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Wahl, Shanks, Oellerich win spots on Brodhead board
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BRODHEAD - Incumbent James Wahl was re-elected to his third term on the school board Tuesday night. Joining him are newcomers Dana Shanks and Michael Oellerich.

Newcomer Howard Balch was unsuccessful in the four-candidate race for three seats.

Wahl won with 846 votes, Shanks received 699, and Oellerich drew 689 votes.

Winning re-election came as a bit of a shock, Wahl said on Tuesday night.

"You always have (doubt) in the back of your mind," Wahl said. "I was also (listed) fourth on the ballot."

Wahl feared that his ballot position would prompt voters to choose the first three candidates.

He said that the biggest problem facing the board is the district's financial outlook and state budget cuts to education. In fact, his priority during a new term, he said, is working on the 2012-2013 school budget.

"We need to get some direction on it," Wahl said.

As an employee of Stoughton Trailers, Wahl works in the information technology department. He also volunteers with Brodhead Boy Scout Troop 108 and the American Legion.

For his part, Shanks on Tuesday said he was able to tell his brother of his victory - before the brother was deployed to Washington to train soldiers. Shanks learned he'd won through a voice message left for him by the Times.

The top priority facing the board, Shanks said, is to maintain quality education in the community. He also wants to retain as many teachers as possible at each grade level, to keep class sizes low.

Shanks has lived in Brodhead for 18 years. Currently, he works in the customer service department at Citizens Bank. His three children have either graduated from Brodhead schools, or are currently attending them.

Oellerich said he was excited about news of his win, and the chance to serve in his new post.

"I'm hoping to come into full speed and catch up with everything," Oellerich said. "(I want to) hit the ground running."

Oellerich and his wife moved to Brodhead in 2007.