November 16, 2024

School board reorganizes following election

Leonard shares parting thoughts, Friedman retains chair, Muhs voted vice-chair

By Christopher Braunschweig
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From left, Josh Cantu, Donna Cook and Mark Thayer share a laugh after being sworn in as members of the Newton Community School District Board of Education during a meeting Monday night at the E.J.H. Beard Administration Center. (Christopher Braunschweig)

A new school board roster has been formed.

At Monday night’s meeting inside the E.J.H. Beard Administration Center, returning members Josh Cantu and Donna Cook and newcomer Mark Thayer were officially sworn in to the Newton Community School District Board of Education by Director of Business Services Tim Bloom.

This also meant the current school board had to say goodbye to its former vice-president, Ann Leonard, who was recognized with an award of merit from the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) and given well wishes from her former board members, as well as an applause from those in attendance.

“It’s been an honor to serve on the board the last four years — I truly enjoyed it,” Leonard said. “I honor the decisions that we’ve made as a board to move the district forward. I will ask every one of you board members to continue what I have been passionate about, which is to promote culture.”

An official canvass from the Jasper County Auditor’s Office determined Cantu received 1,422 votes; Cook received 1,066 votes; Leonard received 1,000 votes; Thayer received 1,064 votes; and Nat Clark received 774 votes. There was a scattering of 30 votes. A total of 5,356 votes were casted during the Nov. 5 election.

After new members were sworn in, the NCSD Board of Education had to reorganize its leadership. Bloom called for nominations of board president. Graham Sullivan nominated Robyn Friedman to retain her seat; Thayer nominated Cantu to challenge.

Upon submitting their votes, Friedman was declared the president of the NCSD Board of Education once again. Cody Muhs was the only person nominated to accept the position of vice-president. Since he was uncontested, Muhs was named vice-president of the board.

Both Muhs and Friedman were sworn in by Bloom.

During a conversation amongst board members regarding who to appoint to the School Improvement Advisory Committee, Travis Padget revealed he would not be seeking re-election.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com