The best time to take back state and local elected offices from right-wing Republicans was seven years ago. The second-best time is now. After the 2010 elections that swept the Tea Party into elected offices at all levels, the GOP has been systematically running ruthless campaigns in state houses and on county boards alike. Parents angered by transgender students, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrants have sought to deny independent and critical thinking skills from reaching their children through school board elections, getting teachers fired, and even pulling their own children out of public schools to teach them themselves.

Not only does the Democratic Party need to start winning these elections, but progressive Democrats especially need to ensure that public school students have the tools they need to tackle real-life problems, not culture war issues. Today we are profiling Lauren Myers (she/her/hers), a bisexual millennial and current School Board member up for re-election in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Lauren is a small business owner who works in behavioral health, has deep ties to her community, and decided in 2021 to give back to the public school system she was educated in by joining the school board. She is passionate about ensuring that students have all opportunities open to them, and not taken away, to help them learn and become successful with a rich, well-rounded education.

Where are you based?
I’m based in Council Bluffs, Iowa, just across the river from Omaha, Nebraska. It’s a strong, close-knit community that I’m proud to call home.

What’s your position/what position are you running for?
I’m currently serving as a member of the Council Bluffs Community School District (CBCSD) Board of Education, and I’m seeking re-election this November to continue supporting our students, their families, the staff, and our community.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I’m committed to ensuring every student in CBCSD is supported, engaged, and prepared for life after graduation. That means removing barriers to success and strengthening school-family partnerships, and expanding our Diploma Plus One (D+1) pathways for students.

What inspired you to run?
I’ve always loved school. From an early age, it wasn’t a question of “if” I would go to college, but a statement: “when” I would go. Yet, I knew I would be the first in my family to do so and I did, not once, not twice, but three times! This was made possible because of teachers and staff who guided me through high school, helping me apply to universities, seek out scholarships, navigate financial aid, and supporting my mental health along the way.

Not all of my brothers felt that way about school or had the same opportunities I did. At that time, the focus across the nation, in our state, and even in our district was on “reducing the number of high school dropouts”, “improving high school graduation rates”, and “students going to college”. That experience makes me especially passionate about offering our students multiple pathways to success today.

Growing up, my mother worked as a paraeducator for students with severe and profound needs. I saw firsthand how dedicated staff like her help students like the nearly 20% of our district who receive special education services get the support they deserve. I also saw how supporting staff makes all the difference in student success.

Now, as someone who works in the behavioral health field and previously in victim services, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the barriers our students, their families, and even our staff face. Along with the importance of providing support, resources, and opportunities so everyone can thrive.

This combination of personal and professional experience is my “why” for seeking re-election.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
Locally, I want to expand opportunities so that every student can succeed, no matter their zip code or family income. That means expanding our D+1 pathways that have the goal that all students graduate with a high school diploma and an additional credential. Our district offers a variety of pathways including college credits, professional certifications, career-focused training, and even an associate’s degree, so students can choose what matches their interests and goals. The change I want to see is every student finds a path that fits them, while also creating opportunities that prepare students for careers we may not yet be aware of. This ensures they leave our schools feeling supported, confident, and ready for their next steps. I want families to feel connected and proud of the schools their children attend, staff to have the resources and recognition they need to do their best work, and our broader community to see and support the value of public education. Nationally, I hope to showcase the kind of innovative work happening in our district, demonstrating that school boards and local leadership truly matter in shaping equitable opportunities and strong, thriving communities.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I was elected to the CBCSD Board of Education in 2021, and serving has been an honor. Since then, we’ve built and opened our Early Learning Center (ELC), the first in the state to serve children from birth through preschool age. The ELC prepares our youngest learners with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond. We’ve also established our Innovation and Sports Center, giving students dedicated space to pursue STEM projects like robotics and athletic opportunities in golf, softball, and baseball. Both facilities provide students with resources, experiences, and environments that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom.

I’ve served as our district’s representative to the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Delegate Assembly twice, helping shape the legislative platform and advocate for policies that benefit all Iowa students. Additionally, I serve on the IASB Legal Service Fund Committee, which guides decisions on important legal cases affecting school districts statewide.

My commitment to professional growth has been recognized with Individual Achievement Awards from IASB for continuing education, earned twice. I’m also proud that the board has also received the Team Achievement Award and our superintendent earned an Award of Honor. These honors reflect our dedication to ongoing learning and effective governance.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
While our students can explore many pathways through D+1, I want to ensure every student has access to a pathway that truly fits them. Supporting students along their paths, means removing barriers that get in the way of their learning and engagement. It also includes strengthening school-family connections, ensuring staff feel supported and have what they need to do their best work, and demonstrating to our community how every board decision, including my own, keeps students at the center and supports their success.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I believe the key is meeting people where they are, learning what matters most to them and connecting through shared experiences. Listening is important, but it’s only the first step. I also recognize and value our differences which shape who we are and what we care about. In my work both in and outside the board room, I focus on finding common ground and building consensus wherever possible. While not everyone approaches issues the same way, I aim to model relationships of respect, clear communication, and collaboration. By doing this for my constituents, I hope to show how people with different experiences and viewpoints can work together to achieve meaningful goals, challenge outdated stereotypes, and celebrate the innovation in our community that often goes unrecognized.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I bring a mix of personal experience, professional expertise, and community insight to the school board. As a first-generation college graduate, I know what it’s like to navigate unfamiliar systems and seek out opportunities.

My passion projects in high school, including founding Project Beautiful to build student confidence and creating a community pride video for Council Bluffs residents of all ages, showed me how meaningful initiatives can lift others. In college, I continued volunteering through programs like Wesley Service Scholars, which reinforced the value of serving and engaging with the community.

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and making tough decisions while keeping people at the center. My work in behavioral health, combined with previous experience in victim services, has shown me the real-world barriers and stressors students, families, and staff face. This perspective helps me ensure policies and resources foster success and well-being for everyone in our schools.

What is your motto in life?
“Be the adult you needed when you were growing up” and “leave the world a better place than when you found it”.

Where can we find out more about you?
Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Lauren Myers, Community School District Board for Council Bluffs, Iowa