Position sought: Monticello School Board
Age: 63
City/town of residence: rural Monticello
Family: Married to Larry Hummel; daughter: Julianna Ruegsegger; son: Steven Hummel; both of Monticello. Five grandchildren that are in or have graduated from the Monticello School district.
Occupation: Lab tech at the New Glarus Branch of Monroe Clinic
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
The entire state is facing budget constraints with new state mandates to do more with less which is passed down to all of our districts. The technology world is ever advancing and we must prepare our students to compete in that environment so we are instituting a 1:1 computer system for our 6 to 12 grades in the 2013/2014 school year. New testing and grading requirements of our students is putting more emphasis on scores compared to every school. Our educators and administration is working to meet these needs.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
We are cooperating with Albany in our tele presence room to offer both school's students more classes through distance learning. Some of these classes are college credit classes with a connection to UW Eau Claire. This is a growing and exciting opportunity for both schools.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have only served on the board for a partial term because I filled a vacancy. I think it takes nearly a year to get into the workings of the board to feel comfortable and know procedures. I would like to serve a full term to continue and contribute. I feel that I represent the older sector of our district. Perhaps I am the voice of the retired and the folks that are not as tech savvy, so I ask and learn. I consider myself a good listener and fair-minded advocate for the students, teachers and administration.
Age: 63
City/town of residence: rural Monticello
Family: Married to Larry Hummel; daughter: Julianna Ruegsegger; son: Steven Hummel; both of Monticello. Five grandchildren that are in or have graduated from the Monticello School district.
Occupation: Lab tech at the New Glarus Branch of Monroe Clinic
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
The entire state is facing budget constraints with new state mandates to do more with less which is passed down to all of our districts. The technology world is ever advancing and we must prepare our students to compete in that environment so we are instituting a 1:1 computer system for our 6 to 12 grades in the 2013/2014 school year. New testing and grading requirements of our students is putting more emphasis on scores compared to every school. Our educators and administration is working to meet these needs.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
We are cooperating with Albany in our tele presence room to offer both school's students more classes through distance learning. Some of these classes are college credit classes with a connection to UW Eau Claire. This is a growing and exciting opportunity for both schools.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have only served on the board for a partial term because I filled a vacancy. I think it takes nearly a year to get into the workings of the board to feel comfortable and know procedures. I would like to serve a full term to continue and contribute. I feel that I represent the older sector of our district. Perhaps I am the voice of the retired and the folks that are not as tech savvy, so I ask and learn. I consider myself a good listener and fair-minded advocate for the students, teachers and administration.