Four candidates have tossed their hats in the ring to be the director of the Nevada School Board. All are new faces.
All candidates are running to be a director or a member at-large. Residents will select two candidates on the ballot.
The Voice has 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 Nevada 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 three on the ballot for director at-large.
Emily Schaack
Current residence: Nevada
Day job: Main Street Nevada as the executive director
Education: B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Northern Iowa
School-age family: Two children in the Nevada Community School District
Fun fact: I was once a “lunch lady” in the Nevada District
Tim Hadley
Current residence: Nevada
Day job: machine shop supervisor/farmer
Education: High school diploma
School-age family: Three boys ages 14, 12 and 8
Fun fact: I have many restored tractors!
Katie Woodard
Current residence: Nevada
Day job: Clinical Assistant Professor, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Education: Bachelor of Animal Science; Master’s of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
School-age family: Three kids in the district
Fun fact: I successfully climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro last year.
Tori Carsrud
Current residence: Nevada
Works at: Currently an Education Program Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, previously a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education & Deaf Education from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD; Master’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Early Childhood Special Education from Iowa State University; Educational Leadership Prep Program at Iowa State University
Family: 3 kids currently enrolled in the district
Fun fact: I can communicate in American Sign Language.
Why are you running for Nevada School Board?
Hadley: I’m running because I want to be more invested in the school district that my kids attend and I want to keep all of the positive things are school district has to offer in place for the future.
Shaack: I currently serve on a few different committees in the Nevada School District and would like to continue learning about and supporting the district. I feel we have a great school system in Nevada and would like to see that continue and strengthen.
Having worked in economic development for the past three years, I see the value in having a school system that works together with its community leaders and local businesses. I feel I can help keep this relationship between the school and the community going.
Woodard: Education is important to me because it’s the foundation for opportunity, whether a student’s path leads to college, the workforce or another calling. Serving on the school board is an opportunity to bring my experience and my perspective to help ensure our schools provide the resources, support and learning environment that prepare all students for success.
Carsrud: I am running for the board to be part of a team who has a focus on improving student learning and creating a welcoming and productive work environment for educators and staff, all while being fiscally responsible. As a former school board member, I have firsthand experience in adopting policies and setting budgets that support initiatives with clear goals and data to support implementation.
Why should residents vote for you?
Hadley: I’m not the guy that wants to go in and change everything, but more continue the good things we have going and build for the future.
Shaack: I am invested in the entire community and wear several different hats in Nevada. I feel my exposure and relationships to many groups in town will only be beneficial to strengthening our school district.
Woodard: I believe every student deserves the best education to reach their goals. As a veterinarian with years of experience working at the university level and as a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how education shapes futures. I want to ensure that teachers, parents, and students have the resources and tools they need. When everyone can focus on their role – teaching, learning or supporting – we create classrooms where students thrive. By fostering strong partnerships between schools, families and the community, we can find the best opportunities for our children and keep everyone engaged in the learning process.
Carsrud: I am passionate about education and the community of Nevada. My career in education and my previous time on the Nevada School Board has prepared me to instantly be an active member on the current board. I have high expectations for students and staff and I want those leading the district to have high expectations, too. Nevada Community School District is a great place for students to accelerate and I would be honored to keep this tradition going!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Woodard: I am a believer in strong communication and collaboration between parents, teachers and the community. It’s important for families to feel heard and teachers to feel supported, so I plan to focus on listening, transparency and teamwork.
