Education is a huge part of life for Karen Friedlein, a current Carroll Community School District board member who is running for her first full term. Friedlein has two children, Soren (21) and Arrington (19), who are both juniors in college, she has been an instructor at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Carroll for 17 years, teaching anatomy, physiology, intro and microbiology and online nutrition classes and is actually a student herself, studying for a master’s certificate in nutrition. She was approached about running for the school board several years ago, but says the time was not right with her children and all of their activities, her volunteering and her work. However, when Gina Badding was named a District Court Judge and had to resign her position, Friedlein was appointed to fill the vacancy in May. She says the learning curve to get up to speed with what the board is doing can be different for everyone.
She says her educational experiences and background are a major asset in working for the benefit of the students, first and foremost.
Friedlein is already busy campaigning, going door-to-door throughout the entire Carroll Community School district. She has been asking constituents about any questions they may have. She has heard concerns about school projects and how money is being allocated for the benefit of the district. In answer to that, she says there are two initiatives that immediately come to mind. One of which she is already involved in and would like to see through to fruition in the next term.
Wrap-around preschool is before and after class care for younger students. Friedlein says she is also excited to see how Tiger Vision will grow with the endless potential in technological, business and communications education. One of the biggest challenges identified by Friedlein and other board members being faced now, and that will likely grow over time, is a shortage of educators.
She says part of the issue is the rural-urban divide that needs to be overcome. This, Friedlein adds, can be partially addressed when candidates are brought to the district to see and feel for themselves the exciting culture that has been cultivated here. She adds she is also committed to maintaining the high-quality education Carroll students receive; something she sees personally as they move on to their post-secondary education. There is one more thing Friedlein would like all voters to know.
Friedlein has lived in Carroll for the past 23 years and is married to Mayor, Dr. Eric Jensen. For the first time in Iowa, school board candidates will be included on the midterm ballots, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
