(Atlantic) In January, the Atlantic School Board accepted Laura McLean’s resignation as she and her husband announced their plans to relocate to the Quad Cities, leaving an open seat on the board. In response, the board decided to interview potential candidates, but a group of district patrons initiated a petition for a special election. As a result, three candidates have filed to run for the position, and early voting is underway, with the election set for Tuesday, March 31.
The candidates vying for the seat are Diana Blake, Jordan Zarbano, and Chase Roller. KSOM/KS95 news recently interviewed all three candidates, and their stories are shared below.
Diana Blake and her family moved to Atlantic in 2021 for a position at Iowa Western Community College, where she teaches English, Public Speaking, and Literature. Before that, she was an academic advisor for students who had failed their first semester of college, helping them build confidence so they could come back strong. Blake also worked in medical offices, customer service, and retail. Blake says it is the students who inspire her.
Blake says that as an instructor at IWCC, she can speak with students and get to know them. Blake says she brings a unique perspective to the board.
Blake wants to help support students in the community, along with their families and the educators they rely on. Blake and her husband have graduated a child from ACSD and have a 10th-grader and a 4th-grader here. “I’ve built some good relationships with faculty and staff.”
Blake says she would like to see students and teachers get back to the joy of teaching and learning.
Diana says that through trial and error, she learned the value of reflecting and taking time to make decisions, rather than rushing or making rash decisions. She realizes that you cannot please everyone, and I keep that in mind when I make and share decisions.
Diana Blake believes any school board member should communicate with complete transparency and provide adequate information for the constituents to not only be informed but also make decisions based on that information.
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Click on the bar below to listen to Diana’s entire interview.
Jordan Zarbano was born and raised in Atlantic, graduated from Atlantic High School in 2019, worked as a corrections officer, worked for the Atlantic Community School District for a brief stint, and is currently in the banking business. He is involved with the Shop with the Cop Program and helps with the Atlantic High School Wrestling Program.
Zarbano is running behind Transparency, Accountability, and Pride.
Zarbano says that to build, you need a strong foundation and solid trust in the leadership.
Zarbano says taxpayers should be proud to support our district because we provide top-of-the-line education, support, and opportunities for our children. Graduating from our school district should not be taken for granted. It should be taken as the next step to success.
Jordan Zarbano is holding a Meet Your Candidate night at the Atlantic Public Library this evening (March 27) from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Click on the bar below to listen to Jordan’s entire interview
Chase Roller has a degree in social work and spent 19 and one-half years as a parole officer in Cass and Audubon Counties. He served as an EMT and a volunteer firefighter in three communities and has spent a lot of time coaching student athletes at all levels. Roller says he is running for the school board to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed and be prepared for life after high school, whatever their path may be.
As a longtime member of this community, he cares deeply about the quality of education and safety the students receive.
Chase Roller also wants to support the teachers and staff as our school shapes the community’s future. He says we have a great group of teachers, and must do everything we can to retain them.
Additionally, Roller believes families should be heard, and the board is transparent.
Roller says he is a quick learner and believes he can make an impact on the School Board.
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Chase Rollers’ entire interview is posted below:
