Meet the Candidates: MFL MarMac School Board

Six candidates are vying for four seats on the MFL MarMac School Board in the Nov. 4 city/school election. The four individuals elected will serve four-year terms on the board. Current board president Gina Roys is not running for another term, but Joshua Grau, Jonathon Moser and Aaron Schroeder are all seeking re-election. Joining those three on the ballot are Marti Post, Bridget Schultz and Jonna Schutte. The candidates recently shared their thoughts about key issues with Times-Register editor Audrey Posten. Visit elections.claytoncountyia.gov/ for more information on candidates and when and where to vote.

 

Joshua Grau

Joshua Grau is president and owner of Grau Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. He lives on an acreage two miles north of Monona with wife, Annette, and their six children: Rose (senior at the University of Iowa), Joe (junior at Upper Iowa University), Clare (sophomore at Iowa State University), Julia (junior at MFL MarMac High School), Emma (freshman at MFL MarMac High School) and Leo (seventh grader at MFL MarMac Middle School).

 

Following graduate college studies, Grau married Annette (Voss) Grau, an MFL MarMac graduate who grew up on a dairy farm east of Monona, who is the daughter of Don and Mary Pat Voss. He assumed the duties of funeral director at the funeral home in Monona in 2002 and in McGregor in 2012. Over the years, Grau has served on multiple boards, coached youth sports (girls and boys) for over 15 years and is an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, where he serves as a pianist and on the St. Patrick Finance Council. Grau is also a member of the National and Iowa Funeral Directors Associations and the Knights of Columbus Council #8178 Monona-McGregor.

 

Q: What motivated you to run for the school board and what are your primary goals if elected?

A: I’m running for re-election to the school board because MFL MarMac has maintained strong and stable finances, we have continued to invest in our facilities and grounds, we have seen test scores rise, which are well above the state average, and our five-year graduation rate is at 100%. I have a strong desire to serve another term on the board, offering my time and business and finance experience to ensure MFL MarMac continues on that upward trend. My goal while serving on the board has always been for every student to graduate as the most well-rounded version of themselves, whether that’s through academics, athletics, fine arts, FFA (Future Farmers of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) or other opportunities available. 

 

Through my work with two of our funeral homes located in Monona and McGregor, I have had the opportunity to have numerous conversations with the people from our school district. I continue to stay closely connected with their wants, needs and concerns in all of the communities MFL MarMac represents. I believe myself to be approachable, accessible and open-minded to new and innovative ideas, which are all important aspects of this role. 

 

Q: What do you view as MFL MarMac’s biggest strength and why?

A: Our biggest strength is our district communities. Even though our district brings together several communities with unique and different qualities, they all step up in full support for our staff, students and the school district as a whole. It’s not always easy for multiple communities to work together for a common purpose, but MFL MarMac does just that. That collective commitment sets us apart.

 

Q: What area do you feel MFL MarMac could improve and why? What solutions do you suggest?

A: Fortunately, MFL MarMac is currently fully staffed with teachers and nearly fully staffed with paraprofessionals in the classroom. But retention is just as important as recruitment. We must continue offering competitive wages and benefits, providing safe, supportive and respectful working environments and ensuring our teachers, paraprofessionals and all district employees feel valued. They are an integral part of our district, working every day to give our students the best educational experience possible. As a district, we should also continue to highlight the unique beauty of our driftless area through social media. Doing so helps attract and retain staff who want to build a life in this beautiful community.

 

Q: How can MFL MarMac best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: MFL MarMac is already a leader in this area by offering college courses, trade programs and real-world classes that give students valuable experience. The key is to remain at the forefront and keep expanding opportunities so every student can discover where their passions lie and leave prepared for whatever path they choose after graduation.

 

Q: How will you help foster a safe school environment – both physical safety and the mental well-being of students and staff?

A: This area must remain a constant priority in our school system. MFL MarMac does well in this area, but with how quickly the world changes, we must continue adapting to ensure our schools are a safe place for staff and students every single day. We already collaborate with local EMS, fire departments and law enforcement, but there’s always room to expand those partnerships with more meetings, training and discussions. Another area I care deeply about is mental health support. I believe we should always be asking if we can do more and continue looking at safety from every angle.

