On Nov. 4, seven candidates will be on the ballot for three openings on the Clayton Ridge Board of Directors.

Board President Jessica Bittner, Mike Finnegan and Ellen Johnson are running for reelection, while Jason Bittner, Korey Wilker, Melissa Wilker and Michelle Mertens-Dodgen are challenging for spot at the table.

Directors serve a four-year term, according to the Clayton County election roster.

To view other elections or to view the roster as it updates, visit https://elections.claytoncountyia.gov/files/candidate_list/2025_cityschool_election_83912.pdf.

Each candidate was given the same series of questions, and their responses were submitted to the Guttenberg Press this past week.

What are the most important needs in the school district, and how can the school board start to address these issues? The most important need of our school district is our students. We need to keep high-performing educators to meet the ever-evolving needs of our students and their worlds. Safety, cleanliness and maintaining our buildings are equally important to create a welcoming learning environment for our students.

What is your professional background?
My significant other (Lynette Pritchard) and I operate a cattle and crop farm with our son, Justin. I have driven bus for Clayton Ridge for the last seven years.

What ties do you have to the Guttenberg community and the Clayton Ridge School District?
 Do you have (or previously had) students within the school district?
I grew up outside of Guttenberg and graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1993. After high school, I continued to farm with my dad and eventually took the farm over. Lynette and I have a son, who graduated from Clayton Ridge in 2021. He now operates the farm with us.

How do you feel about the district’s recent direction, including the implementation of a four-day school week this year? Personally, I was not in favor of the four-day school week; however, I felt it was best for our district (students, families and an increased interest from new employees). So far, the four-day school week seems to be good. However, I’m sure there will be some bumps in the road as we make this adjustment.

What are some ways the school board can help empower the school’s extra-curricular resources for students, including FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, and FCCLA?
Sports seem to carry a heavy presence at Clayton Ridge. However, there are plenty of other extracurricular activities like Drama, Show Choir, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA and SkillsUSA for students to be a part of who don’t have an interest in sports. We have to remember that sports aren’t everything to every student; extracurricular groups and clubs are equally important to support student-body engagement.

What should the district do to make itself more attractive for prospective employees?
Overall, Clayton Ridge is very competitive with wages, benefits and offerings to new employees. I hope that the four-day week is an additional bonus for our new hires.

How should the board improve communication with the public and the media? Board members need to show presence and make themselves more available to the public in order to gain insight from the community. I also believe that the work and operations of the board need to be made more available to the public. I feel it is a board member’s due diligence to be a voice for our voters.

Jessica Bittner

What are the most important needs in the school district, and how can the school board start to address these issues? All school districts have needs, and I think our district is doing a great job at addressing the majority of them already. A few that I feel are important include:

Student Achievement: Ensuring our students are career-ready, providing opportunities for hands-on experience, investing in professional development, and supporting our teachers to help students reach those goals.

Mental Health: Our school district is blessed with amazing support staff, and I believe we have a supportive environment to address the needs of both students and staff, as well as clear policies and procedures to follow.

Student Safety: The safety of our district is of the utmost importance. The nature of safety threats is always evolving, and I believe staying proactive is critical. The district is continually investigating new ways to keep our students safe.

Teacher Retention: The four-day school week should be a significant factor in helping to retain teachers, along with a positive atmosphere and competitive salaries and benefits.

What is your professional background? I’ve been a member of the school board for four years, currently serving as board president. The first four years have been a huge learning curve, as is the case with any board or council. There is still a lot to learn, and I look forward to taking on that challenge. I also work for the City of Guttenberg as the Utility Billing Clerk. In my job, I work with many families in our school district.

What ties do you have to the Guttenberg community and the Clayton Ridge School District? Do you have (or previously had) students within the school district? I have lived in the Guttenberg area my entire life. I attended the majority of my schooling as a Guttenberg Pirate, merged with Garnavillo for sports, and graduated as a Clayton Ridge Eagle. My husband, Dan, and I live just outside of town, in Millville, with our boys. My husband, Dan, and I have two boys currently enrolled in the Clayton Ridge School District. Caleb is a sophomore in high school, and Cole is in eighth grade in junior high. Making school board decisions that directly affect my children’s schooling is what makes it all worth it. Investing in a cause that is close to your heart makes you consider the full picture. It isn’t just about what is best for our school, but also what is best for our students and the community.

