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WAUKEE, IA –​ Since announcing their run for Waukee School Board, the four candidates being supported by Warriors & Wolves United (WWU) have been under attack by a handful of individuals and groups in our community who oppose the WWU platform of equal opportunity, parent/guardian choice, relationships, accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility. Most claims by these individuals and groups are simply a matter of opinion, which the WWU candidates welcome as they all have great respect for diversity of thought. Accusations about the source of financial support for the campaign, however, are factually inaccurate and WWU wants to ensure the Waukee Community is armed with the truth.


When WWU was established last month, the four candidates made a commitment to run a clean, non-partisan, grassroots campaign. Opposing parties are claiming the campaign is being organized and funded by the Republican Party, which is baseless and incorrect.


“Although offers have been made, the Warriors & Wolves United committee is not accepting contributions from political organizations. All donations are coming from individuals who believe in the platform and the four candidates who are volunteering to serve our community,” said Ryan Glick, Treasurer of WWU.


“We had no idea how expensive it would be to run a campaign,” said Vin Thaker, candidate for Waukee School Board. “Yes, we have received offers for support from political organizations, which we are very grateful for; however, we all believe school boards should be about students and teachers -- not politics. We are confident the community will continue to provide the financial support we need to get our message out.”


Disclosures around school board campaign donations will be filed in accordance with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board on the 5th day prior to the election on November 2, 2021. That report, when officially filed, will show WWU has received contributions ranging from $10 to $500 from approximately 60 individuals thus far.


“We are so appreciative of the donations we have received from friends and family members, but especially the outpouring of support from the Waukee Community as a whole. Every contribution to our campaign - large or small - means the world to us because it reinforces that our message is resonating with voters who care about the future of Waukee Schools, said Andrea Lawrence, candidate for Waukee School Board.


“We’re just four moms and dads who are trying to raise enough money to ensure voters in the Waukee Community School District are aware of what’s going on in our classrooms,” said candidate Morgan Hughes. “This election is critical to upholding the values and traditions of our community, and ensuring all students are treated equally and respectfully in our public schools.“


Candidate Jeff Rubino stated “There’s a lot at stake with this election and that’s why the community is stepping up to support us. None of us are politicians, so we had no idea what to expect starting out. To say we are blown away by the generosity and encouragement of the citizens and students of Waukee is an understatement.”


The four candidates along with all of the volunteers working on the Warriors & Wolves United campaign are committed to running a fair, honest and privately-funded campaign that sets the bar high for leadership and community service.


Waukee Community School Board elections will be held on November 2, 2021. More information about the candidates and their commitment to public education can be found at www.warriorsandwolvesunited.org.


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Last week, two Warrior parents and two Wolves parents united to share the same message as at-large candidates for Waukee Community School Board elections in November. Together, as part of Warriors & Wolves United, Morgan Hughes, Andrea Lawrence, Jeff Rubino, and Vin Thaker are committed to fostering academic excellence and equal opportunity for every Waukee student; supporting parental choice and personal responsibility; cultivating relationships at all levels of the district; guaranteeing the judicious use of taxpayer funds; and ensuring all students and teachers have the necessary tools and resources to be successful.


“As a mom of three kids in Waukee schools, I’ll ensure every student has access to the best education in Iowa. In addition, I’ll make sure we’re good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Andrea Lawrence, candidate and current board member of the Waukee Community Schools Foundation. “While serving on the Foundation’s Board, I supported our students and teachers through fundraisers totaling over a half million dollars. I’ll lead with compassion and will help all Waukee students achieve their fullest potential.”


Jeff Rubino, a dedicated father of three, entrepreneur, and longtime Waukee youth sports leader, is proud of delivering practical life lessons to countless Waukee students as a football, wrestling, soccer, and softball coach. “It has been a true honor to work with student athletes over the years and help them build personal accountability, respect for others, and self-confidence,” Rubino said. “I’m passionate about the success of my athletes on and off the field or mat and I’ll leverage that passion on behalf of all Waukee students. I’ll continue to support Waukee’s mission and will do all I can to help them achieve great things.”


“As an immigrant who became a naturalized citizen, I believe civic engagement is an amazing opportunity given to U.S. citizens,” said Vin Thaker, father of three, youth soccer coach in Waukee, and professional project manager. “As a PTO events chairman from 2014-2017, I’ve had the opportunity to work with other parents and teachers to create lasting memories for our students. I would be honored to serve the Waukee community as a school board member to ensure every student is given the opportunity to achieve their education goals.”


“The district needs genuine and effective relationships to successfully meet the challenges of our day. School board members are elected to build strong bonds with students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators and lead the district by example,” said Morgan Hughes, candidate and 2019 award recipient of the Waukee APEX Catalyst Award. “As a mother of three Waukee students and a businesswoman, it was an honor to mentor our high school students on professionalism at the APEX. I’m ready to bring my collaborative skills and business acumen to the board.”


Together, the four candidates are determined to maintain and grow Waukee’s reputation for excellence in education. Through collaboration and transparency, they will provide outstanding leadership in the Waukee Community School District for years to come. Waukee Community School Board elections will be held on November 2, 2021. More information about the candidates can be found at www.warriorsandwolvesunited.org.

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