2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "You want conflict on a governing board, it brings more voices to the table and it can lead to a solution that can be supported by even a divided group," he said. After results came in, Steitzer released a message on her school boardFacebook page. OCONOMOWOC - Oconomowoc Area School Board member Scott Roehl announced via his candidacy Facebook page that he would be resigning from his seat on the board due to his family moving out of . I was part of that majority. She said the reason was to cheer up one of them who had lost a 13-year-old niece to suicide. The OASD School Board holds a regular monthly meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at the Oconomowoc High Schoo East Campus, starting at 6:30 p.m. >> Click here for the 2021-22 Regular School Board Meeting Schedule 37214 Delafield Rd , Oconomowoc, WI 53066-9101 is a single-family home listed for rent at /mo. I also attended many school board meetings regarding masking and in-person classes. "I had people calling me up and screaming at me, people that have known me almost my whole life, parents calling up and saying 'You are making my kids wear masks, youre doing hybrid, youre bad people,'" she said. [1], The decision included an in-person learning model for elementary school students and a split-attendance model for middle school and high school students. Are we using it? In January, the Oconomowoc School Board agreed to put a two-question facilities referendum on the ballot totaling $75.45 million. School board members are responsible for providing quality education to all students in the Oconomowoc Area School District; educational opportunities provided by the Oconomowoc Area School District should develop individuals who can lead productive and responsible roles in our community and society; the Oconomowoc Area School District contains a varied population who must be represented regardless of home location (urban and rural), family income, and family heritage; The School Board needs to ensure accountability and financial responsibility; School Board Members need to be open-minded, independent thinkers who are willing to challenge the district to maximize potential; The School Board needs to plan for the future. Schick:I wanted to provide experience and leadership in the hiring of the new superintendent, selling of the old Meadow View School site, and general district operations. Additionally, we are lacking a significant strategic initiative to address why families who live in our district are actively opting out of keeping their children at our schools. OCONOMOWOC - Three Oconomowoc Area School Board members have announced they will be resigning from the board due to the other board members' and the interim superintendents. Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Anderson:First, is to focus on how we attract and retain the most talented teachers possible. Whilethere is a place for students who want to do online learning, it is not for all students. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. ", RELATED:Two incumbents who favored virtual school lose their seats on the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District Board. I was so disappointed that at many of these meetings there was no opportunity for the community to speak. A good number pleading with the board to require masks, few for mask-choice. They'll be posting those vacancies immediately. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. There's also high interest in the Oconomowoc School Board, where six candidates are running for four seats. Collected signatures for speedier repairs of the pavement in the parking lot across the street from the Post Office, which was in the core area of downtown Oconomowoc, full of potholes. An effort to recall three of the seven members of the Oconomowoc Area School District school board in Wisconsin did not go to a vote in 2020. I want to see Student Personal Development days on the same days that their teachers have their PD days. Four Oconomowoc School Board incumbents have retained their seats in the April 5 election. "We will never know if we did too much, but we will most definitely know if we did too little," said one parent. This can be integrated with the resources that the district already has in place and enrich them. Since being on the board we have been able to begin the process of selling the old Meadow View building, we have hired a new superintendent, and increased student growth during the pandemic. Our family owns a small business in downtown Oconomowoc, I am a 1988 graduate of OHS and have three children who also have experienced OASD as students. I dont have a medical background, but I do have a background in leveraging subject matter expertise to make tough decisions. School board members around the state who supported phased returns to the classroom and disease mitigation efforts like masks and social distancing have faced vitriolic school board meetings, recall attempts, election challenges and threats over the past 18 months. August 16, 2021, 4:06 PM. Anderson:The main goal for the district should start with retaining our most talented teachers and positioning the Oconomowoc brand as the destination of choice among teachers across the state. