Educational programming for students is the primary issue facing the School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA). As a board member(s), it’s imperative that we are placing the focus on relevant, responsive, quality and well-rounded offerings that meet the needs of ALL learners. To address this requires comprehensive planning, collaboration (students, educators, parents, community members, organizations, etc), professional development, and curriculum review. With those focuses at the top of everyone’s priority list, the SDMA can create an inclusive, dynamic, and student-centered learning environment. Continuous feedback and adaptation based on the evolving needs of the community will contribute to the ongoing success of these initiatives.

The SDMA faces a critical issue with extraordinary staffing shortages, impacting the recruitment and retention of a top-notch staff essential for providing a state of the art learning experience. It’s important to know that I use the term "staff" to encompass all school contributors - teachers, paraeducators, custodians, clerical, and more. As a board member(s), we can address this by spotlighting strategies: ongoing training, early hiring, work-life balance emphasis, mentorship programs, recognition events, and addressing burnout. Showcasing a supportive Menomonie community where staff feel valued and supported is vitally important to hiring and retention. Without a highly-qualified staff, addressing the top issue of educational programming for students becomes a formidable challenge.

A well-run district, characterized by clear vision, goals, and robust accountability, is my choice for the third important issue. This involves representing the community's identity and articulating a distinct strategic vision and plan. Accountability mechanisms play a pivotal role in overseeing the progress toward established goals. This includes not only setting clear expectations but also actively monitoring and holding stakeholders accountable for their attainment. The synergy of a well-defined vision, community representation, and thorough accountability measures is essential for the effective functioning of the district, ensuring that goals are not just set but consistently met in alignment with the community's needs and aspirations.

As a board member, I believe it is crucial to prioritize the optimization of our resources, ensuring that we maximize their potential while staying within our means. This approach contributes to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of our initiatives.

In the upcoming budget, my top priorities align with the critical issues that I identified previously. Fiscal emphasis should be placed on supporting comprehensive and diverse student programming, ensuring a well-rounded education for ALL students. Additionally, support should be directed toward strategies aimed at recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff in our schools, while placing a budgetary emphasis on establishing/maintaining a well-run district, characterized by a clear vision, goals, and measures of accountability.

Because of the recent failed operational referendum, in my opinion, the most important issue facing the Menomonie School District will be finding creative and equitable ways to modify the budget and ensure we’re meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students, teachers, and staff. To help address the budget issues, I would listen and talk with our stakeholders and take that information back to the School Board members and Superintendent for analysis and discussion.

In my opinion, the second most important issue facing the Menomonie School District is meeting the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of our students and supporting our educators who care for them. Societal factors and the aftermath of the pandemic have negatively impacted our some of students’ mental health, wellbeing, and academic growth. In working and listening to educators and families, we can address their concerns as a board to help our teachers thrive and kids succeed.

The third most important issue facing the Menomonie School District is that we continue to attract, support, and maintain high quality teachers and staff. In my opinion, the profession of teaching and education (in general) have been deteriorating with public misperceptions and misinformation. Our teachers and staff work tirelessly every day, and we need to show them the respect and support deserved, as we entrust them with our most important people, our children. I would actively advocate for our teachers and staff by listening to concerns and celebrations and share those with our School Board.

1. Programming--academics & extra-curricular activities-In looking at current data and needs, I would work with stakeholders on strategies to address these needs and make sure we’re providing our students with the best educational opportunities and preparing them to be contributing members to our community and wider society.

2. Building & grounds maintenance-I would again gather data/information and collaborate with various stakeholders on how to address needs. We should provide safe, clean, and modernized facilities and grounds for our students, teachers, staff, and community. Our schools should be engaging environments and spaces we should be proud.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.