October 21, 2025
There are four candidates running for two open seats on the Earlham School Board. Nick Comes, Brandon DeGroff, Kacey Henke, and Greg Opseth provide voters with good options when they go to the polls on November 4. Voters should do their homework with any election, of course, so in an effort to help with that process, The Echo sent the candidates a brief questionnaire. The candidates’ answers follow, and are listed in alphabetical order of their last names.
Also, voters will have the chance to meet everyone in person at the candidate forum at the school on October 28 at 6 p.m.
What motivated you to run for the school board, and what specific goals do you hope to achieve for our local schools?
Comes
I am a person that believes that you must be involved if you want to make an impact in your community in a positive way. I would like to see our school create more opportunities for students to gain long-lasting life skills such as finances, trade schools, college as well as the work force.
DeGroff
My wife Katie and I have always been passionate about volunteering for the betterment of the community. I believe my background in business leadership lends itself to the responsibilities of the school board. Anyone who knows me will tell you I cannot do anything halfheartedly. So, in the past when running for school board was brought up, I was worried about time constraints, with three children in school and extracurricular activities I did not feel like I would be able to represent the community fairly. Our oldest graduated last spring, and I am now confident I have the time to dedicate to the board.
My specific goals that I hope to achieve for our local schools are simple.
Uphold and honor the integrity of the school and community.
Have tough conversations that allow us to see things from everyone’s perspective and find common ground to unite the community for the greater good.
Be accessible and transparent to all stakeholders involved in our school district.
Ensure we are providing our students with the tools and knowledge to become contributing members of society.
Henke
From a young age, I’ve understood how special Earlham and our schools are, they’ve shaped who I am. That’s what motivated me to run for the school board. A desire to give back and help ensure that all students have the same positive experiences and opportunities that I did. I truly enjoy being part of the Earlham school and community, and serving on the board allows me to support our students, teachers, and families in meaningful ways. My goal is to continue helping our school and students achieve success and discover their passions.
Opseth
Over the course of my career as a nurse administrator, I have seen how vital a supportive governing board is to the success of any organization. I have spent the last decade in healthcare leadership, including seven years in a critical access hospital (CAH), where the collaboration between the board and operational leaders was pivotal to organizational success.
While my governance and leadership experience serve as a strong foundation, my primary motivation comes from my direct involvement in our schools through the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) and the Watch D.O.G.S. program. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the daily operations of our school and deepened my appreciation for the educators and staff who serve our students every day.
My number one goal is to explore how we can identify & employ a goal cycle that effectively aligns the district with its strategic plan. I believe this process should be board-led but developed collaboratively, incorporating input from teachers, administrators, families, & community members. By ensuring all voices are heard and aligned toward common goals, we can maintain a strong, successful, and independent school system that continues to serve our students & community well into the future.
Tell us about your personal and professional background.
Comes
I grew up in the Dallas Center-Grimes community, graduated and went to work for a local construction company. From there I was accepted into a trade school and earned my journeyman status and have worked my way up to a superintendent position with a custom home builder in the Des Moines area. My wife and I have lived in the Earlham community since 2014 and have two children in Earlham schools. I have been involved in coaching and volunteering with our Earlham Quarterback Club.
DeGroff
I was born and raised in Yutan, NE, a small town similarly sized to Earlham located fifteen miles west of Omaha.
I am a Husband and Father of three. My wife Katie and I moved to Earlham from Yutan in the summer of 2017. Since then, we have graduated one through Earlham Schools and currently have an 8th Grader and a 3rd Grader.
I make myself available to volunteer in the community whenever possible. I have coached little league baseball, helped wherever needed at wrestling tournaments, been an active member of the athletic boosters, organized horseshoe events for freedom fest, and umpired baseball games for every age group we have in Earlham. What I am probably most known for around here is bringing the “meats”, as I have an extensive collection of grills and smokers. I donate and volunteer my time at the concession stands as well as season end parties for any team or organization that asks me.
I am currently the VP of Operations at SCG LLC. I have been employed with SCG since 2014. We are a pipeline contractor based out of Redfield IA. We primarily design, build, and install natural gas pipelines and sub stations in a 7-state radius around Iowa. I also own and operate a trucking company with my brother. Hat Creek Enterprises is based out of Ithaca, NE. We haul a variety of specialized freight as well as livestock.
Henke
I’m a born and raised Earlham Cardinal and proud to still call this community my home. After graduating from DMACC with my culinary arts degree, I worked as a chef in Portland, Oregon and then in Minneapolis. But I always knew I wanted to return home to raise a family. My wife and I met at an auction in Winterset and have been married for almost 20 years. We are the proud parents of two daughters, one an Earlham grad and one a senior. My wife and I have owned our small business here in Earlham since 2010, always with the goal of bringing people here to see how special our town is.
Opseth
I grew up in Alden, MN, a small town of 650 people just over the Iowa/MN border. I graduated from Alden-Conger HS with a graduating class of 34. Like ECSD, my alma mater is also a district housing PK – 12th grade all in one building. My wife graduated from Adair-Casey. Heather is a Physician Assistant & currently serves as Associate Professor & the Assistant Director of the PA Program at Des Moines University. We have two children enrolled at ECSD: a 5th grader & 1st grader. Growing up in a small town has shaped who I am, and I remain deeply committed to ensuring every child in ECSD benefits from the values and opportunities rural communities offer.
