A- Accountability- Do what you say you are going to do. State executives | SHARE. I am excited to continue the momentum that the board has established. 2023 www.jsonline.com. On May 13, attorneys for the Oconomowoc Area School District School Board issued the letter to Alexandra . 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. Oconomowoc Area School District: School Year Calendar. Read to your children. My 19 years of experience demonstrate that I will be a well-prepared and an effective board member. That day, I felt a moral obligation to step up to the plate and help stop this insanity in our school communities. NOW: Oconomowoc School Board meets following abrupt resignation of 3 members NEXT: OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Oconomowoc Area School District Board met Wednesday night, Aug. 18,. Mental fitness goes beyond being mentally sane; it includes developing a success mindset that can be applied to any discipline. Three Oconomowoc School Board members have resigned in protest over how the district is handling COVID-19 protocols before the start of the upcoming school year.Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in . Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. He said what boards are seeing with COVID-19 disputes is similar, but with a key difference. Most students, however, prefer in-person learning and select that as their choice for a more traditional experience. This is my first attempt at elective politics. So it's important to look at vaccination rates and where new cases are popping up. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. My focus is clear: As a board member, I am there to represent the families in my district. [8] Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. Kim Herro, Rick Grothaus and Dan Raasch had been trying to change the boards approach to governance and leadership, which they felt was toxic and made it impossible to collaboratively work on solutions, for over a year. "When Juliet lost her seat, then we lost the majority, and once we lost the majority, the culture became caustic.". Parents expressed concern, especially for younger students who aren't eligible for the vaccine, and concern over the politics taking place. We build futures through partnerships, accountability and transparency. Kim Kaukl, president of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, said his member districts mostly opened fully in-person right away last school year largely because limited access to the internet meant virtual learning wasnt feasible. Chad E. Schraufnagel (i) andBill Thiel (i). We need to be smart with our tax dollars and do more with less. "Well, my initial reaction was definitely surprise," said Scott Roehl, board VP. The board vice president said the news caught him by surprise as he turns his focus to the future. In regard to your question on masks. Some want masks to be optional in schools, while others don't. A statement from Interim Superintendent Kristen Taylor also focused on the future. The effort against members Juliet Steitzer, Kim Herro, and Scott Roehl began on September 17, 2020. Three of the seven seats on the Oconomowoc Area School District school board in Wisconsin were up for at-large general election on April 3, 2018. U.S. President | 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 unwillingness to collaborate in good faith, a letter from the members states. What programs or initiatives are most important to you? When I asked, was this pandemic-related? In total, there are four seats up for election this year, and six candidates running. "I would just like to thank them for their service to the Oconomowoc Area School District," said board member Scott Roehl. They'll be posting those vacancies immediately. Sign up now! Phone. "I had people calling me up and screaming at me, people that have known me almost my whole life, parents calling up and saying 'You are making my kids wear masks, youre doing hybrid, youre bad people,'" she said. Parents filled the Oconomowoc School Board meeting. I dont have a medical background, but I do have a background in leveraging subject matter expertise to make tough decisions. The boards job is to focus on getting our students the best education possible and work (as our vision states) to become Unrivaled.. Tony Evers statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. Another thing that is important to me and has been added to all the meetings are a time for discussion from the community. From left to right: Mike Sereno, Joe Koch and Jeridon Clark. ContactInformation: 920-948-7183 (cell), Address:N76 W36096 Saddlebrook Lane, Oconomowoc. [3][4], The recall effort started after the school board voted 5-2 in August 2020 to approve a blend of virtual and in-person learning for students returning to school for the 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "It created immediate, aggressive reactions, not only by those two board members, but also a faction of the community that they were aligned with," said Grothaus. Schweitzer, who was a newcomer to running for school board, said she loved the process of campaigning. "[1], In reaction to the recall effort, Roehl said he preferred a face-to-face model as well. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. PRINT+DIGITAL: AS LOW AS $6.50 PER MONTH. Thiel:I have always been involved with the schools as a stay-at-home dad for my three children who all attended the district. The board must focus on strategic alignment driving results and opportunity for students, teachers and parents. 