Meet the Candidates: Central School Board

The five candidates vying for four available seats on the Central School Board in the Nov. 4 city/school elections include Jarod Bormann, Josh Embertson, Jared Funk, Abby Heitman and Courtney Scherf. The candidates recently shared their thoughts about key issues with Times-Register reporter Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns. Visit elections.claytoncountyia.gov/ for more information on candidates and when and where to vote.

 

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Jarod Bormann

Jarod Bormann moved to Elkader in 2007 with his wife, Jackie. They have enjoyed raising their three children—Braxton, Tenley and Jace—in northeast Iowa. Bormann has worked in education since graduating from Iowa State University in 2006. In 2014, he received his master’s in instructional technology from the University of Northern Iowa and was named Iowa Safe Schools Educator of the Year. He later wrote a book on professional learning titled Professionally Driven and now serves as director of learning and marketing at the Earthmoving Legacy Center in Elkader. Throughout his career, he has given back to the community through volunteering, coaching and photographing Central events.

 

Q: What do you view as the school’s biggest strength(s)?

A: Even when I taught at Central, I always said the school has two major strengths: its location and the fact that it’s a K–12 building under one roof. Because of our location, teachers can easily connect learning to real-world experiences. Whether that’s walking to the courthouse for a mock trial from The Outsiders (like I was able to do as an English teacher) or taking a quick trip downtown for a community-based lesson. In other schools, that same opportunity might require a bus, a driver and lost instructional time. Our setup makes authentic learning simple, accessible and ultimately more efficient. 

 

The K–12 structure is another unique advantage. Younger students see their older peers as role models, and older students learn to set a positive example. It creates a natural sense of unity, mentorship and school spirit that you don’t often find elsewhere, especially when the entire student body shares the same gym for Homecoming or special events.

 

Q: What areas do you feel the school could improve on? What solutions do you suggest?

A: Speaking as a parent, I’ve always believed that academics come first—before athletics or any other extracurricular. Even in strong districts, it’s important to continually reflect on and strengthen the academic side of our mission. One area of improvement would be how we celebrate academic success. When teachers set rigorous learning standards and students meet or exceed them, those achievements deserve to be as visible as a game-winning touchdown. Showcasing academic wins more publicly would highlight the dedication of both students and educators and strengthen the culture of learning.

 

Q: What role do you think the school board should play in supporting communication and collaboration?

A: The board’s most important job is to ensure all voices are heard—community members, staff and families alike. We serve as the bridge between the district and the public, helping bring ideas, questions and concerns to the table for open discussion. I believe strong communication and transparency build trust, and that trust leads to stronger community support. Whether that’s showing up at events or backing future district projects, collaboration and communication go hand in hand in creating a healthy school culture.

 

Q: How can Central best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: Success can mean a lot of things: college, career or simply being a curious, capable citizen. I’ve spent nearly 20 years in education. From teaching English, training teachers, serving as an adjunct professor at UNI and helping design statewide curriculum, I’ve seen that true success starts with curiosity. When students learn how to ask good questions and seek answers, they develop the mindset and skills they’ll need no matter what path they choose. Central has the opportunity to nurture that curiosity and give students the tools to explore, think critically and find their own definition of success.

 

Q: What is your vision for the future of the Central Community School District?

A: In the short term, I’d like to see the district take a closer look at the policies and communication processes that led to the challenges we faced last spring. We need to learn from that experience, make improvements and put safeguards in place to restore community confidence and avoid unnecessary costs.

 

Long term, my vision is for Central to grow into a model of transparency, trust and opportunity—a place where families know their children’s curiosity will be encouraged and every student can find their own version of success. When trust and communication are strong, the entire district thrives.

 

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Josh Embretson

Josh Embretson and his wife, Stacey, are 1999 Central graduates. The couple has three children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from St. Ambrose University and returned to Elkader in 2013. Both he and his wife have been active volunteers in youth sports and community activities. Embretson has served on the Central School Board for the past four years.

 

Q: What do you view as the school’s biggest strength(s)?

A: Central’s greatest strength is our people. Our staff is passionate about the role they play in the student’s life as they help prepare them to be good stewards of their current and future communities.

 

Q: What areas do you feel the school could improve on? What solutions do you suggest?

A: In a rural area, everyone knows enrollment and financial stability could always be on the verge of being a major issue and there is always room for improvement on that. Improvement with communication and taking care of people should always be at the forefront. This begins with active listening, analyzing the facts, avoiding group think and making or supporting decisions that are in line with our policies/procedures and strategic plan. If you combine humility with the district’s core values and they are followed with the mission and vision in mind, the decisions we make take care of the people (students/staff). Continuous improvement through communication improves the district and community.

