Juda School
There are three open seats on the upcoming ballot for Juda school board. Incumbents Eric Makos, vice president, and Dennis Pfingsten, president, are looking to retain their seats, while Joanne Goecks has declared papers of non-candidacy. Former board member Suzanne Trotter has declared her candidacy.
Position sought: School Board - Juda School District
Age: 48
City/town of residence: Juda, Wisconsin
Family: Husband (Phil Trotter), Children Megan Bernau (24), Matthew Trotter (23), McKayla Trotter (23)
Education: Associate Degree in Legal Secretarial Science, Blackhawk Technical College
Occupation: Litigation Assistant, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Madison WI
Previous elected positions held: Juda School Board, one term
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Like most rural schools, the Juda School District must strive to meet the constant demands of new and ever-changing technology and curriculum. We also need to stay on top of current and future funding challenges facing rural schools while maintaining our budget and being good stewards of tax dollars. Wisconsin rural schools have funding challenges; it is our job as a Board and District to do the best we can with every cent we receive from all available sources.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
The Board does an excellent job of working together to provide the best possible education for our students. The Board must resolve problems and issues that come before it in a way that is fair, consistent and keeps the best interests of the students, faculty, staff and community in mind. It is important that the Board does its best to understand the needs of the District by working closely with those who spend their days teaching and helping our students. I recently attended a seminar on leadership where the speaker reminded us that every single person within a school district is responsible for "teaching" our students - not only the teachers, but also all employees of the District. It includes facilities management, kitchen staff, office staff as well as members of the School Board. Each person plays an integral role in creating an environment where students always feel safe, supported and can thrive. The Juda School District is fortunate to have great support from the parents and the community as a whole. It is important for the Board to stay open to discussion and suggestions from anyone interested in making the Juda School District a great place to send our kids.
Age: 48
City/town of residence: Juda, Wisconsin
Family: Husband (Phil Trotter), Children Megan Bernau (24), Matthew Trotter (23), McKayla Trotter (23)
Education: Associate Degree in Legal Secretarial Science, Blackhawk Technical College
Occupation: Litigation Assistant, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Madison WI
Previous elected positions held: Juda School Board, one term
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Like most rural schools, the Juda School District must strive to meet the constant demands of new and ever-changing technology and curriculum. We also need to stay on top of current and future funding challenges facing rural schools while maintaining our budget and being good stewards of tax dollars. Wisconsin rural schools have funding challenges; it is our job as a Board and District to do the best we can with every cent we receive from all available sources.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
The Board does an excellent job of working together to provide the best possible education for our students. The Board must resolve problems and issues that come before it in a way that is fair, consistent and keeps the best interests of the students, faculty, staff and community in mind. It is important that the Board does its best to understand the needs of the District by working closely with those who spend their days teaching and helping our students. I recently attended a seminar on leadership where the speaker reminded us that every single person within a school district is responsible for "teaching" our students - not only the teachers, but also all employees of the District. It includes facilities management, kitchen staff, office staff as well as members of the School Board. Each person plays an integral role in creating an environment where students always feel safe, supported and can thrive. The Juda School District is fortunate to have great support from the parents and the community as a whole. It is important for the Board to stay open to discussion and suggestions from anyone interested in making the Juda School District a great place to send our kids.