JOHNSTON, Iowa — Six candidates are in the running for three seats on the Johnston School Board, and while this election is supposed to be nonpartisan, politics has become more evident.

Three of the candidates are supported by the Johnston Area Republicans, including Patrick Green, Alicia Penner, and Connor Christenson.

The other three candidates in the running are supported by the Johnston Area Democrats, including Rexford Davidson, Kaycee Schippers, and Justin Smith.

Yard signs have started popping up across Johnston. WHO 13 News noticed a handful of homes only had yard signs for Christenson; however, most homes that had yard signs included all three candidates that were supported by one of the two parties.

Lori Stiles is a Johnston resident who said she is planning to vote for Green, Penner, and Christenson after attending the School Board Candidate Forum last week.

“It became obvious who really has a pulse on what’s needed in the Johnston schools, and I think representation of all voices is really key. And I think Green, Penner and Christiansen are the ones to bring that to the table,” she said.

Another Johnston resident, Kevin O’Connor, said he is planning to vote for Davidson, Schippers, and Smith.

“I feel like they are the three candidates that support public schools. I feel like if you’re going to sit on a public school board that you really do need to support public dollars for public school students. So I think these three candidates support that. I think they support the diversity within our district,” he said.

Despite the two supporting separate candidates, they both said voting in the election is important.

Stiles said, “It’s your right to vote. It’s your civic duty. So I really encourage everyone, no matter if you have a student in the school or not, get out and vote.”

O’Connor said, “I think it’s really important to vote even if you show up and you don’t vote for anyone, you just write in a name. I think voting is as essential to the process. So whether you support the candidates that I support or not, I do think voting is, is very important.”

WHO 13 News reached out to the Johnston Community School District for their perspective on the election and the potential turnout. Lynn Meadows, the Director of Communications and Board Secretary, said the district is expecting high interest.

“The Johnston Community School District is pleased to have six candidates seeking three open seats on our school board in the upcoming Nov. 4 election. In the past month, we’ve had a chance to introduce the candidates through a Meet the 2025 Candidates page on our website, through social media, as well as through a two-hour, in-person and livestreamed candidate forum held Oct. 14 at Johnston High School that all six candidates participated in. Those who missed the forum can watch it on video. 

While voter turnout for U.S. school board elections has been historically low, often just 5 to 10 percent according to data cited by the National School Boards Association, we do expect there to be both interest and participation in our 2025 Johnston school board election due to six candidates competing for three open seats. 

Campaign signs from all candidates sprouted up around the district earlier this month. We have also encouraged participation in the upcoming election through “Get Out and Vote” posters provided by the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) and posted around the District Office and at Johnston High School. 

School board elections are nonpartisan and each candidate will be on the ballot as individuals.”

Lynn Meadows, Johnston Community School District Director of Communications and Board Secretary

Early voting will be available at the Johnston Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29. Otherwise, residents can vote early weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until November 3rd at the new Polk County Elections Office. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Polk County Elections Office.

WHO 13 News also reached out to all six candidates asking why they decided to run for school board and what their main goals are. Only Rexford Davidson, Patrick Green, and Alicia Penner responded to our requests. Below are their statements:

Rexford Davidson:

“Johnston Community School District is foundational to the identity and continued vitality of the Johnston Community. In a time when statistically the number of children being born in Polk County is decreasing and as the cost of everything continues to rise, the Johnston Community needs for the Johnston Community School District to be a (if not the) selling point so that our community can effectively compete for a smaller pool of young families to enroll their children into Johnston Schools. Essential to making this possible is Johnston school’s ability to attract talented and dedicated teachers and the JSCD school board’s role to serve and support all the outstanding teachers, faculty, and staff who work tirelessly to share their passion and knowledge with Johnston’s students. Further, we need to help ensure that teachers have the necessary resources, support and flexibility they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability. I would like to support policy that supports flexible teaching standards which improve student outcomes and which will enable teachers to give of themselves in the most authentic, creative, and effective ways possible. There are numerous reasons why I have decided to run for school board, but at the end of the day I am interested in giving back to Johnston Schools and to the Johnston Community and helping ensure that Johnston’s schools are the best they can be for students now and in the future.”

Patrick Green:

“I’m running for Johnston School Board because I believe our district deserves leadership that reflects the diverse perspectives of our entire community and keeps the focus where it belongs…on all students, families, and academic excellence.

Right now, with three members vacating their seats, our board is at a critical crossroads. In recent years, some decisions have reflected more division than collaboration—at times creating tension between policy, legal guidance, and district leadership. These moments have challenged community confidence and underscored the need for greater unity and transparency moving forward.

As I’ve met with families across Johnston, I’ve heard three common themes: concern over declining college readiness, a desire for greater representation and balance, and frustration with leadership choices that have diverted focus away from students. Some residents have mentioned a costly state appeals process—championed by another candidate—that the district was forced to defend, resulting in close to $14,000 in taxpayer expense. Beyond the cost, it raised deeper questions about judgment, priorities, free speech, and the ability to lead collaboratively.

If elected, I’ll work to restore trust, listen first, and ensure decisions are made transparently and lawfully, with every voice represented. My goal is to make Johnston a district where parents feel valued, teachers feel supported, and every student can thrive.”

Alicia Penner:

“My motivation is my kids — and I want to work together to ensure that all of our children have access to the best educational opportunities possible. I am a purposeful leader who knows what I stand for, and that’s our kids. I’m running to be a voice for Johnston’s students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers. I have seen firsthand the challenges our schools face in supporting students with diverse health and learning needs, and I am committed to ensuring that every student can thrive. Our district must be ready to meet the evolving challenges of different learning environments and provide our teachers with the support and resources they need to be effective. Every child deserves access to the tools and opportunities that foster academic growth. We must also strengthen family and community partnerships—because investing in our public schools means investing in our children, together. As a mom, I understand the importance of having more staff to help students with behavioral needs, and I believe we must be good stewards of our community’s tax dollars by directing funds to the areas of greatest need in our schools. 

One of the most important issues we face is ensuring that every Johnston student has access to an education that prepares them for a successful future. That means continually reviewing our curriculum to ensure it meets today’s challenges. Students with health, learning, or support needs often face gaps in resources, and support can be inconsistent. I want to work toward thoughtful, lasting improvements so every child gets what they need to succeed. For some, that means strengthening our IEP and 504 systems to better meet individual needs. As a parent of a student who benefited from a 504 plan, I’ve seen firsthand how the right support can help a child grow and thrive. My professional background in accounting and treasury management allows me to understand the importance of every dollar spent — and to bring transparency and accuracy to our budgeting process. I believe in looking ahead and conducting audits to understand the impact of declining enrollment. When families leave the district, it adds financial strain, and we must ask why. If I’m elected, I’ll partner with private school leaders to learn what’s working for their students — and apply those proven strategies in our public schools. Every child deserves an excellent education, no matter where they learn. 

I will bring an open mind, listen to all perspectives, and lean into collaboration. Our community needs a strong, balanced school board — one that works as a team toward shared goals. By bringing together diverse backgrounds and skill sets, we can build a stronger board that always puts differences aside and keeps students at the center of every decision.

If elected, I’ll be a board member who drives positive change and leads the way for all children to receive an education that meets their academic, physical, and emotional needs. I will advocate for our teachers to have the tools and training they need to respond with compassion and confidence to every child. I will lead with kindness, strength, and heart. I am driven and excited — and I hope to have the opportunity to serve this community. Together, we can come together to put our kids first.”