Monticello School Board
There are four candidates running for three spots on the Monticello school board. Julie Havens, Tyler Smith and Robert Harvey are incumbents; Ron Blumer is also running.
Position sought: Monticello school board
Age: 55
City/town of residence: Monticello
Family: Four children who have all graduated from Monticello HS.
Education: Bachelors of Nursing
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Previous elected positions held: School board member for past two terms
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
Finances /budget - continue to be wise in how and what we spend money on, and at the same time, try to make our elected officials in Madison aware of how limited resources and educational funding cuts are affecting us. Work to get more funding for schools not less. Continue to work with neighboring districts at sharing what services we can as this has proven quite successful these past few years.
Technology continues to be a challenge. We need to keep our students and staff current with what technology has to offer while at the same time, finding how to make technology work to our advantage. Trying to predict what will be needed in the future is an ever growing challenge but we need to remain open to new ideas and ways to do things.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
We must not only be preparing students for college, but giving attention to those students who chose a technical college. We need to give this area more focus moving forward as there are many opportunities for our graduates in the industrial sector. Wisconsin has been a leader in industry but many industries are desperately trying to fill positions for which there are not qualified candidates. The four-year colleges, the technical colleges and the workforce are all great opportunities for our students and we must give equal attention to all.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am passionate about this community and want to see future students have the great education my children all received in Monticello. We (Monticello district) may be small, but we offer many great experiences and opportunities for our students and families. I also have some experience on the board already and have enjoyed my time on it.
Age: 55
City/town of residence: Monticello
Family: Four children who have all graduated from Monticello HS.
Education: Bachelors of Nursing
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Previous elected positions held: School board member for past two terms
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
Finances /budget - continue to be wise in how and what we spend money on, and at the same time, try to make our elected officials in Madison aware of how limited resources and educational funding cuts are affecting us. Work to get more funding for schools not less. Continue to work with neighboring districts at sharing what services we can as this has proven quite successful these past few years.
Technology continues to be a challenge. We need to keep our students and staff current with what technology has to offer while at the same time, finding how to make technology work to our advantage. Trying to predict what will be needed in the future is an ever growing challenge but we need to remain open to new ideas and ways to do things.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
We must not only be preparing students for college, but giving attention to those students who chose a technical college. We need to give this area more focus moving forward as there are many opportunities for our graduates in the industrial sector. Wisconsin has been a leader in industry but many industries are desperately trying to fill positions for which there are not qualified candidates. The four-year colleges, the technical colleges and the workforce are all great opportunities for our students and we must give equal attention to all.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am passionate about this community and want to see future students have the great education my children all received in Monticello. We (Monticello district) may be small, but we offer many great experiences and opportunities for our students and families. I also have some experience on the board already and have enjoyed my time on it.