To the editor:
An Open Letter to the Voters of the Perry Community School District:
My name is Linda Andorf, and I am running for a second term as a director on the Perry Community School Board.
I have lived in Perry for more than 40 years, and my children were educated in the Perry school system. I have a total of 45 years in education — 36 years full-time and nine years as a substitute teacher.
I am running for re-election to continue to fulfill the mission statement of PCSD: “to develop knowledgeable, skilled and productive citizens of character.” As a retired educator, I have had to opportunity to make an impact on student lives and have enjoyed watching students grow and develop their potential.
Being a Director on the Perry Community School Board allows me to continue to give back to the profession that I have loved.
In the past four years, the school board had reached several milestones:
- We interviewed for and hired a new superintendent.
- The Perry Middle School and Perry High School have moved to standards-based grading in an effort to increase student learning and to assure that all students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed for the next step in their lives.
- Through alternate learning situations and styles, the district has implemented programs to improve our literacy, reduce possible dropouts and increase our graduation rate.
- Through donations and matching funds, the District has improved Dewey Field.
- We are currently completing a project to renovate the Industrial Tech department and construct a Multi-purpose room.
- Discussions are in progress for a renovation for the Middle School.
Throughout all of these endeavors, I have been available and listened with an open mind. Occasionally, I have had to take off my “teacher hat” when discussing and making decisions.
Our students and teachers are the greatest assets of our school district. The dedication and energy of our staff is outstanding. As a former teacher, I know the time, energy and personal finances that go into a classroom. It is not an 8-to-3 job for 180 school days.
Teachers work nights, weekends and summer breaks to meet deadlines and improve their skills. Our teachers demonstrate their love of their profession and their students each and every day and deserve a huge thank you for all they do.
The diversity of our student population presents opportunities for teachable moments to learn about people from different backgrounds. We all become better and more understanding people when we embrace different cultures and customs.
During my time on the board, I have served on the Dallas County Conference Board and the Insurance Committee. I have been elected as the vice president of the Perry School Board for the past two years. I attended Vote Yes Campaign planning meetings for the industrial tech/multi-purpose room construction and am currently on the design committee for the industrial tech/multi-purpose room renovation.
I have also taken opportunities to improve my knowledge by attending workshops and training sessions provided by the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). I attended the annual IASB Conventions and was chosen to represent Perry at the 2019 IASB Delegate Assembly.
I have communicated with our state senator and representatives on issues of concern as well as participating in the IASB Day on the Hill for a face-to-face meeting with our legislators to promote Perry and to tell our “story.”
I am active in our community and believe that giving back is important. I continue to substitute in the district and am serving my fourth term as treasurer for the Dallas County Area Retired School Personnel Association. I am a member of the Perry School District Foundation and a volunteer at the Carnegie Library. My husband and I co-chair the Perry Christmas Toys for Tots Drive and assist with the Community Christmas dinner. As a member of the Optimist Club, I help place flags on flag holidays.
I believe that I have served the district to the best of my ability, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Perry School Board. The past four years have given me the background and experience to move forward with the current projects and the priorities of the board. I will continue to work with student progress in mind and what is best for the district as a whole.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and I would appreciate your vote.
Linda Andorf
Perry
