Monroe School Board
There are three seats up for election on the Monroe school board. Running are incumbents Michael Boehme, Brian Keith and Larry Eakins, and James Plourde and Chuck Vierthaler is running as a write-in candidate.
Name: Brian Keith
Position sought: Monroe School Board of Education
Age: 46
City/town of residence: City of Monroe
Family: My wife Betsy and our four children: Spencer, Grant, Mitch and Grace .
Education: Monroe High School graduate; University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Bachelor of Science in Finance; Lakeland College, Sheboygan, - classes for Equivalent Accounting Major
Occupation: Accounting manager at Promega Corporation
Previous elected positions held: I was originally elected to the Monroe School Board in April 2007 and have served for the past 7 years after being re-elected in 2010 and 2013.
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
The imposed revenue limits and reduced state funding continues to be the biggest issue facing the Monroe School District. While most districts in the state have been affected by lower revenues over the past few years, districts like Monroe that have had relatively flat or at times declining enrollments need to properly allocate the limited financial resources. By providing an exceptional education to all students in the district, Monroe students will prosper as adults post high school graduation. As a school board member, I will continue to review, analyze and question the district's budget and specific expenses to make sure the district is making decisions that are financially sound and focused on providing the best education possible for our students. Having exceptional schools in Monroe is not just critical to our students and our 350-plus district employees, but is also a key component in keeping Monroe a vibrant, financially strong city that can attract/retain families and businesses keeping housing prices and property taxes stable.
Another top issue facing the district is getting a number of educational initiatives impacting student achievement completed successfully. Some of these are mandates from the state for things like Common Core standards for curriculum, Educator Effectiveness evaluations and School Report cards instituted this past year. Other initiatives are allied with the state mandates but are district driven to provide students with the education and skills needed to become productive members of society. These projects include the implementation of new educational technologies such as providing wireless connectivity throughout all buildings, implementing the use of iPads at the middle school for homework and tests, and looking at other ways that technology can be used at the High School through an online learning center and/or allowing students to use laptops or other devices. Additionally, the district is working to improve the alignment of English, math and science from the elementary level, through middle school and into the high school. The use of weekly collaboration time has allowed for both the consistent focus on improving student achievement as well as regular staff development time. By requesting continual updates and follow-up from the administration on these initiatives, I will continue to hold the administration accountable to effectively complete these projects. By being involved with various activities around Monroe and within the district, I am able to offer alternative ideas, help solve problems and provide important feedback from the community.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
Another issue that faces the district is the constant need to work on communication and collaboration between the board, administration, staff and community. The implementation of Act 10 a few years ago was contentious and unfortunately produced significant conflicts that strained relationships between these groups that have yet to be fully mended. I will continue to push for increased communication and allow all stakeholders to provide input on district decisions or changes affecting them.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I feel that I should be re-elected to the Monroe School Board because I have proven over the past seven years that I will investigate and become engaged with the issues before making my decisions. I always look at how my decision will affect the students of Monroe. I am willing to ask the tough questions while also working to gain participant consensus. I have been willing to talk with anyone that contacts me and have solicited input from stakeholders on many occasions.
Position sought: Monroe School Board of Education
Age: 46
City/town of residence: City of Monroe
Family: My wife Betsy and our four children: Spencer, Grant, Mitch and Grace .
Education: Monroe High School graduate; University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Bachelor of Science in Finance; Lakeland College, Sheboygan, - classes for Equivalent Accounting Major
Occupation: Accounting manager at Promega Corporation
Previous elected positions held: I was originally elected to the Monroe School Board in April 2007 and have served for the past 7 years after being re-elected in 2010 and 2013.
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
The imposed revenue limits and reduced state funding continues to be the biggest issue facing the Monroe School District. While most districts in the state have been affected by lower revenues over the past few years, districts like Monroe that have had relatively flat or at times declining enrollments need to properly allocate the limited financial resources. By providing an exceptional education to all students in the district, Monroe students will prosper as adults post high school graduation. As a school board member, I will continue to review, analyze and question the district's budget and specific expenses to make sure the district is making decisions that are financially sound and focused on providing the best education possible for our students. Having exceptional schools in Monroe is not just critical to our students and our 350-plus district employees, but is also a key component in keeping Monroe a vibrant, financially strong city that can attract/retain families and businesses keeping housing prices and property taxes stable.
Another top issue facing the district is getting a number of educational initiatives impacting student achievement completed successfully. Some of these are mandates from the state for things like Common Core standards for curriculum, Educator Effectiveness evaluations and School Report cards instituted this past year. Other initiatives are allied with the state mandates but are district driven to provide students with the education and skills needed to become productive members of society. These projects include the implementation of new educational technologies such as providing wireless connectivity throughout all buildings, implementing the use of iPads at the middle school for homework and tests, and looking at other ways that technology can be used at the High School through an online learning center and/or allowing students to use laptops or other devices. Additionally, the district is working to improve the alignment of English, math and science from the elementary level, through middle school and into the high school. The use of weekly collaboration time has allowed for both the consistent focus on improving student achievement as well as regular staff development time. By requesting continual updates and follow-up from the administration on these initiatives, I will continue to hold the administration accountable to effectively complete these projects. By being involved with various activities around Monroe and within the district, I am able to offer alternative ideas, help solve problems and provide important feedback from the community.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
Another issue that faces the district is the constant need to work on communication and collaboration between the board, administration, staff and community. The implementation of Act 10 a few years ago was contentious and unfortunately produced significant conflicts that strained relationships between these groups that have yet to be fully mended. I will continue to push for increased communication and allow all stakeholders to provide input on district decisions or changes affecting them.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I feel that I should be re-elected to the Monroe School Board because I have proven over the past seven years that I will investigate and become engaged with the issues before making my decisions. I always look at how my decision will affect the students of Monroe. I am willing to ask the tough questions while also working to gain participant consensus. I have been willing to talk with anyone that contacts me and have solicited input from stakeholders on many occasions.