The role is governance—setting direction, ensuring accountability, and supporting student success. My priorities
1) Excellent education: rigorous academics that prepare all students for college, careers, and life.
2) Mental health support: strong counseling and inclusive environments so students can thrive.
3) Accountability: transparent decision‑making and responsible use of resources.
4) Celebrating student diversity: ensuring every student feels valued, supported and able to succeed
Ensuring strong school funding requires both fiscal responsibility and community support. As a board member, I would focus on efficient, transparent use of existing resources and careful evaluation of spending priorities. When additional funding is necessary, I support referendums that are clearly tied to educational excellence, student support, and long‑term outcomes. Voters deserve accountability, clear goals, and evidence that funds are used effectively.
They play a central role in shaping curriculum and school policies because they bring training, experience, and direct knowledge of student needs. Educators ensure curriculum is developmentally appropriate, rigorous, and aligned with learning standards. Mental health and support staff make the learning possible by creating policies that support student wellbeing. Strong counseling and a caring, inclusive environment help students build resilience, healthy relationships needed for success.
School safety is best addressed through prevention, preparation, and strong relationships. The district has taken important steps through secure entry points, visitor screening, and clear front‑office routing. Ongoing training for staff, regular emergency drills, and strong coordination with local law enforcement and first responders, who are located nearby, are also critical. Just as important are investments in student support services, mental health resources, and a positive school climate.
Parent engagement is a key driver of student success. At the district level, parents should contribute to strategic planning and surveys from the school. At the day to day level, parents should work with teachers and counselors to help chart the best academic path for their child, including advocating for assessments or supports when needed and aspirational goals
Campaign Mailing Address
1800 West Woodbury Lane, Glendale, WI 53209
Campaign Phone
4144336030
A board member in concert with other members helps establish and maintain policies guiding administration. The member acts as promoter and liaison between the school district's constituents, e.g., parents / taxpayers, and the administration and staff. Priorities should be student achievement for academic and career planning, and students' health and well being (mental and physical), and providing the resources to staff / administration to ensure these priorities are met.
Ensuring public schools' funding is two-pronged: 1) adequate communication with stakeholders regarding needs to maintain adequate programming for student achievement / growth; and 2) work with the legislature to fully fund public schools as required by the Wisconsin constitution, to minimize or even eliminate unfunded mandates, and to provide transparency regarding taxpayer funds that are being diverted away from public schools.
The relationship between the board and education and mental health professionals on staff should be a dynamic one, with mutual contributions and input. Staff should be keeping up with trends and best practices in education and mental health, and advising the board when and if changes are needed to current curricula / policies. The board members must be receptive and quickly and comprehensively inform themselves of options provided by staff for optimal decision-making.
Nicolet has a stringent policy for any threats of violence, whether external or internal, and annual reviews of emergency response plans. Threats must receive immediate attention to complete a comprehensive threat assessment, establishing the threat's gravity, and addressing and removing the threat if warranted. Nicolet also recently completed a facilities refurbishment, which included needed safety and security protocols, e.g., limited entrances, and clearer lines of vision for receptionists.
Parents' role in determining curriculum is one of review and input. Nicolet provides ample opportunity for public comment during board meetings, and has been receptive to parents' comments whenever changes need be made to curricula. Changes are thoroughly presented by staff in board meetings and parents respond accordingly. Parent surveys are completed regularly, and Nicolet has added a school psychologist and social worker in response to parent input.
Campaign Mailing Address
6700 N. Port Washington Rd
Campaign Phone
4143510450
A school board member’s role is governance: setting direction, establishing policy, hiring and evaluating the Superintendent, approving budgets, and ensuring accountability. The Board does not manage daily operations, which are led by the Superintendent. Board priorities should align with the district’s Strategic Plan and community input, with a focus on academic excellence, student well-being, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
Strong fiscal stewardship and transparency are essential. As a board member, I would support long-term financial planning, responsible budgeting, and clear communication with taxpayers. This includes reviewing expenditures, identifying efficiencies, and exploring shared services where appropriate. When additional funding is needed, the community should be engaged early with clear, factual information to support informed decisions.
Educators and mental health professionals bring essential expertise to curriculum and policy decisions. Curriculum should be evidence-based, aligned with state standards, and focused on student outcomes. Mental health supports are critical to student success and well-being. The School Board’s role is oversight—ensuring policies are equitable, legally sound, and aligned with district goals—while respecting professional judgment.
Student and staff safety must be a top priority. Nicolet has taken meaningful steps, including secure building access, trained staff, regular safety drills, and a School Resource Officer. Equally important are prevention efforts that support student mental health, strong relationships, and a school culture where students feel safe reporting concerns. Safety requires preparedness, prevention and the creation of spaces where every student feels included and a part of the community.
Parents are essential partners in their children’s education and should feel heard and respected. While curriculum must meet state standards and serve all students equitably, families should be encouraged to communicate concerns and work collaboratively with schools when questions arise. Strong outcomes are achieved through trust, transparency, and partnership among parents, educators, and school leadership.
