Schick:I applied for the school board vacancy when the three board members resigned. Counties, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. [1][2] They were unable to collect enough signatures by the deadline. United States. "The kids and the teachers had been doing a marvelous job throughout the year dealing with the masks," said Grothaus. School board members resign in COVID-19 protest. "The kids recognized that this was an important part of them staying healthy, because they didnt want to miss their sports and their other activities and school, they didnt want to miss the end of the year activities.". 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. We can have a vigorous discussion, take our voteand all feel good about what we have accomplished. Oconomowoc Area School District recall, Wisconsin (2020), States that have pre-petition signature requirements for recalls, Recalls related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and government responses to the pandemic, Appleton Area School District recall, Wisconsin (2020), Robert Hesselbein and Minza Karim recall, Middleton-Cross Plains School District, Wisconsin (2020), Leah Lipska recall, Mount Horeb Area School District, Wisconsin (2020), Oconomowoc Area School District, Wisconsin, Williams County Public Schools No. 4.) The district also must continue to pursue the sale of the old Meadow View School site. Delavan - Darien School District's DD Tech Administrator and CTE Coordinator, Michael Rick, discusses educational opportunities. The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) issued a cease and desist letter to a parent threatening her with a defamation lawsuit for statements she made in public forums about the use and accessibility of age-inappropriate material. For more spring 2022 election coverage,click here. 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. Parents expressed concern, especially for younger students who aren't eligible for the vaccine, and concern over the politics taking place. 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. more, Rick Grothaus, Kim Herro and Dan Raasch resigned from the board, filled the three vacant seats in September, Candidates for Oconomowoc mayor share views on growing inflation, infrastructure and public safety, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The first question asks for $38.65 million for several projects . ", RELATED:Two incumbents ousted in a Waukesha School Board race partly defined by unrest over virtual learning. Supporting teachers is the first step towardbringing stability. My main reason for applying was to bring stability and history to the table. All Rights Reserved. I started to become interested in the school board position last year during the recall. Local school board races have been injected with partisan money and party . In-person learning includes more than book learning, like social interaction, dedicated learning spaces (not dining room tables)and much more. That day, I felt a moral obligation to step up to the plate and help stop this insanity in our school communities. [8] Because of the contentiousness around COVID-19, Ford said things that would ordinarily fall in that "operational" category are instead being decided at the board level like mask requirements. 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. State executives | There is a list of health precautions including daily sanitizing of . Thiel:We are very fortunate to have an excellent district to start with. This can be accomplished by using the Strategic Plan. Mental fitness goes beyond being mentally sane; it includes developing a success mindset that can be applied to any discipline. "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?" Having said that, we are still losing some of our students to other districts and other schools. I have also mentored students at the high school in resume writing and interviewing skills and mentored students through Junior Achievement. 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. Oconomowoc has been mostly optional since the start of this school year, and we intend to remain that way. Phillips saw 10 of her members removed in Aprils school board elections, and she said many felt targeted because of their support for phased reopening, virtual options and disease-mitigation strategies. In a statement, the trio wrote, "The OASD board has now been dragged into partisan culture wars by some members of the board" saying "Board work has become toxic and impossible to do.". Continue to implement our district strategic plan and our athletic strategic plan. Phone. 2023 www.jsonline.com. Oconomowoc High School. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. The Pewaukee School Board faces a similar situation, where six candidates will vie. How to run for office | The Oconomowoc School Board saw lots of turnover in 2021, as four of its members resigned or left. 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. As a board our priorities are driven by our strategic plan and I will continue to support that plan. 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. Ballotpedia features 395,577 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. Steitzer was one of three current school board members that the groupOconomowoc Citizens Represented attempted to recall in September. Fortunately, I pray all of that is behind us. Public policy. 