Randy Richter called his first three years serving on the Howard-Winneshiek School Board insightful, exciting and fun.
    He is glad he has had the opportunity to be a part of development in current projects such as the Cresco Early Childhood Development Center and the Elma Early Childhood Center.
    He has also enjoyed gaining insight into the way school officials make decisions, and why certain changes occur in the school system.
    But Richter, who is the current director-at-large on the Board, will not run for re-election this fall, due to his farming business doubling over the past three years. Richter farms about 7,000 acres near Lime Springs with his brother, Tim Richter.
    “It’s been really exciting,” he said. “It was a good experience. I had a lot of fun.”
    Richter’s spot will be up for grabs in this September’s election. The At-Large position is open to candidates residing anywhere throughout the Howard-Winneshiek School District.
    The Howard-Winneshiek School Board, like many in the state, often have a hard time finding people interested in being on the Board. Richter hopes to see more than one candidate running for his position on the ballot this fall.
    “It’s nice when there’s a choice for the people,” he said.
    As a School Board member, Richter attends monthly Monday night Board meetings that usually last a couple hours.
    He also often takes advantage of annual conferences, seminars and other continuing education opportunities the school district provides free-of-charge to Board members. The continuing education offerings are not required of members, but Richter said they provide an opportunity to learn more about the school system.
    Having a family member, such as a child or grandchild, currently attending school in the district, is a “big plus” for board members since current students can provide feedback, but it’s not a necessity, Randy said.
    “The number one commitment to being a board member is you have to be interested,” Richter said.
    Richter said the ideal candidate would be “someone who is looking forward and trying to get the district to grow.”
    “If you’ve ever wondered, just jump in,” he said. “If you’ve ever thought about running, now is the time to do it.”
    Interested candidates must file nomination papers by 5 p.m. July 31 with School Secretary Jan Kreitzer in the superintendent’s office. Candidates must collect at least 50 signatures of support by the July 31 deadline. Forms can be picked up at the superintendent’s office Monday through Friday. There are no filing fees.
    The election will take place Sept. 9.
    Jan Carmen’s current spot as District 2 School Board director will also be up for election this fall. Kreitzer said she believes Carmen plans to run for re-election. To run for the District 2 spot, candidates must reside within District 2.
    Due to a new Iowa law, directors elected this fall will serve four-year terms, instead of the previous three-year commitment.