Four candidates are running for three open seats on the Dallas Center-Grimes School Board.

Incumbents Nick Fiala, District 1, and Monica Malmberg, District 2, are unopposed.

Will Rubel and Julie Quandt are running for the open at-large seat.

The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they’re running and the issues facing the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District. The answers may be edited for clarity or length.

Fiala, Malmberg and Quandt did not respond to the Register’s candidate survey request.

At-large, Will Rubel

Age: 58.

Grew up: Montrose.

Education: Master of business administration, 2001; bachelor of science in accounting — Drake University; Defense Acquisition University; CPA exam passed (1992).

Occupation: Software developer and cloud engineer.

Political experience: None

Why are you running?

Will Rubel: In 2023 I attended a school board candidate forum as a concerned resident and was alarmed by partisan rhetoric overshadowing students. Since then, I’ve gone to nearly every meeting to learn and help improve. The board is doing okay, but I’ve seen problems: parents going to media or posting rumors before contacting district or at-large members. That must stop! My top priority is parent engagement — parents should know their board member, feel heard and respected, and get timely replies. Second: facilities — fix urgent high-school issues now and strengthen construction/maintenance policies.

What is the most important issue facing the school district and how would you address it?

Will Rubel: Parent engagement and clear, respectful, open communication is the most important issue facing DCG. After attending nearly every board meeting since 2023, I’ve seen how rumors and misinformation can spread online before families contact their board members and school administrators.

I’ll review our parent-connection plans: to see what we can do to make sure every parent knows their board representative and school administrator, feels comfortable raising concerns, is treated with respect and receives timely responses; adopt proactive, fact-based, nonpolitical communication and consistent feedback loops.

How can the school district protect LGBTQ students and still comply with state and federal policy changes discouraging gender identity policies?

Will Rubel: We can do both — keep every student safe and follow the law — by:

  • Giving parents clear steps, quick replies and regular updates.
  • Stopping bullying every time.
  • Keeping private information private, unless safety or the law requires sharing.
  • Making sure students can see a counselor and report problems safely when needed.