How do you feel about the district’s recent direction, including the implementation of a four-day school week this year? I think the school district is headed in a good direction. We try to stay innovative and ahead of the curve as times change. I am currently neither for nor against the four-day school week. When the item was voted on, I did not vote in favor of it. I would have liked to see more time for planning and figuring out the details before going live with the four-day school week. However, I think our district has done a great job of implementing the new schedule. Monitoring our staff and students to ensure this remains a good fit for our district in the coming years is extremely important. If, down the road, we start seeing indications that continuing a four-day school week is not in our best interest, I will not hesitate to fight for a change.

What are some ways the school board can help empower the school’s extra-curricular resources for students, including FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA and FCCLA? I think the school district has been extremely supportive of all our extracurriculars. Allowing them opportunities to gain hands-on experience, real-life skills, and leadership training is important. Providing funding and keeping the programs fun and attractive for students, as well as having the right staff to ensure this all comes together, has made the programs successful.

What should the district do to make itself more attractive for prospective employees? I think the district offers many incentives to make itself attractive to prospective employees. The four-day school week is not offered in schools around the area. This, along with competitive salaries and benefits, puts us toward the top of the list. I feel the school treats our staff very well and provides a positive school culture.

How should the board improve communication with the public and the media? Communication between the school and community/media is important. While it may not have always been the best in the past, we are working to improve it. It was suggested by community members to make the agendas available online, which the school listened to and started doing. I think it is important to be open to suggestions and concerns and to make the community feel welcome to share their thoughts.

Michelle Dodgen

What are the most important needs in the school district, and how can the school board start to address these issues? My top priority is student achievement so that the students are prepared for college, vocational programs, and/or work force careers. I believe the school board has been doing an exceptional job supporting Clayton Ridge teachers and staff, as they help lay the foundation for life-long learning and guide youth during their most influential years.  It is my desire to represent the community while being an advocate for students, listening to community concerns, and promoting the district’s successes. I believe a strong school is the foundation to a great community.

What is your professional background?
I have received Bachelor and Masters degrees in nursing from the University of Iowa. I have worked in the Guttenberg hospital emergency room in the past, and I currently work at Crossing Rivers Health in primary care, as a nurse practitioner. I’ve spent years working with families, patients, and multidisciplinary teams to support well-being and growth. That experience has taught me how vital education and early intervention are to lifelong success. I grew up in a small town in southeast Iowa, daughter of educators. My father became a superintendent of schools when I was in my teen years, and I take pride in the fact that I am a product of public education. I bring a perspective that values both data-driven decisions and compassion - skills that translate directly to responsible school board leadership.

What ties do you have to the Guttenberg community and the Clayton Ridge School District?
 Do you have (or previously had) students within the school district?
My husband and I live several miles outside of Garnavillo, and we have two children: a daughter who is in 9th grade at Clayton Ridge and a son, who is a middle school social teacher in Sioux City, Iowa. It was my privilege to have served on the board in 2023. During that time, I took an active role in understanding the finances, how the board governs, and how the board works with the superintendent. In 2024, I joined Clayton Ridge’s SIAC (School Improvement Advisory Committee). 

How do you feel about the district’s recent direction, including the implementation of a four-day school week this year? As we have switched to a four-day school week, I want to follow closely how students are learning, and I want the board to be proactive in addressing any concerns for staff and students. Clayton Ridge has pioneered this change in our region. I would like to see it succeed, while maintaining quality education that promotes our students to learn and grow.

What are some ways the school board can help empower the school’s extra-curricular resources for students, including FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, and FCCLA?
The school board supports the advisors and community & industry partnerships. I believe that promoting any success of these programs will help increase student participation and will help them be more readily prepared for post-graduation tracks. 

What should the district do to make itself more attractive for prospective employees?
I have much respect for teachers and staff as they lay the foundation and create an environment so students can learn and grow. My main concern is for the students to continue to learn and reach their full potential while allowing teachers the time to grow in their job and have the time to plan. Support staff are key to the success of the school as well. We need to retain effective and highly qualified teachers, support staff, and coaches. I believe this is vital for Clayton Ridge to attract prospective employees who want to join an exceptional team of educators.

How should the board improve communication with the public and the media?  I would welcome questions or comments via email, or in person at any time. I make it a point to gather as much information as possible and take into account all opinions and recommendations before making decisions on issues. I think the school board should be as receptive as possible to the public and media.

What are the most important needs in the school district, and how can the school board start to address these issues? One of the most immediate needs is the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Shane Wahls at the end of the current school year. The school board will need to lead a thorough and timely search for a strong new leader, ideally beginning the process by Christmas break to ensure a smooth transition. Another issue is the renewal of our voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL), which is critical for funding ongoing maintenance and infrastructure improvements across the district. Some of these improvements include roofs, HVAC, security improvements, etc. A public referendum is hoping to occur in March 2026, and the board must engage the community early to build understanding and support for this important measure. 