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. August 16, 2021, 4:06 PM. Schick:I wanted to provide experience and leadership in the hiring of the new superintendent, selling of the old Meadow View School site, and general district operations. And my third priority is Student Global Impact. If we are forming students at OHS to be grounded, responsible and accountable, that should focus primarily on how their actions are impacting others around them at home, at school, in the community and around the world. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. I will continue this trend of performance if electedto the board in April. "[1], Jason Baumann, a member of the group, said, "We're all concerned parents in the district that are not happy with the way things are going in general with our district, with our school board. A statement says the board members felt their constituents weren't being heard on matters like health and safety, and that the board is influenced by a hyper-political group. In August 2020, five of the seven board members voted to start the school year with a combination of virtual and in-person learning. It will notbe my last.". Leadership by the board, in the district, in classroom, by the teachers, and by the students. "Good people are not going to run for office when their reputation will be damaged because of partisan bickering," Steitzer said. L- Leadership- You manage things; you lead people. Members James Wood and Jessica Kornowski voted against the proposal. In Oconomowoc, three members of the school board resigned, citing its "toxic" environment. I led program development initiatives expanding outreach, involvement, and resources for both students and . I want to see Student Personal Development days on the same days that their teachers have their PD days. Thiel:I have 4 priorities for the district. Waukesha County was home to 395,118 residents in 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau. "School boards are not, under the laws and procedures theyre set up to follow, very well-equipped to deal with hot-button, controversial issues," said Rossmiller. Superintendent Roger Rindo is leavingfor the same position in the Reedsburg School District. We are doing it in many areas already. "Weve got some young people, students who have gotten up and spoken in front of the board on the importance of being in school face-to-face, and then you have adults who are bullying them and cheering them," he said. 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. Wood had the most votes with 5,279 (24%), followed by Karnowski's 5,010 votes (23%) and Carrico's 4,196votes (19%). The appointmentrequires re-election. James Wood took over as the Oconomowoc School Board president following the 2021 election, in which he was elected to a second term after receiving Kleefisch's support. 8, North Dakota, El Rancho Unified School District, California, Pocatello-Chubbuck School District No. 37214 Delafield Rd , Oconomowoc, WI 53066-9101 is a single-family home listed for rent at /mo. Application Contact Address. One thing that really helps now is the open debate and discussion that happens between board members, without becoming personal or offending other members. I was so disappointed that at many of these meetings there was no opportunity for the community to speak. Their answers were limited to 100 words. Empowering a Community of Learners and Leaders,
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[email protected] Expires: April 2025, Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. Michael Ford, a professor of public administration at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a member of the Oshkosh City Council, said theres a concept called "school board capture" that refers to boards being overtaken by interest groups a union, for example, or particular business interests. My 19 years of experience demonstrate that I will be a well-prepared and an effective board member. 3.) 556 likes. We no longer employ consultants to work with the board on how to be board members. The district is great with wonderful teachers, curriculum and facilities. The number of signatures needed was equal to 25% of the votes cast within the school district in the 2018 gubernatorial election.[1]. "Thank you for those who supported my campaign. School board members are responsible for providing quality education to all students in the Oconomowoc Area School District; educational opportunities provided by the Oconomowoc Area School District should develop individuals who can lead productive and responsible roles in our community and society; the Oconomowoc Area School District contains a varied population who must be represented regardless of home location (urban and rural), family income, and family heritage; The School Board needs to ensure accountability and financial responsibility; School Board Members need to be open-minded, independent thinkers who are willing to challenge the district to maximize potential; The School Board needs to plan for the future. You have permission to edit this article. Current board members Ninmann, Schick, Schraufnagel and Thiel, along with challengers Paula Schmitz and Andrew Anderson, are running. OCONOMOWOC - Oconomowoc Area School Board member Scott Roehl announced via his candidacy Facebook page that he would be resigning from his seat on the board due to his family moving out of . She said: Absolutely! Incumbent Juliet Steitzer was unseated in the election by challenger Matt Carrico. U.S. President | View All Calendars is the default. The deadline to apply is Sept. 3. "We will never know if we did too much, but we will most definitely know if we did too little," said one parent. We have developed a thick skin when we hear about another school shooting or a student being bullied, or a student committing suicide. Some of the activities include Boy Scouts, robotics, band, choir, theater, soccer, ski team, gymnastics, track, tennis, and we even hosted quite a few exchange students. The district has a focus on developing learners and leaders and the board has a responsibility to support that focus with policy and financial stewardship. Most students perform better when learning in person. The girl succumbed to social isolation first and bullying and feeling left out through social media next. The current make of the board has moved past the previous issues and is focused on policyand governance and supporting the work of the administration and teachers. It will be a fantastic! Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. Schraufnagel:I was appointed to the OASD Board of Education in September of 2021 after three board members decided to quit in August of 2021. 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. The 2,656 sq. In regard to your question on masks. I am currently a human resources director for a company in Merton. 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. . Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. I dont have a medical background, but I do have a background in leveraging subject matter expertise to make tough decisions. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and Past board members began to work on personal agendas and that led to a great deal of dysfunction. I have served this district in many capacities over the last 6 years, both in leadership roles and on subcommittees.. "I have gotten to know many people in our beautiful Oconomowoc area, and I would not trade this experience for anything. When three school board members in Oconomowoc resigned together on Monday, it wasnt solely because of board disputes over COVID-19. "You want conflict on a governing board, it brings more voices to the table and it can lead to a solution that can be supported by even a divided group," he said. Both in-person and virtual schooling should be available as a choice for families to accommodate students needs and those of their loved ones. With the requirements to give ample notice before bringing up issues, only being able to vote on items listed in their agenda, and meetings that typically occur only once a month, theyre hamstrung from acting quickly which could get frustrating when the understanding of COVID-19, and the disease itself, was rapidly evolving. Learn more about the Oconomowoc Area School District at www.oasd.org. I've pledged not to accept donations from politically aligned special interest groups with pre-determined agendas. Counties, Place An Ad - Call 262-306-5000/email:
[email protected], Kam Jones scores 23 as No. The district needs to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn. Sign up now! We must govern via smart policy and not by current events or pressure from outside influences. Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. 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. Ninmann:I was appointed in September 2021 to fill one of the quitting members' spots. 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. Roehl said he also preferred an in-person learning model, but that it needed to be phased in to ensure the safety of students and staff. "Its not a specific group thats necessarily capturing the board, but its the ideological conflict itself thats capturing the board," he said. Since September, our board meetings have been productive, we no longer employ consultants to help us get along, we have hired a new superintendent and we were one of the only schools to improve scores during the pandemic by keeping kids in the classroom as much as possible. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. EMAIL. What programs or initiatives are most important to you? As a former VP of a college, I know the debate around in-person versus virtual creates opportunity for innovation. In conversations with parents, teachers, and members of the community there is consensus that the school board can do better. Schweitzer, who was a newcomer to running for school board, said she loved the process of campaigning. 2.) Recall supporters said they did not agree with the decision and wanted students to have in-person learning five days a week. Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. 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. The candidates are (top row, left to right): Andrew Anderson, Neal Ninmann (i), Sandy . OCONOMOWOC, Wis. Three Oconomowoc Area School Board members have resigned together, citing toxic behavior within the board. Tyler James, who did not actively run during the election, had 989 votes (5%). The board is much more stable now than it was back then. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Two incumbents and a political newcomer won the three seats up for election on the Oconomowoc Area School Board on April 6. | The OASD School Board holds a regular monthly meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at the Oconomowoc High Schoo East Campus, starting at 6:30 p.m. >> Click here for the 2021-22 Regular School Board Meeting Schedule To read about other recall efforts related to the coronavirus and government responses to the pandemic, click here. Ford said theres also been a blurring between the district administrations role and the role of school board members. The candidates are:Andrew Anderson,Neal Ninmann (i),Sandy Schick (i),Paula Schmitz,Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). 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. The meeting schedule for the Finance, Operations, and Advancement (FOA) committee and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA) committee are available by clicking the link below. 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. Since being on the board we have been able to begin the process of selling the old Meadow View building, we have hired a new superintendent, and increased student growth during the pandemic. Contact info:
[email protected]; www.facebook.com/PaulaSchmitzCampaign; 262-490-7048, Address:N56 W35146 Pondview Lane,Oconomowoc, Past political experience:Current board member. It is intrinsic to its mission: Unless students are mentally fit and emotionally stable, they cant learn and therefore, they will not be able to lead. This is where all of the OASD Board of Education videos will be posted. 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. Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. "The main qualification of a school board member and I say this as a local elected official is you got one more vote than the other person. From left to right: Mike Sereno, Joe Koch and Jeridon Clark. Ensuring that we are financially viable into the future. Youre not an expert on everything, youre not there to manage the day-to-day operations of the district.". 25, Idaho, Braintree School Department, Massachusetts, Creighton Elementary School District, Arizona, Del Norte County Unified School District, California, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Louisiana, Elbert County School District C-2, Colorado, Fresno Unified School District, California, Lake Havasu Unified School District, Arizona, Lake Mills Area School District, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee, Middleton-Cross Plains School District, Wisconsin, Mount Horeb Area School District, Wisconsin, Oakland Unified School District, California, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Arizona, Traverse City Area Public Schools, Michigan, Visalia Unified School District, California, Westford School Department, Massachusetts, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Oconomowoc_Area_School_District_recall,_Wisconsin_(2020)&oldid=8841316, Pages using DynamicPageList dplreplace parser function, Unsuccessful or mixed outcome recall efforts, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. "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. 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. 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.". The candidates responded to a questionnaire about how they would bring stability and cohesiveness back to the board and about masks and in-person and virtual learning. I also attended many school board meetings regarding masking and in-person classes. The board has turned a corner and is really moving forward. Oconomowoc's school board voted virtually Tuesday night to hold face-to-face classes in the fall with a couple alternatives. "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. Are we using it? She said she wished the district had utilized its outdoor space in order to allow all students to return to in-person learning full-time. Ninmann:I am currently serving as an appointed member of the board since September 2021. Students can grow and develop these mindful skills in a fun-filled environment that departs from the classroom and uses a common space like the cafeteria, the gym, and/or some outdoor space on campus or in the community. I dont think we need some new program or initiative to get us there. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. Students need to take in oxygen to learn and stay perky at school, not carbon dioxide by exhaling inside a mask. Only ONE is too many, but the actual numbers are alarming! Calendar . OCONOMOWOC The Oconomowoc Area School District School Board has four incumbents seeking reelection. Keep updated on the latest news and information. After considering 29 candidates, interviewing six and then selecting three of those six as finalists, the Oconomowoc School Board has selected the Oconomowoc Area School District's next. Anderson:First, is to focus on how we attract and retain the most talented teachers possible. powered by finalsite About Us Board members say the data has changed since they moved to a mask-optional policy as of last month. Schools Details: WebSchool Year Calendar - Oconomowoc Area School District.Quicklinks. "That began a tremendous attack on the board at that point about not having the kids full five days a week face-to-face, back in the schools.". 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. Oconomowoc Area School District, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. The letter states that the three members are also concerned about how Interim Superintendent Kristen Taylor and remaining board members are responding to the pandemic. 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. 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. Apply today! Thankfully, masks are no longer mandatory. I wanted to make sure someone stood up to take accountability and I was most nervous about our district losing talented teachers. Two incumbents who favored virtual school lose their seats on the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District Board, Two incumbents ousted in a Waukesha School Board race partly defined by unrest over virtual learning, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. When I asked, was this pandemic-related? Three candidates remain in the search for a new Oconomowoc School Board Superintendent.