The county seat is Waukesha. Most students perform better when learning in person. 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. Federal courts | The board has turned a corner and is really moving forward. ft. home is a 4 bed, 3.0 bath property. I was so disappointed that at many of these meetings there was no opportunity for the community to speak. [1], The recall effort began when recall supporters filed paperwork with the school district on September 17, 2020. The board must focus on strategic alignment driving results and opportunity for students, teachers and parents. Waukesha County was home to 395,118 residents in 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau. Hopefully our community will rise up and demand to hire a quality superintendent who can provide enough positive leadership to overcome the current state of leadership for the district, the letter states. Two challengers have also entered the contest set for a vote April 5. Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. 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. Schmitz:As an educator and wellness researcher, I believe there are negative effects to breathing inside a mask. As a former VP of a college, I know the debate around in-person versus virtual creates opportunity for innovation. After the fourth member left, I decided to run for election in April. 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. Community involvement:I was a stay-at-home father while my kids were in school, and I was very involved at Meadowview, Nature Hilland Oconomowoc High School. View All Calendars is the default. The work to avoid faction-based political infighting starts now. Bill Thiel received the most votes with 5,311 (22%), Neal Ninmann was second with 4,989 votes (20%),. One of them was Juliet Steitzer, whose loss in Oconomowoc tipped the balance of power, setting the stage for the later resignations. How to run for office | School districts | Oconomowoc High School. Only ONE is too many, but the actual numbers are alarming! It will take years of rebuilding and recovery as people continue to live in fear. I wanted to make sure someone stood up to take accountability and I was most nervous about our district losing talented teachers. . 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. [1], Herro said it was the community's right to issue a recall. Their answers were limited to 100 words. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc-area news with a subscription: Click here. 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. Since August, the board has seen four resignations in the wake of a reportedly toxic work environment. I led program development initiatives expanding outreach, involvement, and resources for both students and . I also attended many school board meetings regarding masking and in-person classes. We have developed a thick skin when we hear about another school shooting or a student being bullied, or a student committing suicide. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. I have no personal agenda and will work solely for the community, parents and our students. 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. powered by finalsite About Us Past board members began to work on personal agendas and that led to a great deal of dysfunction. She said: Absolutely! "I have gotten to know many people in our beautiful Oconomowoc area, and I would not trade this experience for anything. 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. 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. 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. And my third priority is Student Global Impact. If we are forming students at OHS to be grounded, responsible and accountable, that should focus primarily on how their actions are impacting others around them at home, at school, in the community and around the world. I will fight for this as it will bring a transformative, long-lasting solution in times of crisis. Four recall elections were held in 2020. My heart sunk. supports HTML5 video. [2] [3] Results General election I believe that as representatives of the community the board should always have time to hear people out and I appreciate the board making that change now that I am there. Decisions should be based on collaboration and transparency. This can be accomplished by using the Strategic Plan. That day, I felt a moral obligation to step up to the plate and help stop this insanity in our school communities. Sell the old Meadow View to fulfill the promise of the past board. Schmitz:A lady sat next to me on my flight back from a conference in Florida last November and told me she was traveling with a group of five school mothers on a first vacation together since 2020. As they say, Keep School REAL. Agendas for all regular board meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings are also available on the same site. "We will use mandated masking as a layered mitigation strategy when our data proves it necessary," said Dr. Kristen Taylor, interim superintendent. Incumbents Dave Guckenberger and Steve Zimmer faced challengers Kim Verhein Herro, Jason Kelly and James Wood in a primary election on February 16, 2016. Just weeks from the first day of classes, and in the early stage of its superintendent search, the Oconomowoc Area School Board is down to four members after Kim Herro, Dan Raasch and Rick Grothaus resigned Sunday. This can be integrated with the resources that the district already has in place and enrich them. Schraufnagel:Since the appointment of myself and the threeother new board members, our meetings are focused on improving the school district. "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. 3.) I've pledged not to accept donations from politically aligned special interest groups with pre-determined agendas. 37214 Delafield Rd , Oconomowoc, WI 53066-9101 is a single-family home listed for rent at /mo. Our district is equipped for this and should respect and adjust to every students learning style and personal circumstances. Then in November, board member Scott Roehl left after moving out of the district and saying in a Facebook post that he and his family did not feel safe in their home. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. One of the main issues for the school board in the near future will be deciding on the district's next superintendent. 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 Area School Board appoints 3 new members after resignations, Crash victim brought light to many around the country, Waukesha business owner sexually assaulted in store, Babes Pizza and Chicken to open next week in Mukwonago, A battle simmers in Illinois over plans to pipe in and store millions of tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide underground. 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. In-person learning includes more than book learning, like social interaction, dedicated learning spaces (not dining room tables)and much more. I am running to be elected by the community to continueserving on the board as a trustee of the district. I have served this district in many capacities over the last 6 years, both in leadership roles and on subcommittees.. I will continue this trend of performance if electedto the board in April. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. Contact info: pschmitz06@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/PaulaSchmitzCampaign; 262-490-7048, Address:N56 W35146 Pondview Lane,Oconomowoc, Past political experience:Current board member. Three-layer cotton masks, 26.5 percent efficient," another parent said. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. 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. 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. They would be able to go to work that day. "The kids and the teachers had been doing a marvelous job throughout the year dealing with the masks," said Grothaus. 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. Oconomowoc, WI 53066. U.S. Congress | We are in a good place right now and I want to make sure that we continue being financially strong. While Herro, who co-owns a manufacturing business, said shes used to discord and disrespect as a woman in a male-dominated workforce, the onslaught of anger directed at her and other members was staggering. Schraufnagel:It is important for board members to support the school district as a whole and not get into personal projects. "He's not vaccinated and your decision not to require masks is going to mean that he's not going to be able to attend in-person school this fall," said parent Scott Drummond. Oconomowoc's school board voted virtually Tuesday night to hold face-to-face classes in the fall with a couple alternatives. We dont believe that people want our community to be characterized by the divisive, bullying, selfish, partisan tactics that seem to be so prevalent today. General mask wearing should be a family choice based on their understanding of masks and should not be monitored by staff unless under protocol since this takes time from their main task of educating. Third, we deserve a school board that can operate for more than six months without creating negative headlines. 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 attended meetings before the resignations and after the resignations. 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. However, virtual learning for most students is not as effective as in-person learning. We need to put our students holistic well-being as our top priority, build consensusand move schools forward. 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. 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. The OASD School Board voted to authorize both referendum questions at the Jan. 18 meeting. Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. All Rights Reserved. The effort failed after the group did not get enough signatures. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. SHARE. 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. SHARE. In 2020, there were 87 COVID-related recalls against 89 officials, and in 2021, there were 131 against 214 officials. Incumbents Jessica Karnowski and James Wood received the most votes and will retain their seats. The district should focus on advancing these programs to meet the needs of the current times or we will be missing the boat. Black Mental Health Professionals panel discusses representation Technicians of Tomorrow competition showcases high schoolers MATC apologizes for sparking frustration after announcing major Plans to extend Milwaukees downtown metered parking to 9pm Oconomowoc School Board meets following abrupt resignation of 3 members, Three Oconomowoc School Board members resign as board 'dragged into partisan culture wars', Medical Examiner called to fatal shooting near 84th and Bender, Multiple families displaced after fire breaks out in West Allis apartment building, Cars removed from third level of partially collapsed Bayshore Mall parking structure, Long Covid is associated with significantly increased risk of death, heart and lung problems, study finds, Yao Ming caught in the cross-fire as Chinese basketball team leaves top league on eve of Covid reopening, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. The board did take a vote on replacing the three board members who left. However, we need to respect those who choose to still wear a mask. Ford said conflict in school boards isnt a bad thing, but it becomes a problem when people are so dug in on their beliefs that they cant find compromise, or even have productive discussions. some parents who are worried their kids will get sick, clear guidance from state and federal agencies, Children face cognitive delays during pandemic, Arts organizations see signs of recovery, A Milwaukee school is training students to help their peers who are dealing with suicidal thoughts, Why some schools are seeing more fights since returning in-person, Wisconsin districts face backlash over plans to teach gender identity to elementary students, 3 transgender women have been killed in Milwaukee in the last 9 months, Lawyer who oversaw Trump elector scheme in Wisconsin reappointed to judicial advisory panel, Court orders Green Bay to stop using audio devices while lawsuit plays out, UW System President Jay Rothman to seek in-state tuition increase, Capital budget would offload 4 state office buildings, Wisconsin natives aged gouda is 'best cheese' in America, contest says, Landowners sue Lac du Flambeau tribal leaders to reopen roads blocked for a month, Buyer steps up to save Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. Oconomowoc has been mostly optional since the start of this school year, and we intend to remain that way. This is a decrease from both 2020 and 2021. 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. What made you decide to run for the seat and what makes you a good fit for the role? 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. Believe it or not, that small step over time will also help us become a better district. 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. 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) When three school board members in Oconomowoc resigned together on Monday, it wasnt solely because of board disputes over COVID-19. 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. OCONOMOWOC The Oconomowoc Area School Board appointed three new members in Neal Ninmann, Sandy Schick and Chad Schraufnagel last Wednesday to replace the three board members who had resigned last month. ContactInformation: 920-948-7183 (cell), Address:N76 W36096 Saddlebrook Lane, Oconomowoc. ContactAlec Johnson at(262) 875-9469 oralec.johnson@jrn.com. The impact of an amazing teacher is immeasurable, and weve all had teachers in our past that were less than exceptional. 2023 www.jsonline.com. [1][2] They were unable to collect enough signatures by the deadline. 2021-22 OCONOMOWOC AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR (PDF LINK) 2022-2023 oconomowoc area school district website 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.