School Board Candidate Profile: George Tracy

George Tracy an incumbent Ankeny School Board candidate is one of four residents hoping to be elected to three at large seats on the Ankeny School Board Tuesday.

See a candidate profile provided by the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce below:

The Board plans to propose a bond referendum to finance the renovation of Northview Middle School. If this ballot question were to fail, how would you propose to pay for the proposed changes to that building?

I was asked to serve as the Board Representative for the Northview renovation project. We asked Northview Administration, teachers, parents, and other community leaders to serve as volunteers. We had three to four meetings to discuss the overall strategy and then had presentations from architects. We gave the Board our recommendation and after the architect was approved, we started meeting with them and the construction manager to finalize the design and the estimated cost. This will be presented to the Board on September 16. 

The decision on the funding source has not been decided. It could be a Bond Referendum, Silo/Save or a combination. We are waiting for final figures from our CFO. I’m convinced that when we show the community the need for the renovation and the funding source they will accept our proposal. The community approved Elementary #10 with a 66 percent approval.

What are your views regarding the current pay structure of teachers in the school district? What changes do you propose, if any?

We are very competitive with not only our salaries but also the benefit package, teaching atmosphere, and facilities. We had the job fair that was very successful in the hiring of quality teachers and coaches for the 2013/2014 school year. Every year we look at every area concerning the hiring and maintaining of quality administrators, teachers, coaches, and associates.

What policies or procedures does the School Board propose in keeping Ankeny a unified community regarding business and community support ensuring not having to choose between funding the Jaguars or Hawks independently?

We have one Booster Club and one football field which means Ankeny High or Ankeny Centennial will have a football game almost every Friday night. The track is also being improved so we can hold major meets again that will include both schools. We have in the past hosted the Boy’s State Track Meet, One Ankeny Community School District Foundation, Senior Pass for those over 65 that can attend events at either school. Booster Club Membership for individuals or Family that allows them to attend events at either school. Student CIML Pass for any events home and away. An Activity Card with 14 punches for events at either School.

What is one thing the district has not planned for but should in order to improve student academic achievement? 

This is an area that will have ongoing discussions. We have improved the Math/Science proficiency and also have math labs for those that desire more help. The ACT tests were an average of 22.9 in 2005 versus the 23.4 last year. We still need to fully implement the Common Core Curriculum. We have implemented Wednesday late start for Professional Development and also Professional Learning Center for smaller groups. We have had concerns about At Risk Students and last year we appointed Brenda Colby as an alternative education development coordinator. We want to eliminate the drop-outs that we have experienced in the past.

What is one thing the district has not planned for but should in order to reduce the school tax levy?

We have reduced the School Tax Levy from $22.35 in 2010/2011 to $20.34 for 2013/2104 which is a reduction of $2.01. We have also decreased the Central Office Administration salaries by over $80,000. We want to reduce the levy to $20.00 in the next two years by using Save/Silo Funds for projects if possible and have an attitude of pay as you go which we are doing concerning the Football Field and Competition Fields at Centennial.

Do you favor a Ward System for School Board members instead of electing them all at large? Please elaborate on your reasoning one way or the other.

My concern with a Ward System is people will start to keep score and discussions will follow concerning the schools that received the most financial support. The decision has to be based on needs. If you look at the past years Crocker Elementary {South}…Ashland Ridge {North}…Prairie Trail Elementary {South}…Elementary #10 {North}….Renovation of East Elementary…Phase 11 of Southview. These decisions were made based on needs and population growth. We need qualified Board Members no matter where they live.