Brodhead School Board
There are two open seats on the Brodhead School Board in the April 3 election. Incumbents Abbey Wellemeyer and Mike Krupke, board president, are being challenged by candidate Chad Risum.
Position sought: School District of Brodhead, Board Member
Age: 38
City/town of residence: Brodhead, WI
Family: Partner Ben, and two children ages 5 and 3
Education: BS Education from UW-Madison; Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from The Evergreen State College
Occupation: Stay at Home Parent and Strategic Performance Consultant
Previous elected positions held: Incumbent School Board Member (elected in 2015); Member of Better Brodhead Board of Directors (elected in 2017)
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
The obvious concern for the District is the lack of stable financial resources, as it is an issue for many rural Wisconsin districts like ours. It impedes the District's ability to offer one-to-one technology for students, totally free learning opportunities, and contributes to insufficient levels of staff that are overextended. As a team of board members, staff, administrators, students, parents, and anyone that values public education we must continue to lobby our legislators as well as rely on the strengths and resources of our community members to compensate. Fortunately the Brodhead community members have been very good to our District by offering generous donations, grants, knowledge, expertise, and volunteer service.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am an excellent choice for the School District of Brodhead board member position because I have board membership experience (besides holding incumbency). I understand how to effectively contribute and compromise in board decision-making processes, and within the District culture. Of the three candidates my formal education and public service background is the most closely aligned with board member duties. I also am deeply invested in the Brodhead School District's success as a city taxpayer and parent of a students in this district.
Age: 38
City/town of residence: Brodhead, WI
Family: Partner Ben, and two children ages 5 and 3
Education: BS Education from UW-Madison; Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from The Evergreen State College
Occupation: Stay at Home Parent and Strategic Performance Consultant
Previous elected positions held: Incumbent School Board Member (elected in 2015); Member of Better Brodhead Board of Directors (elected in 2017)
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
The obvious concern for the District is the lack of stable financial resources, as it is an issue for many rural Wisconsin districts like ours. It impedes the District's ability to offer one-to-one technology for students, totally free learning opportunities, and contributes to insufficient levels of staff that are overextended. As a team of board members, staff, administrators, students, parents, and anyone that values public education we must continue to lobby our legislators as well as rely on the strengths and resources of our community members to compensate. Fortunately the Brodhead community members have been very good to our District by offering generous donations, grants, knowledge, expertise, and volunteer service.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am an excellent choice for the School District of Brodhead board member position because I have board membership experience (besides holding incumbency). I understand how to effectively contribute and compromise in board decision-making processes, and within the District culture. Of the three candidates my formal education and public service background is the most closely aligned with board member duties. I also am deeply invested in the Brodhead School District's success as a city taxpayer and parent of a students in this district.