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. The district needs to continue moving to unrivaled. Now, as COVID-19 is again surging around the state and hitting kids harder, many boards arent putting any mask requirements or precautions into place, to the distress of some parents who are worried their kids will get sick and despite clear guidance from state and federal agencies that say universal masking is the best way to keep students safe and prevent schools from having to shut down. Schmitz:Based on the priorities I outlined in my previous answer, I am developing a proposal, a comprehensive plan that includes creative and innovative programs, initiatives and strategies to meet the needs of our students after the pandemic. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. Another thing that is important to me and has been added to all the meetings are a time for discussion from the community. Ballotpedia tracked 29 school board recall efforts against 64 board members in 2020. I have also mentored students at the high school in resume writing and interviewing skills and mentored students through Junior Achievement. "The kids recognized that this was an important part of them staying healthy, because they didnt want to miss their sports and their other activities and school, they didnt want to miss the end of the year activities.". All rights reserved. Schick:It is the vision of the Oconomowoc Area School District to become an unrivaled learning community, seeking wisdom, honoring the past, and shaping the future. This is the districts vision and should be our guiding light. "We are going to still going to continue to maintain, continue to work and continue to do what we can to make the Oconomowoc Area School District an unrivaled place and an unrivaled educational environment," said Roehl. R- Realistic Spending- Dont spend what you dont have. There are examples of other districts offering course credit for extra-curriculars and this innovative strategy helps to reduce expenses while also increasing scope and depth of viable opportunities for students. This is my first attempt at elective politics. Tyler James, who did not actively run during the election, had 989 votes (5%). Dan Raasch, one of the Oconomowoc board members who resigned, said the group made their decision to quit the board entirely because they didnt feel like they had any options left and they wanted to shock the community into paying attention to the ways he said their school board wasnt working in the communitys best interest. U.S. Congress | We must govern via smart policy and not by current events or pressure from outside influences. E- Excellence- Excellence in everything we do. Lastly, our board can help to elevate the district by prioritizing the focus of the board itself as the existing strategic plan that has not seen improvements or modifications in almost 4 years. Leadership by the board, in the district, in classroom, by the teachers, and by the students. Elections in 2023 | Ninmann:I was appointed in September 2021 to fill one of the quitting members' spots. "Its like, whos the adult here?". Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. Ninmann:I am currently serving as an appointed member of the board since September 2021. The district has a focus on developing learners and leaders and the board has a responsibility to support that focus with policy and financial stewardship. Their answers were limited to 100 words. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens of Oconomowoc area school district parents are getting heated on the issue of face masks. Three candidates remain in the search for a new Oconomowoc School Board Superintendent. Roehl said the climate surrounding school board meetings has become polarizing amid the pandemic and debates over safety. I am a strong believer in in-person classroom learning, and that has worked well for myself, my childrenand others for hundreds of years. The Oconomowoc School Board saw lots of turnover in 2021, as four of its members resigned or left. Now, nearly half the board is . Steitzer became a board member in 2018 and said this year's election became overwhelmingly partisan. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. Michael Ford, a professor of public administration at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a member of the Oshkosh City Council, said theres a concept called "school board capture" that refers to boards being overtaken by interest groups a union, for example, or particular business interests. As they say, Keep School REAL. Two incumbents and a political newcomer won the three seats up for election on the Oconomowoc Area School Board on April 6. In-person learning includes more than book learning, like social interaction, dedicated learning spaces (not dining room tables)and much more. Our district is equipped for this and should respect and adjust to every students learning style and personal circumstances. Oconomowoc, WI 53066. Footnotes. Therefore, the district must follow the Strategic Plan and will be monitored by the documented metrics. TWEET. Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. The letter states that the three members are also concerned about how Interim Superintendent Kristen Taylor and remaining board members are responding to the pandemic. 2.) "It created immediate, aggressive reactions, not only by those two board members, but also a faction of the community that they were aligned with," said Grothaus. Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF). The 2,656 sq. Kaukl worries that in addition to the health impacts to kids and staff, the vicious disagreements and overriding of best practices around health will drive out the people who keep schools up and running. Thiel:We are very fortunate to have an excellent district to start with. