Argyle School Board
There are four seats up for election on the Argyle school board, which is expanding from five to seven seats. Running are incumbents Julie Ostby and Keith Ritschard, along with newcomers Carolyn Carter, Gregory Heath Isely, Peter Herman and Ismael Hinojosa.
Name: Julie Ostby
Position sought: Argyle school board
Age: 45
City/town of residence: Argyle
Family: Married to Aaron for 26 years. Four children, Kelsey, 22; Kayla,19; Riley,16; and Kirsten,13
Education: Graduated from New Glarus High School in 1987
Occupation: My husband and I have farmed outside Argyle for the past 25 years, and I also work fulltime at Scenic Rivers Energy in Darlington.
Previous elected positions held: Just finishing my first three-year term with Argyle school board.
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
The biggest challenge for the Argyle school board for the next few years will be the budget. It's vitally important that we are making the right decisions with the budget given that will benefit the school as a whole, rather than one or two groups. I think to overcome this challenge, we as a district will have to be diligent in exploring every possible avenue before making those critical decisions.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
With four children either currently enrolled in Argyle or recent graduates, I know how important it is to have the best teachers in the state educating our students. I feel that my kids are getting a top-notch education that isn't easily found elsewhere. We need to make sure this is a constant for years to come.
Under the restraints from Act 10 it is my hope that our teachers who are the influential role models we trust with our children, still have a voice. I hope we can all work together to try to avoid wage cuts and large increases in health care benefits.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have learned a lot in my last three years, but I know there is so much more to learn and accomplish. I have had the opportunity to see many positive projects start, and I want to see them through to the end. The end goal as a member of the school board should always be to serve your district as best as possible, and I feel like the last three years have given me the tools to do so.
Position sought: Argyle school board
Age: 45
City/town of residence: Argyle
Family: Married to Aaron for 26 years. Four children, Kelsey, 22; Kayla,19; Riley,16; and Kirsten,13
Education: Graduated from New Glarus High School in 1987
Occupation: My husband and I have farmed outside Argyle for the past 25 years, and I also work fulltime at Scenic Rivers Energy in Darlington.
Previous elected positions held: Just finishing my first three-year term with Argyle school board.
What are the top issues facing this district/board and how would you work to resolve them?
The biggest challenge for the Argyle school board for the next few years will be the budget. It's vitally important that we are making the right decisions with the budget given that will benefit the school as a whole, rather than one or two groups. I think to overcome this challenge, we as a district will have to be diligent in exploring every possible avenue before making those critical decisions.
What are other key issues facing the district/board, and how would you work to resolve them?
With four children either currently enrolled in Argyle or recent graduates, I know how important it is to have the best teachers in the state educating our students. I feel that my kids are getting a top-notch education that isn't easily found elsewhere. We need to make sure this is a constant for years to come.
Under the restraints from Act 10 it is my hope that our teachers who are the influential role models we trust with our children, still have a voice. I hope we can all work together to try to avoid wage cuts and large increases in health care benefits.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have learned a lot in my last three years, but I know there is so much more to learn and accomplish. I have had the opportunity to see many positive projects start, and I want to see them through to the end. The end goal as a member of the school board should always be to serve your district as best as possible, and I feel like the last three years have given me the tools to do so.