It almost goes without saying that those who seek election to a school board should be motivated by a desire to improve education for all children. And we should expect that those who seek to serve on a public panel should have the temperament to appreciate the process of developing consensus from occasionally divergent viewpoints.
Each of the four candidates in the April 7 election for the New Glarus School Board, I believe, has a sincere interest in providing quality public education. On the other hand, I've been taken aback by the harsh and sarcastic manner I witnessed of an incumbent in shutting down other board members for expressing their concerns.
Paul Heberer and Nathan Johnson will receive my vote to fill the two open seats on the board. I knew nothing about them before, but I am impressed by their own personal thoughtfulness in making the decision to run for office. I can see that they each offer a wealth of individual experience and skills.
Heberer is a founding partner of a Wisconsin information technology firm that provides contracting, recruitment and training services to other businesses. He told me that his primary interests are in board oversight of policies affecting curriculum decisions and in improving the board's overall business decision-making. He described a well-run school system as having both active parental and public involvement and good budgetary discipline - and as being essential to a community's well-being. Quality education and diligent fiscal management are not incompatible goals.
Johnson previously served a three-year term on the New Glarus School Board. A Dane County sheriff's deputy who now is a jail supervisor, he told me he didn't seek an immediate second term 10 years ago due in part to internal board squabbles (my word) that ended up being a disservice to the district. Johnson said building and space needs - as well as purchasing procedures - need a closer look particularly with current economic conditions and government budget uncertainties. Johnson also is concerned about the board's roles in budget approval and policy-making in long-term decisions about district curriculum.
I urge others to support Paul Heberer and Nathan Johnson in the April 7 New Glarus School Board election.
Each of the four candidates in the April 7 election for the New Glarus School Board, I believe, has a sincere interest in providing quality public education. On the other hand, I've been taken aback by the harsh and sarcastic manner I witnessed of an incumbent in shutting down other board members for expressing their concerns.
Paul Heberer and Nathan Johnson will receive my vote to fill the two open seats on the board. I knew nothing about them before, but I am impressed by their own personal thoughtfulness in making the decision to run for office. I can see that they each offer a wealth of individual experience and skills.
Heberer is a founding partner of a Wisconsin information technology firm that provides contracting, recruitment and training services to other businesses. He told me that his primary interests are in board oversight of policies affecting curriculum decisions and in improving the board's overall business decision-making. He described a well-run school system as having both active parental and public involvement and good budgetary discipline - and as being essential to a community's well-being. Quality education and diligent fiscal management are not incompatible goals.
Johnson previously served a three-year term on the New Glarus School Board. A Dane County sheriff's deputy who now is a jail supervisor, he told me he didn't seek an immediate second term 10 years ago due in part to internal board squabbles (my word) that ended up being a disservice to the district. Johnson said building and space needs - as well as purchasing procedures - need a closer look particularly with current economic conditions and government budget uncertainties. Johnson also is concerned about the board's roles in budget approval and policy-making in long-term decisions about district curriculum.
I urge others to support Paul Heberer and Nathan Johnson in the April 7 New Glarus School Board election.
