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VOTE411 Voter Guide

ISD #276 School Board Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

School board members oversee the care, management, and control of schools. This includes hiring, firing, and overseeing superintendents, who manage the day-to-day affairs of the district. They also set levies to fund the district and create school policies.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-school-boardA candidate forum for this race will be held on September 8, 2025, at 6:30 pm (location). A recording will be posted here as soon as it is available.If your candidate didn’t fill in the guide below, visit the Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing site to find contact info. If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from the LWVMN!

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  • Candidate picture

    Karen Jordan
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Taunya R. Kolbinger
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    William G. Schumer
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Meghan Selinger
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Chris Vitale
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)

How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)

Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)

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telephone 5136735727
Contact Phone 5136735727
Campaign Email williamgschumer@gmail.com
Running for school board is not simply about holding a position--it is about serving our students, families, educators and community with vision, dedication and integrity. I believe my personal and professional experience uniquely prepares me to represent our community. My candidacy is built on experience grounded in perspectives to make informed, balanced decisions for smart and focused investments; while ensuring our schools and educators have the funding, they need to deliver high-quality, safe and inclusive education. I will advocate for rigorous instructions, forward-ready learning pathways and innovative programs that prepare our students for tomorrow's economy.
My top three priorities are: 1. Smart, transparent investment decisions 2. Safe and support schools-- welcoming, inclusive 3. Academic excellence- build on core fundamentals, expand forward-ready learning pathways to support diverse learners and prepare them for the real-world
As an experience executive with Fortune 25 companies, regularly challenged to manage funding, against revenue streams and core priorities, I would conduct a thorough review of the budget, examine spending by line item and their impact, engage key stakeholders early in the process to understand priorities and potential impact. Prioritize reductions based on minimizing impact to student learning and well-being. Explore alternative informing key stakeholders.
As a school board member, I would work to close racial and economic gaps by ensuring equitable access to resources, strong academic support, and safe learning environments. I’d champion policies that prioritize inclusion, expand opportunities for all students, and partner with families and the community to remove barriers so every child can thrive.
Build two-way communication connection points and show feedback influences action. Involve teachers and families early in the process; holding listening sessions, scheduled "coffee chats" with a Board member; shadow classroom time; ensure the parent, teacher and Board goals are aligned to impact student success. Continue to implement the annual survey to uncover gaps and areas of concern.
As an incumbent, I have School Board experience, including Chair and Vice Chair positions and participation in a variety of District committees. I also have a Master of Arts degree in Education and spent 12+ years teaching and holding leadership roles. I am a resident parent of two students, and have a vested interest in the long-term success of the District and in being a faithful steward of resources. I maintain focus on student and staff success and am an engaged Board member. I am prepared for meetings and actively participate by asking questions and offering ideas that are driven by data, community input, and my background as an Educator. I am objective, responsive, an effective communicator, and regularly model civil discourse.
1. Maintain an excellent education for all students while facing budget challenges through various programming options, including support, enrichment, and experiential learning opportunities. 2. Foster student well-being via policy, joint work with mental health organizations, and a comprehensive social emotional learning plan for students. 3. Continue to be transparent, communicative, and open-minded while interacting with constituents through both traditional and innovative means.
Non-classroom cuts should occur first, followed by creative reductions like restructuring positions for efficiency. Given 88% of our budget pays for employee salaries and benefits, we cannot totally insulate classrooms. If we are forced to reduce staff, it has to be done in an intentional manner: examine ramifications such as how many students are impacted, and aim to minimize them. For example, offering a larger class biannually would be preferable to discontinuing a course.
The best way to address disparities is to offer strong foundational academic programming with well-trained teachers who have the capacity and resources to meet students’ needs. It is also necessary to have supports in place to individualize learning and address any barriers to learning. All students need to feel connected and valued at school and be encouraged to challenge themselves. The school system should also facilitate families finding community supports to foster student success.
I engage with constituents in both formal and informal ways. I analyze all District survey results, including reading comments submitted. I participate in structured engagement opportunities, such as listening sessions, and advocate to make Board events more accessible, such as live-streamed Study Sessions. I also regularly engage with community members informally via conversations. I relay feedback to District Administration and the Board as appropriate and use it to inform Board discussions.
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