May: School Board Recognition Month

     May is School Board Recognition Month. Get to know your Monticello Board of Education members…

Mandy Norton

1. Tell us a little about your background and why you became a board member.

   I was born and raised in Monticello. I married my high school sweetheart and we have started a family of our own here in Monticello. My oldest, Riley, is a senior, and my daughter, Addison, is in seventh grade. We share our home with our dog, Dozer.

   I became a board member because there was an open seat and I decided to try it out.

2. How many years have you served on the board?

   I am currently in my fifth year.

3. What advice would you give to a future board member?

   Patience, understanding, and keeping the good of the kids at the front of the line.

4. Why do you think public education is important to our community?

   We have many types of families in Monticello. Every family deserves strong, free, educational options for their children.

5. Why do you think being active on the board is important?

   We have been able to help make important decisions on our district, some hard and some easy. We are always trying to find ways to save money and keep tax rates down. And we are always active in trying to make the MCSD the best in the area, a place families want to come to or move here for.

6. When thinking about the future of the MCSD, what thoughts come to mind?

   I am excited to think about another new, modern, and safe building for our littles and all on one campus. There will be plenty of other good things that come in the future, but the elementary school is certainly one of my favorite thoughts!

Amanda Brenneman

1. Tell us a little about your background and why you became a board member.

   I became a board member as a way to serve the Monticello community. I saw it as a need at the time. There was a vacant seat and no one was running. I do not think I would have picked up the ballot if Judy (Hayen) had told me others were running as well. It is hard to put yourself out there in a community where you are not well known.

   I was born and raised in a small town in Maine. I went to a school about the size of Monticello, but it was made up of smaller schools. I want my daughter to have an education like I had, so being on the board is one way to see that happen.

   For me, being on the board is more about serving my community than making a statement about the state of education. When my dad and mom moved to a new town after they were married, the first thing he did was look to see how we could serve the town. He went to the cemetery meeting every month even when he didn’t want to. Let’s face it, that board could not have been that exciting in a town that small, even if they are arguing about who is mowing around the tombstones or people who came over from the Mayflower.

   I have also had many other people in my life show me by their actions how important it is to be a part of the community. It is not much of a community if we do not participate in it. I am in a position to be able to serve at this time in my life, so here I am whether the rest of the board and staff think my jokes are funny or not.

2. How many years have you served on the board?

   I am in my third year.

3. What advice would you give to a future board member?

   Listen openly to the ideas of the other board members, principals, teachers, staff, and community members. Make decisions after hearing all the facts. Try not to make decisions based on emotions. Weigh what is best for the community and what is best for the students.

   There have been several controversial items that have come up since being on the board. From those, I learned that once you make a decision, the government changes the rules or a virus (I won’t name which) goes and mutates or causes a ruckus—so stay flexible. You may have to pivot left when you thought you were taking a right.

4. Why do you think public education is important to our community?

   Chaos would ensue. The kids would be TikToking nonstop. They would be Snapchatting in the streets; Minecraft on every corner.

   Without public education, who would teach our children? We live in a day and age where it is not reasonable to think that one parent can support a family financially while the other educates the children at home, nor is it financially possible for the majority to send their children to private schools. Having a public education means that standards are being met so children are given the opportunity to learn tools needed to succeed in adulthood. Not everyone is given the same chance in life. Public education aims to level to playing field. Without it, there would be an even greater disparity in our communities between those who have and have not. This is just one tiny reason why public education is important.

5. Why do you think being active on the board is important?

   I think being active on the board is important because public education is important and it is important to be a part of one’s community. There are a lot of unfortunate things that go on around us in Iowa, in the U.S., and in the world. Being active on the board is my tiny way of making a small (hopefully positive) impact on my community and the future generation.

6. When thinking about the future of the MCSD, what thoughts come to mind?

   Growth.

   Change for the positive.

   Students who show they care and want to learn. Educators and staff who show up daily living their job and knowing they make a difference every day, even if they do not see it.

   Solar.

   Well-rounded education.

   Exploring opportunities.

   Safety.

   Leading edge.

Mark Rieken

1. Tell us a little about your background and why you became a board member.

   I am a 1989 graduate of Monticello High School. I am married to Christine and we have two daughters at MHS.

   I ran for school board because I want to be the voice for all the parents who have real concerns about how the school district operates. Please feel free to contact me with your concerns.

2. How many years have you served on the board?

   I am newly elected.

3. What advice would you give to a future board member?

   I would advise to listen closely and always ask questions.

4. Why do you think public education is important to our community?

   Public education has always been strong in Iowa. Our national rankings have slipped in the last few years and we can correct that.

5. Why do you think being active on the board is important?

   Being active on the board is essential for public trust of the school district. We want to make sure the taxpayers know their money is being spent wisely and the kids are getting the best education possible.

6. When thinking about the future of the MCSD, what thoughts come to mind?

   I would love to see MORE community involvement in the board meetings, in teacher conference, athletics events, music and other extra-curricular activities. Community involvement makes Monticello a better place to live, lets the students know that everyone is invested in their success, and ensures that we get the kids the best education possible.