VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have dedicated my adult life to serving children and families. I have worked professionally as a social worker, paraprofessional and special education teacher. I have been a member of the Onalaska Board of Education for more than 15 years, serving as president for the past 12. While raising my own children I was heavily involved as a volunteer in their classrooms and extra curricular activities.

My current teaching position provides me with a unique understanding of the educational system along with expertise in federal and state regulations, inclusion practices, and IEP processes, which are crucial for equitable decision-making.

I firmly believe that a strong public education system is the foundation of a thriving community like Onalaska. My priority is to ensure that every student—regardless of background or circumstance—receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. This means supporting innovative programs, attracting and retaining excellent educators, and making strategic, student-centered decisions that strengthen and support our mission of “High Levels of Learning for All”.

Onalaska has implemented changes to our compensation and benefits over the past few years leading to increased employee satisfaction. We recognize that fostering a culture of continuous improvement through engaged and supportive leadership is essential. Additionally, we are committed to providing professional development and meaningful coaching and leadership opportunities to ensure that educators feel supported and can continue to grow. Strong educators contribute to strong student outcomes.

Community engagement is one pillar of our strategic plan. Fostering parent outreach is a priority across all schools within the district. Through community newsletters, social media platforms, streaming of board meetings, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we can effectively share information and communicate our goals transparently.

Onalaska, similar to many school districts in Wisconsin, is encountering budgetary challenges due to inadequate state funding. The funding provided for education has not kept up with inflation, factors such as declining student enrollment and the allocation of funds to school vouchers impact our financial position.

Engaging with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) is a powerful way to strengthen advocacy efforts for better school funding and policies. WASB provides school boards and individuals with resources, training, and direct connections to policymakers. Inviting legislators to public board meetings to discuss issues also enhances our local voice.

I lead a team of hospitality professionals dedicated to quality and excellence in their field. Currently I also serve the citizens of Onalaska through both the City Council and School Board, proudly serving the Onalaska Schools since 2019. In the community I also Co-Chair the Onalaska/Holmen Community Thanksgiving Dinner and am a founding member and past president of the Hilltopper Onalaska Rotary Club. My wife Danielle and I have lived in Onalaska since 2006 and have a Son at Onalaska Middle School and a Daughter at Onalaska High School.

I've served on the school board since 2019. I've seen first hand the impact that we have on budgeting, strategic planning and policy making in the district. Seeing the yearly progress we make on our strategic plan, and the success of our kids and district as a whole motivates me to continue to serve.

Our strategic plan addresses recruitment and retention of our staff. We've addressed our benefit and compensation plans and continue to look for ways to remain the district of choice in our area.

As a member of different business groups and city committees, I'm proud to share our districts accomplishments with who ever will listen. On a regular basis, I invite our district leadership to take the floor and highlight updates from our schools, news and current events. We take questions and provide answers on a variety of topics.

Declining enrollment is one that comes to mind. Our strategic plan outlines steps we have collectively agreed to take to continue to be the district of choice for teachers, students and parents. We measure the progress at regular intervals and aren't afraid to make changes as we are challenged with state funding or we learn new initiatives or directions to take.

Public service is a core value instilled in me early on. Witnessing my father's dedication during his time as a candidate for Sheriff inspired my desire to contribute. At 25, I served as a Village Trustee in Johnson Creek. Relocating to Onalaska over a decade ago, I found a community I'm passionate about & where I'm ready to serve on the school board.

Like many parents, I balance career & family. With my children in 7th (OMS) & 4th (EB) grade & my work locally focused, I have the time to dedicate to our schools. I'm committed to giving back to Onalaska, a community that's become our home. Our schools are a source of pride. As a real estate agent, I see firsthand how crucial strong schools are to families moving here. They recognize excellent schools benefit children AND strengthen property values and neighborhoods.

When we moved here, school quality was paramount. I understand what families seek in a district and am dedicated to preserving and enhancing our schools for all families.

We need fresh voices & innovative ideas, alongside collaborative problem-solving & a nuanced understanding of complex issues. Our current board members have dedicated years to our community. As some approach their 4+ term, it's a natural time to reflect on board engagement & the potential of regular turnover for continued growth. Together, we can build on Wisconsin's legacy of educational excellence & create a brighter future.

Our state has a rich history of leadership in public education, setting a high standard for innovation & opportunity. From open enrollment & early college credit to technical college dual credit & special needs scholarships, our commitment to education has built a strong foundation that benefits students & strengthens communities. This has made WI schools among the best.

We need leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing our schools, not single-issue candidates. Serving the public effectively requires broad perspective.

I support DEI initiatives to ensure we hire & retain the best educators. With over 70% of Onalaska's teachers holding advanced degrees, we must retain these valuable professionals. A diverse workforce, beyond race & gender, enriches our schools.

Our student body is increasingly diverse, including non-white students & those with disabilities or IEPs. Our staff should reflect this diversity. Representation matters. Students need educators who understand their experiences.

I'll collaborate with stakeholders to address educator recruitment & retention challenges, creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. DEI includes interpreters, flexible work arrangements (including for nursing parents), accommodations for students with disabilities & cultural competency training.

The new superintendent hire offers a chance to strengthen our DEI commitment & build a foundation for recruiting & retaining a diverse, talented staff. I'm ready to make Onalaska a model for inclusive excellence.

The decline of local journalism is a loss for our entire community. Access to timely & accurate reporting on important issues, especially education, is essential for an informed citizenry.

I recall a time when local media was a consistent presence at school board meetings in my youth, providing immediate transparency & fostering community engagement. While I cannot replace professional journalism, I recognize the need to bridge the information gap. To that end, I've created "Bridget's Briefs," regular meeting recaps posted on my Facebook page (facebook.com/BridgetForOnalaska). These summaries aim to provide accessible updates on the key topics discussed and decisions made by the school board.

While not a substitute for comprehensive journalistic coverage, I hope "Bridget's Briefs" serves as a valuable resource for community members who care deeply but may not have the time to attend meetings. I believe that increasing access to information and fostering dialogue is crucial.

Many unknowns lie ahead, and I have yet to hear a clear stance from at least one opponent on these critical funding issues. Onalaska's 2024-25 budget includes $693,126 in federal funds, a steep decline from prior years ($2.33M and $1.93M), highlighting the need for local fiscal responsibility. If the Department of Education is dismantled, the future of key grants like IASA is uncertain, raising concerns about funding equity and student outcomes. Wisconsin may be better prepared, but challenges remain.

Public education is a pillar of democracy, and while school choice exists, voucher programs risk destabilizing public school funding. For 2024-25, WPCP vouchers are $10,237 (K-8) and $12,731 (9-12), but diverting public funds to private institutions raises questions of oversight and fairness. I am committed to ensuring our district remains well-funded, equitable, and accessible to all students. Source: https://schoolchoicewi.org/