EVANSDALE - Mike Kindschi views his involvement in the design process for Poyner Elementary School as a proud accomplishment.

The first-term Board of Education member was part of the Jewett Elementary site council that worked with architects prior to his election. His site council involvement caused administrators and parents to suggest he run for the board's Director District 1 seat.

Now Kindschi, 46, of 519 S. Evans Road, is seeking a second term on the board in Tuesday's election. The district includes a northeast portion of Waterloo, portions of East Waterloo and Poyner townships and the cities of Elk Run Heights, Evansdale, Gilbertville and Raymond.

"I learned a lot on the job," the engineering technician for Black Hawk County said of being a board member. But Kindschi still is working on some of what he hopes to accomplish, "and that's why I think I need another term."

He believes that new schools, technology, high expectations, and "hiring and retaining quality teachers" are all part of raising student achievement.

"I feel that parental involvement is our biggest challenge," he added. "Some parents are very involved and some are almost absent." Kindschi said parents need to set expectations, help their children develop social and emotional skills and demonstrate a positive attitude about school.

His experience on the board provides some insight into its policy-making role, including the amount of time necessary to go through the process.

"It's not something you can snap your fingers and make it happen," he said.

Kindschi has taken on the issue of more effectively using Waterloo Community Schools' physical education classes to promote a healthy and fit lifestyle. He has advocated reshaping the curriculum so students who aren't involved in sports get a "good amount of activity" during the school day.

"I've been working on it 2 1/2, going on three years - my whole first term," he said. "The administration seems to be fighting my ideas because of the need for academics."

But Kindschi points out that gym classes can help with academic learning.

"Activity keeps students fresh, energized and ready to learn," he said. "Academics and achievement are at the top of the list, but I just want to make sure other things aren't being left out."