Pekin CSD will hold a special election on September 10

Pekin Community School District (CSD) will hold a special election on September 10, prompted by a petition organized by Pride in Pekin, a group comprising community members, parents, and Pekin school staff. This group, formed to foster collaboration and raise public awareness about ongoing issues at Pekin School, successfully gathered the necessary signatures to bring the matter to a vote.

Earlier this year, Pride in Pekin conducted a confidential survey among school staff, revealing significant concerns: 79% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current school board, and an equal percentage believed the district was heading in the wrong direction, with 74% attributing this to the board. The survey also allowed staff to voice specific concerns, many of which highlighted negative experiences and allegations of misconduct within the board. This feedback sparked widespread discussion about the need for change.

One key issue identified was the outdated division of the district into five separate areas, a structure dating back over 30 years to the last consolidation, which included Hedrick. Many community members questioned why the district still operated as five distinct towns, each requiring its own board representative, instead of as a unified entity. There is a strong belief that the school board should consist of the seven most qualified individuals to lead the district, regardless of where they live within it. The current system of geographic representation sometimes results in less qualified candidates being elected simply because they are the only option from a particular area.

Additionally, the proposed changes address the rule requiring a board member to resign if they move out of their specific district, even if they remain within the school district. This rule recently forced the resignation of a highly qualified board member, leading to unnecessary turnover and the costs associated with onboarding new members. Under the proposed changes, board members would be able to retain their positions as long as they reside within the district, helping to maintain stability and continuity in leadership.

The proposal to elect all board members at large is not unique, as several neighboring school districts have adopted this approach. Pride in Pekin initiated the petition because the Pekin School Board was not planning to introduce the change themselves. After hearing strong support for the idea, the group decided to act, ensuring that the public would have the opportunity to vote on the issue.

The special election on September 10 was scheduled by the Iowa Secretary of State, not by the Pride in Pekin group.