Public policy. It will notbe my last.". Finding ways to increase open enrollment into our school district. 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. The district needs to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn. We need to be smart with our tax dollars and do more with less. Oconomowoc High School. He said the remaining board would move forward constructively. Schraufnagel:Masks should remain optional. A majority voted to keep requiring masks indoors through the end of the year, though kids could ditch them when they were outside. 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. After the fourth member left, I decided to run for election in April. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and Calendar . Supporting teachers is the first step towardbringing stability. This topic has become far too political, and Ill never predetermine a decision based on politics. 3 Oconomowoc Area School Board members quit, citing toxic behavior and hyper-partisan environment. 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 . Aug 2006 - Jun 20158 years 11 months. The candidates are (top row, left to right): Andrew Anderson, Neal Ninmann (i), Sandy . View All Calendars is the default. Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. 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.". 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. "Its not a specific group thats necessarily capturing the board, but its the ideological conflict itself thats capturing the board," he said. Three-layer cotton masks, 26.5 percent efficient," another parent said. Keep updated on the latest news and information. My heart sunk. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. The starting point in creating the best school district in the state is through talented teachers, and Im proud to accept the endorsement of the teachers in the district through the Oconomowoc Education Association. 2021-22 OCONOMOWOC AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR (PDF LINK) 2022-2023 oconomowoc area school district website | 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. Then, according to the resigning members, another board member told parents they could claim a religious exemption to allow their kids to go mask-free. The board did take a vote on replacing the three board members who left. 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. 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. Board members say the data has changed since they moved to a mask-optional policy as of last month. My focus is clear: As a board member, I am there to represent the families in my district. 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). The Oconomowoc School Board saw lots of turnover in 2021, as four of its members resigned or left. In regard to your question on masks. I will fight for this as it will bring a transformative, long-lasting solution in times of crisis. 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. "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. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. If you say, 'I don't want to play for a team, I want what is best for the students,' it won't make a difference because your name is going to be slandered if you're not on the right team. State and local courts | 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. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. To read about other recall efforts related to the coronavirus and government responses to the pandemic, click here. SHARE. General mask wearing should be a family choice based on their understanding of masks and should not be monitored by staff unless under protocol since this takes time from their main task of educating. August 16, 2021, 4:06 PM. My viewpoints remain the same. More: Candidates for Oconomowoc mayor share views on growing inflation, infrastructure and public safety. L- Leadership- You manage things; you lead people. Counties, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. In May, after Gov. Watch Oconomowoc Area School District's Oconomowoc Area School District Board of Education Meetings on Livestream.com. I was so disappointed that at many of these meetings there was no opportunity for the community to speak. 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. Schools Details: WebSchool Year Calendar - Oconomowoc Area School District.Quicklinks. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "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.". All Rights Reserved. Mar 24, 2022 Updated Mar 24, 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. 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. 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. W359N6812 Brown Street. Schick:When I campaigned in 2002, I had the following beliefs. (920) 474-4812. Fortunately, I pray all of that is behind us. I've pledged not to accept donations from politically aligned special interest groups with pre-determined agendas. 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. Incumbents Jessica Karnowski and James Wood received the most votes and will retain their seats. 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. State executives | First off, sell MeadowviewSchool. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. The board is much more stable now than it was back then. [1], Herro said it was the community's right to issue a recall. Of those priorities, what should the district focus on and why? Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. I wanted to make sure someone stood up to take accountability and I was most nervous about our district losing talented teachers. I want to see Student Personal Development days on the same days that their teachers have their PD days. United States. Oconomowoc Area School District, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. Now, nearly half the board is . Apply today! However, virtual learning for most students is not as effective as in-person learning. Meanwhile, the board will begin taking applications and discuss its plan to fill the vacant seats at its next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 18. One thing that really helps now is the open debate and discussion that happens between board members, without becoming personal or offending other members. 5.) One of the main issues for the school board in the near future will be deciding on the district's next superintendent. Then in November, board member Scott Roehl left after moving out of the district and saying in a Facebook post that he and his family did not feel safe in their home. 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. I sought a September appointment and received the appointment. I was part of that majority. Anderson:We all hope to get back to life as it was before masks. Some want masks to be optional in schools, while others don't. Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. The fact that the restrictions have been now lifted doesnt mean that the havoc caused by the lockdowns will disappear overnight. Bottom line, we need to increase our market share. I am running to be elected by the community to continueserving on the board as a trustee of the district. I have also mentored students at the high school in resume writing and interviewing skills and mentored students through Junior Achievement. 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. I have been an educator for 21 years, the last 16 of them as an administrator, I felt this background would be a benefit to the board and school district. The board filled the three vacant seats in Septemberby appointing Neal Ninmann, former board member Sandy Schick and Chad Schraufnagel. My 19 years of experience demonstrate that I will be a well-prepared and an effective board member. 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. Thiel:I attended meetings before the resignations and after the resignations. From left to right: Mike Sereno, Joe Koch and Jeridon Clark. "This feels different.". 