 

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Jonathon Moser

Jonathon Moser is a chiropractor in McGregor, where he lives with his wife and their four kids, three in high school and one at the McGregor Center. Moser has had the privilege of serving on the MFL MarMac School Board for the past 13 years and currently serves as vice president. He also owns two small businesses in the community. Beyond work, Moser is active in several local organizations, serving on the Pocket City Progress Committee and McGregor Hospital Board, and attending MFL MarMac Wellness Committee, facilities and SIAC meetings. 

 

“I also make it a point to try to attend the statewide school board convention each year to bring back new ideas for our district. I’m not afraid to speak up, I like to get things done and I believe in smart, well-thought-out change,” Moser said.

 

Q: What motivated you to run for school board and what are your primary goals if elected?

A: When I first joined the board, I had four young children and wanted to be actively involved in shaping the district they, and their peers, would grow up in. Over the years, I’ve focused on supporting our academics, athletics and arts programs, helping cultivate well-rounded students who are prepared for whatever path they choose after graduation. My primary goals are to maintain the district’s strong financial position, continue moving MFL MarMac forward and ensure we keep listening to our staff and community so decisions reflect the needs of everyone in the district. I’m an active participant on the board. I’m not afraid to ask questions, push for improvements and support change when it’s the right move for our students and our community.

 

Q: What do you view as MFL MarMac’s biggest strength(s)? Why?

A: Our greatest strength is our strong sense of community. It’s great to be a Bulldog! MFL MarMac is not just a school, it’s the heart of our area. We work together to create a district families are proud of and want to move to. Our staff, students and community members are invested in seeing each other succeed, and that shared dedication helps us provide opportunities that impact not only students’ lives but the community as a whole. Strong schools mean stronger communities, better property values and a place everyone can be proud of.

 

Q: What area(s) do you feel the school district could improve and why? What solutions do you suggest?

A: One area we continually focus on is our facilities. While some of our buildings are aging, it’s important to provide a safe, welcoming and functional learning environment for our students. Over the past five years, we’ve made significant progress, and we will continue exploring ways to improve and modernize our facilities so they support learning, host community events and accommodate the programs that make MFL MarMac such a big part of our community. Good facilities benefit everyone by keeping our schools at the center of community life.

 

Q: How can MFL MarMac best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: We can best prepare students by staying current with real-world careers and technologies while also focusing on developing critical thinking, not just test-taking skills. When students leave our school, it’s important they are confident in their abilities, comfortable engaging with adults and aware of the value they bring to our world. Building that confidence and competence helps create students who are ready for college, careers or whatever comes next.  

 

Q: How will you help foster a safe school environment—both physical safety and the mental well-being of students and staff?

A: We’ve invested in building security, entrances and camera systems to keep our schools safe. We continue to improve mental health resources and provide safe spaces where students and staff can seek support. I believe a strong school starts with a strong staff. Focusing on supporting our teachers’ health and well-being is key. When our staff are thriving, our students benefit.

 

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Marti Post

Marti Post lives in Monona with her husband, Tony, and their three kids—Marie, David and Charlie. “Family and community are at the heart of everything I do, and I’m grateful to be raising our children in the same close-knit area where I grew up and graduated from MFL MarMac,” Post said.

 

Post has worked in both education and healthcare, teaching sociology and working in international program development before becoming a registered nurse. Until recently, she worked at a local healthcare organization as the compliance and privacy officer and medical staff coordinator. She has since stepped back from that role to focus more on family and community involvement.

 

Post volunteers as the assistant crew chief with the MFL Ambulance Service, serves on the Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation (UMGC) Board of Directors and coaches fifth and sixth grade volleyball through the Bulldog Rec program. “Giving back to this community is something I truly value, and I’m thankful for every opportunity to help where I can,” she said.

 

Q: What motivated you to run for school board and what are your primary goals if elected?

A: I decided to run for the school board because I believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential—no matter their background or circumstances. Education has the power to shape not just individual futures, but the future of our whole community, and I want to be part of helping that happen right here at home.

 

If elected, my goals are to support a safe, inclusive and encouraging learning environment, make sure resources are used wisely and fairly and strengthen the partnership between parents, teachers and the board. I want our district to be a place where both students and staff feel valued and supported, and where decisions are made with transparency and teamwork.

 

Q: What do you view as MFL MarMac’s biggest strength(s)? Why?

A: MFL MarMac’s greatest strength is its people—the dedicated teachers, staff and families who work together to make sure students feel supported and valued. That sense of teamwork creates a strong school community where kids build not only academic skills, but also confidence, character and a sense of belonging.

