Four candidates are competing for two at-large school board seats in the Gilbert Community School District.
Incumbent Joshua Bennett has held the seat since 2021 and is seeking reelection. He faces Jossie Gray, Dakota Hoben and Jerud Thompson for the two seats.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 4. Early voting began Oct. 15 and lasts through Nov. 3. The last day to submit a request for a mailed ballot is Oct. 20.
Story County voters can find their voting precincts and candidate information on Story County’s website.
The Ames Tribune sent out questionnaires to each of the local candidates. Here are their responses:
Josh Bennett (incumbent)
Name: Josh Bennett
Age: 36
Office I am seeking: School Board, Gilbert
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Current town of residence: Gilbert, Iowa
Education: Associates – Fire Protection Technology, Southeast Community College. Bachelors – Emergency Medical Services Administration, Columbia Southern University.
Occupation: Fire Lieutenant, City of Ames
Political experience and civic activities: Four years with Gilbert CSD; one year as vice president and the last two as president. Volunteer assistant chief of training, and EMS service director for Gilbert Fire Department. Youth sports coaching.
Why are you running for this seat? Why is education important to you, and why would you like to serve it in this capacity?
I am personally invested in the district, with three children attending Gilbert schools. I want to help ensure our district continues to be guided by fair leaders who provide the highest level of opportunity to the widest variety of families. As someone who grew up as the “different” kid who didn’t always succeed as easily as others, I deeply relate to the struggles many of our district’s students face. I want to ensure that every child has access to opportunities I didn’t.
What top priorities do you have for your district?
We spent a tremendous amount of money on a much-needed infrastructure project including the new elementary school. When combined with statewide funding challenges for schools, we need to make sure these projects are completed with quality results within the budget. Outside of that, simply supporting staff and allowing them the freedom to teach the curriculum using their incredible and unique talents.
What are the main concerns you have for your district? How do you plan to address them?
Bullying and a lack of peer-to-peer empowerment is a challenge in any district, ours included. The long-term solution that is not very exciting and takes a lot of work, is for individual families and parents to lead from the front. Personally, we will continue to challenge our own children to be kind and courageous leaders and demonstrate that in our own lives. As much as I would like one, there is no shortcut or policy we can rubber stamp to solve this problem. This solution only works if we all do it.
Jossie Gray
Name: Jossie Gray (Skjordal)
Age: 30
Office I am seeking: School Board
Hometown: Gilbert, Iowa
Current town of residence: Gilbert, Iowa
Education: Bachelor’s in Nursing
Occupation: Oncology Infusion Nurse/stay-at-home mom
Political experience and civic activities: I am involved in our district’s PTO and regularly attend city council meetings. I am also a member of Cornerstone Church of Ames.
Why are you running for this seat? Why is education important to you, and why would you like to serve it in this capacity?
As a graduate from Gilbert, I felt well-prepared for both college and my career. That experience speaks volumes about the strength of our school system, the dedication of our educators, and the support of our community. As a mom of five children currently in — and soon entering — our district, I have a deep, personal investment in the success and well-being of Gilbert schools and our students. I’m running for school board to give back to the district that helped shape who I am today and to ensure future generations have the same opportunities.
What top priorities do you have for your district?
My priorities are supporting our educators, promoting academic excellence, and ensuring that Gilbert schools continue to provide a strong foundation for every student — now and for generations to come.
What are the main concerns you have for your district? How do you plan to address them?
1. City vs. school collaboration: I believe strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand. 2. Mental health: This is a growing concern among today’s youth and should be the forefront of everyone’s focus. I want to ensure our district has the resources needed to support our students in navigating these concerns. 3. Growth of our district: We must plan accordingly for facilities space and staff needs. 4. Communication transparency: I want to see transparency regarding curriculum and advocate for parental input and involvement. 5. Making sure Gibert schools can continue to provide exceptional education to students no matter what struggles they bring to the table each day.
Dakota Hoben
Name: Dakota Hoben
Age: 35
Office I am seeking: Gilbert Community School Board
Hometown: Not answered
Current town of residence: Ames, Iowa
Education: Iowa State University (Agricultural Business, Economics, Political Science, and International Ag)
Occupation: President, HarvestIQ (Ag technology and risk management)
Political experience and civic activities: Church and community volunteering
Why are you running for this seat? Why is education important to you, and why would you like to serve it in this capacity?
I believe deeply in the role of public schools as both centers of learning and cornerstones of community. As a parent of three children in the district, I want Gilbert to be a place where families feel proud to send their kids, where teachers feel supported in their calling, and where students are challenged and cared for. I bring professional experience in finance, development, and governance, combined with a personal commitment to this community, and I would be honored to serve on the Gilbert School Board.
What top priorities do you have for your district?
Stewarding Facilities Well: It is essential that we steward taxpayer resources wisely, ensuring construction is completed responsibly while also maximizing the long-term use of these facilities. Our investments should serve both today’s students and tomorrow’s families.
Student and Parent Experience: Families today have more choices than ever about where their children go to school. We need to create a Gilbert experience that families choose, not simply attend because they live here. That means empowering teachers and administrators to pursue excellence while remembering that parents are the primary stewards of their children’s education, with teachers as their most critical partners.
Mental Health: Our students are navigating modern challenges at younger ages, and these realities are impacting their mental health. While I don’t believe it’s accurate to say Gilbert has an unmanageable crisis, it would also be wrong to suggest the last five years have been “normal.” I believe in local, community-driven solutions that strengthen connection and belonging, while giving students and parents the tools and support they need to thrive.
What are the main concerns you have for your district? How do you plan to address them? Not answered
Jerud Thompson
Name: Jerud Thompson
Age: 44
Office I am seeking: Gilbert School District Board
Hometown: Cherokee, Iowa
Current town of residence: Gilbert, Iowa
Education: Graduate of Washington High School, Cherokee, Iowa
Occupation: Category Director at Fareway Stores Inc.
Political experience and civic activities: Vice president of the Iowa Grocers Association Industry Annual Convention; member of Gilbert Parks & Recreation Board; active volunteer in youth sports; member of St. Peter & Paul Church; professional experience living and managing retail in eight different Iowa communities.
Why are you running for this seat? Why is education important to you, and why would you like to serve it in this capacity?
As a father of three children in Gilbert schools, I want to serve my community while ensuring every student has opportunities to succeed. Strong schools build strong communities, and I believe in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community-focused decision making.
What top priorities do you have for your district?
1. Support all students from advanced, vocational, or those needing extra help. 2. Practice fiscal responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars. 3. Strengthen communication so families feel included.
What are the main concerns you have for your district? How do you plan to address them?
Growth: Plan ahead so facilities and staff expand responsibly.
Student needs: Provide a balanced approach with enrichment, special education, and career programs.
Transparency: Build trust through open communication and accountable decisions.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: We asked the Gilbert School Board candidates questions and they answered
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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