Four candidates have tossed their hats in the ring to be on the Gilbert School Board. There’s one familiar face and three new ones on the ballot.
Residents will vote for two candidates to be directors at-large or members of the board.
The Ames Voice sent out a questionnaire to all school board candidates to find out who they are, what they do, and why they want to serve on the Gilbert School Board.
The general election is Nov. 4. Find your polling place here, register to vote online, find out who else is up for election here and keep up with Ames election information here at the Ames Voice.
Director at-large
Voters will select two on the ballot for director at-large.
Joshua Bennett
Current residence: Gilbert
Day job: Fire Lieutenant, City of Ames
Education: Bachelor’s of Emergency Medical Services Administration
School-age family: Three kids currently in school.
Fun fact: My wife and I met country swing dancing. I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.
Jerud Thompson
Current residence: Gilbert
Day job: Fareway Stores Inc.
Education: Graduate of Washington High School, Cherokee, Iowa. 24 years of professional leadership training through my career at Fareway Stores Inc.
School-age family: Three children currently enrolled in the Gilbert School District
Fun fact: My kids and I like to collect trading cards.
Jossie Gray
Current residence: Gilbert
Day job: Oncology Nurse and is a stay-at-home mom
Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing
School-age family: A stepson in 4th grade, daughter in preschool, daughter who will be in Gilbert preschool next year, 2-year-old son and one more boy on the way.
Fun fact: Bull riding is my favorite sport — JB Mauney fan for life!
Dakota Hoben
Current residence: Ames
Day job: HarvestIQ president
Education: Iowa State 2012 (Ag Business, Economics, Political Science and International Ag)
School-age family: 3 kids, 11, 7, 3
Fun fact: Did not provide
Why are you running for Gilbert School Board?
Bennett: I am tremendously thankful for our school district and want to see it continue to thrive.
Thompson: I want to ensure every student has the resources and opportunities to succeed. I believe in fiscal responsibility, transparency and community-focused decision making. My 24 years of leadership experience give me the skills to help Gilbert plan responsibly for the future.
Gray: As a graduate from Gilbert, I felt well-prepared for both college and my career. I believe my experience speaks volumes about the strength of our school system and the dedication of our educators. My priorities are supporting our educators, promoting academic excellence and ensuring that Gilbert schools continue to provide a strong foundation for every student — now and for generations to come.
Hoben: Stewarding Facilities Well:
We recently passed the largest bond in our school district’s history, and we will likely not undertake another project of that scale for a decade or more. It is essential that we steward taxpayer resources wisely, ensuring construction is completed responsibly while also maximizing the long-term use of these facilities. Facilities aren’t just buildings; they are the foundation for learning and community. Our investments should serve both today’s students and tomorrow’s families, while supporting the physical, social and mental well-being of our community.
Student and Parent Experience:
Families today have more choices than ever about where their children go to school. We need to create a Gilbert experience that families choose, not simply attend because they live here. That means empowering teachers and administrators to pursue excellence while remembering that parents are the primary stewards of their children’s education, with teachers as their most critical partners. Gilbert experienced enrollment declines for the first time in many years, and ensuring we are a district of choice must be a priority going forward.
Mental Health:
Our students are navigating modern challenges at younger ages, and these realities are impacting their mental health. While I don’t believe it’s accurate to say Gilbert has an unmanageable crisis, it would also be wrong to suggest the last five years have been “normal.” We must do better. I believe in local, community-driven solutions that strengthen connection and belonging, while giving students and parents the tools and support they need to thrive.
Why should residents vote for you?
Bennett: I have demonstrated fair and effective decision-making in the last four years as a board member. I can be trusted to ensure our decisions on policy, spending and leadership are comprehensively evaluated.
Thompson: I truly believe strong schools build strong communities. As a father of three children in Gilbert schools, I want to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in a safe, supportive, and well resourced environment. I will work to plan responsibly for growth, balance student enrichment and special education, and build trust through open communication and accountability.
Gray: As a mom of five children currently in — and soon entering — our district, I have a deep, personal investment in the success and well-being of Gilbert schools and our students. I’m running for school board to give back to the district that helped shape who I am today and to ensure future generations have the same opportunities.
Hoben: I’ve managed multimillion-dollar budgets and worked with public boards, I understand what responsible stewardship looks like and will bring that discipline to Gilbert Schools. I have firsthand experience managing complex development projects with public accountability, which directly translates to overseeing district facilities and finances. I understand what makes people choose an institution, from my work in business development and leadership roles in higher education. I want to ensure Gilbert remains a district families are drawn to, not pushed away from. I bring a measured, thoughtful approach to complex issues, ensuring resources are directed effectively and decisions are made with long-term impact in mind.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Bennett: My goal is to make sure the district is of the highest quality for all of the different students and families. I also want to ensure that our staff are the best in the state, and that they are treated accordingly.
Thompson: In my work experience, I’ve learned the importance of collaboration and supporting teams, strengths that I’ll bring to every decision on the school board.
Gray: My husband is currently running for Mayor of Gilbert and I am running for school board with hopes to bridge gaps between city and school, because we believe strong schools and strong communities go hand-in-hand.
Hoben: I believe deeply in the role of public schools as both centers of learning and cornerstones of community. As a parent of three children in the district, I want Gilbert to be a place where families feel proud to send their kids, where teachers feel supported in their calling and where students are challenged and cared for. I bring professional experience in finance, development and governance, combined with a personal commitment to this community, and I would be honored to serve on the Gilbert School Board.