 

Q: What role do you think the school board should play in supporting communication and collaboration?

A: Like all school districts in Iowa, Central has policies and procedures that outline what these standards should be and look like. The school board’s main role is that of governance and oversight and a diverse board brings different life experiences to the table to help guide the vision of the district. Clear, concise and consistent communication is something that always can be improved on and should be strived for in all aspects of life. As this district and community has learned in the last year, there is a dichotomy to this. Certain laws and legal implications can make this difficult at times.

 

Q: How can Central best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: The district has made strides over the years with providing opportunities for kids to succeed after their time is complete at Central. From partnering with community colleges to local business, the district is providing students the tools and vision to pursue future employment. I believe we can always continue to improve our position and opportunities for those students that wish to enroll in trade schools as well as four-year universities.

 

Q: What is your vision for the future of the Central Community School District?

A: Continue to put the students first and remind ourselves of that as we make decisions at the board table. Take care of the staff that takes care of the school and students.

 

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Jared Funk

Jared Funk and his wife, Ariell, live just outside of Elkader with their two children, Daisy and Dahlia. Funk is a vice president at Fidelity Bank & Trust in Postville. He works primarily with agricultural and commercial loans and has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Funk also owns Northeast Iowa Coin and Currency, a small business specializing in antique coins, currency and bullion. He graduated from MFL MarMac High School and earned a double major in finance and real estate from the University of Northern Iowa.

 

Q: What do you view as the school’s biggest strength(s)?

A: The biggest strength Central has is our staff and students. I am encouraged to see staff out at events supporting the students. I have been impressed by many students who have come to the board over the past four years to share about things they have done or have been part of. They often leave me very impressed on how professional they are. Central’s size also creates opportunities for students to be involved in anything they want to be involved in.

 

Q: What areas do you feel the school could improve? What solutions do you suggest?

A: One place we can improve is marketing to those students that open enroll out of our district. We do a great job with our social media, but maybe we could find out what those students’ interests or strengths are and share with them why Central could help improve on those strengths and interests.

 

Q: What role do you think the school board should play in supporting communication and collaboration?

A: I don’t believe the board has ever discouraged communication or collaboration at any level. Collaboration happens many times throughout the year. Earlier this year, the staff presented a new ELA curriculum for the board to approve. Thanks to the work the staff put in, the board could put trust in the staff work to make the decision to approve the new curriculum. Through our learning and leadership part of the agenda, we get to hear about specific things happening in the district. It is also important out of the respect of each individual involved that any communication that is needed to happen happens at the appropriate levels.

 

Q: How can Central best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: I think Central does a great job at creating successful individuals at Central and after their time at Central. For the size of the school Central is, there are many opportunities for our students. Students can complete many college courses prior to graduating Central. Students can also participate in many classes that offer critical skills needed in the trades. I have noticed when a student has a strong passion or interest in a particular class or subject that the teachers offer their support past the classroom time. The teacher becomes a mentor and supports and challenges them even further.

 

Q:  What is your vision for the future of the Central Community School District?

A: My vision for Central is to continue to focus on what is best for the students. Constantly reviewing curriculums to make sure we are up to the standards for state testing. I would like to continue to see improvement in each category on the state testing.

 

I would also like to see continued growth in our enrollment. We have seen some strong growth over the last five years. 

 

Central is in a good financial position. I would like to see the budget continue to be in the sound financial position that we are in today.

 

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Abby Heitman

Abby Heitman and her husband, Anthony, live in the Central district with their two children. A Central parent, substitute teacher and co-head coach for the girls wrestling program, Heitman values the strong sense of community and personal connections that make Central unique. She is running to serve on the Central School Board to help strengthen communication, collaboration and support for students, staff and families.

 

Q: What do you view as the school’s biggest strength(s)?

A: Central’s biggest strength is its sense of community and the personal connections that come from being a smaller district. As both a parent and a substitute in the building, I have seen how much teachers, staff and administrators care about our students, not just academically, but as individuals. Students are known by name, supported by familiar faces and surrounded by people who truly want them to succeed. That sense of belonging and pride in being part of the Central family is something special and hard to find elsewhere.

 

Q: What areas do you feel the school could improve? What solutions do you suggest?

A: One area we could continue to strengthen is communication and connection between the district, staff and families. Sometimes great things are happening, but not everyone feels informed or included in the process.

