Putting Kids First

Join us in creating a better future for our school district. Your involvement can make a real difference.

My Commitment

Trust: With 9 years of accounting experience, I know that financial transparency and accountability are key to building trust and driving growth. Every dollar represents an opportunity — to support teachers, strengthen classrooms, and invest in the future of Johnston’s children.

Transparency: Ensuring parents have clear access to what’s happening in our schools — from curriculum to communication — while modeling honesty and integrity, the same values we want our students to learn in every decision and classroom.

Teamwork: Building strong partnerships among families, teachers, and leadership so that every decision reflects the needs and voices of our community — always keeping kids first. Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and set up for success. From 504 plans to IEPs, our laws ensure access — but it’s compassion, training, and follow-through that make them work.

Get to Know Me

My name is Alicia Penner, I am a wife and mother of two young children in the Johnston Community District. I am running for the Johnston School Board. As a 10 year resident and current tree board member, I am excited to give back to our community. I currently serve on the Horizon PTO and as a homeroom parent.

For the past nine years, I've had the blessing through my employer to support our annual United Way of Central Iowa campaigns. This opportunity has allowed me to volunteer, contribute, and tour various organizations serving families and individuals in our local communities.

Through this experience, I understand the importance of giving back, being present, and using my voice to advocate for those who need it most. Being surrounded by everyday advocates and leaders in our community has inspired me to do more. I want to bring that insight, along with my personal journey as a parent, to the Johnston School Board.

"It's not enough to face challenges quietly--we must stand beside leaders in our community and use our voices to create real change."

Thank you for visiting my campagin page, and I look forward to meeting you.

Alicia

Vision Statement

These focus areas work toward improving how schools support children with medical and behavior needs.

This includes advocating for clearer guidelines, stronger collaboration between schools and families, and better training for educators to recognize and respond to their needs. Every child deserves an education that meets them where they are—academically, emotionally, and physically.

I’m committed to advocating for better resources, clearer guidelines, and more inclusive practices so that no child falls through the cracks—and no parent feels alone in the process.

Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive school system for all children.

🔹 Let’s improve how 504 Plans and IEPs are implemented and communicated. They must truly support the child, not just a check box.

🔹 Let’s educate staff to better understand chronic illnesses and their impact on learning.

🔹 Teachers and staff need tools and training to respond to medical and behavior needs with confidence and compassion.

🔹 Let’s build stronger partnerships between schools and families. As parents and educators we must work as a team, not in isolation. We can build a school community that doesn't just care--but knows how to help.