Additionally, with increased enrollment, I believe we need to consider hiring another preschool or early childhood teacher. This would help reduce class sizes and support a smoother transition for students entering kindergarten. We need to be reviewing enrollment data and staffing needs to ensure we are meeting the developmental and educational needs of our youngest learners.

What is your professional background? I’ve been a lifelong farmer, and that experience has taught me many valuable lessons. It has given me a deep appreciation for rural communities like ours and the importance of strong local schools in supporting families, students, and the future workforce.

What ties do you have to the Guttenberg community and the Clayton Ridge School District? Do you have (or previously had) students within the school district? I grew up on a farm just 10 miles from Guttenberg, where I still live today, so I have a strong connection to the community. I’ve served as a school board member at Clayton Ridge for the past 16 years. My family is deeply involved with the district. My late wife, Lynne, worked as an associate for 19 years; my daughter Michelle is a high school English teacher here; my son-in-law Chris serves as an assistant high school football coach; and my grandson Finn is currently a preschool student at Clayton Ridge. Both of my daughters, Michelle and Brianna, are graduates of Clayton Ridge. Michelle now teaches high school English here at Clayton Ridge, and Brianna is a high school science teacher at Pleasant Valley Community School District. I’m proud of the education they received from Clayton Ridge, the education that gave them the foundation they deserved to pursue their careers. 

How do you feel about the district’s recent direction, including the implementation of a four-day school week this year? I am very proud of our district’s recent achievement of being recognized as high performing across all three buildings on the Iowa Performance Profile. While we are just getting started with the new year, I see and hear positive comments from teachers, staff, parents, and students. We are one of 27 schools in the state of Iowa that has transitioned to the four-day week. I feel Clayton Ridge is a leader that all other districts tend to look up to. I was very involved with the research on the four-day week. Mr. Wahls and I attended the yearly Iowa School Board Association conference, and attended Day on the Hill at the capital. At these events, we were able to network with other schools running on a four-day week, and learn more from them directly. We also know it is important to keep monitoring student achievement to make sure this new schedule continues to support our students’ success.

What are some ways the school board can help empower the school’s extra-curricular resources for students, including FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA and FCCLA? Our extracurricular programs are important parts of our students’ education. The school board can aid these programs by continuing to provide strong financial backing, ensuring teachers have the time and resources to advise these groups, and attending events to show our support. We also invite and enjoy student organizations to present at board meetings, giving them a space to share their accomplishments and express any needs they may have. We are here to help provide any resources they may need to continue their success.

What should the district do to make itself more attractive for prospective employees? Clayton Ridge has a strong foundation when it comes to attracting quality staff. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, provide ongoing professional development, and work to maintain a positive work environment. We prioritize safety, creating a workplace where staff can focus on teaching and learning. To stay competitive, we should continue promoting our strengths while also seeking feedback from current staff about what’s working and where we can improve. Celebrating staff achievements can also help build a positive culture that draws in prospective employees.

How should the board improve communication with the public and the media? Our school board meetings are always open to the public, and we provide time at the beginning of each meeting for public comment. We also welcome the media to attend and report on district happenings so the community stays informed. Our board minutes are also posted online. The board can also explore additional ways to reach the public. This could include regular updates on social media, or even having meetings recorded for online viewing. It is also important to know that people are welcome to reach out to us at any time with questions or concerns, whether that is email, phone, or just in person at the grocery store.

What are the most important needs in the school district, and how can the school board start to address these issues? Money is always a need. Although the school district is doing okay, the state has allocated only a 2% increase in funding this year which does not begin to keep up with the costs of running a school.  I would also like to see the state provide funding to the public schools for preschool for all that want it. Unfortunately, Superintendent Shane Wahls is retiring from Clayton Ridge at the end of this school year. It will be a big job to decide on a replacement. Luckily, he will stay on for a while to help with the transition.

What is your professional background? I received a BA from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, my hometown, with majors in Elementary Education and Vocal Music, way back in 1975. I later obtained a MAE from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. 

What ties do you have to the Guttenberg community and the Clayton Ridge School District? Do you have (or previously had) students within the school district? Although I am not a “native” I have lived in Guttenberg since 1975 when I accepted a job to teach at the  elementary level. I retired after 33 years but continued to substitute until COVID hit. After I retired from my full-time teaching job, I worked for The Guttenberg Press for three years doing articles about the people and happenings in the area, writing a column and doing the school page. I could say I have had hundreds of students within the school district! However, I have no children of my own. I have been very involved with children and grandchildren of my close friends, following their lives from birth, through Clayton Ridge, and beyond. I have been proud of the education they are receiving and have received at Clayton Ridge.