 

Solutions:

•Provide more consistent updates and transparency from the board and administration; short summaries, community highlights and progress updates go a long way.

•Create more opportunities for families and staff to share input in a positive, solution-focused way.

•As someone who has worked in classrooms, I also see the importance of support for teachers and staff with clear communication, professional development and adequate classroom resources. Supporting our staff ultimately supports our students.

 

Q: What role do you think the school board should play in supporting communication and collaboration?

A: The school board is the bridge between the school district and the community. The school board should set the tone for open, respectful communication, listening to all perspectives from parents, teachers and community members and making sure information flows both ways. The board’s job is to ensure policies and priorities reflect the needs and values of the entire community. As a parent and substitute in the building, I believe the board can play a key role in building trust, celebrating successes and fostering unity across all parts of the district.

 

Q: How can Central best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: Success means more than grades. It’s about helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills and strong character. Central can continue to do this by:

•Offering a balance of strong academics and hands-on learning opportunities like career exploration, trades and dual-credit options.

•Supporting mental health and social-emotional learning to help students handle challenges and build resilience.

•Continuing to involve families and the community in student growth; when everyone works together, students benefit.

 

As a parent, I want my children and their classmates to graduate not only with a good education, but also well-prepared for life outside of school.

 

Q: What is your vision for the future of the Central Community School District?

A: My vision for Central is a district where every student feels valued, every voice is heard and every decision keeps students at the center. I want to see us continue to grow while holding on to what makes Central unique: our close-knit community and commitment to our kids.

 

Looking forward, I hope to see more opportunities for students to explore their interests, continued investment in staff and classroom support and strong, transparent communication across the board when it’s allowed and appropriate. Central’s future is bright, and I’m committed to helping ensure it stays that way.

 

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Courtney Scherf

Courtney Scherf and her husband, Jason, are both proud Central alumni. They have three children, two of whom have graduated from Central. Scherf shared, “After living in a larger school district for more than 10 years, I truly appreciate how fortunate we are to have a smaller district where close connections between school and community make such a difference.” She works as a sonographer with MercyOne Elkader and Guttenberg Municipal Hospital and has been active in many community roles, including helping with Sweet Corn Days, the community Thanksgiving meal at St. Joseph’s and serving on several local boards. She has been a member of the Central School Board for the past four years.

 

Q: What do you view as the school’s biggest strength(s)?

A: Central’s biggest strength is our people, the teachers, staff, families and community that rally around our kids. Being a graduate myself, and now having had two of my three kids graduate from Central, I’ve seen how this close-knit environment helps students feel supported and valued. It’s truly a place where people care about each other and want to see students succeed.

 

Q: What areas do you feel the school could improve? What solutions do you suggest?

A: Like most small districts, we face challenges with resources such as funding, enrollment numbers and keeping great staff. I’d like to see us keep building creative partnerships, focus on long-term planning and continue expanding career and technical opportunities for students. Those hands-on experiences make a big difference in preparing kids for life after graduation. If we can keep them local in our communities with careers after school, then they may choose to raise children in northeast Iowa as well.

 

Q: What role do you think the school board should play in supporting communication and collaboration?

A: The board’s job is to listen, ask good questions and help keep communication open, honest and respectful. People deserve to feel heard and informed, and that comes through trust and transparency.

 

That said, I’ve also learned over the last four years that there are times when what we can share is limited by policy or legal guidance. The board has to follow certain procedures and work through the proper channels. Sometimes decisions or information have to go through attorneys before they can be made public. I think we can do a better job helping the community understand those processes and why some details can’t always be discussed right away or at all. At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal: what’s best for our students and our school.

 

Q: How can Central best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: Success isn’t just about academics, it’s about character, responsibility and a strong work ethic. Central does a great job combining classroom learning with real-world experiences like dual-credit classes, on job training and volunteer work. Those opportunities help our students grow into capable, confident young adults and community members.

 

Q: What is your vision for the future of the Central Community School District?

A: My vision is for Central to stay strong, continuing to offer great opportunities for students while keeping the small-town values that make it special. I want to see us remain financially stable while keeping wages competitive so we can attract and retain great staff. It’s a balance, but one that’s vital to our success.

 

Looking ahead, I’d like to see Central focus on long-term planning, maintaining and improving our facilities while also expanding programs and opportunities for students. My husband and I are both Central graduates, and our family is deeply rooted here. My goal is to help build a school and community our kids will want to return to and raise their own families in.