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Oak Creek Franklin School Board Member/Miembro de la junta escolar de Oak Creek Franklin {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Oak Creek Franklin School DistrictThe Oak Creek Franklin School Board is the policy-making body for the school system, selected by the electors of the school district to represent and act for the state in providing Oak Creek and a portion of Franklin with educational programs and facilities. The board consists of seven at-large members who serve staggered terms. Voters elect school board members to a three-year term in non-partisan elections.El distrito escolar de Oak Creek FranklinLa junta escolar de Oak Creek Franklin es el organismo de formulación de políticas para su sistema escolar, seleccionado por los electores del distrito escolar para representar y actuar en nombre del estado proveyendo a Oak Creek y una parte de Franklin con programas e instalaciones educativos. La junta está formada por siete miembros “at large” (representan al distrito en general, N. del T.) los cuales sirven términos escalonados. Los votantes eligen a los miembros de la junta escolar por un período de tres años en elecciones no partidistas.

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    Sheryl Cerniglia
    (Non)

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    Genene Hibler
    (Non)

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    Jennifer Knor
    (Non)

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    William McIntosh
    (Non)

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    Mark Verhalen
    (Non)

Biographical Information

What do you see as the role of a school board member and what should be the board’s priorities?

Public school funding in many communities depends heavily on property taxes and often requires local referendums to raise enough money. If you were elected, how would you address the challenge of ensuring sufficient funding for public schools?

What do you see as the role of education and mental health professionals in determining curriculum and school policies?

What steps has the district taken or should it take to prevent and/or prepare for potential violence in schools?

Where do you see the role for parents in determining curriculum?

Campaign Phone 414-510-3892
Campaign Mailing Address 3754 West Anita Lane
Campaign Email tennismom56@gmail.com
My role is a voice for students, staff and taxpayers. My priorities are adopting academic standards/expectations for student achievement/growth. We develop/maintain sound policies to direct our administration and staff. We hire/eval the superintendent. Evaluation is important in all school operations, even the board. It uncovers success and opportunities for future action. Communication is KEY whether it's listening to students, community, the board or being an advocate with legislators.
A single board member cannot solve this issue. It takes the whole board working together with administration to ask the tough questions. Are there any operations that can be outsourced, advocating with state legislators is VERY important for any additional resources since we are on the low end of revenue limit compared to others, having discussions with taxpayers to share what we have done and to listen to their ideas, looking at all programs/positions to see if their outcomes are worth the cost
Education and Mental Health professionals provide the expertise to make sure curriculum is evidence based, developmentally appropriate and instructionally sound, works in the classroom, no unintended consequences, (overload, inequity, etc). The Board uses that professional expertise and balances that with parent and community values, legal requirements, fiscal and operational realities. "Expert guidance shapes policy but democratic accountability governs it."
All schools have locked entrances, you have to be buzzed in to enter. All schools practice safety/lockdown drills during the year. There is age-appropriate discussion in classes regarding safety, how to talk to each other etc. I have seen a big decrease in behavior and violent issues over the years in our schools. We also have SROs in our High school and Middle Schools, plus they made visits to our elementary schools which helps. Schools have developed a culture of care and safety.
I see parents as a valuable tool. They are a great sounding board for educators/curriculum directors. They can be a voice for the younger student who may be struggling with new concepts in a new curriculum. They can encourage older students to share concerns with their teachers about struggles. Parents can also be advocates asking for data to demonstrate effectiveness of achievement and growth of programs.
Campaign Phone 4148085252
Campaign Mailing Address 6585 S Crane Dr
Campaign Email genene@up4oc.com
Campaign Website http://www.up4oc.com
A school board member is a public servant entrusted with ensuring that every student receives a Safe, High‑quality, and Equitable Education. The board’s responsibility is not to manage day-to-day operations but to Set Clear Expectations, Craft Sound Policy, Maintain Accountability, and ensure that District Leadership Operates with Transparency and Integrity. Simply put Listen, Advocate, and Lead with Courage, ensuring our district reflects the values and expectations of the families We Serve.
Wisconsin’s school funding model often forces districts into the difficult position of relying on referendums just to maintain essential services. As a board member, I would work to ensure that our district Uses Taxpayer Resources Responsibly, Transparently, and Efficiently, while exploring strategies such as: Strengthening financial transparency. Advocating at the state level for fair, stable funding for public schools. Ensuring fiscal accountability to eliminate wasteful spending.
Teachers, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and specialists bring essential expertise in child development, learning science, and classroom realities. Their voices are not optional—they are necessary. Mental health experts should help shape policies on safety, behavioral support, bullying prevention, trauma-informed care, and crisis response. The Board must ensure the curriculum is state-compliant, reflects community values, and prepares students for the future.
While the district has taken steps such as implementing safety plans and conducting emergency drills, more must be done. The district must: Strengthen communication so parents and students understand safety procedures and how concerns are handled. Train staff in de-escalation, trauma‑informed practices, and emergency response. Create a safety accountability dashboard to track progress and maintain public trust. Safety cannot be reactive—it must be proactive, preventive, with clear policies.
Parents are essential partners, and they deserve Transparency, Respect, and Opportunities to Be Heard. Parents should be able to: Review the curriculum and understand learning goals at every grade level. Participate in advisory committees that provide feedback to the board and administration. Collaborate with teachers to support student learning at home. Express concerns or suggestions in a Respectful and Constructive Manner in a Forum. Parents, Educators, and Leaders must WORK TOGETHER.
Campaign Mailing Address Jen Marissa Knor for OCFSD School Board
Campaign Email jen.heiges@att.net
Campaign Twitter http://jen.heiges@att.net
A school board member’s role is to be a strong advocate for all students, a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and a bridge between the community, educators, and the district. It is a position that requires dedication, active listening, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. School board members must work collaboratively, remain open to different perspectives, and make data-driven decisions that put all students first.
I believe in responsible, transparent, and strategic funding that balances student needs with fairness to taxpayers. My approach would focus on strengthening the foundation of district finances by thoughtfully combining local property taxes and state aid. Building trust with taxpayers is critical to success. Emphasizing smart spending, exploring additional funding opportunities, and prioritizing resources that directly support student learning are key to ensuring long-term financial stability.
Educators and mental health professionals play a critical role in shaping curriculum and school policies because of their training, experience, and direct understanding of student needs. Collaboration between these professionals ensures curriculum is developmentally appropriate, academically sound, and supportive of students’ mental and emotional well-being. Mental health professionals are essential partners for both general and special education students to implement effective curriculum.
The district has implemented several important safety measures. While these steps are essential, school safety must be addressed through a proactive and comprehensive approach. Preventing violence includes not only physical security, but also addressing mental health needs, bullying, and early warning signs of distress. Strengthening mental health services, developing clearer disciplinary policies, and creating supportive school environments where students feel connected, supported and safe.

