SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL ELECTION

We asked school board candidates the following questions:

• What motivated you to run for the Lone Tree School Board?
• If elected, how would you make sure students, parents, staff, and community members have a voice in the district's decisions?
• What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the school board, both personally and for the district as a whole?

LONE TREE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

3 seats, 2-year terms

Alex Lorack

1. I want to help make the decisions that ensure every student receives a quality education while supporting and maintaining strong fiscal values.
2. I will listen respectfully and encourage open communication before decisions are made.
3. My goals are to support student success, make responsible financial decisions, and help guide Lone Tree schools and our community toward a strong future for generations to come.

Jamie Lorack

1. I am committed to helping the Lone Tree Community School District grow and succeed. My goal is to support opportunities that strengthen our school, attract new families, and make Lone Tree a district where students, staff, and community members are proud to belong.

             As a second-generation Lone Tree graduate and the parent of third-generation graduates, I understand the important role our school plays in our community. With the decline in enrollment, I decided I wanted to get involved and run for school board to help find ways to restore our student base.

2.   I believe the culture and reputation of our district are critical to its continued success. When students, staff, and families feel respected, supported, and valued, they are more engaged and invested in our schools. Retaining outstanding teachers and staff, supporting student achievement, and promoting a positive learning environment should remain ongoing priorities.

          As a board member, I will be accessible and willing to listen. I want students, parents, staff, and community members to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, and I assure everyone will be heard. Strong communication, transparency, and respectful discussion lead to better decisions and help build trust between the school board and the community.

         Above all, I believe the primary responsibility of the school board and administration is to provide every student with a high-quality education. Education is the foundation of our district and the key to preparing students for successful futures. By working together, we can strengthen our school and ensure the Lone Tree Community School District will thrive for generations to come.

3. My goal is to help place the Lone Tree Community School District on a strong financial foundation while maintaining a high-quality education our students deserve. The district has experienced declining enrollment and is currently operating under Iowa's Budget Guarantee.  The Iowa Education Budget Guarantee helps maintain funding despite enrollment declines but also increases the local property tax levy to make up part of the difference. This makes it even more important that every dollar is spent responsibly.

         I want the board to carefully evaluate district spending, look for opportunities to improve efficiency, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being invested where they have the greatest impact on students. Shared positions with neighboring districts can be a valuable cost-saving measure, but I also believe all staffing and operational decisions should be regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to serve the best interests of Lone Tree and keep our school from consolidation.

        In addition to financial responsibility, I want to help reverse the declining enrollment by making Lone Tree a district that families actively choose. That means supporting academics, retaining staff, maintaining a positive school culture, and strengthening the district's reputation within our community and surrounding areas.

       Ultimately, I want to help ensure that Lone Tree remains an independent, financially stable, and thriving school district that serves students and our community for generations to come.

Vida Wollrab

1. The school is a very important part of our small community.  I recently learned that our student enrollment had declined (what I thought was) a considerable number over the past 3-5 years so I went to talk with the superintendent about the finances.  After getting my questions answered and learning of the recent openings on the board, I realized that at my stage of life,  previous Lone Tree School Board experience, and involvement in other community- focused organizations gave me a unique perspective so I volunteered to fill a position by appointment.  After the appointments were made and a subsequent petition was filed for a special election, the next step was to put my name on the ballot.
2. Board meetings are open to the public and our community's first voice in school matters. Time is made available at these meetings for comments. This election also provides an important voice. My responsibility as a board member would be to listen to what comes before the board and to also be available to listen when out in the community. I am open to hearing what parents are thinking for their children and to learning what the professional staff sees as beneficial for the students. I'm aware that some decisions can be arrived at quickly, while others may take some time and extra discussion and discernment. Those cannot be rushed. Lastly, I realize that it is not possible to please everyone at all times, but my goal would be to make the best, most informed decisions and recommendations that I can.
3. Being a board member fills a need for the district. I come to the table simply wanting Lone Tree Community Schools to continue to be the very best they can be. I hope to bring a perspective that is impartial (as my children and grandchildren – many of whom attended LTCS – are grown). My hope is to be a school board member who is informed and open to differing ideas – one who celebrates the positives that are present here in Lone Tree, while acknowledging and working on current and future problems. I hope to see Lone Tree Community Schools grow in student numbers and available opportunities.