Six people are running for three seats on the Fort Madison School Board during the Sept. 12 election. Tri States Public Radio spoke with each of the candidates about why they entered the race and some of their plans if elected, including Renee Ehlers.
Ehlers is a lifelong resident of Fort Madison who works for the Department of Human Services.
She said she entered the race for school board because it was the obvious next step in her involvement with the district. Ehlers has been part of the Parent/Teacher organization at Lincoln Elementary School and chaired the citizens committee that backed the construction of a new elementary school.
Ehlers said she still believes the new school is the best option but she wants to hear from residents outside the polling booths, where a bond referendum has failed twice. She said she would like the district to send out a survey asking residents if they want to borrow millions of dollars to build a new school or to rehab the existing buildings.
Ehlers said if elected, she would work to make sure Fort Madison offers the programs needed to better prepare students for both the workforce and for college.
Early voting is underway in Lee County.
