Jayme Roudabush.

Jayme Roudabush

Age: 34

Education: [NO RESPONSE]

Occupation/Profession: Self-employed

Family: I live in Traer with my partner, Alex. We’ve been part of the community for almost 10 years. We have two kids who attend North Tama – one in 5th grade and one in kindergarten – as well as a bonus child who attends a different district.

1) What motivated you to run for school board? Why is public education important to you, and why would you like to serve it in this capacity? 

My main motivation for running is my strong passion for doing what’s best for the safety and well-being of our students. Anyone who knows me knows how involved I am with my kids and their activities, and this is one more way for me to get involved and give back to our community.

Public education plays such an important role in shaping our kids’ future, and I want to help make sure decisions are being made with their best interests at heart. I also believe I can bring a fresh perspective – both as someone who hasn’t always lived in Traer and as a parent with kids currently in the school system. I think it’s valuable to have voices on the board who experience the district from a parent’s point of view and are actively engaged in what’s happening day to day.

2) 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?

I think the board will continue to face many important topics that impact both students and staff. My goal would be to approach each issue with an open mind, listen to all perspectives, and make decisions based on what’s best for our students and community as a whole.

3) The school district is currently nearing completion of the new high school addition which was made possible due to the successful passage of a bond referendum. Enrollment over the last decade has remained somewhat stagnant (up and down a few students each year). Is this sustainable for a small, rural district like North Tama? What should the school board’s role be when it comes to enrollment? Do you feel the State of Iowa should be doing more to help rural school districts and, if so, what should be done?

I think North Tama has a lot to be proud of, and the new addition is a great example of how our community continues to invest in our students. While enrollment and funding are ongoing challenges for small districts, I believe the board’s role is to stay informed, be proactive, and continue finding ways to make our district a place families want to be part of.

4) The North Tama Community School District has placed at least two teachers over the last six months on paid administrative leave including K-12 vocal music teacher Chris McFate who was placed on administrative leave as the result of a social media post she is purported to have made regarding the late Charlie Kirk. Do you feel the district handled and/or is currently handling those issues appropriately? What would you have liked the district did differently?

Without knowing all the details, I believe it’s important to trust the process, respect privacy, and ensure that all decisions are handled fairly and consistently. Most importantly, I think we should stay focused on maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment for students and staff.

5) Why should voters support your candidacy for school board?

I care deeply about our students, families, and staff, and I believe in keeping communication open and decisions student-focused. I’m approachable, willing to listen, and not afraid to ask questions or learn as I go. My goal is simply to help make a positive difference for our kids and our community.