News : V-S School Board candidate profile: Bethany Gates

Editor's Note: Bethany Gates is seeking election as the at-large member of Vinton-Shellsburg School Board. We asked Bethany to share some information about herself and her experience, as well as her views on school issues.

Below, is her response:

My name is Bethany Gates and I live in Vinton with my husband, Judah, and our two girls. Vinton has been our home for the last 5 and ½ years. I was homeschooled through the Vinton-Shellsburg Homeschool program, then finished through Cono Christian School. My husband and I were married in 2008. Between high school graduation and my current career, I worked at Fareway, REM, and the Vinton Eagle. My husband and I also served as youth leaders at our church from 2009 to 2012. I hold an Associate of Science degree from Kirkwood Community College and am currently serving families as a Certified Doula while training to be a midwife.

When I’m not with my family or working with expectant mothers, I enjoy making music with my church worship team, playing the guitar, bass guitar, and piano as needed. I’m also active in local politics and am passionate about working to bring awareness to my fellow community members about current issues.

There are many topics that piqued my interest in running for the school board. Certain principles I hold will contribute to how I serve the citizens of the Vinton-Shellsburg school district.

I believe that taxpayer money should be used wisely and that every dollar spent should be used in the most beneficial way possible.

I believe that it should be up to the state legislature and local school boards to determine the best type of curriculum that meets the need of their students.

I believe that children do not fit into a box and that we need to be careful not to implement programs that would restrict the learning capabilities of our children.

I believe that children should grow up in a school district that is educationally and fiscally sound.

I would appreciate your vote on September 10th, 2013.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at jbgates1-16-08@hotmail.com or (319) 241-0147, or find me on Facebook!