How do you feel about the district’s recent direction, including the implementation of a four-day school week this year? Changing to the four-day school week was the hardest decision I ever had to make while on the Board. Many hours were spent by the Board and administration researching the concept and talking to other schools in Iowa where the change had already taken place. Open gatherings were held in both Garnavillo and Guttenberg where parents and community members were invited to ask questions and voice their opinions. There was a final meeting the night of the vote where the Board heard more input. Surveys were sent to parents and the majority voted “yes” on the four-day week. After much weighing of both the pros and cons, I voted to approve. It is too early to tell if all the change is positive, but the majority of the people who bring it up to me are pleased. Another change this year is the addition of an elementary art teacher, which is real plus for the    students. The arts are so important.

What are some ways the school board can help empower the school’s extra-curricular resources for students, including FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA and FCCLA? The school has eagerly approved trips to conventions and conferences for all these organizations and others. The last few years the groups have really been active and have grown in numbers and activities. Although academics are the main focus of any school, extra-curricular activities are so important to support the interests and talents of the students and provide opportunities for kids to interact and work together. 

What should the district do to make itself more attractive for prospective employees? I think the school does so much already to attract people, even with the definite teacher shortage. Our welcoming administration and staff are a big part of that attraction, as well as our facilities. We even had a teacher resign a couple years ago to accept a job closer to her home, but she returned the next year. The elementary school has been spruced up in the last few years with new paint, welcoming signage, etc. The Guttenberg facility has an attractive new entrance and commons since the old middle building was torn down as well a new inviting lunchroom. The four-day week has already drawn in more applicants than usual for open positions. Of course, pay makes a big difference, too. 

How should the board improve communication with the public and the media? Although there is room for improvement with anything, I think the school does a good job already of working to keep communication open. It has a Clayton Ridge website and a Facebook page. The school page and sports pages in The Guttenberg Press help greatly with communication.  Students volunteer for different activities such as the blood drive, art at Germanfest and trash pickup. If there are any other ideas, I am sure the school would welcome them.

What are the most important needs in the school district, and how can the school board start to address these issues?
I feel the most important need in the school district is getting and retaining teachers, and making sure students feel safe in the school. The school board can start by making the school a positive place for teachers and students, providing competitive wages for teachers, and holding people accountable for their actions towards teachers and students.

What is your professional background?
My professional background is that I graduated from Garnavillo High School and then Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Now, I run my own construction business, building houses and other structures.

What ties do you have to the Guttenberg community and the Clayton Ridge School District?
Do you have (or previously had) students within the school district?
My ties to the Clayton Ridge School District are that I graduated from Garnavillo high school and have many family and friends who attended or are attending Clayton Ridge. I have a Clayton Ridge graduate and four kids attending Clayton Ridge.

How do you feel about the district’s recent direction, including the implementation of a four-day school week this year?
I feel the district’s recent direction of the four-day school week was rushed and not very well thought through.

What are some ways the school board can help empower the school’s extra-curricular resources for students, including FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, and FCCLA?
The school board can help through Funding and Budget Support, Staff and Adviser Support, Curriculum Integration, Promotion and Awareness, Facilities Resources, Equity and Inclusion, and Strategic Partnerships.

What should the district do to make itself more attractive for prospective employees?
The district could make itself more attractive for prospective employees by offering competitive wages and benefits, a supportive work environment, professional development and career growth, work-life balance and flexibility, a strong community and culture, and strategic recruitment and marketing.

How should the board improve communication with the public and the media?

The School Board should improve communication by developing a clear Communication Plan, increasing transparency, hosting regular community engagement events, and having a clear protocol for communicating during emergencies or controversies.

As a candidate for the Clayton Ridge School Board, I believe our district has tremendous strengths:  A supportive community, dedicated staff, and students who are eager to learn and lead.  We face challenges like many rural school districts that require thoughtful, proactive leadership.  

What are the most important needs in the school district, and how can the school board start to address these issues? Like many rural districts, Clayton Ridge struggles to attract and retain qualified teachers.  To provide the best education possible, we must make our district a place where educators want to work and stay.  We need to make sure our salary and benefits are competitive with neighboring districts.  We need to make sure we are partnering with teacher preparation programs to create a recruitment network.  We need to support initiatives that reduce burnout and improve work-life balance for staff.  When our staff feels supported and valued, our students benefit the most. With inflation rate and everything costs more plus the changes in the AEA funding have created some budget challenges for small rural districts like ours.  We need to make sure we have strong financial stability meaning long term financial planning that anticipates rising cost you also need to identify certain efficiencies that we can make seeking out grants, partnerships, or alternative funding sources, plus engaging in educating the community about funding needs to build trust and support for the future levies and bonds when they are needed.  Responsibility and transparency must guide every decision that we make.