Parents are a child’s first educator and play a vital role in student success. Strong communication between parents and educators is essential to ensure students receive the support, motivation, and instruction they need to succeed. Collaboration helps educators develop student-centered teaching strategies and appropriate interventions. Curriculum must remain aligned with educational standards and professional expertise, but parent input strengthens transparency, accountability, and trust.
I believe one of the main roles of a School Board is to conduct oversight of the local school administration, to make certain that school board policy is being followed fairly, respectfully and honestly. Put tax payers and all local resident students first, provide proper services for our students and to provide the proper staffing for our schools including reasonable class sizes. To make certain that the capacity of our schools are properly balanced with resident students.
I am against raising taxes or asking our tax payers for more money until we have conducted a school district capacity review and balance our schools with local resident students first. I believe that parts of our school district could be reduced in size, including Administration, maintenance and other areas that are not a direct benefit to our resident students in the classrooms. Taxes are already high and going higher, we need to manage our districts resources much better in my opinion.
I believe we could use a mental health professional sitting at the table when discussing curriculum in our schools. The benefits from mental health professional may be helpful. I also would like to see educators, tax payers and students sitting at the table as well. Input from our community and our staff is essential.
I am certain that our district believes that they are doing everything that they can to limit violence in our schools, we have created clear emergency response plans and have practiced implementation. Depending on school level: Establish threat-assessment teams (administrators, counselors, teachers, law enforcement) Encourage reporting of concerning behavior without fear of punishment,. Provide trauma-informed care for students experiencing stress, abuse, or isolation.
The School Board has legal authority to review and act upon the curriculum and curricular materials for the district. They set district policy and approve what is taught. Teachers and curriculum specialists are responsible for designing instructional programming that aligns with Wisconsin Academic Standards. Parents are not the primary decision-makers for curriculum content, but they are key stakeholders who can influence decisions through formal channels. I am happy to hear from parents.
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