 

Our educators go above and beyond to meet students where they are and help each child reach their potential. I believe in supporting that commitment by investing in professional development and giving teachers the tools and flexibility they need to respond to students’ changing needs.

 

I also believe in the importance of learning by doing—whether it’s through hands-on projects, experiential learning opportunities or extracurricular activities like clubs and sports. These experiences teach teamwork, leadership and perseverance, helping students discover their strengths beyond academics and build confidence for life after graduation.

 

Q: What area(s) do you feel the school district could improve and why? What solutions do you suggest?

A: One of the biggest challenges facing our district is the uncertainty surrounding school funding at the state level. When decisions are made late in the legislative session or funding increases don’t keep pace with inflation, it makes long-term planning difficult. Rising costs for transportation, staffing and classroom resources have a real impact on small rural districts like ours, where every dollar must be used wisely.

 

As a school board member, I believe it’s our job to plan carefully, communicate openly and advocate strongly for the resources our district needs. That means making data-driven decisions, maintaining transparency about how funds are allocated and working closely with administrators to prioritize spending that directly supports student learning. It also means being proactive—looking ahead, anticipating changes and collaborating with neighboring districts, legislators and community partners to find creative solutions when budgets tighten.

 

Stable, responsible funding is essential to maintaining quality education and ensuring our teachers and staff have what they need to help students succeed.

 

Q: How can MFL MarMac best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: Preparing students for success in both school and life means helping them build a strong academic foundation while also developing the real-world or technical skills they’ll need to thrive. A well-rounded curriculum that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication equips students not just for tests, but for life beyond the classroom.

 

Beyond academics, schools play a key role in teaching life skills—things like financial literacy, teamwork and emotional intelligence. Hands-on experiences such as internships, community projects or service learning give students a chance to apply what they learn in meaningful settings and gain confidence for the future.

 

Open communication between teachers, parents and students is also essential. When families and schools work together, students are more likely to stay engaged, feel supported and be ready for the challenges ahead.

 

In short, success comes from a balanced approach — one that values academics, personal growth, and real-world readiness, while keeping strong connections between school, home, and community.

 

Q: How will you help foster a safe school environment—both physical safety and the mental well-being of students and staff?

A: A safe school environment starts with preparation, communication and care. Physical safety means having clear plans, well-maintained facilities and regular training so staff and students know what to do in an emergency. It also includes maintaining strong partnerships with local law enforcement, first responders and community agencies that share the goal of protecting our kids and educational staff.

 

Just as important is mental and emotional safety. With rising mental-health challenges and limited resources in rural areas, we need to be intentional about finding realistic, effective ways to support students and staff. I believe we can learn from evidence-based programs that have been successfully implemented in similar-sized districts and tailor those ideas to fit our own community’s needs.

 

I’m also interested in exploring practical ways to strengthen collaboration between parents and teachers, recognizing that both play an important role in helping students navigate an ever-changing world. When schools and families work together, students are better supported and everyone shares in their success.

 

When safety—both physical and emotional—is prioritized through planning, partnership and communication, our students and educational staff are better able to focus, learn and thrive.

 

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Aaron Schroeder

Aaron Schroeder is married to his wife of 29 years, Jennelle, who works alongside him on their family farm. They have three children: Jaxton, Emme and Rylan. All three attended MFL MarMac, as did he and his wife. 

 

“As a private business owner, I’ve brought my knowledge of handling financial matters, maintaining and improving my business’s infrastructure and managing the day-to-day responsibilities of owning a business to my role as a current school board member,” Schroeder said. “I feel, in addition to those qualifications, my experience in my recent term as a school board member provides me with a base of knowledge that I can continue to build upon if re-elected.”

 

Q: What motivated you to run for school board and what are your primary goals if elected?

A: Being a voice for the community members I represent was a large motivator in running for the school board and for re-election. I feel many people choose to come to me to express their observations and opinions, knowing I will listen, be transparent as to my own opinion on the matter they’ve brought to my attention and that, ultimately, I will do what I can to communicate the information they’ve shared with me to the board and school administration. 

 

A few of my primary goals moving into a new term are 1) helping our district find a balance between the responsibility of teaching our youth and handling the socioemotional needs of our students, which in turn I feel would help meet my second goal of 2) improving our student academic performance/test scores and 3) continue to build upon meeting the needs we have in improving our facilities, to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. 

