Cody Muhs appointed to Newton school board after Liz Hammerly’s resignation

Cody Muhs is back on the Newton school board following the resignation of Liz Hammerly last month. Fellow board members voted 6-0 on May 20 to appoint Muhs to the vacant seat, citing his past experience and his willingness to take the lead on certain initiatives as major factors in their decision making.

Muhs had previously served on the school board as the chair and vice-chair. In the 2021 election, he did not receive enough votes to secure his re-election. It was also the same year Hammerly was elected onto the school board, along with Ray Whipple and incumbents Robyn Friedman and Travis Padget.

Two candidates submitted applications to be considered for appointment: Muhs and Hilary Foster, a Newton resident who frequently attends and engages with the school board meetings. Both individuals were given five minutes to speak about themselves and their experiences and why the board should appoint them.

Friedman thanked Muhs and Foster for applying, and she appreciated knowing there were people interested in joining the “motley crew” of board members. She then went on to explain how the board would make its choice, noting there would not be “secret ballots” and that board members would vote on a nominee.

“You’re going to speak to us,” Friedman said. “We’re not going to ask follow-up questions, otherwise we’d have to ask the same follow-up questions. However, the process after the both you speak is, in order for us to move forward one would then have to nominate someone and then there would be a second.”

Foster grew up in Kellogg and is a 1999 graduate of Newton. She and her husband moved to Newton from Kellogg four years ago with their three kids. She has also been a state employee for the past 18 years. Before that she worked for Poweshiek County. She was also a past city council member in Kellogg.

“I’ve been in the legal world for 25 years,” Foster said. “I’m passionate about my community. I’m passionate about school board. You guys have seen me at every meeting for the past nine months or so. I want to participate. I want to be involved. I want to help as much as I can.”

Foster also coaches soccer and has always liked to help out in the community.

In addition to his past role on the Newton Community School District Board of Education for one term, Muhs has served as a leader for Knights of Columbus, Cubs Scouts and Boys Scouts. While on the board, he focused primarily on board governance to assure the best use of time and resources.

During that time Muhs also wrote the school board handbook, which he later indicated could use some updates (he already penned them himself).

“I do have a passion for board work, obviously,” Muhs said. “To me, it’s obvious you have a real impact in your community … With a short term left in this particular position, I think it’s really important to hit the ground running. I’ve taken most of the IASB courses on board governance, finances, workshops, etc.”

Muhs also participated on the board’s policy subcommittee and the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC). If appointed, he said he would be willing to take on any committee responsibilities on Day One. The last action Muhs was involved in was developing the school district’s goals.

Interestingly enough, Muhs finished this work after new school board members had been elected in and replaced him.

“I want to focus as much time and energy to meeting our agreed upon collective commitments,” Muhs said.

School board member Josh Cantu nominated Muhs to be appointed to the board, which was seconded by Donna Cook.

With the district in the throes of configuration plans that will greatly impact the community, school board member Travis Padget told Foster that while he appreciated her applying, he felt it was best to have someone with board experience and a deep understanding of the financial aspects of the district.

“I understand completely,” Foster said with a laugh.

“I think there is real value in having that experience with the finances in the what we’re walking into,” Padget said. “With that said, there is a year before the next election where you can certainly get learned up on it, and I would love to see more names on that ballot.”

Padget also noted he would support either Muhs or Foster.

Hammerly publicly announced her resignation in a letter to the superintendent and school board members on April 22. As an employee of one of the state’s nine Area Education Agencies (AEAs), she said the reason for her departure was due to an increased workload following the adoption of a new Iowa law.

The AEA bill spelled uncertainty for the profession, which led to the retirements and resignations of more than 300 workers across all nine agencies.

“I want to thank the community members and staff; you always gave me a reason to be vocal and brave,” Hammerly said in a statement to Newton News.

Following her resignation, the district needed to find a new board member. Per board policy, the vacancy must be filled by board appointment within 30 days. Electors of the school district have a right to file a petition within 14 days after the district publishes its notice, and then a special election will be held.

Currently, it does not seem as if an initiative to push for a special election is very strong. Muhs will fulfill the rest of Hammerly’s term through 2025.

By then, voters will have had the chance to elect a successor.