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. State legislature | Incumbents Dave Guckenberger and Steve Zimmer faced challengers Kim Verhein Herro, Jason Kelly and James Wood in a primary election on February 16, 2016. Believe it or not, that small step over time will also help us become a better district. 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. Currently the district consists of a high school serving students in 9th through 12th grades, two intermediate schools for grades 5th through 8th, and five high-performing, family focused . I dont think we need some new program or initiative to get us there. COVID-19, though, lit a match under the existing tensions and "consumed everything," said Grothaus. We can have a vigorous discussion, take our voteand all feel good about what we have accomplished. Two incumbents and a political newcomer won the three seats up for election on the Oconomowoc Area School Board on April 6. [7] The district was the 30th-largest school district in the state in the 2013-2014 school year and served 5,224 students. Four recall elections were held in 2020. From January. 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. 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. I want to be their voice on the board and fill the void that exists today by addressing issues that are pressing after a horrific pandemic. All rights reserved. "Spending time in the community I love has been an experience I will never forget," Schweitzer said. ", RELATED:Two incumbents who favored virtual school lose their seats on the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District Board. 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. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. 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. Schraufnagel:Since the appointment of myself and the threeother new board members, our meetings are focused on improving the school district. "When Juliet lost her seat, then we lost the majority, and once we lost the majority, the culture became caustic.". Most students perform better when learning in person. Schweitzer said she ran agrassroots, parent- and taxpayer-focused campaign. What made you decide to run for the seat and what makes you a good fit for the role? And if not, well, then this is the board the community wants.". EMAIL. 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. Parents expressed concern, especially for younger students who aren't eligible for the vaccine, and concern over the politics taking place. The effort against members Juliet Steitzer, Kim Herro, and Scott Roehl began on September 17, 2020. 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. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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. The difference is in the approach. Second, is the unique opportunity to help students pursue their individual passion to a greater extent. The effort failed after the group did not get enough signatures. Therefore, the district must follow the Strategic Plan and will be monitored by the documented metrics. My main reason for applying was to bring stability and history to the table. 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.. Did you know we were one of the few districts in the state that increased student performance last year during COVID? 556 likes. "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 started to become interested in the school board position last year during the recall. 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. "Were losing some really good people because of the contentiousness, and Im concerned that we may lose some more teachers in the process, or more administrators, that we already know we have a shortage of.". "Thank you for those who supported my campaign. 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. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. Schmitz:I believe in democracy and diversity. OCONOMOWOC . The work to avoid faction-based political infighting starts now. Since there is no ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, even on the issue of the health and safety of our students and staff, we cannot be part of an organization that is so non-responsive to every constituents concerns, not just a minority segment, and is so cavalier about our students, staffs and communitys health and safety, the letter states. 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. Two incumbents and a political newcomer won the three seats up for election on the Oconomowoc Area School Board on April 6. She said the reason was to cheer up one of them who had lost a 13-year-old niece to suicide. 100% remote. Schmitz:I like to call my priority number one Student Mental Fitness instead of student mental health. If the pandemic showed us anything, it is that kids learn the best in the classroom with a teacher. 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. Federal courts | Each candidate responded to our questionnaire about their experience and what they see as priorities for the district. 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. 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. Ninmann:I was appointed in September 2021 to fill one of the quitting members' spots. Instead, we firmly believe that the vast majority of people living in our community value respect, decency, thoughtful collaboration, common courtesy, consideration for others, and caring for the common good. There is an opportunity to advance learning opportunities through improved online platforms that can serve both students and assist parents. Cities | Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. 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. 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. "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?" In-person learning includes more than book learning, like social interaction, dedicated learning spaces (not dining room tables)and much more. The appointmentrequires re-election. The school board recall success rate was 7.8%. 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. Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc-area news with a subscription: Click here. If elected, what are your priorities for the district? You can help too. "Its like, whos the adult here?". 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. "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. Since August, the board has seen four resignations in the wake of a reportedly toxic work environment. "I would just like to thank them for their service to the Oconomowoc Area School District," said board member Scott Roehl. 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. Contact info: 920-474-7796;thielw@oasd.org. 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. Roehl said the climate surrounding school board meetings has become polarizing amid the pandemic and debates over safety. How to vote | 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. Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned. U.S. Congress | OCONOMOWOC - Three Oconomowoc Area School Board members have announced they will be resigning from the board due to the other board members' and the interim superintendents. Incumbent Juliet Steitzer was unseated in the election by. I am a strong believer in in-person classroom learning, and that has worked well for myself, my childrenand others for hundreds of years. Superintendent Roger Rindo is leavingfor the same position in the Reedsburg School District. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Town of Oconomowoc Police Department. "We have in the past seen national issues bleed into local government issues, but now were seeing a more sustained effort, and a more explicitly ideologically motivated effort, thats all-encompassing.". 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. 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.
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