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Leadership by the board, in the district, in classroom, by the teachers, and by the students. 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. In May, after Gov. Parents filled the Oconomowoc School Board meeting. There is a place for some virtual learning, but I will always work with our district to provide in-person learning whenever possible. "If people step forward and Im very hopeful that theres enough good people out there that will do that then the good quality work for kids can continue. 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. Thiel:I have 4 priorities for the district. "They can make no one happy.". Contact info: pschmitz06@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/PaulaSchmitzCampaign; 262-490-7048, Address:N56 W35146 Pondview Lane,Oconomowoc, Past political experience:Current board member. My 19 years of experience demonstrate that I will be a well-prepared and an effective board member. Finding ways to increase open enrollment into our school district. Schraufnagel:Since the appointment of myself and the threeother new board members, our meetings are focused on improving the school district. Click here for the 2021-22 Regular School Board Meeting Schedule, Click here to reach eBoard and all Special Meetings & Committee Agend, Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF). To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that That day, I felt a moral obligation to step up to the plate and help stop this insanity in our school communities. Then, according to the resigning members, another board member told parents they could claim a religious exemption to allow their kids to go mask-free. The 2,656 sq. Tony Evers' statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. Six compete for four seats on Oconomowoc School Board, Submit an Obituary Wash. & Oz. "Spending time in the community I love has been an experience I will never forget," Schweitzer said. Therefore, the district must follow the Strategic Plan and will be monitored by the documented metrics. Youre not an expert on everything, youre not there to manage the day-to-day operations of the district.". This enrollment out is currently larger than our enrollment in and every time that happens, we have fewer resources to work with. Did you know we were one of the few districts in the state that increased student performance last year during COVID? Community involvement: Current school board member, former Oconomowoc rec league coach. Covid mitigation methods are what now-former board members expressed concern about in submitting resignation letters this week. In January, the Oconomowoc School Board agreed to put a two-question facilities referendum on the ballot totaling $75.45 million. 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. ", RELATED:Two incumbents ousted in a Waukesha School Board race partly defined by unrest over virtual learning. Instead, we firmly believe that the vast majority of people living in our community value respect, decency, thoughtful collaboration, common courtesy, consideration for others, and caring for the common good. Both in-person and virtual schooling should be available as a choice for families to accommodate students needs and those of their loved ones. A statement says the board members felt their constituents weren't being heard on matters like health and safety, and that the board is influenced by a hyper-political group. If we fail to support the best teachers, then we will miss them when they are gone. 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. I was so disappointed that at many of these meetings there was no opportunity for the community to speak. View All Calendars is the default. The effort against members Juliet Steitzer, Kim Herro, and Scott Roehl began on September 17, 2020. Ballotpedia features 395,577 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. I started to become interested in the school board position last year during the recall. "[1], In reaction to the recall effort, Roehl said he preferred a face-to-face model as well. Ninmann:100% remain optional for in-person learning. We need to be smart with our tax dollars and do more with less. We cannot engage in petty fights that dishonor the office. The board filled the three vacant seats in Septemberby appointing Neal Ninmann, former board member Sandy Schick and Chad Schraufnagel. Since there is no ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, even on the issue of the health and safety of our students and staff, we cannot be part of an organization that is so non-responsive to every constituents concerns, not just a minority segment, and is so cavalier about our students, staffs and communitys health and safety, the letter states. Anderson:As a parent of four, the wake of our school board making national news for toxic dysfunction hit hard. Roehl'sseat is also up for election April 5. 3.) The district also must continue to pursue the sale of the old Meadow View School site. One of them was Juliet Steitzer, whose loss in Oconomowoc tipped the balance of power, setting the stage for the later resignations. Meanwhile, the board will begin taking applications and discuss its plan to fill the vacant seats at its next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 18. One thing that really helps now is the open debate and discussion that happens between board members, without becoming personal or offending other members. 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 fact that the restrictions have been now lifted doesnt mean that the havoc caused by the lockdowns will disappear overnight. Tony Evers statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens of Oconomowoc area school district parents are getting heated on the issue of face masks. It is intrinsic to its mission: Unless students are mentally fit and emotionally stable, they cant learn and therefore, they will not be able to lead. With the requirements to give ample notice before bringing up issues, only being able to vote on items listed in their agenda, and meetings that typically occur only once a month, theyre hamstrung from acting quickly which could get frustrating when the understanding of COVID-19, and the disease itself, was rapidly evolving. 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. Delavan - Darien School District's DD Tech Administrator and CTE Coordinator, Michael Rick, discusses educational opportunities. "I would just like to thank them for their service to the Oconomowoc Area School District," said board member Scott Roehl. The deadline to apply is Sept. 3. Grothaus and Raasch both had about a year and a half left in their terms which expired in April 2023. School board members resign in COVID-19 protest. In May, after Gov. Ensuring that we are financially viable into the future. 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. If you say, 'I don't want to play for a team, I want what is best for the students,' it won't make a difference because your name is going to be slandered if you're not on the right team. Local school board races have been injected with partisan money and party . Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF). In the past the board was labeled as "toxic"; however, that is no longer the case with the current board. Address: N56 W35146 Pondview Lane, Oconomowoc Past political experience: Current board member Community involvement: Current school board member, former Oconomowoc rec league coach.. She said she wished the district had utilized its outdoor space in order to allow all students to return to in-person learning full-time. The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) issued a cease and desist letter to a parent threatening her with a defamation lawsuit for statements she made in public forums about the use and accessibility of age-inappropriate material. Fortunately, I pray all of that is behind us. Waukesha County was home to 395,118 residents in 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau. As a board our priorities are driven by our strategic plan and I will continue to support that plan. The board has turned a corner and is really moving forward. We hope the time will soon come again when it is possible to work together collaboratively for the good of our community and its children and stop letting the distractions and personal political agendas take us off that course.. Whilethere is a place for students who want to do online learning, it is not for all students. To do this we need focus on excellence, celebrate our successes, and create an overall district that people see as the best overall option for their students. After the fourth member left, I decided to run for election in April. After results came in, Steitzer released a message on her school boardFacebook page. Now, nearly half the board is . Contact info: 920-474-7796;thielw@oasd.org. "When Juliet lost her seat, then we lost the majority, and once we lost the majority, the culture became caustic.". Board members say the data has changed since they moved to a mask-optional policy as of last month. Oconomowoc High School. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. Aug 2006 - Jun 20158 years 11 months. However, virtual learning for most students is not as effective as in-person learning. powered by finalsite About Us OCONOMOWOC, Wis. Three Oconomowoc Area School Board members have resigned together, citing toxic behavior within the board. Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. Ninmann:If elected, my priorities will remain that of supporting through policy, our district administration, teachers, staff and studentsas we focus on our strategic plan, graduate profile and fiscal responsibilities. "For those who did not vote for me I want to thank you for coming out and participating in the process. 2023 www.jsonline.com. She said: Absolutely! Town of Oconomowoc Police Department. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. A student Brookfield East High School wears a mask during class Monday, March 15, 2021, in Brookfield, Wis. Angela Major/WPR. Some of the activities include Boy Scouts, robotics, band, choir, theater, soccer, ski team, gymnastics, track, tennis, and we even hosted quite a few exchange students. There's also high interest in the Oconomowoc School Board, where six candidates are running for four seats. 5.) 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 unwillingness to collaborate in good faith, a letter from the members states. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While we found ways to implement some virtual learning and found ways to make it viable for students, it wasn't always a sustainable platform for teaching. In conversations with parents, teachers, and members of the community there is consensus that the school board can do better. Our actions have an impact. When three school board members in Oconomowoc resigned together on Monday, it wasnt solely because of board disputes over COVID-19. I was part of that majority. Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). The impact of an amazing teacher is immeasurable, and weve all had teachers in our past that were less than exceptional. As a former VP of a college, I know the debate around in-person versus virtual creates opportunity for innovation. Believe it or not, that small step over time will also help us become a better district. My goal is to continue positively contributing to the Oconomowoc Area School District for the benefit of my family, my neighbors and the greater Oconomowoc community. All three are up for election April 5. 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. Bill Thiel received the most votes with 5,311 (22%), Neal Ninmann was second with 4,989 votes (20%),. [1], Herro said it was the community's right to issue a recall. For more spring 2022 election coverage,click here. "[1], Jason Baumann, a member of the group, said, "We're all concerned parents in the district that are not happy with the way things are going in general with our district, with our school board. 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. She thanked the three resigning members for the service and the wrote, in part, "Public service is a difficult endeavor that has been exacerbated by the current division in society as a whole" and, "While the timing and orchestrating of these resignations have taken away from our work, I am confident in the remaining school board members and their commitment to our students and families.". [5], Steitzer's term on the board expired in April 2021, and Herro's and Roehl's terms expired in April 2022.[1]. The property should be listed very soon. As noted before, in-person learning is critical to student success. I am running to continue to move our school district in the positive direction. State legislature | SHARE. A majority voted to keep requiring masks indoors through the end of the year, though kids could ditch them when they were outside. 25, Idaho, Braintree School Department, Massachusetts, Creighton Elementary School District, Arizona, Del Norte County Unified School District, California, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Louisiana, Elbert County School District C-2, Colorado, Fresno Unified School District, California, Lake Havasu Unified School District, Arizona, Lake Mills Area School District, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee, Middleton-Cross Plains School District, Wisconsin, Mount Horeb Area School District, Wisconsin, Oakland Unified School District, California, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Arizona, Traverse City Area Public Schools, Michigan, Visalia Unified School District, California, Westford School Department, Massachusetts, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Oconomowoc_Area_School_District_recall,_Wisconsin_(2020)&oldid=8841316, Pages using DynamicPageList dplreplace parser function, Unsuccessful or mixed outcome recall efforts, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. We are doing it in many areas already. In total, there are four seats up for election this year, and six candidates running. I have served this district in many capacities over the last 6 years, both in leadership roles and on subcommittees.. A majority voted to keep requiring masks indoors through the end of the year, though kids could ditch them when they were outside. "The main qualification of a school board member and I say this as a local elected official is you got one more vote than the other person. "We will never know if we did too much, but we will most definitely know if we did too little," said one parent. DPI, the State of WisconsinDepartment of Public Instruction, has a budget for student mental health that has increased to meet the students needs after the pandemic. 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.". Counties, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. Kim Herro, Rick Grothaus and Dan Raasch had been trying to change the boards approach to governance and leadership, which they felt was toxic and made it impossible to collaboratively work on solutions, for over a year. ft. home is a 4 bed, 3.0 bath property. Providing support for the educators of our school district, who continue to do incredible work with our students. "Its not a specific group thats necessarily capturing the board, but its the ideological conflict itself thats capturing the board," he said. The three members have stepped down, citing how the Oconomowoc Area School District has been pulled into partisan culture wars., Because of the dysfunctional and disrespectful behavior of the remaining Board members and interim superintendent, Board work has become toxic and impossible to do, the letter states. OCONOMOWOC The Oconomowoc Area School District School Board has four incumbents seeking reelection. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. "I have worked on behalf of good government, and am proud of the work I have spearheaded and accomplished in my time on the board," Steitzer stated. This is my first attempt at elective politics. Since September, our board meetings have been productive, we no longer employ consultants to help us get along, we have hired a new superintendent and we were one of the only schools to improve scores during the pandemic by keeping kids in the classroom as much as possible.