There are two incumbents running for another term on the Nov. 2 ballot for the Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District. Chad Leighty, who works at Bank Iowa in Denison and has worked in the banking industry for 20 years, says he ran for a position on the board eight years ago because the district was facing some serious financial challenges at the time.
He is running for a third term because he really enjoys serving and being involved in the community and having a hand in leading the district down a path of success. Leighty not only has children that attend and have graduated from CR-B during a pandemic, he has also been on a leadership team that was faced with decisions the likes of which none of them had ever seen. When his son, Isaac, graduated last year, he says they had to wait until July for the ceremony, which actually worked out well as they masked up and headed to the football field. On the board side of things, Leighty says it was an interesting time.
Following those guidelines helped them avoid any major outbreaks and the district was not forced to go to full remote learning. Leighty says he would chalk that up as a very successful year. In looking ahead, he voices an expectation of many of the same challenges other candidates and other boards have identified.
For these smaller districts, Leighty says every dollar counts and they rely on that legislative support on an annual basis. The district has great teachers, support staff and administration and a curriculum director that is doing a great job and he says they are set to be in a position to have a very strong district over the next several years. During his tenure, Leighty says he has seen the phenomenal growth in educational opportunities for the students.
As for the attributes and assets Leighty brings to the board, he says many arise from the fact that he cares deeply and has a level-headed approach.
And when it comes to why voters should check his name on that ballot, Leighty again points to his strong commitment today and tomorrow for the district.
Leighty and his wife, Jesica, moved back to the area 16 years ago. Jesica grew up on a farm south of Bayard and has been City Clerk in Coon Rapids for 15 years. Leighty grew up on a farm west of Guthrie Center. They moved back to raise their three children, Isaac (20), and twin daughters who are seniors at CR-B, Mia and Mallory (17).
