Policies governing education, human resources and funding and other matters for the Southeast Polk Community School District are established by a seven-member Board of Education who are elected by residents of the district. The Southeast Polk School Board will have 3 seats up for re-election on the November 4, 2025, ballot. They are currently held by Brigid Ernst, Ric Powell, and Whitney Smith McIntosh. Following McIntosh’s relocation outside the district this fall, her position has been temporarily filled by Gary Fischer, who will serve in the interim until the November election.

There are 5 candidates vying for these 3 seats: Tracy Dawson, Brigid Ernst, Grant Gillon, Karla Jensen and Adam Krell.

There are several ways to learn more about each candidate.

• Follow The Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/altoonachamber
• Attend the Southeast Polk Education Association (SEPEA) School Board Candidate Forum on Monday, October 20, 2025, in the SEP Jr. High Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. It’s open to the public. If you aren’t able to make it, you can watch the livestream here:
  The Southeast Polk Education Association is hosting a Board Candidate Forum TONIGHT at the SEP Jr. High Auditorium at 6 p.m.
  Not able to make it? You can watch the livestream here: SEPEA School Board Candidates Forum

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Typically, the Des Moines Register will also provide information about each candidate.

Find your polling location here.