School Board Election 2025

Casey Cooney
Running for At-Large Director Seat

I'm Casey Cooney, and I've been a proud resident of the North Liberty area for over 20 years. As a

dedicated father and active supporter of our local schools, I'm honored to be raising my 14-year-old daughter, Keira, who is currently in 8th grade at Clear Creek Amana Middle School. We also have Bailey Mae, our spirited Mini Dachshund, who keeps our household lively.

I'm actively engaged in our community, currently serving on the board of the Longview Estates HOA. Professionally, I've built extensive experience in sales and operations within the food production industry, currently serving as Sales Manager for Sweeteners at Royal Ingredients Group. I've also served on a corporate Sustainability Committee, demonstrating my commitment to responsible business practices. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Iowa, which has proven invaluable throughout my career.

Having lived here for nearly two decades, I've witnessed remarkable growth in our region and schools. What impresses me most is how CCA has maintained its close-knit, community-centered atmosphere throughout this expansion—a quality we must preserve. At the same time, I'm committed to advocating for strategic improvements that will position us among the top school districts in the state.

Rick Hergert
Running for At-Large Director Seat

My wife Victoria and I are proud residents of Middle Amana and parents of three grown children

who graduated from the Clear Creek Amana School District. As a long-time member of this community, I am committed to the continued success and growth of our schools.

Professionally, I serve in Guest Services at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. My previous experience includes roles as a Territory Sales Manager for an HVAC distributor and as the Branch Manager for Dubuque Supply Company’s Cedar Rapids location. These positions have strengthened my skills in leadership, budgeting, and operational efficiency.

I was honored to be elected to the CCACSD Board of Directors in September 2011. During my tenure, I was proud to help lead the effort that resulted in the successful passage of a $48 million bond referendum, funding the construction of Tiffin Elementary and expansions to the Middle School and High School.

My dedication to youth and community development extends beyond the boardroom. I served as Commissioner for the AYSO soccer program, supporting over 600 young athletes and coordinating more than 60 volunteer coaches and referees. I was also an Assistant Coach for the very first CCA girls' soccer team. Faith and service are important to me—I’ve served on the Parish Council at St. Michael’s Church in Norway and continue to volunteer at St. John XXIII in Fairfax.

Nick Pfeiffer, Incumbent
Running for District 3 Director Seat

My wife, Hollie, and I have lived in Tiffin since 2005, where we are proud to raise our two children, Sydney (a senior) and Drew (a freshman), in the Clear Creek Amana Community School District.

I believe CCA should be the public school of choice in Johnson and Iowa Counties. As the district continues to grow while navigating changing academic expectations, the School Board must establish strong, forward-looking policies for long-term success. I am committed to listening to parents, students, staff, and community members to make informed decisions—and to clearly communicating why those decisions are made.

Within the district, I have participated in the Superintendent Roundtable, both bond work groups, planning for the baseball/softball complex, and served as Treasurer of the CCA Athletic Booster Club. I also served as President of the Clippers Baseball Club, helping restore the organization after financial challenges. Hollie has been equally engaged, serving as co-chair of the Tiffin Elementary PTG and the Post Prom Committee.

Professionally, I serve as Vice President of Public Affairs at Think Iowa City, where I work with local, state, and federal officials to strengthen tourism and community development. My role requires collaboration, problem-solving, and long-term planning—skills I will bring to the School Board.

My community involvement includes:
Treasurer, CCA Athletic Booster Club (term completed 2024)
Volunteer Baseball Coach, Clippers Baseball Club
Board Member, Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development
Member, Greater Iowa City, Inc. Community Development Innovation Council
Board of Managers, UNI Alumni Association
Director, UNI Cedar Rapids–Iowa City Alumni Club
Past Board Member, Tiffin Community Foundation

CCA has been an important part of my family’s life for nearly two decades, and I want to ensure it continues to thrive as a cornerstone of our communities.

Gabe Schaapveld, Incumbent
Running for District 4 Director Seat as a Write-in

My wife Elizabeth and I have 2 children, Jordan (11/5th grade at East Ridge) and Macy (8/ 3rd grade at North Bend). We have lived in District 4 since 2017. I attended CCA from Kindergarten up until graduating in 2003. I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 2007. I would describe myself as a self-driven and task-oriented professional. For the past 7 years I have been the Supervisor for the Probation/Parole High Risk Unit in District 6 of the Iowa Department of Corrections. I have been in law enforcement and with that agency in various roles for coming up on 18 years this November.

I am currently serving my second of a four year term on the board. I am running as a write in candidate for district 4 due to no candidates filing to run in that district. I strive to keep positioning students in ways that enrich their learning a prepares them for the next level in their lives. Whether that is the next grade, college or a trade after their time in the district is complete. I believe in supporting the staff and administration the best way possible to empower them to do what they love. I will continue to look at competitive practices to attract and retain educators, our support staff and coaches from around the corridor and beyond.

As a board, I plan to continue our vision for beyond the immediate needs of our district. Our communities are growing and with continued growth, planning needs to continue for years down the road. I currently am one of the head coaches for CCA YSF Football and I have held various volunteer coaching positions for both my son and daughter. I enjoy attending their sporting events, spending time with friends and family as well as recreational activities when we can find the time.

Braden Smith
Running for District 2 Director Seat as a Write-in

My wife, Lindsey, and I have lived in Tiffin since 2017. Lindsey has been a teacher in the district for nine years, and we’re proud to be raising our three young children here, two already attending Tiffin Elementary and the Clipper Early Childhood Academy, with our youngest joining soon.

I work in data and analytics at the University of Iowa, where I also earned my bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and MBA. For nearly four years, I’ve served as secretary of the Clear Creek Amana School Foundation Board. That experience has given me insight into the needs and strengths across our district and reinforced the importance of making decisions that serve all students and families.

I am seeking the District 2 seat because I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that requires supporting our teachers and staff with the resources, staffing, and retention efforts they need to thrive. It also means fostering clear communication and strong connections between the district and families in all communities we serve. As CCA continues to grow, my focus would be on supporting thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and policies that help both students and educators reach their full potential.