Remember to VOTE on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Union School Board Candidate: Maureen Hanson

Age: 54

Residence: Rural La Porte City

Profession: Freelance writer

Education: Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture, Iowa State University

Family: Husband – Robert. Children – Natalie (26), Mitchell (23), Wesley (21), Gabriel (17), Olivia (15), Jillian (13)

What motivated you to run for school board/city council/mayor? I am running the Union Community School Board to offer to do my part in ensuring a quality education for the students of our district, and in shaping a district of which our communities and residents can be proud.

What qualities and behaviors should school board/city council members and mayors exhibit? I think a school board member should be professional in their conduct and display personal integrity in their public and private life. They should be willing to commit to the investment in time required to conduct board business and make fully informed decisions. School board members should be willing to listen to all concerned parties, and have the conviction to make difficult decisions when needed.

What do you see as the primary roles and responsibilities for the position you are running for? I believe the primary roles and responsibilities of a school board member are to ensure a safe, productive, and enriching learning environment for every student. It is my goal that when a student graduates from Union, he or she has been afforded an excellent, foundational classroom education, along with a host of life experiences gained through co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities.

What do you feel are the three most important issues the school board will face during your (anticipated) term as a school board member? How do you plan to address those issues?

The three most important issues I think the Union Community School District will face in the next three years are: (1) Navigating our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on school procedures and educational quality. I will strive to make the most informed decisions to continue to protect student and staff safety, but also return the educational experience to more hands-on and experiential learning as quickly as possible. (2) Operating a rural school district in an environment of scarce and/or diminishing financial resources. I will seek innovative solutions that could save on costs while keeping the educational experience the same or better. I also will consider financial decisions from the perspective of taxpayers and property owners to ensure their dollars are being utilized judiciously and productively. Finally, it is my hope that shaping a vibrant, high-quality, successful school district will draw more families to the district, which will enhance our financial position through student enrollment, property values, and human resources. (3) Engaging parents in their children’s education. I think children both crave and deserve their parents’ involvement in all aspects of their lives, including school. I also believe teachers are better equipped to provide an excellent education to every student when they have parental support and awareness. I will do my best as a board member to make decisions that support and encourage parental involvement.

Why should people vote for you on November 2, 2021? I will serve the Union Community School District with dedication and diligence, drawing on my experiences as a 21-year parent; business professional; community and youth volunteer; concerned citizen; and taxpayer in the district.