Steitzer, Herro, and Roehl were joined in approving the proposal by members Dan Raasch and Rick Grothaus. I wanted to make sure someone stood up to take accountability and I was most nervous about our district losing talented teachers. We are doing it in many areas already. Nondiscrimination: The Oconomowoc Area School District provides assurance that no student is discriminated against because of the student's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability. Oconomowoc Area School District: School Year Calendar. Oconomowoc was one of the only schools to raise student scores during the pandemic. Ninmann:100% remain optional for in-person learning. State executives | You have permission to edit this article. A statement says the board members felt their constituents weren't being heard on matters like health and safety, and that the board is influenced by a hyper-political group. The Oconomowoc School Board asked the district's administration to begin the RFP process for the property in October 2021 and approved listing the property for sale in December 2021. "I was the board president during Act 10, so I understand a contentious audience, but this took it to a whole other level," said Terri Phillips, executive director of the Southeastern Wisconsin Schools Alliance and a former school board member. ContactAlec Johnson at(262) 875-9469 oralec.johnson@jrn.com. Lastly, our board can help to elevate the district by prioritizing the focus of the board itself as the existing strategic plan that has not seen improvements or modifications in almost 4 years. Sandy Schick (i); (bottom row, left to right). With a background as a VP of a college and with my current role in senior management at an HNW investment firm I wanted to leverage my professional experience to help our board operate as a high functioning group. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and Application Contact Phone. DIGITAL ONLY: JUST $5 PER MONTH Thiel:I attended meetings before the resignations and after the resignations. We hope the time will soon come again when it is possible to work together collaboratively for the good of our community and its children and stop letting the distractions and personal political agendas take us off that course.. Schlesingers Saturday Spotlight (3/4)String Art, 80s Prom Shower chances on/off this weekend with winter weather late in Milwaukee native Ernie Johnson, Jr. honored with Award of Excellence Drop your guns, pick up our gloves: Boxing club uses movie Route 20 holds benefit concert for human trafficking victims. Phillips saw 10 of her members removed in Aprils school board elections, and she said many felt targeted because of their support for phased reopening, virtual options and disease-mitigation strategies. Collected signatures for speedier repairs of the pavement in the parking lot across the street from the Post Office, which was in the core area of downtown Oconomowoc, full of potholes. Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. more, Rick Grothaus, Kim Herro and Dan Raasch resigned from the board, filled the three vacant seats in September, Candidates for Oconomowoc mayor share views on growing inflation, infrastructure and public safety, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We must govern via smart policy and not by current events or pressure from outside influences. [7] The district was the 30th-largest school district in the state in the 2013-2014 school year and served 5,224 students. I sought a September appointment and received the appointment. 8, North Dakota, El Rancho Unified School District, California, Pocatello-Chubbuck School District No. This enrollment out is currently larger than our enrollment in and every time that happens, we have fewer resources to work with. The number of signatures needed was equal to 25% of the votes cast within the school district in the 2018 gubernatorial election.[1]. 100% remote. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. Federal courts | Tony Evers statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. Thiel:You might not know this, but Oconomowoc has a separate special curriculum for those that want to be completely virtual, and I think that is a great program for those who have selected it. Thiel:We are very fortunate to have an excellent district to start with. Local school board races have been injected with partisan money and party . The board has turned a corner and is really moving forward. However, we need to respect those who choose to still wear a mask. As noted before, in-person learning is critical to student success. Most students, however, prefer in-person learning and select that as their choice for a more traditional experience. "I have gotten to know many people in our beautiful Oconomowoc area, and I would not trade this experience for anything. Application Contact Address. In 2020, there were 87 COVID-related recalls against 89 officials, and in 2021, there were 131 against 214 officials. Schweitzer, who was a newcomer to running for school board, said she loved the process of campaigning. Ninmann:The most important initiative for me as a board member is to remain a functional and cohesive board that acts collectively in the best interest of students, the community, teachers and administration. Both in-person and virtual schooling should be available as a choice for families to accommodate students needs and those of their loved ones. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You have permission to edit this article. All rights reserved. That day, I felt a moral obligation to step up to the plate and help stop this insanity in our school communities. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. The Pewaukee School Board faces a similar situation, where six candidates will vie. [2] [3] Results General election School Board Meetings and Agendas Meeting Schedules. "We have in the past seen national issues bleed into local government issues, but now were seeing a more sustained effort, and a more explicitly ideologically motivated effort, thats all-encompassing.". Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned. Oconomowoc has been mostly optional since the start of this school year, and we intend to remain that way. The effort against members Juliet Steitzer, Kim Herro, and Scott Roehl began on September 17, 2020. Black Mental Health Professionals panel discusses representation Technicians of Tomorrow competition showcases high schoolers MATC apologizes for sparking frustration after announcing major Plans to extend Milwaukees downtown metered parking to 9pm Oconomowoc School Board meets following abrupt resignation of 3 members, Three Oconomowoc School Board members resign as board 'dragged into partisan culture wars', Medical Examiner called to fatal shooting near 84th and Bender, Multiple families displaced after fire breaks out in West Allis apartment building, Cars removed from third level of partially collapsed Bayshore Mall parking structure, Long Covid is associated with significantly increased risk of death, heart and lung problems, study finds, Yao Ming caught in the cross-fire as Chinese basketball team leaves top league on eve of Covid reopening, Kam Jones scores 23 as No. I believe that as representatives of the community the board should always have time to hear people out and I appreciate the board making that change now that I am there. A great group of administrators, staff and teachers. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Students need to take in oxygen to learn and stay perky at school, not carbon dioxide by exhaling inside a mask. Place An Ad - Call 262-306-5000/email: Conleyclass@conleynet.com, Three Oconomowoc School Board members resign, cite toxic board behavior, Cite hyper political, partisan culture as reason for stepping down, Submit an Obituary Wash. & Oz. Mental fitness goes beyond being mentally sane; it includes developing a success mindset that can be applied to any discipline. DPI, the State of WisconsinDepartment of Public Instruction, has a budget for student mental health that has increased to meet the students needs after the pandemic. The county seat is Waukesha. I want to be their voice on the board and fill the void that exists today by addressing issues that are pressing after a horrific pandemic. Students can grow and develop these mindful skills in a fun-filled environment that departs from the classroom and uses a common space like the cafeteria, the gym, and/or some outdoor space on campus or in the community. All Rights Reserved. The board filled the three vacant seats in Septemberby appointing Neal Ninmann, former board member Sandy Schick and Chad Schraufnagel. Another priority is to continue building trust between the community and the school board that we will do what we say and act as trustees ratherthan activists. Our actions have an impact. Finding ways to increase open enrollment into our school district. Nondiscrimination: The Oconomowoc Area School District provides assurance that no student is discriminated against because of the student's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability. My heart sunk. Ford said theres also been a blurring between the district administrations role and the role of school board members. Keep updated on the latest news and information. The recall effort was started by the group Oconomowoc Citizens Represented, who said Steitzer, Herro, and Roehl "willfully neglected to act on behalf of the citizens of the district. Ford said conflict in school boards isnt a bad thing, but it becomes a problem when people are so dug in on their beliefs that they cant find compromise, or even have productive discussions. "But where you start off with the entrenched ideological conflict, thats where its just destructive it makes governing impossible.". I look forward to continuing my involvement as a parent and community member in selecting a new superintendent, addressing transportation safety concernsand long-range planning for our educational spaces.". I want Oconomowoc to be a destination school district for families outside of our boundaries. Thankfully, masks are no longer mandatory. The work to avoid faction-based political infighting starts now. The board voted 4-3 to choose him over Grothaus, who had served in the role for the year prior. Anderson:We all hope to get back to life as it was before masks. Sell the old Meadow View to fulfill the promise of the past board. Agendas for all regular board meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings are also available on the same site. Grothaus and Raasch both had about a year and a half left in their terms which expired in April 2023. I am currently a human resources director for a company in Merton. Vacating their seats are Rick Grothaus, Kim Herro and Dan Raasch. Additionally, we are lacking a significant strategic initiative to address why families who live in our district are actively opting out of keeping their children at our schools. Oconomowoc Schools The Oconomowoc Area School District encompasses approximately 120 square miles surrounding the City of Oconomowoc and draws students from three counties: Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dodge. "Anytime you try to make a change we went to block scheduling, we might have done a little grading change your boardroom fills," said Phillips. From January. "We have gone as far as we could to try to have a board working together, and a board that would work with the administration as a team effort," he said. It will be a fantastic! Community involvement: Five O's Baseball coach, youth football coach, and we lead the annual Anderson Family Holiday Gift Drive supporting local families, Contact info: 414-426-4114;andrew1anderson@hotmail.com, Address:N64 W37630 Woodcrest Drive, Oconomowoc, Community involvement:Current appointee to Oconomowoc School Board since September 2021;volunteer, Downtown Business District, past board member, OconomowocArea Baseball Club, Past political experience:19+ years on the school board Oconomowoc Area School District, Community involvement: Oconomowoc Area School District, Okauchee Lions Club, Boy Scouts former merit badge counselor, Contact info:schick.sandy@yahoo.com; 262-567-2725 (home), Address: N53 W37160 E. Madison St., Oconomowoc, Past political experience: Sat on the HeadStart Board, Champaign, Illinois, 2003-05. Currently the district consists of a high school serving students in 9th through 12th grades, two intermediate schools for grades 5th through 8th, and five high-performing, family focused . ", RELATED:Two incumbents who favored virtual school lose their seats on the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District Board. Four recall elections were held in 2020. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. Since August, the board has seen four resignations in the wake of a reportedly toxic work environment. "When Juliet lost her seat, then we lost the majority, and once we lost the majority, the culture became caustic.". When three school board members in Oconomowoc resigned together on Monday, it wasnt solely because of board disputes over COVID-19. The first question asks for $38.65 million for several projects . The board did take a vote on replacing the three board members who left. Two incumbents and a political newcomer won the three seats up for election on the Oconomowoc Area School Board on April 6. The candidates are:Andrew Anderson,Neal Ninmann (i),Sandy Schick (i),Paula Schmitz,Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Now, as COVID-19 is again surging around the state and hitting kids harder, many boards arent putting any mask requirements or precautions into place, to the distress of some parents who are worried their kids will get sick and despite clear guidance from state and federal agencies that say universal masking is the best way to keep students safe and prevent schools from having to shut down. Oconomowoc has had an optional mask policy since the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Despite the mass resignation, the letter states the members believes there is enough insulation between the Board and the classroom that teachers can still do good work for kids. Click here for the 2021-22 Regular School Board Meeting Schedule, Click here to reach eBoard and all Special Meetings & Committee Agend, Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF). My main reason for applying was to bring stability and history to the table. "I have worked on behalf of good government, and am proud of the work I have spearheaded and accomplished in my time on the board," Steitzer stated. The starting point in creating the best school district in the state is through talented teachers, and Im proud to accept the endorsement of the teachers in the district through the Oconomowoc Education Association. We need to give our students coping tools to not live afraid. In conversations with parents, teachers, and members of the community there is consensus that the school board can do better. More: Candidates for Oconomowoc mayor share views on growing inflation, infrastructure and public safety. "Thank you for those who supported my campaign. OCONOMOWOC . 5.) "We are going to still going to continue to maintain, continue to work and continue to do what we can to make the Oconomowoc Area School District an unrivaled place and an unrivaled educational environment," said Roehl. "Who in the world would want to be superintendent of a community and work with a school board that is unwilling to listen to all points of view?" Community involvement: Volunteered at the local parish church, lobbied for street resurfacing and got it done in our neighborhood of Oconomowoc Heights, which was prone to flooding. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. We need to put our students holistic well-being as our top priority, build consensusand move schools forward. Then in November, board member Scott Roehl left after moving out of the district and saying in a Facebook post that he and his family did not feel safe in their home. W359N6812 Brown Street. 2021-22 OCONOMOWOC AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR (PDF LINK) 2022-2023 oconomowoc area school district website In August 2021, Rick Grothaus, Kim Herro and Dan Raasch resigned from the board due to what they said was the board's "unwillingness to collaborate in good faith.". "We will never know if we did too much, but we will most definitely know if we did too little," said one parent. OCONOMOWOC - Three Oconomowoc Area School Board members have announced they will be resigning from the board due to the other board members' and the interim superintendents. In Oconomowoc, three members of the school board resigned, citing its "toxic" environment. 37214 Delafield Rd , Oconomowoc, WI 53066-9101 is a single-family home listed for rent at /mo. As they say, Keep School REAL. Voters may cast a ballot for up to four of the six candidates. There's also high interest in the Oconomowoc School Board, where six candidates are running for four seats. If we fail to support the best teachers, then we will miss them when they are gone. The district has a focus on developing learners and leaders and the board has a responsibility to support that focus with policy and financial stewardship. Supporting teachers is the first step towardbringing stability. "For those who did not vote for me I want to thank you for coming out and participating in the process. Aug 2006 - Jun 20158 years 11 months. How to vote | Sign up now! We need to be smart with our tax dollars and do more with less. School districts | Boards are set up to handle policy issues like setting the annual budget while school officials are typically tasked with day-to-day operations, making decisions based on what theyre seeing in classrooms and running them by the board for approval as needed. There is a place for some virtual learning, but I will always work with our district to provide in-person learning whenever possible. I am running to be elected by the community to continueserving on the board as a trustee of the district. 6 Marquette edges St. John's, Illinois judge strikes down state's ban on high-powered guns, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, dies at 61, Stocks rally Friday, close out their first winning week in last 4, Five Points Pub closes for renovations, hotel still open, Oconomowoc Area School Board appoints 3 new members after resignations, Crash victim brought light to many around the country, Waukesha business owner sexually assaulted in store, Babes Pizza and Chicken to open next week in Mukwonago, A battle simmers in Illinois over plans to pipe in and store millions of tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide underground.
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