By Aletia Morgan, East Brunswick, NJ
To the Editor,
I’m writing to offer my enthusiastic support for JP Claussen in next week’s school board election. ICCSD is a vibrant community, and faces the challenge of meeting the needs of a growing and more diverse student population. I was excited this Spring to see that JP had decided to run in the special election to fill the current board vacancy.
Being a board member is challenging. It requires willingness to take the time to understand the issues, and ask important questions. This constructive sharing of information can improve transparency between the district administration and the community, with the board as an agent of communication.
While on the school board, I was fortunate to get to know JP Claussen as a Special Education teacher and ICEA representative. I was impressed by his good sense, his focus on meeting the diverse needs of all students and his broad knowledge of educational policy.
Beyond his experience in the critical area of Special Education, JP is strongly supportive of all disciplinary areas — including the fine arts — and understands the value of neighborhood schools. And just as importantly, he is a capable listener and communicator who can bridge the diverse interests of the community.
ICCSD would be fortunate to have JP fill this critical vacancy. While our family careers took us away from Iowa City several years ago, so I cannot vote in the ICCSD election, I strongly encourage voters to elect JP Claussen to the ICCSD Board of Directors on July 19.
Aletia Morgan
East Brunswick, NJ
(Member, ICCSD Board of Directors, 2003-2006)
