Former Obama official Jackie Norris to announce bid for Des Moines school board

Jackie Norris will announce on Monday that she’s running for the DSM School Board, according to a weekly newsletter published by Polk County Democrats.

Background: Norris was President Obama’s 2008 Iowa senior advisor and First Lady Michelle Obama’s chief of staff.

• Last month she became owner and president of the SPPG consulting firm in West DSM.

The big picture: About 40% of DSM property taxes go to the school district.

• And DMPS has lots of upcoming challenges. For one, superintendent Tom Ahart goes before a state board today to fight to retain his administrator’s license.

What to expect: Norris is seeking one of two at-large seats that are on November's ballot.

• Rob Barron told Jason that he’s hasn’t made a decision about whether he’s running again, and Kyrstin Delagardelle didn’t return a call.
• The election is Nov. 2, and candidates have until Sept. 16 to file nomination papers.