Position sought: Monroe School Board
Age: 45
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Wife, Betsy; Children, Spencer (2012 Monroe High School graduate), Grant (junior), Mitch (freshman) and Grace (7th grade).
Education: 1986 Monroe High School graduate. Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with majors in Finance and Accounting.
Occupation: Accounting manager, Promega Corporation.
Previous elected positions held: Elected to and serving on the Monroe School Board since 2007.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
The top two issues facing the Monroe School District include:
1. Changing the district's curriculum rigor and relevance combined with increased expectations of student performance to align with the college and career readiness standards as mandated by the state. This does not mean just pushing harder classes, but entails a continued analysis of what is being taught, how it is being taught, district teaching effectiveness and what does each individual student need to be a successful and productive member of society post high school. To that end, I will continue to advocate for the students of Monroe by backing curriculum changes for the improvement of all students, support the addition of technology and other teaching tools and push for a fair and consistent district-wide evaluation system with accountability for all district employees (administration, teachers and support staff).
2. Appropriate allocation of the district's financial resources based on student's needs as limited by state funding. With the continuation of state revenue caps and reduction in state funding of schools in Wisconsin, districts like Monroe with declining enrollments are seeing the negative impact of staff and program reductions on the students. I originally ran for the school board while trying to comprehend the details behind the districts overspending and financial crisis in 2005 and 2006. With my finance background, I will continue to review and analyze the district's spending and budgets to make sure the district's resources are used effectively while working to address the issues identified in number one above.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Other issues facing the district include:
•The need for increased vocational training and offerings required for the manufacturing and service industries. Since college is not the only path for post high school success, I will continue to support the district working to build vocational and internship partnerships with local businesses and technical schools.
• Proactively and collaboratively utilizing the changes afforded Wisconsin school districts with the passage of Act 10. As the collective bargaining landscape between districts and staff unions has changed, the Monroe district needs to be an innovative leader in identifying and implementing new ideas and tools around staff compensation and employment. I am extremely committed to the recruitment and retention of outstanding staff at all levels throughout the School District of Monroe.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I feel that my ability to help resolve the issues above make me an excellent candidate for the Monroe school board. With three children still being educated in the district, I feel that I understand what is happening in the schools and want to make Monroe the best school district for all the students attending.
Age: 45
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Wife, Betsy; Children, Spencer (2012 Monroe High School graduate), Grant (junior), Mitch (freshman) and Grace (7th grade).
Education: 1986 Monroe High School graduate. Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with majors in Finance and Accounting.
Occupation: Accounting manager, Promega Corporation.
Previous elected positions held: Elected to and serving on the Monroe School Board since 2007.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
The top two issues facing the Monroe School District include:
1. Changing the district's curriculum rigor and relevance combined with increased expectations of student performance to align with the college and career readiness standards as mandated by the state. This does not mean just pushing harder classes, but entails a continued analysis of what is being taught, how it is being taught, district teaching effectiveness and what does each individual student need to be a successful and productive member of society post high school. To that end, I will continue to advocate for the students of Monroe by backing curriculum changes for the improvement of all students, support the addition of technology and other teaching tools and push for a fair and consistent district-wide evaluation system with accountability for all district employees (administration, teachers and support staff).
2. Appropriate allocation of the district's financial resources based on student's needs as limited by state funding. With the continuation of state revenue caps and reduction in state funding of schools in Wisconsin, districts like Monroe with declining enrollments are seeing the negative impact of staff and program reductions on the students. I originally ran for the school board while trying to comprehend the details behind the districts overspending and financial crisis in 2005 and 2006. With my finance background, I will continue to review and analyze the district's spending and budgets to make sure the district's resources are used effectively while working to address the issues identified in number one above.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
Other issues facing the district include:
•The need for increased vocational training and offerings required for the manufacturing and service industries. Since college is not the only path for post high school success, I will continue to support the district working to build vocational and internship partnerships with local businesses and technical schools.
• Proactively and collaboratively utilizing the changes afforded Wisconsin school districts with the passage of Act 10. As the collective bargaining landscape between districts and staff unions has changed, the Monroe district needs to be an innovative leader in identifying and implementing new ideas and tools around staff compensation and employment. I am extremely committed to the recruitment and retention of outstanding staff at all levels throughout the School District of Monroe.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I feel that my ability to help resolve the issues above make me an excellent candidate for the Monroe school board. With three children still being educated in the district, I feel that I understand what is happening in the schools and want to make Monroe the best school district for all the students attending.