Therefore, the district must follow the Strategic Plan and will be monitored by the documented metrics. This can be integrated with the resources that the district already has in place and enrich them. "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.". They would be able to go to work that day. Incumbents Jessica Karnowski and James Wood received the most votes and will retain their seats. Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). 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. 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. W359N6812 Brown Street. Read to your children. There is a place for some virtual learning, but I will always work with our district to provide in-person learning whenever possible. Meanwhile, the board will begin taking applications and discuss its plan to fill the vacant seats at its next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 18. Ballotpedia features 395,577 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. Alexandra Schweitzer garnered 3,200 votes and was followed by Steitzer with 3,010. We are in a good place right now and I want to make sure that we continue being financially strong. Oconomowoc Area School District: School Year Calendar. 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. Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. Our actions have an impact. 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. We need to put our students holistic well-being as our top priority, build consensusand move schools forward. "Polyester masks, they're 37.8 percent efficient. Three of the seven seats on the Oconomowoc Area School District school board in Wisconsin were up for at-large general election on April 3, 2018. 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 believe that as representatives of the community the board should always have time to hear people out and I appreciate the board making that change now that I am there. I started to become interested in the school board position last year during the recall. Kaukl worries that in addition to the health impacts to kids and staff, the vicious disagreements and overriding of best practices around health will drive out the people who keep schools up and running. Fortunately, I pray all of that is behind us. Bill Thiel received the most votes with 5,311 (22%), Neal Ninmann was second with 4,989 votes (20%),. 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. We hope the time will soon come again when it is possible to work together collaboratively for the good of our community and its children and stop letting the distractions and personal political agendas take us off that course.. SHARE. Past board members began to work on personal agendas and that led to a great deal of dysfunction. Apply today! Ford said theres also been a blurring between the district administrations role and the role of school board members. Schick:Our resilient district has improved our ability to provide virtual learning during the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Members James Wood and Jessica Kornowski voted against the proposal. All rights reserved. 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. The four remaining school board members were in attendance, but no action was taken on one of the items that divided the board -- masks. Aug 2006 - Jun 20158 years 11 months. 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. The district should focus on advancing these programs to meet the needs of the current times or we will be missing the boat. Anderson:As a parent of four, the wake of our school board making national news for toxic dysfunction hit hard. "Anytime you try to make a change we went to block scheduling, we might have done a little grading change your boardroom fills," said Phillips. Elections in 2023 | ContactInformation: 920-948-7183 (cell), Address:N76 W36096 Saddlebrook Lane, Oconomowoc. The first question asks for $38.65 million for several projects . I have also mentored students at the high school in resume writing and interviewing skills and mentored students through Junior Achievement. Address: N56 W35146 Pondview Lane, Oconomowoc Past political experience: Current board member Community involvement: Current school board member, former Oconomowoc rec league coach.. 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. "But where you start off with the entrenched ideological conflict, thats where its just destructive it makes governing impossible.". Tony Evers statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. When the board and district make student achievement their top priority, the district and community win. A student Brookfield East High School wears a mask during class Monday, March 15, 2021, in Brookfield, Wis. Angela Major/WPR. As a mother of two high-schoolers, an educator, and an online course developer in health and wellness, I have been researching programs and interventions used successfully by other districts that we can bring to the OASD to support students who are hurting. 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. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc news with a print subscription to The Enterprise: https://bit.ly/ocoent_sub. Recall supporters said they did not agree with the decision and wanted students to have in-person learning five days a week. "[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. Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned. Ninmann:If elected, my priorities will remain that of supporting through policy, our district administration, teachers, staff and studentsas we focus on our strategic plan, graduate profile and fiscal responsibilities. 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. "It created immediate, aggressive reactions, not only by those two board members, but also a faction of the community that they were aligned with," said Grothaus. 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. As a former VP of a college, I know the debate around in-person versus virtual creates opportunity for innovation. The candidates are:Andrew Anderson,Neal Ninmann (i),Sandy Schick (i),Paula Schmitz,Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). 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. "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. [8] [2] [3] Results General election First off, sell MeadowviewSchool. The effort against members Juliet Steitzer, Kim Herro, and Scott Roehl began on September 17, 2020. Oconomowoc High School. Hopefully our community will rise up and demand to hire a quality superintendent who can provide enough positive leadership to overcome the current state of leadership for the district, the letter states. Town of Oconomowoc Police Department. When three school board members in Oconomowoc resigned together on Monday, it wasnt solely because of board disputes over COVID-19. ContactEvan Frank at (262) 361-9138or evan.frank@jrn.com. (920) 474-4812. 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. The district is great with wonderful teachers, curriculum and facilities. SHARE. The chart below details the status of 2020 recall efforts by individual school board member. I will continue this trend of performance if electedto the board in April. Finding ways to increase open enrollment into our school district. Most students perform better when learning in person. "We will never know if we did too much, but we will most definitely know if we did too little," said one parent. ", RELATED:Two incumbents who favored virtual school lose their seats on the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District Board. My heart sunk. Students need to take in oxygen to learn and stay perky at school, not carbon dioxide by exhaling inside a mask. 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.". "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?" 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. My focus is clear: As a board member, I am there to represent the families in my district. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Second, is the unique opportunity to help students pursue their individual passion to a greater extent. What made you decide to run for the seat and what makes you a good fit for the role? In a democratic society, we will agree and disagree on different matters, and that is healthy;variety of perspectives enriches the board. 