I have been a registered nurse since 2012. My leadership roles started in 2014. I was Chief Nursing Officer at Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center from October 2014 – April 2021. Since April 2021, I have been the Chief Operating Officer for Highland Medical Staffing in Jefferson. In this role, I have continued my focus on supporting rural access to healthcare by partnering with CAHs for their staffing needs while recruiting / onboarding new hires. Moreover, from 2017 – 2023, I was appointed to the Board of Directors (BOD) at Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, NE. Additionally, my governance experience includes President, Secretary, & District D Representative of the Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership, President of the Iowa Nurses Association, national committee appointments through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership on the Membership Committee & the Annual Conference Planning Committee. I am also an active member of the American Nurses Association. I believe my operational experience coupled with governance roles uniquely positions me to be a positive addition to the ECSD school board.
In your experience with ECSD, what is one thing you think the district has done well and what is an area that needs improvement?
Comes
Earlham has done an excellent job at hiring highly qualified educators and professionals. When it comes to curriculum options and scheduling conflicts within the school day, we could improve on these for better learning opportunities.
DeGroff
The one thing that stands out in my mind was the hiring of a superintendent that is active and committed to the community and its stakeholders. Leadership is the key to success, and I believe we have the right person to lead us into the future.
My focus for improvement lies in promoting and preparing students to enter skilled trades after high school. Overlooked for too long, we must find a way to influence the youth in America to look at trades as an opportunity. With the gap between job openings and new workers filling them increasing daily, as well as wages exceeding that of jobs requiring a four-year degree. We must be exposing our students to the endless possibilities that lie in a rewarding career in the trades.
Henke
One thing I think ECSD does really well is meeting students where they are and helping them succeed in life. Whether it’s supporting kids on IEPs as they learn everyday life skills or giving high achieving students opportunities to earn college credit through DMACC classes, the district works hard to help every student find success and feel prepared for what’s next. Over the past three years, student test scores have continued to improve across multiple subject areas and grade levels. Understanding there is always room for improvement, this upward trend is encouraging. Also, the district has continued to lower the property tax levy considerably. Since 2019 it has decreased the property tax levy from 16.75 to 12.94 dollars per thousand. I feel like this shows strong financial management while still moving forward with building projects and resources in classrooms.
An area that I believe can always be improved upon, like in any relationship, is communication. Clear and consistent communication that shares all of the amazing things happening in our schools each day, as well as the long term goals the district is working toward, helps strengthen the relationship between the school and community. To me, the school is truly the heart of Earlham, and keeping that connection strong is so important.
Opseth
Well: I have always been impressed with the level of teamwork across all levels at ECSD. From my involvement at Watch D.O.G.S., I have witnessed all members of the staff being incredibly dedicated to their work. Each member of the team, no matter their title, is not above or below any task. This level of commitment & demonstration to the students to step in & help no matter your role or title, is another motivator for me. This team-centered mentality is an essential component to the success of the district.
Improvement: Building on my intent to align a goal cycle with the district’s strategic plan, I believe ECSD can strengthen its impact by more clearly communicating this plan and its progress to the public. After all, we are Earlham Community School District. So, whether a member of our community has a student enrolled should not matter; all community members ought to be informed of the goal cycle & how that aligns with the district’s strategic plan.
How will you engage with parents, students, and the community to ensure their voices are heard in school board decisions?
Comes
I will continue to be present in school and sporting activities as well as community events. Being present gives me a personal opportunity to engage with parents and community members freely.
DeGroff
To me this question is about accessibility and approachability. I believe that as a board member it is essential to actively listen to community members’ wants and needs and take those into consideration. While it can be challenging to please everyone, I am dedicated to being empathetic and open-minded when it comes to stakeholder opinions. I am willing to make myself available at any time. My job requires me to be at my computer all day, so email is readily available, my phone is always on, and my house is centrally located in town.
Henke
I believe the best way to ensure parents, students, and community members feel heard is to be present and approachable. I’m always around and willing to have a conversation or quick chat, whether that’s at a school event, a game, or just around town. You’ll often find me at an Earlham school sporting or fine arts events, local fundraisers, and community gatherings.
As a local small business owner. I’m rooted here. You can find me at our shops, grabbing supplies from EBC, a breakfast burrito from Hometown Market, or a latte for my wife from Beans. I try to stay connected and engaged with our community every day. If you see me out and about, please say hi! And if life’s busy, you can reach out by email. I’m always open to listening and hearing your thoughts.
Opseth The immediate words that come to mind with this question are involvement & engagement. Whether that involvement is academic, extracurricular, committee member, staff, student, parent or community member, all stakeholders must be heard. As a school board member, my job would be to make informed decisions in the best interest of the school district. In order to achieve this, much like my professional leadership responsibility, I have to meet people where they are. Therefore, targeting parents & students in the activities or events in which they are already involved will be essential. As for community members the approach is the same; attending non-school sponsored events in the community to perhaps target those who may not be present at school-sponsored events or activities. While I hope to meet people where they are, I will also encourage attendance to or awareness of school board meetings & agenda items. No matter the decision, all stakeholders in the Earlham Community School District are impacted. Therefore, the more transparency & communication I can foster, the higher likelihood of our success. In this manner, I can be influential in positioning ECSD to continue being successful & a sought-after district for student learning & community involvement.
Earlham Echo 
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