Three Cleveland School Board seats are up for reelection this year, and five are running, including the three incumbents (Ryan Ponwith, Nancy Heldberg and Kevin McCabe) and two newcomers (Jordan Elias and Ian Rude).
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Nancy Heldberg
What is your background (as a part of the community, children in school, education, career and any other relevant experience that prepares you to be a board member)?
I am originally from Mitchell, SD, where I was born and raised. I went to college at Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD and received a BA in mathematics. I then went on to obtain an AA in cardiac ultrasound. I have been working as a cardiac sonographer for the past 26 years. I currently live north of Cleveland with my husband and three children. We own and operate a dairy farm. My kids are currently attending Cleveland Public Schools as juniors and a freshman. I am an active member of the Church of Nativity, where I am a lector, extraordinary minister and previous chair of the Parish Council. I also teach first-year confirmation students in the Faith Formation program. I have coached junior high boys and girls basketball, junior high volleyball and am currently the assistant coach for the girls basketball team.
What motivates you to run for the school board?
I enjoy the opportunity to work with the wonderful staff of Cleveland Schools and to continue to improve and make learning even better.
What perspective do you bring to the board that may differ from others?
I feel I have a couple different perspectives to bring to the Board. I grew up with a mom who was a teacher, principal and administrator, so I understand that aspect of education. Also, coaching the student athletes and building those relationships, I see how decisions affect the students as well. Another perspective I have is being a landowner. I feel firsthand the impact of Board decisions.
What are the top needs of the district?
In the last couple of years, Cleveland School District has undergone a lot of changes. Finances, policies and processes, and expectations are just a few of the positive things. Although change is hard, the entire staff has put in a lot of hard work to make these things happen. Continuing that positive swing is key in getting and keeping Cleveland Schools at the top of the list of preferred schools in the area. Finances are always on the list of needs. School budgets are a very confusing and complicated area. There are many limitations and rules that govern when and where money can be spent. With that information in mind, I make choices based not only on the betterment of the school and learning experience, but also on the impact those decisions have on the fiscal outcome to the school.
What would you do to improve student learning?
My belief is that we hire the teachers, staff and administrators to do a job that they are qualified for. The role of the School Board is to help continually improve the education of students. Support, setting high standards and expectations, and providing tools necessary are just some of the ways we improve. Setting high standards and expectations for both the teachers and administrators, but also the students make the overall learning experience.
How should the district respond to rapidly changing technology, including AI and smartphones? What role should technology like computers and Chromebooks play in the classroom?
I believe that AI, smartphones and Chromebooks are useful tools in education when used properly. I am a strong proponent of classes that use real life teaching. I would like to see more problem solving, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills incorporated into every class.
How will you listen to students, families, educators and the broader community?
My phone and email are always available. I am also at many events through school and throughout Cleveland. As board members, we are the voice of the people within the school district. I will listen with open eyes and ears. I think it can be frustrating for people because as board members, initially we can just listen. There are procedures and processes that must take place and answers aren’t available instantly. As with everything, there are two sides to every story, and both sides need to be heard. I want to state that just because an answer isn’t given immediately doesn’t mean we aren’t listening. Every respectful conversation that I have is important to me.
What will be your top priority if elected?
If elected, the top priority would be to continue to focus on the fiscal responsibility to not only the school, but to the taxpayers as well. I have been a member of the school board for 8 years and have seen some great changes. I would like to continue to be part of the positive changes in Cleveland Public Schools. I have great pride, and my blood runs orange and black. Thank you for trusting me for the last eight years and I hope you will give me the opportunity to continue to serve you.