The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Waukee Community School District School Board Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 16, beginning at 6:00 p.m., in the Waukee High School Gymnasium/Auditorium. This is your chance to hear directly from the candidates who will shape the future of our schools.
At the forum, candidates will introduce themselves, share their visions, and respond to questions from the community. Whether you are a parent, educator, business leader, or resident, this event is an excellent opportunity to engage in the local democratic process.
Below are the candidate bios (as provided by the district or public sources) to help you prepare. We encourage attendees to come with thoughtful questions.
Candidate Bios:
Jaime Secory
“My husband, Adam, and I have lived in the Waukee Community School District for over 20 years. We have two daughters, a Sophomore and a Senior, who will graduate from Waukee High. I have undergraduate degrees in economics and ethics from the University of Northern Iowa, and a law degree from Drake University. While staying home with our girls, I lent my skills to a variety of non-profit and state boards. I have worked as a designer for Snyder and Co for the past 8 years. I have been honored to serve our community over the past four years on the School Board. There have been challenging decisions made necessary due to scarce resources of time, space and finances, but working together with our fantastic leadership team, our Board has continued to support the District to the best of our abilities. If given the opportunity to do so again, I would look to continue our mission to meet the unique needs of all our students and support our amazing staff!”
Michael Schrodt
“I’ve proudly called the Waukee Community School District home for over 20 years. My wife, an OG Waukee alum, and I are raising two sons who attend Sugar Creek Elementary and Timberline School. Professionally, I serve as an Associate Vice President at a Fortune 500 company, reviewing for regulatory risks. I bring strategic leadership and a commitment to excellence to everything I do. I was elected to the WCSD School Board in 2021 and have spent the past four years working to strengthen our District. During my tenure, we’ve opened four new school buildings, launched the Waukee Schools Natatorium, improved our financial footing, and continue to expand educational opportunities for students. I believe in representation through engagement. My approach to serving isn’t just about boardroom decisions, it’s about showing up. I’ve visited every educational center in our district, met with staff and students, volunteered, and participated in school events to ensure our community’s voice is reflected in my work. As Board President and a member of every sub-committee, I’ve helped set ambitious goals to deliver best-in-class education and equip our staff with the tools they need for students to succeed. I’ve championed dual credit courses, internships, and innovative classroom technologies to prepare students for college, careers, and life. I’m running for reelection because I believe every student deserves a path to success and I’m committed to helping our schools provide it. With the community’s support, I’ll continue working to ensure our District remains a place where all students can thrive.”
Jill Burns
Jill Burns has been a proud Waukee resident since 2009 and is deeply invested in the growth a
nd success of the district. At Grant Ragan Elementary, she serves on the Conference Meals Committee, has been a Classroom Coordinator for the past seven years, including being the Lead the past two years, and regularly helps with events and teacher support. Jill also volunteers with the Vince Meyer Preschool PTO, assisting with fundraising and events, where she helps to support teachers, enhance student experiences, and strengthen family engagement. With three children attending three different schools in Waukee CSD, she brings a unique, district-wide perspective. Jill is running for the Waukee CSD Board to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, teachers feel supported, and families’ voices are heard as the district continues to grow.
Armel Traore dit Nignan
Armel Traore dit Nignan is a servant-leader and proud neighbor who believes strong schools are built through partnership. As an elected member of the Waukee Community School District Board, he currently serves as vice president while being a member of both the Finance and Policy Committees—two committees he previously chaired. Working alongside families, educators, and fellow board members, Armel focuses on clear, transparent decision-making that supports safe, inclusive, and high-performing schools for all learners. Professionally, he is Head of Real Estate Data & Analytics at Principal Asset Management, where he leads a cross-functional team of quantitative researchers to inform long-term investment decisions. He brings that same data-driven, forward-thinking approach to board governance. Guided by his perspective at the forefront of innovation in the financial services industry, Armel supported the district’s Artificial Intelligence Guiding Principles, ensuring emerging technologies are used ethically and effectively in classrooms. A father of two students in the Waukee school system, Armel pairs personal investment with a broad community mindset. Beyond the school board, Armel serves on the boards of the Blank Park Zoo and the Dallas County Assessor’s Conference Board, representing the Waukee Community School District. He also coaches several youth sports teams and is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. He was also recognized as one of the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under 40 honorees. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Drake University. There, he played basketball and met his wife, Nicole. Armel also holds an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago. Together they have two energetic sons.
Becky Lachenmaier
Becky Lachenmaier has lived in the WCSD for almost 22 years, and she and her husband Kris have two boys, both of whom have graduated from Northwest High School. Holden is a senior at Iowa State and Gehrig is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin. Becky and Kris have been very active as volunteers in the district for many years; Becky was the Northwest Band Parent Organization president for the last three years and they remain active volunteers in the band and vocal music programs. Becky grew up in Montana, attended Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Washington School of Medicine, and then moved to Iowa right after her internal medicine residency. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and is medical director for a non-profit hospice, where she cares for patients and also teaches residents and medical students. During the 22 years she has practiced medicine here in Iowa, she has been Chief of Staff at UnityPoint Health Des Moines and remains in medical leadership there. She also works part-time for the Polk County Medical Examiner. Becky is active in her church, loves to sing, do jigsaw puzzles, spend time with friends, and is enjoying new empty-nester status with her husband. They remain amazed at how long it takes to fill up the dishwasher when it’s just the two of them.
What to Expect at the Forum
Time & Place: 6:00 p.m., October 16 — Waukee High School Auditorium
Waukee Community School District *Live Stream is available at the WaukeeCSD – YouTube
Format: Opening remarks by eahttp://Waukee CSD YouTube Channe each candidate, followed by moderator-led questions and pre-selected audience Q&A, and Closing remarks by each candidate.
Audience Participation: Community members will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance or the night of the event.
Why Attend
-Gain first-hand insight into the priorities, philosophies, and plans of each candidate.
-Hear how they intend to tackle critical issues such as academic growth, resource allocation, teacher retention, equity, safety, and growth planning in a rapidly expanding district.
-Ask your own questions — get clarity on topics that matter to parents, taxpayers, and educators.-Make an informed vote in the upcoming school board election.
We look forward to seeing you on October 16 and encourage everyone to engage in this important civic event.
