Jordan Hagedon.

Jordan Hagedon

Age: 31

Education: B.S. in Agricultural Business at Iowa State University, Pekin Community School District (Packwood, Iowa)

Occupation/Profession: Representative with Mid Iowa Auction Company; self-employed owner of Hagedon Excavation & Land Management; also raise cattle and hay with my wife’s family, the Kubiks, north of Traer.

Family: Wife Sierra (Kubik), two kids ages 4 and 1.5 years

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? 

Having two young children who will soon attend North Tama is my biggest motivation for running for school board. I want to ensure that they – and every student – receive the best education, opportunities, and facilities possible in the years ahead.

Growing up in the Pekin Community School District, where my mother taught band and vocal music for more than 20 years, instilled in me a deep respect for public education and the people who dedicate their lives to it. Serving on the board is an opportunity to give back – to support our students, teachers, and administrative staff, and to help continue the strong tradition of education our community is known for.

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?

-Enrollment and Childcare: Maintaining and growing enrollment will be a challenge for many rural districts like ours. I’d like to see the board work with the city and state to support increased childcare options in our community. This could include pursuing grants and fostering partnerships between public and private childcare providers. Accessible, quality childcare helps attract and retain young families – something essential to the long-term sustainability of our school district.

-Teacher and Administrator Recruitment & Retention: Small, rural districts can struggle to compete with the salaries and resources of larger, urban schools. We need to remain fiscally responsible while doing everything possible to make North Tama an appealing place to work and live. Supporting our teachers, recognizing their contributions, and fostering a positive culture of collaboration and respect will help us attract and retain the best educators for our students.

-Student and Staff Safety: The safety of our students and staff will always be a top priority. Our district has already made strong progress – secure entrances, updated communication systems, and close partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency responders. But safety isn’t something you ever “finish”; it’s something you continually adapt. If elected, I’ll advocate for regular reviews of our emergency plans, ongoing updates to our facilities and technology, and open communication among staff, parents, and community partners. Above all, we must ensure our schools remain places where students and staff feel safe, supported, and focused on learning.

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?

After attending many board meetings over the past several years, I understand that North Tama has performed well compared to many similar districts. According to the Iowa Department of Education, in the 2024-25 school year North Tama saw 44.6 students open-enroll out, but 48.2 open-enroll in – slightly above the state average. Many rural districts experience significant outward open enrollment, so this is an encouraging sign.

That said, sustaining and growing enrollment requires continued effort. One idea raised in a recent board meeting was to better promote the district through outreach and advertising that highlights all North Tama has to offer. I think this is a great idea, and I would support pursuing state or federal grants focused on community engagement to help fund such efforts.

Another key factor is childcare availability. Our community currently lacks sufficient childcare options, which can discourage young families from settling here. The school district, city, and state should collaborate to encourage the development of more registered childcare facilities. By addressing this need, we not only support working families but also lay the foundation for stronger long-term enrollment and community growth.

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?

First and foremost, I am a strong supporter of free speech. However, while the First Amendment protects public employees from being fired over personal opinions, that protection is not absolute. Teachers are held to a higher standard of professionalism, as their conduct directly influences students and the community’s trust.

In this case, I believe the district’s decision to accept Ms. McFate’s resignation was the best outcome for both the school and its families. That said, I would have liked to see greater transparency throughout the process – within the limits of confidentiality and due process – to help maintain public trust. Clear, timely communication helps ensure our community understands that decisions are made carefully, fairly, and with students’ best interests at heart.

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

I’m running for the North Tama School Board because I care deeply about this community and the future of our kids. My wife Sierra and I are raising our family here, and with two young children who will soon be attending North Tama, I want to make sure our district continues to provide the best education and opportunities possible.

I bring a background in business, agriculture, and community involvement, which has taught me the importance of listening, teamwork, and being fiscally responsible. I believe in supporting our teachers and staff, maintaining a safe and positive learning environment, and finding ways to keep our district strong and sustainable for years to come.

At the end of the day, I’m running because I want to give back to a community that means a lot to my family. I’m ready to work hard, be transparent, and make decisions that are in the best interest of our students, staff, and families. I hope that my values and ideas are some that can earn your vote come election day.