Hjelle says district has "good bones"

John Hjelle will run unopposed in the upcoming Decorah Community School Board election on  September 13, to fill the seat being vacated by Ramona Nelson.

Hjelle says he brings no particular talking points to the election, and is comfortable with the seeming lack of controversy that the present board is experiencing. That is not to say that he does not have concerns, as he recognizes that issues of funding and declining revenues will continue to be board issues for future years.

According to Hjelle the school district has "good bones" and he would be pleased to join a board for a district that is recognized as one of the best in the state. He said his motivation to run for the board was encouraged by a current board member, and enhanced by the understanding of district issues that he saw during four years of participation on the Shareholders Group. Hjelle works as an engineer for Erdman Engineering and feels this background could be an asset in understanding facilities issues, particularly during the current renovation projects.

John and his wife, Tracy, have three school aged children - in preschool, 1st, and 2nd grades.