Darin Siebels, Monticello school board

   First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for taking their time to read a little about me, and for their consideration to trust me with your vote to the Monticello Community School Board.

   Personal history: I am a proud lifelong resident of Monticello. I received all my education at MCSD, Class of 1998, the last class to graduate from the old school. (It’s hard to believe we just celebrated our 25^th class reunion this summer!) I have been married to my wife Nikki for 18 years. She is also a lifelong member of our community. We share three children; our oldest son Dane (17) is a senior this year. He is looking forward to graduating this upcoming spring. Our middle daughter Kendall (16) is a junior, and our youngest son Deakon (10) is in fifth grade.

   I have worked with my parents, Linda and Paul Siebels, at our family body shop, Paul’s Paint & Body just south of town, for the last 21 years. My responsibilities there helped shape my managerial skills greatly over that time. I have also had the pleasure of serving on the Great Jones County Fair Board for the last few years.

   Why did you decide to run for school board? I am eager to try and give back to my community by helping be a voice of reason and lend myself any way I can. If you asked me 20 years ago if this was something I would get involved in, I would have told you “No way!” But after my time serving on the GJCF Board, it has made me appreciate what it takes behind the scenes to make tough decisions for the best interest of a business/school. I look forward to being able to help provide our youth with the best education system our community is capable of.

   One of a few other reasons that hits home for me is, if I did get this opportunity to serve, I would be able hug and hand a diploma to my children Dane and Kendall on Graduation Day! And that would make me even more of a proud dad than I already am!

   What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Monticello School District? Personally, one of the biggest challenges I see right now is finding staff. That is an issue with all businesses these days. We, as a school district, need to make sure we can not only provide a fun, safe, and fulfilling space for our children, but also the same thing for our staff, which will hopefully turn into a long-lasting career with the MCSD.

   What is your position on a future central campus and bonding for a new PreK-4 building? This project is something that requires much needed consideration. The central campus is a great opportunity to utilize the space and maximize our entire staff. A new PreK-4 facility would help incentivize community growth and be another positive draw to our town, along with providing a quality learning space for many to enjoy. Our children want and need to learn; we as a community are given the opportunity to provide them with the best environment they can thrive in.

   Additional comments: Again, thank you for your time. I cannot encourage you enough to please get out and exercise your right to vote on Nov. 7! We, as a community, depend on everyone to help make a difference!