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. W359N6812 Brown Street. "When Juliet lost her seat, then we lost the majority, and once we lost the majority, the culture became caustic.". Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. 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. There is a list of health precautions including daily sanitizing of . 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. !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? "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. I will fight for this as it will bring a transformative, long-lasting solution in times of crisis. 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. some parents who are worried their kids will get sick, clear guidance from state and federal agencies, Children face cognitive delays during pandemic, Arts organizations see signs of recovery, A Milwaukee school is training students to help their peers who are dealing with suicidal thoughts, Why some schools are seeing more fights since returning in-person, Wisconsin districts face backlash over plans to teach gender identity to elementary students, 3 transgender women have been killed in Milwaukee in the last 9 months, Lawyer who oversaw Trump elector scheme in Wisconsin reappointed to judicial advisory panel, Court orders Green Bay to stop using audio devices while lawsuit plays out, UW System President Jay Rothman to seek in-state tuition increase, Capital budget would offload 4 state office buildings, Wisconsin natives aged gouda is 'best cheese' in America, contest says, Landowners sue Lac du Flambeau tribal leaders to reopen roads blocked for a month, Buyer steps up to save Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. If the pandemic showed us anything, it is that kids learn the best in the classroom with a teacher. Feb 10, 2022 Updated Jun 3, 2022. Local school board races have been injected with partisan money and party . 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. Youre not an expert on everything, youre not there to manage the day-to-day operations of the district.". 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. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Two challengers have also entered the contest set for a vote April 5. Anderson:We all hope to get back to life as it was before masks. 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. Bill Thiel received the most votes with 5,311 (22%), Neal Ninmann was second with 4,989 votes (20%),. Two of the seven at-large seats on the Oconomowoc Area School District school board were up for general election on April 5, 2016. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. We dont believe that people want our community to be characterized by the divisive, bullying, selfish, partisan tactics that seem to be so prevalent today. United States. In May, after Gov. 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. 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. [3][4], The recall effort started after the school board voted 5-2 in August 2020 to approve a blend of virtual and in-person learning for students returning to school for the 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. We cannot engage in petty fights that dishonor the office. 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. "Polyester masks, they're 37.8 percent efficient. Throughout my life, I have been an active participant in my community. 6 Marquette edges St. John's, Illinois judge strikes down state's ban on high-powered guns, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, dies at 61, Stocks rally Friday, close out their first winning week in last 4, Five Points Pub closes for renovations, hotel still open, Oconomowoc Area School Board appoints 3 new members after resignations, Crash victim brought light to many around the country, Waukesha business owner sexually assaulted in store, Babes Pizza and Chicken to open next week in Mukwonago, A battle simmers in Illinois over plans to pipe in and store millions of tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide underground. From January. The impact of an amazing teacher is immeasurable, and weve all had teachers in our past that were less than exceptional. 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. However, we need to respect those who choose to still wear a mask. Agendas for all regular board meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings are also available on the same site. When I asked, was this pandemic-related? The board must focus on strategic alignment driving results and opportunity for students, teachers and parents. "We will use mandated masking as a layered mitigation strategy when our data proves it necessary," said Dr. Kristen Taylor, interim superintendent. I would have run then, but I wanted to make sure that the candidates I supported were elected (they did) and I didnt want to dilute the votes we needed. Meanwhile, the board will begin taking applications and discuss its plan to fill the vacant seats at its next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 18. 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. We need to be smart with our tax dollars and do more with less. U.S. President | Thiel:I attended meetings before the resignations and after the resignations. View All Calendars is the default. All three are up for election April 5. Aug 2006 - Jun 20158 years 11 months. There is an opportunity to advance learning opportunities through improved online platforms that can serve both students and assist parents. We need to bring this same level of excellence to the areas that still need improvement to get us there. 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. We can have a vigorous discussion, take our voteand all feel good about what we have accomplished. COVID-related recalls accounted for 37% of all recall efforts in both 2020 and 2021. My main reason for applying was to bring stability and history to the table. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Former Oconomowoc School Board members Kim Herro, Dan Raasch and Rick Grothaus resigned on the same day, stating the board had "been dragged into partisan culture. "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: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. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Phone. Of those priorities, what should the district focus on and why? DIGITAL ONLY: JUST $5 PER MONTH "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. Schick:When I campaigned in 2002, I had the following beliefs. Decisions should be based on collaboration and transparency. 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. As they say, Keep School REAL. This can be integrated with the resources that the district already has in place and enrich them. Community members launched a recall effort against three of the board members who voted for hybrid learning, including Herro. 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. supports HTML5 video. Counties, Place An Ad - Call 262-306-5000/email: Conleyclass@coneynet.com, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. Only ONE is too many, but the actual numbers are alarming! Around the same time, a group of parents chased the school board around the hallways of Burlington High School after the unruly crowd forced the suspension of a meeting. Steitzer, Herro, and Roehl were joined in approving the proposal by members Dan Raasch and Rick Grothaus. Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee. [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. The board is much more stable now than it was back then. Boiling tensions are exacerbated by the structure of school boards themselves, said Dan Rossmiller, director of government relations at the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. Parents expressed concern, especially for younger students who aren't eligible for the vaccine, and concern over the politics taking place. 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. One of them was Juliet Steitzer, whose loss in Oconomowoc tipped the balance of power, setting the stage for the later resignations. "For those who did not vote for me I want to thank you for coming out and participating in the process. Supporting teachers is the first step towardbringing stability. Thiel:We are very fortunate to have an excellent district to start with. [7] The district was the 30th-largest school district in the state in the 2013-2014 school year and served 5,224 students. 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: School Year Calendar. 