Dr. Karen Friedlein, a biology professor at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Carroll Campus, has been selected to fill a vacancy on the Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education. Friedlein was chosen during a special meeting Monday afternoon to replace Gina Badding, who resigned earlier this year after being appointed as a district judge by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Board member, Brad Jorgensen, says they were looking to appoint somebody wanting to remain on the board for the long term.
He adds they were fortunate to have three other qualified candidates in addition to Friedlein: Lavern Dirkx, Phil Phillips, and Onica Ulveling. Jorgensen says they all would have done an excellent job, but Friedlein’s background in education set her apart.
Friedlein is excited to be joining the school board. She has taught at DMACC for more than 15 years and has strong ties to the community. Her husband, Dr. Eric Jensen, serves as mayor for the City of Carroll. She says her primary purpose in seeking a seat on the board is to provide the best education possible to Carroll’s students.
The board unanimously approved her appointment, which is effective immediately. Friedlein will serve in the position until November, and she has confirmed she intends to run for reelection.