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. The Oconomowoc School Board saw lots of turnover in 2021, as four of its members resigned or left. Two of the seven at-large seats on the Oconomowoc Area School District school board were up for general election on April 5, 2016. All Rights Reserved. 556 likes. Town of Oconomowoc Police Department. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Ninmann:If elected, my priorities will remain that of supporting through policy, our district administration, teachers, staff and studentsas we focus on our strategic plan, graduate profile and fiscal responsibilities. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. In a democratic society, we will agree and disagree on different matters, and that is healthy;variety of perspectives enriches the board. In the past the board was labeled as "toxic"; however, that is no longer the case with the current board. James Wood took over as the Oconomowoc School Board president following the 2021 election, in which he was elected to a second term after receiving Kleefisch's support. Schraufnagel:Since the appointment of myself and the threeother new board members, our meetings are focused on improving the school district. The district also must continue to pursue the sale of the old Meadow View School site. We no longer employ consultants to work with the board on how to be board members. 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. The number of signatures needed was equal to 25% of the votes cast within the school district in the 2018 gubernatorial election.[1]. COVID-19, though, lit a match under the existing tensions and "consumed everything," said Grothaus. Thankfully, masks are no longer mandatory. "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.". The first question asks for $38.65 million for several projects . In May, after Gov. Fortunately, I pray all of that is behind us. Meanwhile, the board will begin taking applications and discuss its plan to fill the vacant seats at its next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 18. Wood had the most votes with 5,279 (24%), followed by Karnowski's 5,010 votes (23%) and Carrico's 4,196votes (19%). Therefore, the district must follow the Strategic Plan and will be monitored by the documented metrics. "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?" We can have a vigorous discussion, take our voteand all feel good about what we have accomplished. I dont think we need some new program or initiative to get us there. The effort failed after the group did not get enough signatures. I will continue to work with the community and administration to keep our schools open for in-person learning. Two challengers have also entered the contest set for a vote April 5. 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 schools to hold 4 more meetings on referendum, Ocon Four bring it on, off mat in Madison. some parents who are worried their kids will get sick, clear guidance from state and federal agencies, Children face cognitive delays during pandemic, Arts organizations see signs of recovery, A Milwaukee school is training students to help their peers who are dealing with suicidal thoughts, Why some schools are seeing more fights since returning in-person, Wisconsin districts face backlash over plans to teach gender identity to elementary students, 3 transgender women have been killed in Milwaukee in the last 9 months, Lawyer who oversaw Trump elector scheme in Wisconsin reappointed to judicial advisory panel, Court orders Green Bay to stop using audio devices while lawsuit plays out, UW System President Jay Rothman to seek in-state tuition increase, Capital budget would offload 4 state office buildings, Wisconsin natives aged gouda is 'best cheese' in America, contest says, Landowners sue Lac du Flambeau tribal leaders to reopen roads blocked for a month, Buyer steps up to save Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. Members James Wood and Jessica Kornowski voted against the proposal. School board members around the state who supported phased returns to the classroom and disease mitigation efforts like masks and social distancing have faced vitriolic school board meetings, recall attempts, election challenges and threats over the past 18 months. Oconomowoc High School. Decisions should be based on collaboration and transparency. 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. My heart sunk. The Pewaukee School Board faces a similar situation, where six candidates will vie. Schmitz:Based on the priorities I outlined in my previous answer, I am developing a proposal, a comprehensive plan that includes creative and innovative programs, initiatives and strategies to meet the needs of our students after the pandemic. 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. Ballot measures, Who represents me? I led program development initiatives expanding outreach, involvement, and resources for both students and . "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. And if not, well, then this is the board the community wants.". Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. With the requirements to give ample notice before bringing up issues, only being able to vote on items listed in their agenda, and meetings that typically occur only once a month, theyre hamstrung from acting quickly which could get frustrating when the understanding of COVID-19, and the disease itself, was rapidly evolving. "I do think theres been this public expectation around COVID that we want these school board officials to manage the day-to-day," he said. She said she wished the district had utilized its outdoor space in order to allow all students to return to in-person learning full-time. Anderson:As a parent of four, the wake of our school board making national news for toxic dysfunction hit hard. "Thank you for those who supported my campaign. Bill Thiel received the most votes with 5,311 (22%), Neal Ninmann was second with 4,989 votes (20%),. The chart below compares coronavirus-related recalls to recalls for all other reasons in 2020, 2021, and 2022. In-person learning includes more than book learning, like social interaction, dedicated learning spaces (not dining room tables)and much more. You have permission to edit this article. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. COVID-related recalls accounted for 37% of all recall efforts in both 2020 and 2021. If the pandemic showed us anything, it is that kids learn the best in the classroom with a teacher. The district needs to continue moving to unrivaled. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. A student Brookfield East High School wears a mask during class Monday, March 15, 2021, in Brookfield, Wis. Angela Major/WPR. As noted before, in-person learning is critical to student success. The OASD School Board holds a regular monthly meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at the Oconomowoc High Schoo East Campus, starting at 6:30 p.m. >> Click here for the 2021-22 Regular School Board Meeting Schedule I have been an educator for 21 years, the last 16 of them as an administrator, I felt this background would be a benefit to the board and school district. Schmitz:I believe in democracy and diversity. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Having said that, we are still losing some of our students to other districts and other schools. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Weve got some young people, students who have gotten up and spoken in front of the board on the importance of being in school face-to-face, and then you have adults who are bullying them and cheering them," he said. Application Contact Agency. An effort to recall three of the seven members of the Oconomowoc Area School District school board in Wisconsin did not go to a vote in 2020. 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. "You want conflict on a governing board, it brings more voices to the table and it can lead to a solution that can be supported by even a divided group," he said. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. Thiel:I attended meetings before the resignations and after the resignations. "Spending time in the community I love has been an experience I will never forget," Schweitzer said. 100% remote. 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. 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. Elections in 2023 | Jessica Karnowski for Oconomowoc School Board, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Believe it or not, that small step over time will also help us become a better district. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Aug 2006 - Jun 20158 years 11 months. [1], The decision included an in-person learning model for elementary school students and a split-attendance model for middle school and high school students. 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. As a former VP of a college, I know the debate around in-person versus virtual creates opportunity for innovation. I am currently a human resources director for a company in Merton. We need to give our students coping tools to not live afraid. Delavan - Darien School District's DD Tech Administrator and CTE Coordinator, Michael Rick, discusses educational opportunities. One of them was Juliet Steitzer, whose loss in Oconomowoc tipped the balance of power, setting the stage for the later resignations. School board members resign in COVID-19 protest. First off, sell MeadowviewSchool. I have no personal agenda and will work solely for the community, parents and our students. Contact info: pschmitz06@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/PaulaSchmitzCampaign; 262-490-7048, Address:N56 W35146 Pondview Lane,Oconomowoc, Past political experience:Current board member. "But where you start off with the entrenched ideological conflict, thats where its just destructive it makes governing impossible.". How to run for office | Incumbent Juliet Steitzer was unseated in the election by. Boiling tensions are exacerbated by the structure of school boards themselves, said Dan Rossmiller, director of government relations at the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. ", RELATED:Two incumbents who favored virtual school lose their seats on the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District Board. The candidates are (top row, left to right): Andrew Anderson, Neal Ninmann (i), Sandy . Apply today! Kaukl worries that in addition to the health impacts to kids and staff, the vicious disagreements and overriding of best practices around health will drive out the people who keep schools up and running. He said the remaining board would move forward constructively. Both in-person and virtual schooling should be available as a choice for families to accommodate students needs and those of their loved ones. Youre not an expert on everything, youre not there to manage the day-to-day operations of the district.". 