Lone Tree

Following the recent Lone Tree Community School District special election, incumbents Vida Wollrab and Alex Lorack retained their seats on the school board.

Wollrab received the most votes with 302, followed closely by Lorack with 299. Jamie Lorack also ran for the two available seats and received 152 votes.

As the top vote-getter, Wollrab will serve a term through 2029, while Alex Lorack's term will run through 2027.

Wollrab and Alex Lorack were both appointed to the board in June following the resignations of board president Jennifer Eden and Carrie Ronan.

At the time, the board chose to fill the vacancies by appointment rather than hold a special election, citing an estimated cost of $3,000 to $7,000. However, the following day, a petition requesting a special election was filed and later certified as valid by the Johnson County Auditor.

In the weeks leading up to the appointments, Jamie Lorack attended several board meetings and announced during public comment that she planned to seek a seat on the board.

A total of 419 ballots were cast in the election, with 1,437 registered voters in the district.

Before the election, The News interviewed each candidate and asked what they hoped to accomplish if elected.

Wollrab said she simply wants to help the district continue to succeed.

“Being a board member fills a need for the district. I come to the table simply wanting Lone Tree Community Schools to continue to be the very best they can be. I hope to bring a perspective that is impartial (as my children and grandchildren – many of whom attended LTCS – are grown).”

Alex Lorack said he has three primary goals.

“My goals are to support student success, make responsible financial decisions, and help guide Lone Tree schools and our community toward a strong future for generations to come.”

Jamie Lorack was asked the same question and said she hopes to strengthen the district's financial foundation while maintaining a high-quality education.

“My goal is to help place the Lone Tree Community School District on a strong financial foundation while maintaining a high-quality education our students deserve. The district has experienced declining enrollment and is currently operating under Iowa's Budget Guarantee. The Iowa Education Budget Guarantee helps maintain funding despite enrollment declines but also increases the local property tax levy to make up part of the difference. This makes it even more important that every dollar is spent responsibly.”

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17, at the school library, where Wollrab and Alex Lorack will be sworn in to their elected terms.