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. "We have gone as far as we could to try to have a board working together, and a board that would work with the administration as a team effort," he said. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. A- Accountability- Do what you say you are going to do. "Were losing some really good people because of the contentiousness, and Im concerned that we may lose some more teachers in the process, or more administrators, that we already know we have a shortage of.". (920) 474-4812. Schools should be a haven for students, a springboard for each one of them to become the best version of themselves in service to others. Covid mitigation methods are what now-former board members expressed concern about in submitting resignation letters this week. United States. EMAIL. Oconomowoc's school board voted virtually Tuesday night to hold face-to-face classes in the fall with a couple alternatives. Office Incumbent Term School Board Member-at-Large VACANT 3 years (Begins April 25, 2022) School Board Member-at-Large Neal Ninmann 3 years (Begins April 25, 2022) NOW: Oconomowoc School Board meets following abrupt resignation of 3 members NEXT: OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Oconomowoc Area School District Board met Wednesday night, Aug. 18,. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. I want to be their voice on the board and fill the void that exists today by addressing issues that are pressing after a horrific pandemic. So it's important to look at vaccination rates and where new cases are popping up. The difference is in the approach. Roehl said he also preferred an in-person learning model, but that it needed to be phased in to ensure the safety of students and staff. Since August, the board has seen four resignations in the wake of a reportedly toxic work environment. "This feels different.". 6 Marquette edges St. John's, Illinois judge strikes down state's ban on high-powered guns, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, dies at 61, Stocks rally Friday, close out their first winning week in last 4, Five Points Pub closes for renovations, hotel still open, Oconomowoc schools to hold 4 more meetings on referendum, Ocon Four bring it on, off mat in Madison. And if not, well, then this is the board the community wants.". My heart sunk. Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. James Wood took over as the Oconomowoc School Board president following the 2021 election, in which he was elected to a second term after receiving Kleefisch's support. We have developed a thick skin when we hear about another school shooting or a student being bullied, or a student committing suicide. 556 likes. [1], Herro said it was the community's right to issue a recall. Recall supporters said they did not agree with the decision and wanted students to have in-person learning five days a week. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc news with a print subscription to The Enterprise: https://bit.ly/ocoent_sub. Wood had the most votes with 5,279 (24%), followed by Karnowski's 5,010 votes (23%) and Carrico's 4,196votes (19%). The district needs to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn. The board vice president said the news caught him by surprise as he turns his focus to the future. This enrollment out is currently larger than our enrollment in and every time that happens, we have fewer resources to work with. The Pewaukee School Board faces a similar situation, where six candidates will vie. Ninmann:The most important initiative for me as a board member is to remain a functional and cohesive board that acts collectively in the best interest of students, the community, teachers and administration. Three Oconomowoc School Board members have resigned in protest over how the district is handling COVID-19 protocols before the start of the upcoming school year. Tony Evers statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. Oconomowoc Area School District: School Year Calendar. Were losing some really good people because of the contentiousness, and Im concerned that we may lose some more teachers in the process, or more administrators, that we already know we have a shortage of. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. "They can make no one happy.". Sandy Schick (i); (bottom row, left to right). The board is much more stable now than it was back then. Read to your children. The four remaining school board members were in attendance, but no action was taken on one of the items that divided the board -- masks. More: Candidates for Oconomowoc mayor share views on growing inflation, infrastructure and public safety. I want Oconomowoc to be a destination school district for families outside of our boundaries. Roehl'sseat is also up for election April 5. After the fourth member left, I decided to run for election in April. A statement from Interim Superintendent Kristen Taylor also focused on the future. Students can grow and develop these mindful skills in a fun-filled environment that departs from the classroom and uses a common space like the cafeteria, the gym, and/or some outdoor space on campus or in the community. Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned. We no longer employ consultants to work with the board on how to be board members. Contact info: 920-474-7796;thielw@oasd.org. Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). The effort against members Juliet Steitzer, Kim Herro, and Scott Roehl began on September 17, 2020. Apply today! As I stated on the previous question our priorities are financial stability, increasing open enrollment into the district, focusing on the strategic plans, supporting administration and teachers, and selling the old Meadow View. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. School Board Meetings and Agendas Meeting Schedules. We can always do more and better in supporting studentswellness. With a background as a VP of a college and with my current role in senior management at an HNW investment firm I wanted to leverage my professional experience to help our board operate as a high functioning group. Thiel:You might not know this, but Oconomowoc has a separate special curriculum for those that want to be completely virtual, and I think that is a great program for those who have selected it. Phone. Nondiscrimination: The Oconomowoc Area School District provides assurance that no student is discriminated against because of the student's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability. Thiel:I have always been involved with the schools as a stay-at-home dad for my three children who all attended the district. [1], The recall effort began when recall supporters filed paperwork with the school district on September 17, 2020. In May, after Gov. Continue to implement our district strategic plan and our athletic strategic plan. In 2020, there were 87 COVID-related recalls against 89 officials, and in 2021, there were 131 against 214 officials. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The candidates are (top row, left to right):Andrew Anderson,Neal Ninmann (i),Sandy Schick (i); (bottom row, left to right)Paula Schmitz,Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). Nondiscrimination: The Oconomowoc Area School District provides assurance that no student is discriminated against because of the student's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability. The board must focus on strategic alignment driving results and opportunity for students, teachers and parents. The meeting schedule for the Finance, Operations, and Advancement (FOA) committee and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA) committee are available by clicking the link below. OCONOMOWOC . Oconomowoc Schools The Oconomowoc Area School District encompasses approximately 120 square miles surrounding the City of Oconomowoc and draws students from three counties: Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dodge. Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. A student Brookfield East High School wears a mask during class Monday, March 15, 2021, in Brookfield, Wis. Angela Major/WPR. "When Juliet lost her seat, then we lost the majority, and once we lost the majority, the culture became caustic.". How to vote | DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and The OASD School Board holds a regular monthly meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at the Oconomowoc High Schoo East Campus, starting at 6:30 p.m. >>Click here for the 2021-22 Regular School Board Meeting Schedule. Thiel:I attended meetings before the resignations and after the resignations. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc-area news with a subscription: Click here. ContactAlec Johnson at(262) 875-9469 oralec.johnson@jrn.com. The recall effort was started by the group Oconomowoc Citizens Represented, who said Steitzer, Herro, and Roehl "willfully neglected to act on behalf of the citizens of the district. Schweitzer, who was a newcomer to running for school board, said she loved the process of campaigning. Steitzer was one of three current school board members that the groupOconomowoc Citizens Represented attempted to recall in September. View All Calendars is the default. Three of the seven seats on the Oconomowoc Area School District school board in Wisconsin were up for at-large general election on April 3, 2018. I look forward to continuing my involvement as a parent and community member in selecting a new superintendent, addressing transportation safety concernsand long-range planning for our educational spaces.". My focus is clear: As a board member, I am there to represent the families in my district. All Rights Reserved. If the pandemic showed us anything, it is that kids learn the best in the classroom with a teacher. To get the recall on the ballot, recall supporters had to collect signatures from voting-age citizens who lived within the school district in 60 days. [3][4], The recall effort started after the school board voted 5-2 in August 2020 to approve a blend of virtual and in-person learning for students returning to school for the 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Application Contact Address. "We will use mandated masking as a layered mitigation strategy when our data proves it necessary," said Dr. Kristen Taylor, interim superintendent. State and local courts | Third, we deserve a school board that can operate for more than six months without creating negative headlines. Superintendent Roger Rindo is leavingfor the same position in the Reedsburg School District. I believe strongly that serving as a representative of the community is a primary focus for a school board member and is the reason I am a good fit for the position.
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