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. Oconomowoc has been mostly optional since the start of this school year, and we intend to remain that way. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc news with a print subscription to The Enterprise: https://bit.ly/ocoent_sub. . We build futures through partnerships, accountability and transparency. "We are going to still going to continue to maintain, continue to work and continue to do what we can to make the Oconomowoc Area School District an unrivaled place and an unrivaled educational environment," said Roehl. From left to right: Mike Sereno, Joe Koch and Jeridon Clark. 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. Ninmann:I was appointed in September 2021 to fill one of the quitting members' spots. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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.". Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. [5], Steitzer's term on the board expired in April 2021, and Herro's and Roehl's terms expired in April 2022.[1]. Students need to take in oxygen to learn and stay perky at school, not carbon dioxide by exhaling inside a mask. In regard to your question on masks. Place An Ad - Call 262-306-5000/email: Conleyclass@conleynet.com, Three Oconomowoc School Board members resign, cite toxic board behavior, Cite hyper political, partisan culture as reason for stepping down, Submit an Obituary Wash. & Oz. "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.". I am running to continue to move our school district in the positive direction. We can always do more and better in supporting studentswellness. Incumbent Juliet Steitzer was unseated in the election by challenger Matt Carrico. Incumbents Dave Guckenberger and Steve Zimmer faced challengers Kim Verhein Herro, Jason Kelly and James Wood in a primary election on February 16, 2016. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned. A student Brookfield East High School wears a mask during class Monday, March 15, 2021, in Brookfield, Wis. Angela Major/WPR. "If we really start making things contentious, people are going to walk away and go, 'I cant take this anymore,'" he said. This enrollment out is currently larger than our enrollment in and every time that happens, we have fewer resources to work with. Second, is the unique opportunity to help students pursue their individual passion to a greater extent. Some want masks to be optional in schools, while others don't. "[1], In reaction to the recall effort, Roehl said he preferred a face-to-face model as well. The county seat is Waukesha. The community has referenced that a large majority of families elected to start school in a full face-to-face model. 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 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. EMAIL. Tony Evers' statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. I want Oconomowoc to be a destination school district for families outside of our boundaries. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens of Oconomowoc area school district parents are getting heated on the issue of face masks. As a board our priorities are driven by our strategic plan and I will continue to support that plan. 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. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. This topic has become far too political, and Ill never predetermine a decision based on politics. In the past the board was labeled as "toxic"; however, that is no longer the case with the current board. COVID-19, though, lit a match under the existing tensions and "consumed everything," said Grothaus. 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. Finding ways to increase open enrollment into our school district. 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.. Application Contact Phone. 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.". 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. Now, as COVID-19 is again surging around the state and hitting kids harder, many boards arent putting any mask requirements or precautions into place, to the distress of some parents who are worried their kids will get sick and despite clear guidance from state and federal agencies that say universal masking is the best way to keep students safe and prevent schools from having to shut down. Sell the old Meadow View to fulfill the promise of the past board. One of the main issues for the school board in the near future will be deciding on the district's next superintendent. A- Accountability- Do what you say you are going to do. I have also mentored students at the high school in resume writing and interviewing skills and mentored students through Junior Achievement. Read to your children. Dan Raasch, one of the Oconomowoc board members who resigned, said the group made their decision to quit the board entirely because they didnt feel like they had any options left and they wanted to shock the community into paying attention to the ways he said their school board wasnt working in the communitys best interest. 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. I also attended many school board meetings regarding masking and in-person classes. In a democratic society, we will agree and disagree on different matters, and that is healthy;variety of perspectives enriches the board. 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. When the board and district make student achievement their top priority, the district and community win. Voters may cast a ballot for up to four of the six candidates. 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. As I stated on the previous question our priorities are financial stability, increasing open enrollment into the district, focusing on the strategic plans, supporting administration and teachers, and selling the old Meadow View. ft. home is a 4 bed, 3.0 bath property. He said the remaining board would move forward constructively. Mental fitness goes beyond being mentally sane; it includes developing a success mindset that can be applied to any discipline. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Camp Timber-lee: Delavan businessman to buy, keep site open, Racine drunk driver killed pregnant friend: complaint, Mysterious lights in southeast Wisconsin sky; here's what they were, Alderman Bauman regrets his decision on downtown metered parking, Oak Creek car thefts; gas station customers targeted, police say, Delavan-Darien School Districts Pathways to Success. The board voted 4-3 to choose him over Grothaus, who had served in the role for the year prior. 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. The current board follows a policy and governance model that has helped our district move forward. 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. 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). 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.". "Well, my initial reaction was definitely surprise," said Scott Roehl, board VP. After the board meeting, the district immediately began receiving dozens of requests for religious exemptions, which Grothaus said completely undermined the teachers authority. In August 2020, five of the seven board members voted to start the school year with a combination of virtual and in-person learning. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and A statement from Interim Superintendent Kristen Taylor also focused on the future. "But where you start off with the entrenched ideological conflict, thats where its just destructive it makes governing impossible.". The appointmentrequires re-election. While we found ways to implement some virtual learning and found ways to make it viable for students, it wasn't always a sustainable platform for teaching. "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. Anderson:First, is to focus on how we attract and retain the most talented teachers possible. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. With a background as a VP of a college and with my current role in senior management at an HNW investment firm I wanted to leverage my professional experience to help our board operate as a high functioning group. If elected, what are your priorities for the district? Community involvement:I was a stay-at-home father while my kids were in school, and I was very involved at Meadowview, Nature Hilland Oconomowoc High School. More: Candidates for Oconomowoc mayor share views on growing inflation, infrastructure and public safety. 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.
oconomowoc school board
