Strong public schools depend on effective leadership

Invest in the future — get on board.

BELLE PLAINE — The Iowa Association of School Boards and the Belle Plaine Community School District urges Iowans passionate about education to consider running in the Nov. 4 school board election.

Public schools need strong leadership and governance to ensure a bright future for all children and communities across the state.

Strong leadership is critical to moving education forward in our state. School board members play significant roles in their communities. They must have leadership, vision and dedication.

They are charged with accountability for student learning, determining educational goals, setting policy and overseeing school finances.

School board members are elected to serve four-year terms; elections take place in odd-numbered years. Those elected receive no pay. Experienced school board members say the rewards of service lie in meeting the needs of children and communities.

The Belle Plaine Community School District has three seats up for election Nov. 4. Nominations for open seats can be filed between Aug. 25 and Sept. 18. See all key dates and deadlines at ia-sb.org/getonboard.

Nomination papers for school board seats are available from the board secretary/treasurer at the business office located at Longfellow Elementary, 707 Seventh Street in Belle Plaine, Monday-Friday (skolars@belle-plaine.k12.ia.us) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

School board candidates must obtain the signatures of at least 1% of the qualified electors of the district or 50 electors, whichever is less, but at least 10 signatures. The required number of signatures for the Belle Plaine CSD is 21 for the 2025 school election.

For information on the rewards of board service, campaign finance disclosure law, conflict of interest, key dates, and candidate education, visit ia-sb.org/getonboard.