Northwest Iowa (KICD)– November’s election will feature several contested school board races. Two ballots in Dickinson County are especially crowded this time around:

In Spirit Lake, five candidates have filed for three open seats; and four candidates have filed to fill a vacancy. Incumbants Teresa Beck and Greta Gruys, and Jeromy Mouw – who was appointed to fill a vacancy – are joined by newcomers Tyler Alger and Linda Moore.

For the partial term, the candidates are Michele Goodenow, Mieka Stecker, and Yvonne Taylor along with incumbant Sonja Hamm – who decided to run for the partial term instead of another full term.

Down Highway 71 in the Okoboji School District there are seven candidates for three open seats. Only incumbant John Klopstad has filed for re-election. Other candidates are Allison M. Antoine, Jeanne Fisher, Brian Hinshaw, Joe Kennedy, Amanda Plathe, and Ryan Schmidt. John Pausley and Tracey Evans are NOT seeking re-election.

And in Spencer there are three candidates for two spots. Incumbants Brea Schmidt and Phil Bieber are joined by former board member Dean Mechler.

There is NO contest in Clay Central Everly. Lynn Heikens is running for re-election unopposed. At-large director Brian Schmidt is NOT seeking re-election, but Amber Campbell has consented to run.