(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a two-part series of questions sent by the Times-Republican to Marshalltown Community School District Board candidates.)

Four residents have thrown their hats in the ring for three at-large seats on the Marshalltown Community School Board for Tuesday’s election.

Three of the candidates – Karina Hernandez, Leah Stanley and Zach Wahl – are incumbents. The fourth, Eric Goslinga, is a retired employee of the Marshalltown Community School District.

Karina Hernandez

Hernandez is 45 years old and is a parent of three children who were MCSD students. Two of her children are college graduates of the University of Iowa and ISU. She is employed at Junior Achievement of Central Iowa as the 3DE School & Partnership Manager. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from William Penn University, previously worked at Rogers Elementary for 12 years and has been a community partner through various jobs for the past 13 years.

Wahl

Zach Wahl

Wahl is married to Lindsey and is father of four children ranging in age from 6 to 12 who all attend MCSD. He is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and owns a local office, and has invested in several residential and commercial properties, contributing to growth and development in Marshalltown. Wahl is also involved with the Marshalltown Little League Board, supporting the Marshalltown Baseball Club.

Why did you decide to run?

Hernandez: I love being part of the know, the how, and the decision to the success of every student in our community. I am a lifelong learner and I want to continue to learn how we can work together to better our schools and community. For me, it’s not just a title or another meeting, it’s a passion and a mission.

Wahl: I am running for the school board again to help carry forward the momentum we’ve built over the last four years. Lindsey and I have four kids in the district, and as business and property owners, we have a vested interest in our community’s success. Our board is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for making Marshalltown a destination for educational opportunities. I am particularly excited about the newly launched Junior Achievement 3DE Program at the high school, which brings real-world business and financial scenarios to life for our students. We have had tremendous support for the Reimagine Miller rebuild and I am eager to contribute to its success. I feel proud to be a board member where the Marshalltown community values education and invests in our youth. This makes it an easy choice for me to run again.

Please tell voters why you would be a good person to serve on the MCSD school board.

Hernandez: I believe in the teachers, who work hard everyday to be inclusive and help students thrive and have fun while learning. I’ve seen it first-hand; we have the best teachers. I believe in our students; I believe they are all capable of learning and growing in our schools. Their success is the reward for all us educators. I believe in our community that supports MCSD and shares the Bobcat pride. I am all in, my passion for education and MCSD continues to grow. I am part of the effort to work together to deliver high quality education to students and a great working environment for all staff.

Wahl: As a parent of four children enrolled in MCSD, I have a deep, personal investment in the quality of education our community provides. I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities that our schools face, from ensuring that our children receive a well-rounded education to addressing the diverse needs of our student population. My active involvement in their education gives me unique insights into what works and what doesn’t, and I am committed to advocating for policies that prioritize student success and well-being.

In addition to my role as a parent, I am also a financial advisor and own multiple properties in the area. This experience has equipped me with valuable skills in management, budgeting, and strategic planning–skills that are essential for making informed decisions on the school board. I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and the need to allocate resources wisely to enhance our educational programs while maintaining transparency with taxpayers. My background in the business community also allows me to foster partnerships that can bring additional resources and opportunities to our schools.

What specific areas of improvement in our school district would you like to see emphasized?

Wahl: In the district, I would like to see a strong emphasis on enhancing youth participation in extracurricular activities, including sports, fine arts and various clubs. Research clearly supports the benefits these activities provide, not only in creating future leaders in the community but also in improving academic performance, attendance and overall well-being. While we have made significant strides in developing some of the best facilities in the state, it’s essential to address the barriers that prevent more youth from engaging in these valuable experiences.

We should evaluate the current standards and practices for each activity to ensure measurable success. Additionally, we must collaborate with other successful programs from other districts and organizations, analyzing their best practices and outcomes.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the district right now, and how would you address it?

Wahl: There is considerable uncertainty surrounding future funding for public schools at both the state and federal levels. The recent state property tax reform raises concerns about its potential effects on schools and municipalities. Throughout this process, we have consistently focused on identifying cost-saving measures.

What are some strengths of MCSD and how would you highlight or strengthen those?

Hernandez: MCSD diversity is a strength and asset to our district. It allows our students and staff to embrace and celebrate differences in our school buildings. I will continue to encourage everyone to embrace it and learn from it. The world is different colors and speaks different languages, so we are fortunate to have students face what the real-world looks like everyday. MCSD also has a variety of opportunities for all students to engage, to grow, become leaders, have fun, learn and to build upon their future. The efforts of communication to the community and parents of all the opportunities for students and all the learning and fun happening in the school buildings has improved tremendously. This effort helps increase school engagement, the celebration of education and Bobcat pride.

Wahl: Our greatest strength lies in our dedicated staff, whose unwavering commitment to our students is evident in every classroom. They prioritize the needs of our kids, ensuring that each one receives the highest quality education tailored to their unique potential. This devotion not only equips students with essential knowledge and skills but also nurtures their growth into future leaders.

Equally important is the incredible support from the Bobcat community, which amplifies our efforts and fuels our mission. This community understands the vital role education plays in shaping tomorrow’s leaders and is wholeheartedly invested in our vision. From local businesses to parents and residents, the collective pride and encouragement we receive create a nurturing environment where students can thrive.

Board members serve on specific committees. Is there a committee(s) you would like to serve on? If so, what one(s) and why?

Hernandez: The MCSD School Board is lucky to have great leadership over the years and has always given board members the opportunity to be part of committees of their choice.

Wahl: I have been a member of the finance and facilities committees. Given my background in finance and owning multiple properties, it has been a natural fit for me.

Reimagine Miller is a huge project for MCSD. As a board member, how will you approach the project?

Hernandez: I’ve been involved since day one. I am a huge supporter of enhancing the learning environment and providing more learning opportunities for not only students but staff as well. This project will help improve academic performance and teacher retention.

Wahl: As a current board member who played a key role in achieving the highest percentage passage bond referendum in the state during the presidential election last year, I am excited to share that we are now deeply engaged in the design and development stages of the project. Our objective is to ensure that we are well-prepared to proceed with the bidding process, aiming to start on the project by next March or April. This timeline is crucial for effectively moving forward with the necessary construction and improvements that the community has rallied behind.

There has been an increase in school board interest in the state – people wondering what exactly members are doing. What are your thoughts on the increased interest?

Hernandez: It’s exciting. That’s how I learned to love what I do – by learning about the roles and responsibilities of a school board. Education is very important, especially at a young age, and we as community members and parents need to be more engaged with our children’s education to assure great citizens and workforce for our community. I like that people are interested and want to be more engaged in the education of our children. I encourage everyone to come into the public meeting and ask questions to understand.

Wahl: The growing interest in the school board over the past four years has had a positive impact, particularly with the involvement in the Reimagine Miller project and the shared goal of providing the best education for our children. I encourage families, community members, and business owners to be involved in shaping the future leaders.

Final comments

Hernandez: I’ve been a board member for MCSD the past two terms, eight years. I am committed to serving Bobcat students, parents and staff. I enjoy doing it! This community welcomed me with open arms 26 years ago and MCSD gave my children the best education and opportunities, so I am giving back the best way I know how – education.