are stability, safety, and student success. That means planning responsibly for facility updates, supporting teachers and staff, maintaining fiscal strength, and keeping communication clear. At the end of my next term, I want our schools to remain financially strong, safe, and welcoming, and for every student and staff member to feel valued. Missouri Valley’s motto, Built on Pride, Destined for Greatness, captures exactly why I serve. I’d be grateful for the chance to keep serving Missouri Valley’s students, staff, and families.
