On Nov. 7, Harrison County voters will choose from the various candidates running for mayor, city council and school board.
The Missouri Valley Times-News reached out to candidates ahead of the election with a brief question and answer.
Following are the candidates' responses, published verbatim. All candidates were contacted; if you do not see their answers here, they either did not respond or elected not to participate.
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Name: Rachael Breyfogle
City/town: Woodbine
Candidate for: Woodbine Community School District School Board
Explain who you are: My family and I have been members of the Woodbine community for 3 years. My husband and I share 3 Children whom attend WCS. I own and operate a small business in Mapleton, IA where I serve as a Bodywork Practitioner and yoga therapist. I am a proud supporter of public education, and in general a lover of people.
Why did you run for this position? I had the privilege of having a front row seat to public education for the past 16 years; my husband was a teacher and coach for the MVAOCOU school district for 13 years and served as the Principal and Activities Director for the WCSD for 3 years. He has taken a step back from education which has inspired me to take a step forward to serve the Iowa public education system. I am a proud mother to 3 children; 2 little girls who are at the elementary level and a son who is in the middle school. I have experienced first hand the importance of service to community and I firmly believe the school district is the heart and soul of our community. Given this, I believe it to be my personal responsibility to take this opportunity to serve the Woodbine Community as a candidate elect board member.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I believe I carry many different perspectives that can greatly benefit the district. I am a spouse to a former public educator, and administrator. I am a mother to 3 children receiving their education from the Woodbine School District. I have volunteered with the CUBS Woodbine chapter. I have happily served the little league recreation program as a soccer coach for the past 3 seasons. My family and I take great joy in supporting the many offerings the student programs have to offer, from the Arts to Athletics. I am a small business owner and have developed many professional relationships throughout my career. These relationships provide perspective on business, community and fiduciary responsibilities. I believe my greatest qualification is the uniqueness in perspective I can bring to the board position.
What are your goals if elected? My primary goals as a whole are; ensuring the students at Woodbine are reaching their learning potential. The staff feel supported in their environment and the community members believe there is accountability and transparency within the entire educational system of Woodbine. A more specific goal of mine is in the area of Art education. This includes visual, literary and the performing Arts. I know the value this creative side of expression possesses and believe it is important that we bring a balanced mindset to the support and development in this particular area of education.
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Name: Doug McElwain
City/town: Woodbine
Candidate for: Woodbine School Board
Explain who you are: I grew up in Woodbine, Iowa. We lived right across the street from the school. My mother was a vocal music teacher, several other relatives worked at the school too. When I graduated, went to Univ. Of Iowa. Earned a bachelors and masters degree. I worked as a librarian at several colleges. I am a big Kansas City sports fan. like the Royals and the Chiefs.
On vacations I like to visit Georgia, see a friend, also a librarian. When I am able, volunteer at a local public library, work with non-fiction books. I to dine downtown, Goodfellas, in particular. I follow local happenings, have used the CREW Center, walk laps when I am there. Have yet to use the indoor pool, know it is popular.
I enjoy living in Woodbine, am proud of our local school, Applefest is fun. I think there are a lot of good things happening here in Woodbine, thank you.
Why did you run for this position? I am very proud of WCS, like I said earlier, we lived right across the street. The K-12 school was the center of our daily life. All my siblings, and I started and finished our public school education in Woodbine. A public school is vital to the viability and economic well being of a community. The school board answers to local citizens, taxpayers, school employees.
I was on the WCS school board for a few years, saw first hand how much the school board is involved in school business. I wish to be part of something important, like the school board. Am a member of the local Board of Adjusfrnent, which resolves zoning issues.
The school board considers bond issues to be voted on by taxpayers, voters, to finance improvments to the school. Am retired college librarian, have time and energy to use, working for the school. Was very proud to be involved with WCS, as a board member for a few years. I enjoy being around students, teachers, staff, administrators, at school events, games, concerts.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? Public schools are very important to me, I went to school in Woodbine, have a college educaüon, worked as a college librarian in my career. I served as an elected school board member for several years. I am involved in local affairs, attend school events. I attend meetings of local government boards. Meeúgs, I am not able to attend, I read the published official minutes in local newspapers. Like I said earlier, have served several years on the local Board of Adjustment, which helps me understand what is expected of a board member.
Try to keep with what is going on in our community, talk with a lot of local ciüens, taxpayers about what they consider to be important to lai0W about our town. I work at understanding school issues, read local newspapers, arficles about public school finance, legal matters affecting schools. When on the school board, went to meetings of IASB (Iowa Associafon of School Boards) in western Iowa, Des Moines, frained in school finance.
What are your goals if elected? If elected, I will work hard at being a good, effecfive, involved board member. I will work to establish working relationships, with all those involved with WCS. Resolve to attend all board meefings I laiow about, and actively participate in said meefings. Will get to la-low the school adminisfi•ators, board members, school teachers, staff. I want to, if elected, learn their concerns, issues important to them.
I will work at doing what I can as a board member, to further STEM education, the IGNITE PATHWAYS Center. When I first ran for the school board, I supported the concept of STEM training, Woodbine is lalown around the state, for what WCS has achieved. I have a lot to learn about WCS, and if elected, hope to learn more and act on it. Thank you for reading my answers .
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Name: Teresa Coenen
City/Town: Woodbine
Candidate for: School Board
Explain who you are: I am Teresa Coenen, current president of the WCSD School Board. My husband, Randy, and I live in Woodbine. We have two adult children in Woodbine, and six grandchildren in the school. I am a former educator and school administrator, and I own my own business in town. I am very involved in the community. I coordinate religious education for Sacred Heart, serve on committees with Woodbine Main Street, help with Applefest, and teach Social Media Marketing at IGNITE Pathways.
Why did you run for this position? Our school is in a very good position (financially and academically) right now. We have reversed the trend of open-enrollment out of district, and have experienced a record increase in enrollment. Our facilities are in good shape, our staff and administrators are amazing, and we have extraordinary community support. Unlike other districts in the area, our property tax levies are declining. I am seeking a second term on the school board because I want to see this trend continue, and I believe board members make a difference.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I bring 15 years of educational leadership to the board. I am in a unique position to fully understand the inner workings of the school, as well as the laws and policies that govern our district. I have served on state and national education committees and boards, and I am well-versed in Iowa boardsmanship. In the past four years, our WCSD board has focused on policies and procedures that have resulted in financial stability, educational excellence, and increased transparency. I am passionate about education, and I am happy and proud to serve the district.
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Name: Martin Murdock
City/town: Woodbine
Candidate for: School Board
Explain who you are: I am Martin Murdock and I am running for re-election for the Woodbine School Board. I am married to my wife Carrie and we have four kids in the district. Addison - Senior, Connor - Sophmore, Miley - Freshman, and Danica - 6th grade. I have lived in Woodbine for 20 years and am a local business owner.
Why did you run for this position? I am running for this position to ensure the children and young adults of our District are provided with the best opportunity that we can give them. We have seen a lot of change over the last four years, opening of the Crew Center, passing two GO Bonds, starting Ignite Pathways, building the new Ignite building and the new Fieldhouse, along with many other projects in the K-12 building. We arre able to do this with the tremendous support from our community and district, and have been able to do this all and still lower taxes in our district.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I feel like I have learned so much from the last four years on the board that I would like to continue in my role for another term. Along with that, I am a small business owner and have held many volunteer positions in the community.
What are your goals if elected? If elected I hope to continue and build on our recent successes, give the students in our district as many opportunities to learn and try new things as we can, while being a good steward of the tax dollars from the community.