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. Collected signatures for speedier repairs of the pavement in the parking lot across the street from the Post Office, which was in the core area of downtown Oconomowoc, full of potholes. Anderson:We all hope to get back to life as it was before masks. Three candidates remain in the search for a new Oconomowoc School Board Superintendent. The impact of an amazing teacher is immeasurable, and weve all had teachers in our past that were less than exceptional. COVID-related recalls accounted for 37% of all recall efforts in both 2020 and 2021. Phone. "Spending time in the community I love has been an experience I will never forget," Schweitzer said. Kim Kaukl, of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, said he got frustrated watching school board meetings where adults talked about what they thought was best for students, but didnt always listen to the students themselves. However, virtual learning for most students is not as effective as in-person learning. I am a community supporter, passionate alumni and strong advocate for becoming an unrivaled school district that will be the choice for anyone in our regional communityof learners. Schick:I applied for the school board vacancy when the three board members resigned. Look at our band andtheater programs, our internship and apprentice programs, all top in the state. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. Ninmann:100% remain optional for in-person learning. The county seat is Waukesha. Boards are set up to handle policy issues like setting the annual budget while school officials are typically tasked with day-to-day operations, making decisions based on what theyre seeing in classrooms and running them by the board for approval as needed. Parents filled the Oconomowoc School Board meeting. It will notbe my last.". They'll be posting those vacancies immediately. Schraufnagel:If I am elected, I will continue to prioritize the following: 1.) Our district is equipped for this and should respect and adjust to every students learning style and personal circumstances. 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. On May 13, attorneys for the Oconomowoc Area School District School Board issued the letter to Alexandra . ", RELATED:Two incumbents ousted in a Waukesha School Board race partly defined by unrest over virtual learning. 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. The candidates are (top row, left to right): Andrew Anderson, Neal Ninmann (i), Sandy . 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 also attended many school board meetings regarding masking and in-person classes. 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. "I have gotten to know many people in our beautiful Oconomowoc area, and I would not trade this experience for anything. The girl succumbed to social isolation first and bullying and feeling left out through social media next. Tony Evers' statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. "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. Despite the mass resignation, the letter states the members believes there is enough insulation between the Board and the classroom that teachers can still do good work for kids. After the board meeting, the district immediately began receiving dozens of requests for religious exemptions, which Grothaus said completely undermined the teachers authority. Three-layer cotton masks, 26.5 percent efficient," another parent said. Did you know we were one of the few districts in the state that increased student performance last year during COVID? The Oconomowoc School Board asked the district's administration to begin the RFP process for the property in October 2021 and approved listing the property for sale in December 2021. Since August, the board has seen four resignations in the wake of a reportedly toxic work environment. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. He said the remaining board would move forward constructively. Schweitzer, who was a newcomer to running for school board, said she loved the process of campaigning. Therefore, we choose to no longer be subjected to the negative, noxious effects, especially when we are not allowed to engage in any meaningful work to improve the Board and our schools.. 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. Wood said the current HVAC system at Oconomowoc High School is from the 1960s and not up to today's . I dont think we need some new program or initiative to get us there. "For those who did not vote for me I want to thank you for coming out and participating in the process. "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. 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. OCONOMOWOC The Oconomowoc Area School Board appointed three new members in Neal Ninmann, Sandy Schick and Chad Schraufnagel last Wednesday to replace the three board members who had resigned last month. Duration: 01:58 8/16/2021. Thetwo candidates with the highest number of votes will takethree-year terms of office, and the candidates with the third and fourth highest number of votes will take one-year terms. Application Contact Address. Schmitz:I believe in democracy and diversity. 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. After results came in, Steitzer released a message on her school boardFacebook page. | There is a list of health precautions including daily sanitizing of . [1], Herro said it was the community's right to issue a recall. "We should learn from districts that have suffered the death of a child and then changed their policy," said parent Natalie McAndrew. In Oconomowoc, three members of the school board resigned, citing its "toxic" environment. 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. 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. Are we using it? !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var e in a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var t=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-"+e)||document.querySelector("iframe[src*='"+e+"']");if(t)(t.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][e]+"px")}}))}(); if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; June 2: El Rancho Unified School District, California, What's on my ballot? 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. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. To do this we need focus on excellence, celebrate our successes, and create an overall district that people see as the best overall option for their students. This is my first attempt at elective politics. All Rights Reserved. Counties, Place An Ad - Call 262-306-5000/email: Conleyclass@coneynet.com, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. Of those priorities, what should the district focus on and why? Student Mental Fitness should be the top priority in the district. I have served this district in many capacities over the last 6 years, both in leadership roles and on subcommittees.. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. 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. How to vote | Sign up now! [1], The decision included an in-person learning model for elementary school students and a split-attendance model for middle school and high school students. My viewpoints remain the same. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. PRINT+DIGITAL: AS LOW AS $6.50 PER MONTH. When I asked, was this pandemic-related? In regard to your question on masks. The district also must continue to pursue the sale of the old Meadow View School site. In 2020, there were 87 COVID-related recalls against 89 officials, and in 2021, there were 131 against 214 officials. I've pledged not to accept donations from politically aligned special interest groups with pre-determined agendas. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. This topic has become far too political, and Ill never predetermine a decision based on politics. "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. The recall effort was started by the group Oconomowoc Citizens Represented, who said Steitzer, Herro, and Roehl "willfully neglected to act on behalf of the citizens of the district. Oconomowoc Area School District, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. "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. How to run for office | That mindset is the only way for us to grow as a district to go from good to great. In May, after Gov. Supporting teachers is the first step towardbringing stability. The school board recall success rate was 7.8%. ContactAlec Johnson at(262) 875-9469 oralec.johnson@jrn.com. We need to bring this same level of excellence to the areas that still need improvement to get us there.

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