Tony Amsler, Monticello school board

   Personal history: Here are a few important items I would like to share about myself.

   After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1971-75, I completed my undergraduate work in education and history at Coe College. That was followed by a master’s degree in educational technology at Clarke University. I am extremely grateful for the G.I. Bill.

   In 1982, my wife Jo and I decided to move back to Monticello to be close to family, to raise our two wonderful children and to pursue our careers. We have never regretted this important life decision.

   Most of my teaching career was spent in Monticello, challenging young minds to be critical thinkers and responsible citizens in a diverse society. As a social studies teacher, government was my favorite course. I was also the director of technology for MCSD, planning and implementing educational technology for staff and the district.

   After 32 years of teaching, I began a new direction as a technology consultant for Grant Wood AEA. In 2014, I entered the private sector as an education account manager for a local technology company, retiring in 2019.

   Currently, I am a volunteer at our local food pantry and involved in local community efforts.

   Why did you decide to run for school board? I am running for the Monticello Board of Education because I believe I am uniquely qualified for this position due to my many years of experience in education, as well as my time spent in the private sector and farm management. Public service has always been important to me and I have the time and energy to dedicate myself to our community and help guide our public school and meet the challenges it will face.

   What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Monticello School District? Meeting the needs of every student. As we recover from the pandemic years, it is more important than ever to differentiate instruction to meet the educational needs of every student who enters our classrooms. To that end, we need to provide our staff with the time and resources to meet each student where they are at.

   Attract and retain a quality workforce. As one of the largest employers in Monticello, it's important to continue to strive to attract and retain great teachers and staff. With staffing shortages becoming the norm, we need to find innovative ways to encourage great teachers and staff to come and stay in Monticello.

   Public school funding. For the last decade, the Iowa Legislature has failed to meet adequate funding needs of our district and public schools across the state, with some years receiving only a 1 percent increase in growth. Public schools should be a priority at the state level and I will actively lobby our legislators to help us provide the best education for every student.

   New elementary. When and where a new elementary is built will be a major decision of the board in 2024.

   What is your position on a future central campus and bonding for a new PreK-4 building? A central campus goal for all school buildings in the district has been a part of long-term planning for many years. I can remember viewing an architect's drawing of this plan in the superintendent’s office when I was first hired back in the mid-1980s. Given the condition and expanded needs of our elementary schools, I do support a single elementary. When and where a new elementary is built will certainly be on many board agendas in early 2024. How this is decided is important. I was very impressed with the process of the previous bond issue to build the middle school. Community involvement and input was key to directing the board and the success of this bond issue. Community consensus is an important step in the process.

   Additional comments: Every child deserves the best education our community can provide.

   I would greatly appreciate your support on Nov. 7. Learn more about me at my public Facebook page: facebook.com/TonyAmslerForSchoolBoard.

   I would like to express my thanks to the Monticello Express for its coverage of local news and publishing questionnaires for all candidates.