Local mom and public school advocate Kaycee Schippers announces her candidacy for the Johnston School Board.
Get To Know Kaycee Schippers
I’m a Johnston mom who is passionate about public education. I’m married with two kids – my oldest is a senior at Johnston High School. I have been a proud Johnston public schools parent for approximately 24 years. My husband and I moved into the district specifically so that my daughter could attend Johnston schools.
For the last three years, I’ve been a Board Member for Annie’s Foundation. I am a volunteer with the Johnston Vocal Music Program (off and on for the last 13 years).
I hold a B.S. in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University, and I have worked as a Paralegal for nearly 20 years.
Last but not least, I’m a Scouts BSA leader (approximately 11 years); wood-badge trained and botherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.
What motivated you to run for the Johnston Board of Education?
It is no secret that public schools and teachers are under attack both at the state and federal level. I believe that the people behind these attacks fully intend to destroy public education. I plan to do everything in my power to stand up to these attacks and help protect our students, teachers, and administrators.
What areas is the Johnston Board of Education having success and what areas do you believe need improvement?
With the current balance on Johnston’s School Board, I believe they will always make decisions that are in the best interests of our students and our district. That being said, I believe that there are a few members of our board who do not belong on a public school board, as they do not have the best interests of our district at heart. It’s time for them to go.
Where do you stand on public funding for private schools?
I am absolutely against public tax dollars funding private schools. Most of Iowa’s private schools are religious. I do not believe that taxpayer dollars should pay for religious education. Also, private schools are able to pick and choose the students they want to accept. They choose all of the best and the brightest students (and athletes) and the public schools are required to accept everyone.
There is no transparency (for taxpayers) in their budgeting process, and private schools do not have to meet all of the legal requirements that public schools do (such as providing special education and career/technical education programs). Iowa also passed a law during the last legislative session that allows private school students to return to public schools to participate in sports and activities, potentially taking spots away from public school students.
Are You Able To Help The District Find Ways To Reduce Costs While Delivering The Best Education?
It is certainly one of my goals to help reduce costs and create efficiencies while still delivering a world-class education to our students; however, funding public schools is not a priority in the state of Iowa, and it hasn’t been for many years. Until Iowa makes funding public education a priority again, I’m not sure that anyone can keep such a promise.
In your opinion, how important are the arts to public education?
I am not sure how familiar you are with music, band, showband, jazzband, dance, showchoir, art, etc, at the high school level, but lots of kids/families in Johnston are involved in this and are very passionate about not only protecting it but also promoting it.
Both of my kids have been involved in the Johnston Vocal Music Program and Show Choir. It is a world-class program and I am very passionate about it – and I tell everyone. In my opinion, Johnston offers some of the best opportunities for sports and activities, and I will do everything I can to ensure they continue to provide them. Participating in sports and activities in school is extremely important to a well-educated, well-rounded student population.
Final Thoughts From Kaycee Schippers, candidate for the Johnston School Board.
I believe that strong public schools lead to strong communities. Johnston Public Schools have been a significant part of my family for a long time, and over the years, I have had the pleasure of watching many Johnston kids grow up to be successful adults, largely due to our public schools. We have the absolute best teachers and administrators who genuinely care about our students, and it shows. I’m proud of the Johnston School District, and I want to help keep it that way.