 

Q: What do you view as MFL MarMac’s biggest strength(s)? Why? 

A: I believe our district’s biggest strength is the sense of community that exists between our staff, admin, parents, volunteers and our community in general. We all work together for the greater good of our students. 

 

Q: What area(s) do you feel the school district could improve and why? What solutions do you suggest? 

A: I believe our district could improve upon being more transparent with the community, by communicating with the public in a more open matter and, in turn, allowing community members to do the same. For example, allowing scheduled opportunities at board meetings for public input, encouraging more community involvement in board and committee meetings and asking for and accepting public input into school matters that affect the community in general. 

 

Q: How can MFL MarMac best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: I believe MFL MarMac is being proactive in preparing our students for success by offering college level courses, skill based learning and encouraging students to be well-rounded individuals through participation in all the extracurricular activities our school provides, from the arts, to sports, to FFA, FBLA, etc. Continued growth in our offerings of these types of learning as well as identifying students who may need access to additional or alternative learning opportunities for their future success would help ensure that we’re preparing our students properly for life after high school. 

 

Q: How will you help foster a safe school environment—both physical safety and the mental well-being of students and staff? 

A: I feel our school needs to continue to improve upon creating a safe environment by consistently adhering to the policies and protocols that have been established. In addition, we need to understand that physical safety and mental well-being are continually evolving needs and our approaches to addressing these issues need to be as well.

 

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Bridget Schultz

Bridget Schultz is married to Nathan, a graduate of MFL MarMac, and together they are raising four children in the district—Abram (12), Patrick (8), Owen (7) and Braelyn (5). Schultz works at Crossing Rivers Health as a mental health nurse practitioner, where she collaborates closely with children, families and schools to address challenges that affect learning and well-being. Over the past 15 years, she has also been actively involved in the community while building her career in healthcare. “This background gives me both the perspective and the skills to listen, problem-solve and advocate effectively—qualities I believe are essential for serving on the school board,” Schultz said.

 

Q:What motivated you to run for school board and what are your primary goals if elected?

A: I am motivated to run for school board because I care deeply about the future of our district and the success of every student. As a parent, I want my children—and all children—to learn in an environment where they feel supported academically and emotionally. As a mental health professional, I see firsthand how wellness, safety and early support impact a student’s long-term success. My primary goals include strengthening mental health resources, supporting high academic standards, encouraging open communication between families and the district and ensuring every decision prioritizes the well-being of students.

 

Q: What do you view as MFL MarMac’s biggest strength(s)? Why?

A: MFL MarMac’s teacher-to-student ratio is one of its greatest strengths. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide individualized attention and build stronger relationships with students—something that’s vital for both academic growth and emotional well-being. Another strength is the district’s commitment to offering high school students opportunities to take college-level courses before graduation. This not only prepares students for the future but also saves families money and helps students gain confidence as they move into higher education or the workforce.

 

Q: What area(s) do you feel the school district could improve and why? What solutions do you suggest?

A: Our district has made great progress in supporting students’ mental health, but the need continues to grow. I would like to see expanded access to school-based resources and stronger partnerships with local providers to ensure timely support for all students and staff. One solution is the development of school-based mental health centers that include counseling, wellness programs and peer support groups. Additionally, providing educators and staff with evidence-based training will give them the tools to recognize and support students experiencing distress.

 

Another area for improvement is food quality. Nutrition directly impacts student health, focus and energy for learning. Exploring ways to offer healthier, more appealing meal options—such as partnering with local food sources—would benefit students both in and out of the classroom.

 

Q: How can MFL MarMac best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: Preparing students for success requires a balance of strong academics, life skills and emotional resilience. My professional experience has shown me how important it is to support the whole child. Along with rigorous academics and extracurricular opportunities, programs that teach coping skills, problem-solving and resilience are essential. Supporting career readiness programs, encouraging college-level coursework and maintaining strong mental health initiatives will help ensure students leave MFL MarMac confident, capable and ready to thrive in whatever path they choose.

 

Q: How will you help foster a safe school environment—both physical safety and the mental well-being of students and staff?

A: Safety must be viewed as both physical and emotional. I support maintaining strong security procedures, emergency preparedness and clear communication to protect students and staff physically. Equally important is creating an environment where students feel connected and supported. As a mental health nurse practitioner, I understand the value of proactive wellness initiatives and the importance of staff training in recognizing signs of distress. By prioritizing mental health programs, supporting staff well-being and promoting inclusion and belonging, we can foster a culture where both students and staff feel safe and able to thrive.

 

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Jonna Schutte

Jonna Schutte lives on a farm between Monona and McGregor with husband, Lance, and their four children—Blake (junior), Briella (freshman), Breklyn (seventh grade) and Brayton (third grade). The Schuttes run a small business, owning and operating a family dairy farm. On the farm, they have hosted many field trips for preschool and eigth grade classes. “This has allowed the students to experience our farm and the opportunities that agriculture in general brings to our area in both career choices and economic impact,” said Schutte, who also volunteers within the school when needed and attends Wellness Committee and Ag Supporter meetings.

 

Outside the school, Schutte is a 4-H leader and Sunday School teacher and has coached many sports over the years. She has double degrees in agricultural education and dairy science from Iowa State University, along with work experience in sales, government and education. In addition, Schutte has served on a variety of boards and associations from local to county, state and corporate levels. Currently, she is the Iowa division chairperson of Midwest Dairy, the farmer-funded check-off organization and serves on their corporate board of directors as well. 

 

Q: What motivated you to run for school board and what are your primary goals if elected?

A: My motivation to run for a school board seat comes from my involvement within the community. I care about the education and experience all youth in our district are getting, along with how our tax dollars are being spent. Utilizing my board and work experience, I believe I can be a valuable addition to our school board. The primary goal I have if elected is to be an approachable and accountable board member. I want the entire district to know I’m in this position to listen to them and make informed decisions. In addition, I want to ask questions to learn more about how and why things are done. I am a firm believer in continuous improvement, and I would like to be a driver in making our school the best one around, along with being an employer of choice for teachers and staff. 

 

Q: What do you view as MFL MarMac’s biggest strength(s)? Why?

A: I feel our biggest strength is our people. We have great teachers and support staff, along with amazing students and community members that make MFL MarMac what it is. From athletics to the arts, our student body is so talented. I love that we have activities for all kids to be involved in and enjoy. This variety of extra-curricular activities fosters a sense of belonging and provides life experiences outside of the classroom.

 

Q: What area(s) do you feel the school district could improve and why? What solutions do you suggest?

A: Building off the great people we have working in our schools, I believe we can utilize those employees to continue to help all children grow and learn. This means we are challenging those higher-level learners through our Talented and Gifted program and other avenues, along with providing proper support for those who may be behind their peers. It is essential we have the correct ratios of staff to students in all classes for the benefit of both the students and the teachers. In addition to classroom requirements, ongoing professional development is necessary for staff career growth. 

 

Another area for improvement is school nutrition. From daily snacks and milk breaks to breakfasts and lunches to cafeteria space, I believe there are ways to improve our food service. We could source more local and fresh foods, increase snack availability and provide enough time and space for our students to eat. This would improve the diets and eating habits of our students and staff, making them more productive in the classroom and limiting wasted food. 

 

Lastly, as communication moves online, clear and purposeful messaging is essential.

 

Q: How can MFL MarMac best ensure students are prepared for success in school and in life?

A: In the elementary, students learn about the Bulldog Way: be safe, be respectful, be responsible, be your best! By starting this mentality in early childhood classrooms, we are not only telling them but showing them how to model good behavior and habits. School needs to be a safe place for all children to learn and grow. More pressure is put on our children every day. As a school, we can help them face these challenges head on and champion them to truly be their best. This includes helping them overcome academic and learning obstacles, along with behaviors and attitudes. Our school and the people it employs have the opportunity to make a difference in each child’s life and that is one of the many benefits of raising our children in a small rural community.

 

Q: How will you help foster a safe school environment—both physical safety and the mental well-being of students and staff?

A: A safe school environment is of utmost importance. Our students must first feel safe and valued so they can then focus on learning. There are real threats every day across our country, whether they be physical, mental, online or a combination of these. We need to be as prepared as possible for them. Some ways this can be accomplished are through proper training, equipment, technology and accountability. All threats should be treated as credible until proven otherwise. This is important for school safety and also for the well-being of the students and staff. Along with properly securing our buildings from threats and investigating each threat, we need to support mental health. One way to address this is by ensuring there are sufficient trained and credentialed staff available to assist students who need emotional support. Providing these necessary resources ensures students get timely support. Teachers also require support through available substitutes, input on relevant decisions and access to necessary tools.