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 . Its not a question of which is better;its about innovation to give parents, studentsand teachers a choice. Some of the activities include Boy Scouts, robotics, band, choir, theater, soccer, ski team, gymnastics, track, tennis, and we even hosted quite a few exchange students. If we fail to support the best teachers, then we will miss them when they are gone. Voters may cast a ballot for up to four of the six candidates. Around the same time, a group of parents chased the school board around the hallways of Burlington High School after the unruly crowd forced the suspension of a meeting. The four remaining school board members were in attendance, but no action was taken on one of the items that divided the board -- masks. The candidates responded to a questionnaire about how they would bring stability and cohesiveness back to the board and about masks and in-person and virtual learning. 25, Idaho, Braintree School Department, Massachusetts, Creighton Elementary School District, Arizona, Del Norte County Unified School District, California, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Louisiana, Elbert County School District C-2, Colorado, Fresno Unified School District, California, Lake Havasu Unified School District, Arizona, Lake Mills Area School District, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee, Middleton-Cross Plains School District, Wisconsin, Mount Horeb Area School District, Wisconsin, Oakland Unified School District, California, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Arizona, Traverse City Area Public Schools, Michigan, Visalia Unified School District, California, Westford School Department, Massachusetts, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Oconomowoc_Area_School_District_recall,_Wisconsin_(2020)&oldid=8841316, Pages using DynamicPageList dplreplace parser function, Unsuccessful or mixed outcome recall efforts, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. And my third priority is Student Global Impact. If we are forming students at OHS to be grounded, responsible and accountable, that should focus primarily on how their actions are impacting others around them at home, at school, in the community and around the world. I've pledged not to accept donations from politically aligned special interest groups with pre-determined agendas. Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. State legislature | Oconomowoc Area School District recall, Wisconsin (2020), States that have pre-petition signature requirements for recalls, Recalls related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and government responses to the pandemic, Appleton Area School District recall, Wisconsin (2020), Robert Hesselbein and Minza Karim recall, Middleton-Cross Plains School District, Wisconsin (2020), Leah Lipska recall, Mount Horeb Area School District, Wisconsin (2020), Oconomowoc Area School District, Wisconsin, Williams County Public Schools No. Hopefully our community will rise up and demand to hire a quality superintendent who can provide enough positive leadership to overcome the current state of leadership for the district, the letter states. Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. Footnotes. 8, North Dakota, El Rancho Unified School District, California, Pocatello-Chubbuck School District No. Four Oconomowoc School Board incumbents have retained their seats in the April 5 election. In addition, their negligence to ensure that the district provides the best educational opportunities to maximize the achievement of our students will have significant and lasting effects on our community. Mar 24, 2022 Updated Mar 24, 2022. Three-layer cotton masks, 26.5 percent efficient," another parent said. OCONOMOWOC The Oconomowoc Area School District School Board has four incumbents seeking reelection. OCONOMOWOC - Oconomowoc Area School Board member Scott Roehl announced via his candidacy Facebook page that he would be resigning from his seat on the board due to his family moving out of . 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.. I believe strongly that serving as a representative of the community is a primary focus for a school board member and is the reason I am a good fit for the position. Schmitz:A lady sat next to me on my flight back from a conference in Florida last November and told me she was traveling with a group of five school mothers on a first vacation together since 2020. Second, is the unique opportunity to help students pursue their individual passion to a greater extent. Schraufnagel:Masks should remain optional. Because of the contentiousness around COVID-19, Ford said things that would ordinarily fall in that "operational" category are instead being decided at the board level like mask requirements. This can be integrated with the resources that the district already has in place and enrich them. "The kids recognized that this was an important part of them staying healthy, because they didnt want to miss their sports and their other activities and school, they didnt want to miss the end of the year activities.". supports HTML5 video. "I have gotten to know many people in our beautiful Oconomowoc area, and I would not trade this experience for anything. Oconomowoc has been mostly optional since the start of this school year, and we intend to remain that way. Schick:I wanted to provide experience and leadership in the hiring of the new superintendent, selling of the old Meadow View School site, and general district operations.