Six of the eight candidates seeking a position on the IKM-Manning Board of Education attended a forum held Thursday evening in the high school auditorium. Many topics were discussed, but the candidates shared several opinions. All agreed the district’s finances and declining student enrollment are high priorities. Kathy Blake, Sam Hansen, Brandi Perdew, Luke Potthoff and Mike Blum are all pursuing the one of the two at-large seats available. Blake says funding is largely decided by student population and promoting IKM-Manning is the best way to reverse the population trend.
Hansen pointed to IKM-Manning’s impressive STEM programs as an opportunity for the district to draw young families and alumni back.
Perdew agreed with the other candidates that finances and student enrollment is key to the district’s future, but she has seen student open-enroll out or be home schooled due to perceived discipline problems at the school.
Potthoff was unable to attend the forum due to prior commitments, but did leave a prepared statement regarding solutions to student enrollment to be read by a moderator, Kyle Vanderhorst.
Blum did not attend the forum and did not leave statements with moderators. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more from the other board of education candidates in upcoming broadcasts. The IKM-Manning School Board Election takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The polling location for all eligible voters is at the Manilla Fire House at 443 Main St.
