Incumbent, Amy Ferneding, is seeking reelection to the IKM-Manning Board of Education District 1B seat in the Nov. 2 election. Ferneding joined the Manning Community School District school board prior to the two districts’ merger a decade ago and has served on the IKM-Manning board since. In her 10+ years in the role, the district has overcome many challenges, but she says her work is not yet done.
Ferneding has four children that are enrolled at IKM-Manning, and she says they are a huge part of her desire to see the district succeed. Ferneding was born and raised in Manning, so she is well aware of why there is lingering disagreement between the communities, particularly the hard feelings regarding the Manilla building closure. Ferneding says it is important stakeholders remember the state of the schools not long ago.
Ferneding adds nobody wanted to close a building. However, hard choices had to be made, and she hopes people can see why the decision was made, even if they did not agree with it. Ferneding says there has been too much focus on the past when they should look towards what comes next for IKM-Manning.
Ferneding says IKM-Manning is doing well in almost every area if you look at the data. Enrollment is on the rise, the STEM, SPARK and FIRE programs are preparing students for the 21st-century workforce and young families are moving back to the district. She says what the board is doing is working and wants to see that continue.
Ferneding is running against Megan Reis of Manning for the District 1B seat.
