Seth Seda.

Seth Seda

Age: 44

Education: North Tama (Class of 2000), USN Training, Tidewater Community College

Occupation/Profession: Industrial Automation Instructor at Hawkeye Community College

Family: Wife Xiomara and Daughters Gabriella and Violet

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? 

A few people had suggested it to me when they heard the current board member from my district wasn’t running for re-election. I’ve been teaching post-secondary education for about 15 years and have noticed a decline in student readiness when entering the workforce or college. I feel that schools in general, including North Tama, can do better at preparing students for their future. The education we provide for students from kindergarten through graduation directly affects the rest of their lives and we should do everything possible to make that a positive and beneficial experience.

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 numbers, teacher retention, and the school budget.

-Increasing enrollment numbers is difficult in a small school district, but I believe that if the board and administration were to work with county, state, and even the cedar valley economic development groups, we could find ways to let prospective families know how great North Tama and our communities are.

-Teachers have some of the most important impacts on students in their educational and personal development in life. Determining what teachers are performing well and having the best positive impact on students, and finding out what it takes to retain them in our school district is very important.

-Budgeting a school and spending money wisely is a difficult but important component of providing the best education for students. I believe clear communication between the board, administrators, and faculty/staff is fundamental when planning for the future.

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?

The enrollment numbers at North Tama are very concerning. I think the current graduating class size is around 24 students. Numbers like that make it very difficult to sustain a school district. The much-needed bond and school addition helped out tremendously for our school, but more needs to be done for a long term goal. I believe the board, administrators, and community leaders should work together and try to develop ways to bring more families into our school district.

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?

I believe departing with the teacher who was arrested this summer for child endangerment was the right thing to do and the school district handled it correctly.

Unfortunately, I don’t have all of the information on the situation involving Ms. McFate so it would be irresponsible for me to comment on that.

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

Voters should vote for who they think will make the best decisions for students’ success. I believe I would be able to work well with the other board members, administration, faculty/staff, and community members in our school district. I consider myself to have a high value on education and the importance of teamwork between everyone involved in providing the best environment for North Tama students and staff.