The candidates are (top row, left to right): Andrew Anderson, Neal Ninmann (i), Sandy . "We have gone as far as we could to try to have a board working together, and a board that would work with the administration as a team effort," he said. Oconomowoc Area School District, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. I am a good fit for this role as I can work well with a variety of people, and I can agree and disagree with them without allowing it to become personal. Schools should be a haven for students, a springboard for each one of them to become the best version of themselves in service to others. The board voted 4-3 to choose him over Grothaus, who had served in the role for the year prior. Schraufnagel:Since the appointment of myself and the threeother new board members, our meetings are focused on improving the school district. I believe strongly that serving as a representative of the community is a primary focus for a school board member and is the reason I am a good fit for the position. Duration: 01:58 8/16/2021. "Who in the world would want to be superintendent of a community and work with a school board that is unwilling to listen to all points of view?" Counties | Phone. My own kids have spent time in robotics, drama and athletics and I want to help promote the passion of students to the greatest extent possible. EMAIL. Look at our band andtheater programs, our internship and apprentice programs, all top in the state. The four remaining school board members were in attendance, but no action was taken on one of the items that divided the board -- masks. "I think a lot of members of the public dont understand that.". "I was the board president during Act 10, so I understand a contentious audience, but this took it to a whole other level," said Terri Phillips, executive director of the Southeastern Wisconsin Schools Alliance and a former school board member. Current board members Ninmann, Schick, Schraufnagel and Thiel, along with challengers Paula Schmitz and Andrew Anderson, are running. Incumbent Juliet Steitzer was unseated in the election by challenger Matt Carrico. I wanted to make sure someone stood up to take accountability and I was most nervous about our district losing talented teachers. One of our top priorities will be to review and respond to enrollment fluctuations by continuously focusing on investing in our teachers, buildings and curriculum both financially and through policy updates that give autonomy to district leadership. Schlesingers Saturday Spotlight (3/4)String Art, 80s Prom Shower chances on/off this weekend with winter weather late in Milwaukee native Ernie Johnson, Jr. honored with Award of Excellence Drop your guns, pick up our gloves: Boxing club uses movie Route 20 holds benefit concert for human trafficking victims. Nondiscrimination: The Oconomowoc Area School District provides assurance that no student is discriminated against because of the student's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability. Thiel:I have always been involved with the schools as a stay-at-home dad for my three children who all attended the district. On May 13, attorneys for the Oconomowoc Area School District School Board issued the letter to Alexandra . Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. "Its not a specific group thats necessarily capturing the board, but its the ideological conflict itself thats capturing the board," he said. I am running to continue to move our school district in the positive direction. I am a strong believer in in-person classroom learning, and that has worked well for myself, my childrenand others for hundreds of years. This year, though, board meetings have gotten tense, and a combination of public pressure and district politics mean many wont put those precautions in place. My main reason for applying was to bring stability and history to the table. "He's not vaccinated and your decision not to require masks is going to mean that he's not going to be able to attend in-person school this fall," said parent Scott Drummond. The school board recall success rate was 7.8%. We are in a good place right now and I want to make sure that we continue being financially strong. 100% remote. Application Contact Agency. [7] The district was the 30th-largest school district in the state in the 2013-2014 school year and served 5,224 students. Black Mental Health Professionals panel discusses representation Technicians of Tomorrow competition showcases high schoolers MATC apologizes for sparking frustration after announcing major Plans to extend Milwaukees downtown metered parking to 9pm Oconomowoc School Board meets following abrupt resignation of 3 members, Three Oconomowoc School Board members resign as board 'dragged into partisan culture wars', Medical Examiner called to fatal shooting near 84th and Bender, Multiple families displaced after fire breaks out in West Allis apartment building, Cars removed from third level of partially collapsed Bayshore Mall parking structure, Long Covid is associated with significantly increased risk of death, heart and lung problems, study finds, Yao Ming caught in the cross-fire as Chinese basketball team leaves top league on eve of Covid reopening, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. To read about other recall efforts related to the coronavirus and government responses to the pandemic, click here. Whilethere is a place for students who want to do online learning, it is not for all students. State executives | I will fight for this as it will bring a transformative, long-lasting solution in times of crisis. Kim Kaukl, president of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, said his member districts mostly opened fully in-person right away last school year largely because limited access to the internet meant virtual learning wasnt feasible. DPI, the State of WisconsinDepartment of Public Instruction, has a budget for student mental health that has increased to meet the students needs after the pandemic. Kim Herro, Rick Grothaus and Dan Raasch had been trying to change the boards approach to governance and leadership, which they felt was toxic and made it impossible to collaboratively work on solutions, for over a year. Community involvement: Volunteered at the local parish church, lobbied for street resurfacing and got it done in our neighborhood of Oconomowoc Heights, which was prone to flooding. I look forward to continuing my involvement as a parent and community member in selecting a new superintendent, addressing transportation safety concernsand long-range planning for our educational spaces.". A majority voted to keep requiring masks indoors through the end of the year, though kids could ditch them when they were outside. "Well, my initial reaction was definitely surprise," said Scott Roehl, board VP. This can be accomplished by using the Strategic Plan. We can always do more and better in supporting studentswellness. I was part of that majority. Schick:I applied for the school board vacancy when the three board members resigned. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. We are doing it in many areas already. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. Community involvement: Five O's Baseball coach, youth football coach, and we lead the annual Anderson Family Holiday Gift Drive supporting local families, Contact info: 414-426-4114;andrew1anderson@hotmail.com, Address:N64 W37630 Woodcrest Drive, Oconomowoc, Community involvement:Current appointee to Oconomowoc School Board since September 2021;volunteer, Downtown Business District, past board member, OconomowocArea Baseball Club, Past political experience:19+ years on the school board Oconomowoc Area School District, Community involvement: Oconomowoc Area School District, Okauchee Lions Club, Boy Scouts former merit badge counselor, Contact info:schick.sandy@yahoo.com; 262-567-2725 (home), Address: N53 W37160 E. Madison St., Oconomowoc, Past political experience: Sat on the HeadStart Board, Champaign, Illinois, 2003-05. State legislature | OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. What made you decide to run for the seat and what makes you a good fit for the role? Office Incumbent Term School Board Member-at-Large VACANT 3 years (Begins April 25, 2022) School Board Member-at-Large Neal Ninmann 3 years (Begins April 25, 2022) I dont think we need some new program or initiative to get us there. 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We can have a vigorous discussion, take our voteand all feel good about what we have accomplished. Another priority is to continue building trust between the community and the school board that we will do what we say and act as trustees ratherthan activists. Alexandra Schweitzer garnered 3,200 votes and was followed by Steitzer with 3,010. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Oconomowoc Schools The Oconomowoc Area School District encompasses approximately 120 square miles surrounding the City of Oconomowoc and draws students from three counties: Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dodge. In August 2021, Rick Grothaus, Kim Herro and Dan Raasch resigned from the board due to what they said was the board's "unwillingness to collaborate in good faith.". By following the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions guidelines around wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing, he said most were able to remain open all school year. One of them was Juliet Steitzer, whose loss in Oconomowoc tipped the balance of power, setting the stage for the later resignations. After results came in, Steitzer released a message on her school boardFacebook page. That mindset is the only way for us to grow as a district to go from good to great. The girl succumbed to social isolation first and bullying and feeling left out through social media next. Since August, the board has seen four resignations in the wake of a reportedly toxic work environment. Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. "If people step forward and Im very hopeful that theres enough good people out there that will do that then the good quality work for kids can continue. Schmitz:As an educator and wellness researcher, I believe there are negative effects to breathing inside a mask. supports HTML5 video. Sign up now! From my perspective as a board member, to ensure that we are not putting our students at risk, a soft launch to the school year will provide greater clarity as to the effects of the virus when our students are back in session. Ford said conflict in school boards isnt a bad thing, but it becomes a problem when people are so dug in on their beliefs that they cant find compromise, or even have productive discussions. R- Realistic Spending- Dont spend what you dont have. As of this week, the data and our district metrics are trending in the right direction, so barring any major changes to the data, I see a return to a full face-to-face approach on the horizon. Schmitz:I believe in democracy and diversity. I've pledged not to accept donations from politically aligned special interest groups with pre-determined agendas. Lastly, our board can help to elevate the district by prioritizing the focus of the board itself as the existing strategic plan that has not seen improvements or modifications in almost 4 years. Rick Grothaus, Dan Raasch, and Kim Herro announced their. The first question asks for $38.65 million for several projects . Throughout my life, I have been an active participant in my community. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. How to vote | After 19 years on the Board, my experience can help with boardsmanship, general knowledge, history and more. Agendas for all regular board meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings are also available on the same site. Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We must govern via smart policy and not by current events or pressure from outside influences. Anderson:The main goal for the district should start with retaining our most talented teachers and positioning the Oconomowoc brand as the destination of choice among teachers across the state. Federal courts | There are examples of other districts offering course credit for extra-curriculars and this innovative strategy helps to reduce expenses while also increasing scope and depth of viable opportunities for students. Anderson:As a parent of four, the wake of our school board making national news for toxic dysfunction hit hard. The fact that the restrictions have been now lifted doesnt mean that the havoc caused by the lockdowns will disappear overnight. He said what boards are seeing with COVID-19 disputes is similar, but with a key difference. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. When the board and district make student achievement their top priority, the district and community win. Therefore, the district must follow the Strategic Plan and will be monitored by the documented metrics. Community involvement: Current school board member, former Oconomowoc rec league coach. [1], The recall effort began when recall supporters filed paperwork with the school district on September 17, 2020. Oconomowoc was one of the only schools to raise student scores during the pandemic. The current board follows a policy and governance model that has helped our district move forward. After the board meeting, the district immediately began receiving dozens of requests for religious exemptions, which Grothaus said completely undermined the teachers authority. Our district is equipped for this and should respect and adjust to every students learning style and personal circumstances. I was so disappointed that at many of these meetings there was no opportunity for the community to speak. And if not, well, then this is the board the community wants.". However, we need to respect those who choose to still wear a mask. 4.) There is a list of health precautions including daily sanitizing of . In the past the board was labeled as "toxic"; however, that is no longer the case with the current board. Two incumbents and a political newcomer won the three seats up for election on the Oconomowoc Area School Board on April 6. Parents expressed concern, especially for younger students who aren't eligible for the vaccine, and concern over the politics taking place. 556 likes. Meanwhile, the board will begin taking applications and discuss its plan to fill the vacant seats at its next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 18. In total, there are four seats up for election this year, and six candidates running. I have served this district in many capacities over the last 6 years, both in leadership roles and on subcommittees.. COVID-19, though, lit a match under the existing tensions and "consumed everything," said Grothaus. Ensuring that we are financially viable into the future. This can be integrated with the resources that the district already has in place and enrich them. Schick:When I campaigned in 2002, I had the following beliefs. I am currently a human resources director for a company in Merton. Our family owns a small business in downtown Oconomowoc, I am a 1988 graduate of OHS and have three children who also have experienced OASD as students. I support all programs and initiatives with no favorites. 2023 www.jsonline.com. Cities | Schmitz:Based on the priorities I outlined in my previous answer, I am developing a proposal, a comprehensive plan that includes creative and innovative programs, initiatives and strategies to meet the needs of our students after the pandemic. While Herro, who co-owns a manufacturing business, said shes used to discord and disrespect as a woman in a male-dominated workforce, the onslaught of anger directed at her and other members was staggering. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc-area news with a subscription: Click here. What a concept! (920) 474-4812. An effort to recall three of the seven members of the Oconomowoc Area School District school board in Wisconsin did not go to a vote in 2020. In August 2020, five of the seven board members voted to start the school year with a combination of virtual and in-person learning. ", RELATED:Two incumbents ousted in a Waukesha School Board race partly defined by unrest over virtual learning. 3 Oconomowoc Area School Board members quit, citing toxic behavior and hyper-partisan environment. Empowering a Community of Learners and Leaders, 262-560-2101WoodJ@oasd.orgTerm Expires: April 2024, 262-560-2101KarnowskiJ@oasd.orgTerm Expires: April 2024, 262-560-2101CarricoM@oasd.orgTerm Expires: April 2024, 262-560-2101SchickS@oasd.orgTerm Expires: April 2023, 262-560-2101NinmannN@oasd.orgTerm Expires: April 2025, 262-560-2101SchraufnagelC@oasd.orgTerm Expires: April 2023, 262-560-2101ThielW@oasd.orgTerm Expires: April 2025, Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. Voters may cast a ballot for up to four of the six candidates. "But where you start off with the entrenched ideological conflict, thats where its just destructive it makes governing impossible.". Thiel:You might not know this, but Oconomowoc has a separate special curriculum for those that want to be completely virtual, and I think that is a great program for those who have selected it. School board members around the state who supported phased returns to the classroom and disease mitigation efforts like masks and social distancing have faced vitriolic school board meetings, recall attempts, election challenges and threats over the past 18 months. 6 Marquette edges St. John's, Crime Stoppers: Dispute on city bus leads to shooting, CBS 58's Feel Good Friday: Free zoo admission, inflatable animals and more. Some want masks to be optional in schools, while others don't. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee. Supporting teachers is the first step towardbringing stability. E- Excellence- Excellence in everything we do. . The candidates are (top row, left to right):Andrew Anderson,Neal Ninmann (i),Sandy Schick (i); (bottom row, left to right)Paula Schmitz,Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. More: Candidates for Oconomowoc mayor share views on growing inflation, infrastructure and public safety. Ballot measures, Who represents me? Schraufnagel:It is important for board members to support the school district as a whole and not get into personal projects. Ninmann:The most important initiative for me as a board member is to remain a functional and cohesive board that acts collectively in the best interest of students, the community, teachers and administration. Another thing that is important to me and has been added to all the meetings are a time for discussion from the community. My viewpoints remain the same. My goal is to continue positively contributing to the Oconomowoc Area School District for the benefit of my family, my neighbors and the greater Oconomowoc community. Calendar . [1] The board voted to return all grades to in-person learning starting on September 28, 2020. ft. home is a 4 bed, 3.0 bath property. She thanked the three resigning members for the service and the wrote, in part, "Public service is a difficult endeavor that has been exacerbated by the current division in society as a whole" and, "While the timing and orchestrating of these resignations have taken away from our work, I am confident in the remaining school board members and their commitment to our students and families.". Most students, however, prefer in-person learning and select that as their choice for a more traditional experience. The district needs to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn.
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