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: 41
City/town of residence: Town of Mt. Pleasant
Family: Wife, Jennifer; daughters, Veronica, 9th grade, and Sarah, 7th grade
Education: Monticello public schools, UW-LaCrosse, MATC-Madison
Occupation: Fire Lieutenant, City of Madison Fire Department
Previous elected positions held: I am completing my second term on the school board. I am currently the board treasurer.
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
The biggest issue facing Monticello schools is state funding and lack of state support for public education. The proposal to cut $150 per student will reduce our revenue limit by $58,200. This doesn't include potential money lost from the voucher program. Fortunately, the community of Monticello is very supportive of our schools and recently passed a referendum providing our children with educational opportunities many students from rural schools won't receive. The board will need to continue being fiscally responsible and resourceful to overcome decreased state aid to limit the impact on the local levy within the revenue cap.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Monticello is using telepresence (technology) with Juda and Albany schools to redefine rural education. This provides tremendous opportunities for all students and is a resource for the communities. With all of the technology we have integrated in education, we need to support the infrastructure so we can sustain the changes we have made. Technology needs to be delivered seamlessly so that the students can learn and test without disruptions. Thankfully, the recent referendum supports this issue so the board can continue to address this concern.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
All candidates are a good option. It is most important to have a board who can work together for the benefit of the students, staff and the community. Monticello's board has that and I am confident all candidates will complement the board.
Age: 41
City/town of residence: Town of Mt. Pleasant
Family: Wife, Jennifer; daughters, Veronica, 9th grade, and Sarah, 7th grade
Education: Monticello public schools, UW-LaCrosse, MATC-Madison
Occupation: Fire Lieutenant, City of Madison Fire Department
Previous elected positions held: I am completing my second term on the school board. I am currently the board treasurer.
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
The biggest issue facing Monticello schools is state funding and lack of state support for public education. The proposal to cut $150 per student will reduce our revenue limit by $58,200. This doesn't include potential money lost from the voucher program. Fortunately, the community of Monticello is very supportive of our schools and recently passed a referendum providing our children with educational opportunities many students from rural schools won't receive. The board will need to continue being fiscally responsible and resourceful to overcome decreased state aid to limit the impact on the local levy within the revenue cap.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Monticello is using telepresence (technology) with Juda and Albany schools to redefine rural education. This provides tremendous opportunities for all students and is a resource for the communities. With all of the technology we have integrated in education, we need to support the infrastructure so we can sustain the changes we have made. Technology needs to be delivered seamlessly so that the students can learn and test without disruptions. Thankfully, the recent referendum supports this issue so the board can continue to address this concern.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
All candidates are a good option. It is most important to have a board who can work together for the benefit of the students, staff and the community. Monticello's board has that and I am confident all candidates will complement the board.