BOONE, Iowa—Retired teacher and administrator, Pam Nystrom, has announced her candidacy for the Boone School Board.
In her press release, Nystrom described herself as a life-long educator. She started her career as a speech therapist. She earned a Master’s degree in special education and taught for several years in Missouri. A native of Iowa, she and her family returned to Boone, in 1984. She served as a consultant for four years with Heartland AEA (Area Education Agency) and then started her teaching career with Boone schools in 1988. She completed a PhD from Iowa State University in 2002 and in 2003 became principal for Page and Bryant Elementary Schools where she served for several years. She went on to serve in the Middle School and as a Special Services/Curriculum Director in Central Office until her retirement in July 2013.
Since retiring she has not lost her love for education. She has been a substitute teacher for the Boone Schools and Sacred Heart. As she humorously says, “I’ve gone to school every year since I was five.”
Her reasons for running revolve around children. She stated, “As educators we often say we want to do what is best for kids. My number one goal would be to support that ideal. My motto is basically–ten good reasons and hundreds more. I have three grandchildren and seven great nieces and nephews in Boone. The oldest is 14 and the youngest is 1. I will have an interest in ‘what’s best for kids’ for a long time.” Four primary issues prompted Nystrom’s decision to run.
Seeing the construction of an early childhood building for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first graders is a project of great importance. Another very important project is hiring a new superintendent. Nystrom believes that strong parent/school communication is a critical factor in successful schools. Also, ensuring that the teachers have the time, materials and support to implement quality instruction is necessary for student success. Nystrom stated, “I have professional experiences and knowledge concerning these issues. I can bring a lot to the table.”
Pam has been active in many community endeavors. Currently, she is on the Boone County Endowment board. She is a volunteer for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program implement the Red Cross emergency preparedness program, the Pillowcase Project, for all of Boone’s 3rd graders and is an RSVP pen pal for Trinity and Ogden students. She is also a coordinator for a food support collaboration with the First Presbyterian Church, the Salvation Army and RSVP called Friday Food Friends, which provides weekly food packages to students in Head Start, and pre-k through 5th grade in all Boone schools. During the summer she is a docent at Mamie Eisenhower’s Birthplace and enjoys Boone High baseball games.
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