Toebben, Leader of Citizens for Quality Johnston Schools, Running for School Board

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Mark Toebben, who served as a co-chairman for the Citizens for Quality Johnston Schools group that worked to win passage of a $41 million bond issue, filed papers on Monday to be a candidate for a director at large position on the Johnston school board. 

Toebben, 55, said in a news release that he is running for school board in the Sept. 10 election because he believes his business and volunteer board experiences can help to support a collaborative environment on the school board that facilitates increased academic achievement for all students. 

“I am excited about the possibility of working with parents, faculty, students, and other district stakeholders to help guide the Johnston School District through a very important and dynamic time in its history,” Toebben said. 

The terms of board members Marci Cordaro, John Dutcher and Julie Walter are all up this year. When contacted by Johnston Patch, Cordaro and Dutcher said they have not decided whether to seek re-election; Walter did not respond.

Aug. 1 is the last day for candidates to file nomination papers with the Johnston School district, according to the schools website. 

In the release Toebben cited the district’s recently approved strategic plan and upcoming facilities construction as instances of where his experience can help.

“The strategic plan is extremely well-thought out and supports the district’s vision of creating a culture of excellence where students come first,” Toebben said. “Additionally, the facilities plan will be a key component in the district’s endeavors for the next four years, and I believe my past experiences would be beneficial in its progression.” 

Toebben is president of Direct Communications, Inc. and has lived in Johnston for 23 years with his wife, Alice, and daughter, Meredith who will be a junior at Johnston High School. 

Toebben has regularly volunteered his time for district activities. He is currently a co-president-elect for the Johnston Vocal Parents Association with his wife. For the past two years, Toebben has volunteered as co-technical director for the Johnston High School musicals. He has gained experience with the district’s facilities situation by serving as a member on two of the facilities committees that explored the best solutions to accommodate school district growth, and he also volunteered as a co-chair of the Citizens for Quality Johnston Schools group that worked to help pass the recent bond referendum. 

Toebben has continued his service outside of the school district as well. In the past he has volunteered his time as chairman of Marriott’s Iowa Business Council, and has served on the Downtown Des Moines, Inc. Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) National Board of Directors, and seven years on the Heartland Youth Choir Board of Directors, serving as president for two years. Toebben’s entire family was awarded a Des Moines Playhouse Volunteer of the Year Award, and Toebben himself has received the Playhouse’s Dionysus and Gypsy Awards.