What is your professional background? My professional background includes an A.A. in Education and a B.S. in Occupational Health and Safety.  I have been employed with C.J. Moyna & Sons, LLC for over 21 years.  From September 2014 to March of 2019, I was an Occupational Health and Safety assistant.  In March of 2019, I became their Safety Director. This profession takes expertise in rules, law, and regulations such as MSHA, OSHA, FMCSA, Workmen’s Compensation, and other associated regulating bodies in which my company falls under. With this, training and education are a major part of my role and job duties. With this occupation and a company of over 300 employees with job sites in over five states, I have strong leadership, communication, teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking abilities. As part of my job duties, risk management, strategic planning, and attention to detail are imperative, which is what is needed in a school board member. I have been a member of the Iowa Limestone Produces Safety Committee and the Associated General Contractors of Iowa Safety Committee for over ten years. I have been a member of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for three years. I have been a board member of the Clayton County Side by Side Riders for over three years along with being the membership committee member for Pheasants Forever since 2008. In the past, I helped coach fifth and sixth grade girls’ volleyball and was a leader for many years for the Clayton Country Crew in Garnavillo.

What ties do you have to the Guttenberg community and the Clayton Ridge School District? Do you have (or previously had) students within the school district? The Clayton Ridge School district stretches from North Buena Vista, over to Garber, up to Garnavillo, towards Saint Olaf, over to National, down towards Clayton and Guttenberg.  I have resided in the Clayton Ridge School District since 2005.  My husband and father-in-law were both graduates of Garnavillo High School.  My mother’s family is from North Buena Vista.  I have had children going to this district since 2007 and will continue for many years. My husband and I have a son who graduated from Clayton Ridge.  We currently have children in each building in this district.  We have a daughter that will be graduating this school year, two daughters in middle school, and one daughter who is in elementary school.  

How do you feel about the district’s recent direction, including the implementation of a four-day school week this year? It is no secret that I was against the four-day school week as I spoke up at both parent meetings and during the school board meeting.  It felt rushed with little to no notification to parents nor the community.  Notified one week, parent meeting the next, and a month later voting.  There were many unknowns and no thought-out established plans.  We were told “kinda, maybe, we might”.  No solid answers.  I did propose to the board to form committees to bring together parents, teachers, staff, and community members to form committees to do more research: 1. Safety and busing 2. Measuring outcomes 3. Pros/Cons 4. Attendance/behavior 5. Food insecurities 6. Childcare and delinquency 7. Activities 8. Curriculum and professional development 9. Community partnerships 10. Staffing.

What are some ways the school board can help empower the school’s extra-curricular resources for students, including FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA and FCCLA? Programs such as FFA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, and FCCLA give students valuable real-world experiences and leadership skills. These programs are vital in connecting students’ learning to future career opportunities, especially in rural communities.  We need to make sure we allocate sustainable funding for travel, competitions, and equipment.  We need to make sure we are investing in making sure our students have tools and resources in their classrooms that help support their learning and growth.  We need to build partnerships with local farms, businesses, and industries for mentorship, internships, work-based learning, and career pathways.  When we invest in these opportunities, we invest in our students’ futures.

What should the district do to make itself more attractive for prospective employees? To attract and retain high-quality staff, we must showcase what makes Clayton Ridge special while also offering competitive wages and benefits.  We need to have a supportive, collaborative culture where staff voices are heard.  Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities are essential.  We need to promote our district’s strengths, small class sizes, community support, and a safe working environment.  Staff who feel valued and supported provide our students with stability and excellence.

How should the board improve communication with the public and the media? When we build community trust, we must start with transparency and open communication.  I believe the board must actively listen, inform, and involve the community in decision-making.  For community members who may not have the ability to attend in person, or the resources, video streaming will enable our community to still stay informed.  We need to communicate early and clearly before major decisions are made and take the time to evaluate all facets of the issue at hand.  We need to use different avenues to invite input that have multiple perspectives, so they are heard and as much research has been done from multiple sources/facets, not just one source.  Honest, timely, and transparent communication builds unity, understanding, trust, and pride in our district. If elected, I will approach this role with transparency, respect, and a focus on what’s best for students, staff, and the community. I believe in data-driven decisions, community collaboration, and responsible stewardship of district resources.  We need to support our staff, empower students, and engage our community members.