Board Members

Mr. Jared Tripp, President

Jared Tripp was elected to the Board of Education in 2021 for a four-year term. 

Mr. Tripp grew up in Treynor, Iowa.  After graduating from Treynor High School, he attended Iowa Western where he completed his Associates in Psychology.  He continued his education through Buena Vista University where he earned his Bachelors of Psychology.  The love of learning pushed him further as he turned his focus to business where he earned his Master’s in Management from Bellevue University.  He also holds the professional designations of; Associate In Claims (AIC) and Senior Claims Law Associate (SCLA).

He is employed by Berkley Risk, a W.R. Berkley company, as a Senior Claims Specialist.  His role in investigating liability has provided a great amount of insight into risk management specifically for schools and municipalities, as well as providing a broad knowledge of liability and the law.

Mr. Tripp is married and has three children, two of which attend school at College View Elementary.  Jared is an active volunteer in the community and gives his time through the Council Bluffs Noon Rotary Club, 712 Initiative, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA youth sports, Council Bluffs Soccer Club, Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, and Impact CB.  He is also a member of the Council Bluffs Library Board of Trustees.  Jared’s education and experience, combined with his drive to give back to his community and vested interest in the school system pushed him toward the desire to be a School Board member.

“I strive to learn every day and do my best to pass not only knowledge on to my children, but the desire to pursue knowledge themselves.  Quality preparation and instruction of our youth is an absolute necessity to ensure future prosperity.”

Mr. David Coziahr, Vice President

Mr. David Coziahr is in his sixth term on the Board of Education, and is currently serving as Vice President. He has served as President in prior years, and most recently as President.   His current term extends through 2023.

Mr. Coziahr is the longest serving member of the Board of Education, having been appointed for a one-year term in 2004, and then elected in 2005. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and from Iowa State University, where he earned a Construction Engineering degree. He returned to Council Bluffs and his family’s business, Coziahr Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., which has been in operation since 1936. He was inducted into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame in 2019.

Mr. Coziahr and his wife, Luanne, raised twin sons who are graduates of TJ. He said he enjoys being a member of the School Board and serving as an advocate for students. He believes that public education is the proven way to advance the education of our country’s citizens. He wants all Council Bluffs students to know that school is a safe place to take risks in order to determine what excites them in a possible career. He encourages all students to find joy in what they do. Thanks to Mr. Coziahr for the longtime dedication to our school district and community!

Mrs. Angela Griner

Angela Griner is serving her first term on the Board of Education and was elected in 2023. She firmly believes in public education being the foundation for a thriving community.

Ms. Griner is a fifth-generation Iowan and grew up in Glenwood. During school, she was extremely active in the Glenwood Community High School’s band program and volunteered at the Mills Masquers Theater Company. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Iowa State University, she worked at a design studio in Des Moines for several years creating several award-winning projects and published logos. After the birth of her first child, she set out as a mom/freelance designer/volunteer and hasn’t turned back. She owns a small design studio, Wink & Nod Creative and has been a successful graphic designer for over fifteen years.

Ms. Griner volunteers for several non-profits and organizations, including Council Bluffs Bee City, Council Bluffs Soccer Club, YMCA Youth Sports, the FreeStore in Des Moines, College View Elementary’s Exhibition project, and Pollinators Alliance of the Heartland. She and her husband, Seth, have been married for over 21 years and are raising two children in the district.

Ms. Teresa Hardiman

Teresa Hardiman was born and raised in Council Bluffs and part of six generations to attend the Council Bluffs Schools, including her great Uncle, John Risney, graduating from the first ever Thomas Jefferson class. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson as well as all four of her children, her siblings, father, and a grandchild. Teresa and her family have been involved in various parent groups at Roosevelt, Wilson, Thomas Jefferson and Iowa State University. She also participated in grant writing at Roosevelt, and was on various District committees, and community boards, while her children were in school. Her family went on to volunteer even after the grandchildren came along and involved them as well.

