MEGAN McINTOSH-ODELL
CITY/TOWN: Missouri Valley
CANDIDATE FOR: Missouri Valley School Board
EXPLAIN WHO YOU ARE: I am a proud graduate of Missouri Valley High School and a lifelong member of this community. My parents graduated from Missouri Valley before me, and now my two children are following that same path. I’m deeply grateful to have these roots and the
opportunity to watch my kids grow up here. Growing up as a farm kid in Honey Creek taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I credit many of my former teachers with inspiring and challenging me to do my best during my time at MVCS. Today, I serve as the Director of Merchandising at Oriental Trading Company, where I’m responsible for listening to customers (including millions of teachers striving to engage students on limited budgets), financial planning and budgeting, and collaborating across teams to achieve results. My husband, Chris, and I enjoy supporting our children’s activities and watching them learn and grow. I hope to bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to the board—helping Missouri Valley Schools prepare students not just for tests, but for real life.
WHY DID YOU RUN FOR THIS POSITION? The kids and teachers are what I’m passionate about. I see every day how teachers make an incredible difference in a child’s life, and I want to support them in that vital work. As a parent and lifelong community member, I’m proud to have grown up alongside many of the educators now shaping Missouri Valley’s future. I want to help ensure they have the tools, resources, and support they need to continue inspiring our kids.
WHAT FROM YOUR BACKGROUND QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? First and foremost, I’m 110% invested as a mom with a deep commitment to our schools’ success. Having lived here my entire life, I understand both our strengths and our opportunities for growth. Professionally, I’ve built a reputation for being an active listener who applies common sense, seeks input, and helps find common ground to solve problems. Those skills—listening, collaboration, and balanced decision- making—are essential to effective school board leadership.
WHAT ARE YOU GOALS IF ELECTED? Our current board, administrators, and teachers are doing an excellent job navigating budget challenges and an ever-changing educational landscape. My top goal is to help ensure that every student leaves our schools prepared to be successful adults and responsible citizens. That means fostering an environment that inspires curiosity, promotes safety, and builds character. In a small, rural community like ours, it’s also vital to make the most of every dollar—holding ourselves accountable and making smart, responsible financial decisions. I believe collaboration and transparency are key to continued success. I would be honored to serve on the school board to help guide our schools forward with integrity, teamwork, and a shared focus on what matters most—our kids.
