PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – Members of the 2025 North Tama Board of Education assembled for a new group photo on Tuesday, Jan. 21, to kickoff the new year. Those pictured include (from left) David Calderwood, Cheryl Popelka, president Rod Zobel (back), Jenny Sniffin, Marty Dostal (back), and vice chair Doug Dvorak. Not pictured, David ‘Spanky’ Boldt and non-voting student member Johnathan Cochran. While May is recognized as School Board Recognition Month in Iowa – a time to honor those elected officials who serve on school boards and advocate for public education in districts throughout the state – nationwide, many states mark January as School Board Recognition Month. Irrespective of the calendar date, Tama-Grundy Publishing appreciates the time and effort our local school board members dedicate to keeping public schools viable and vibrant. Strong public schools are an Iowa hallmark worth preserving now and into the future.