The Keokuk School Board has a new look following the Sept. 8 election as voters chose four new members to represent them. In the process, they removed a pair of incumbents and decided not to return a former board president to office.
The result is that the total experience on the board instantly went from 54 years to 10.
Those who left the board -- either because they lost in the election or because they chose not to seek re-election -- are President Mike Beaird, Sandy Stark, Mark Pfaffe, and John Davis. After Beaird adjourned their final meeting, they sat in the audience to observe the first meeting of the new board.
The new board got right to work, unanimously electing Jane Abell as President and Alka Khanolkar as Vice President. They are two of the three hold-overs from the previous board, along with Carrie Steele.
Janne Long, one of the four new members, said the significance of that should not be lost on anyone, given the nature of the Keokuk School Board over the last year or so.
"I think it was obvious when the President and Vice President were unanimously picked that the board respects those old members and that we want to listen to them and we want to work together," said Long.
Long and the rest of the newcomers (Gary de Gala, Kim Wyatt, & Russ Derr) each said one reason they ran for the school board was to return it to a cohesive unit that works together instead of arguing with each other.
Mike Beaird saw the divisiveness first-hand during his time as President. He reflected on his tenure while standing in the hallway of Torrence Elementary after watching the new board meet. A sense of frustration seemed to overtake Beaird while he spoke.
"We've had some dissension," said Beaird. "We've had some difference of opinions that has hurt in certain areas."
Beaird would not elaborate on any specific difference of opinion. They tended, though, to surround the employment contract of Superintendent Tim Hood.
One time, the board delayed extending Hood's contract by a few weeks due to a split vote. In other instances, the board split 4-3 on issues related to Hood's annual goals, which are kept private because they are part of his personnel file.
Beaird said the split votes highlighted the tension between board members.
“After the vote’s taken, we all have to back that decision," said Beaird. "I personally don’t feel that was done this past year.”
Janne Long is confident history will not repeat itself. She believes the board will remain on the same page because of its desire to listen to residents and hold the district accountable.
"I want to listen," said Long. "I want (the public) to participate because (at) board meetings, you don’t really participate. You listen and that’s been the problem. We haven’t had a give-or-take and I certainly want the take.”
Jane Abell will be in charge of that following her unanimous election as president. She experienced the divisiveness last year, but is confident there will not be a repeat of the hostile and aggressive nature of the board.
“I believe the new board will be collectively committed to transparency, communication and collaboration," said Abell.
That effort is already underway.
The Keokuk School Board's first meeting featured a delay in a vote on the district's legal counsel until more answers were provided about cost and job responsibilities. The new board also set its first public workshop and encouraged residents to attend as a way to improve its openness and transparency .