Teresa has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial world with banks and credit unions. Currently she is a banker/loan officer at American National Bank. Growing up her father instilled in the whole family that attending school was their job for the next 13 years. Her family was involved in many extracurricular activities and have always taken pride in their school. Not having extra spending money was never an excuse for not being able to give back.

Teresa sees herself as being a part of the solutions of our educational wants and needs and to be part of a team that makes the best education possible for the children of Council Bluffs.

Ms. Lauren Myers

Lauren Myers is a third generation Council Bluffs resident and CBCSD alumni. She has nieces and a nephew who are attending schools in the district. She has family members who are currently working for the district and who used to.

Ms. Myers began her education journey at Hoover Elementary School. Then continued it at Kirn Jr. High School. She then moved onto Abraham Lincoln High School where she earned her High School Diploma. She left Council Bluffs to study at Simpson College where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy with Minors in Women & Gender Studies and Exercise Science. Afterwards, she moved back to Council Bluffs to further her studies. She attended Creighton University and graduated with a Master’s degree in Integrative Health and Wellness and a Lifestyle Medicine certificate.

Reflecting on her time in the district she said, “I have no idea where I would be without CBCSD. The choices I was given and the opportunities I took advantage of is what helped me succeed as a student. The educators and staff who shared their expertise and celebrated my unique gifts and abilities helped me embrace who I am. The relationships I made with other alumni made me realize I always have a fellow district member to count on.”

As a student, she was a member of The Echoes, DECA, IncluCity, National Honor Society, Talented and Gifted, and Tucker Center Public Speaking. She was a part of the first ever graduating class of the College Access Program and Google Android Academy. She founded "Project Beautiful" that reached students district wide and created a promotional video "Fostering Community Pride in CB Residents of All Ages". She also served on the Pottawattamie Youth Council and was a student representative for the district at the "Engaging All Leaders Summit".

Ms. Myers currently works full-time as a victim advocate. She is an active member of Impact CB. She volunteers as a BUDDY at the MICAH House.

Dr. Tracy Ozzello

Tracy Ozzello started her first term on the Board of Education in November 2023 and her term extends through 2027. Dr. Ozzello is a lifelong Council Bluffs resident. She has graduated with an Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing (Education), and Doctor of Healthcare Education and Leadership. She is currently a registered nurse in the state of Iowa, and has worked in nursing education for more than 13 years. 

Dr. Ozzello believes that every child deserves someone who will advocate for them. For her, the most meaningful part of being involved in education has been working with students to reach their goals and seeing their success at graduation. Dr. Ozzello believes that a strong education helps grow our community.

Dr. Ozzello and her husband, Roger, have one daughter attending art college while their second daughter is still in high school. The Ozzello residence is also home to a variety of pets. Over the years, Dr. Ozzello has volunteered at their daughters’ school PTOs, was a Girl Scout leader, and coached soccer. Dr. Ozzello is a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Pottawattamie County. Also, she volunteers at the community theatre.

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” 
-Margaret Mead

Mr. Patrick Peters

Patrick Peters started his first term on the Board of Education in November 2021, and his term extends through 2025.

Mr. Peters graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 2009, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2013. Having nearly continued towards a career in music education, Patrick instead moved into technology, where he's currently a software developer at Gallup while finishing a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity at UNO. While working in technology, Patrick continued his passion of music and tech education through teaching and mentoring as an Artist Instructor at the 402 Arts Collective in Omaha, where he taught private music lessons and led technology summer camps for 8 years.

Mr. Peters firmly believes that the strength of our community is directly tied to the strength of our community's public education. By acting as an advocate for the students, parents, and teachers of our community, Patrick wants to continue to strengthen our public education system and strengthen Council Bluffs as a whole. He encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones and take advantage of the many opportunities offered by their schools.

He lives in Council Bluffs with his wife, Christine, and two children Eleanor and Andrew.