Age: 65
Address: 4280 Apple Branch Rd., Argyle
Family: Wife, Marjorie; three grown children and daughter at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Education: Bachelor of arts from Lawrence University
Occupation: Retired from the U.S. Foreign Service
Previous elected positions held: Elected to the Argyle School Board in 2009
Community involvement: Apple Grove Lutheran Church treasurer; tax aide volunteer for AARP serving Lafayette and Grant County; Argyle Community Fund board member
What are the top issues facing this board/council and how would you resolve them?
A key issue for our school district (and perhaps a key issue for all schools) is how to increase academic performance and improve future opportunities for our students. Since I was elected to the Argyle's School Board, we have been focused on this issue. Given the latest WKCE standardized test results, Argyle is now top in its conference. Last year, we adopted a more sensitive and discriminating assessment tool (known as MAPS) that we can administer as frequently as needed. This tool can measure progress as well as pinpoint learning shortfalls for a particular student, a classroom or whole grade. A companion program (Odyssey) makes teaching suggestions based on test results. In addition, last year we upgraded our computer system so that we could broaden our class offerings by use of virtual courses that students can take under the guidance of a teacher.
Another challenge to the board has been significant changes in state legislation that affect the way all schools operate in Wisconsin. First, and most dramatically, Wisconsin has reduced the amount of resources available to public schools. We have to continue to look for efficiencies at the same time as we continue to work to increase academic opportunities. Secondly, the board will have to adopt policies to replace elements contained in our agreement with the teachers' union that terminates at the end of this school year.
Despite these challenges, I believe that the Argyle School District, with the support of the community, teachers and administration, can continue to improve education for our students.
Address: 4280 Apple Branch Rd., Argyle
Family: Wife, Marjorie; three grown children and daughter at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Education: Bachelor of arts from Lawrence University
Occupation: Retired from the U.S. Foreign Service
Previous elected positions held: Elected to the Argyle School Board in 2009
Community involvement: Apple Grove Lutheran Church treasurer; tax aide volunteer for AARP serving Lafayette and Grant County; Argyle Community Fund board member
What are the top issues facing this board/council and how would you resolve them?
A key issue for our school district (and perhaps a key issue for all schools) is how to increase academic performance and improve future opportunities for our students. Since I was elected to the Argyle's School Board, we have been focused on this issue. Given the latest WKCE standardized test results, Argyle is now top in its conference. Last year, we adopted a more sensitive and discriminating assessment tool (known as MAPS) that we can administer as frequently as needed. This tool can measure progress as well as pinpoint learning shortfalls for a particular student, a classroom or whole grade. A companion program (Odyssey) makes teaching suggestions based on test results. In addition, last year we upgraded our computer system so that we could broaden our class offerings by use of virtual courses that students can take under the guidance of a teacher.
Another challenge to the board has been significant changes in state legislation that affect the way all schools operate in Wisconsin. First, and most dramatically, Wisconsin has reduced the amount of resources available to public schools. We have to continue to look for efficiencies at the same time as we continue to work to increase academic opportunities. Secondly, the board will have to adopt policies to replace elements contained in our agreement with the teachers' union that terminates at the end of this school year.
Despite these challenges, I believe that the Argyle School District, with the support of the community, teachers and administration, can continue to improve education for our students.