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The board is much more stable now than it was back then. "We will use mandated masking as a layered mitigation strategy when our data proves it necessary," said Dr. Kristen Taylor, interim superintendent. 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. ContactAlec Johnson at(262) 875-9469 oralec.johnson@jrn.com. Each candidate responded to our questionnaire about their experience and what they see as priorities for the district. If we fail to support the best teachers, then we will miss them when they are gone. "Polyester masks, they're 37.8 percent efficient. 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. 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. Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Ballot measures, Who represents me? What made you decide to run for the seat and what makes you a good fit for the role? Did you know we were one of the few districts in the state that increased student performance last year during COVID? Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. Schick:Our resilient district has improved our ability to provide virtual learning during the challenges of the COVID pandemic. From January. Since August, the board has seen four resignations in the wake of a reportedly toxic work environment. questioned one parent. There are six candidates for four seats on the Oconomowoc School Board. [7] The district was the 30th-largest school district in the state in the 2013-2014 school year and served 5,224 students. This enrollment out is currently larger than our enrollment in and every time that happens, we have fewer resources to work with. Waukesha County was home to 395,118 residents in 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau. The boards job is to focus on getting our students the best education possible and work (as our vision states) to become Unrivaled.. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. 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 . Incumbent Juliet Steitzer was unseated in the election by challenger Matt Carrico. Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned. "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. [1] The board voted to return all grades to in-person learning starting on September 28, 2020. I started to become interested in the school board position last year during the recall. Schools Details: WebSchool Year Calendar - Oconomowoc Area School District.Quicklinks. Schmitz:As an educator and wellness researcher, I believe there are negative effects to breathing inside a mask. OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned Sunday night, Aug. 15. Bottom line, we need to increase our market share. In the past the board was labeled as "toxic"; however, that is no longer the case with the current board. [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. As noted before, in-person learning is critical to student success. Rick Grothaus, Dan Raasch, and Kim Herro announced their. I want Oconomowoc to be a destination school district for families outside of our boundaries. Whilethere is a place for students who want to do online learning, it is not for all students. A good number pleading with the board to require masks, few for mask-choice. Contact info: 920-474-7796;thielw@oasd.org. "This feels different.". I will continue to work with the community and administration to keep our schools open for in-person learning. 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. Our family owns a small business in downtown Oconomowoc, I am a 1988 graduate of OHS and have three children who also have experienced OASD as students. This is where all of the OASD Board of Education videos will be posted. 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. My viewpoints remain the same. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. I also attended many school board meetings regarding masking and in-person classes. 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. What programs or initiatives are most important to you? "If we really start making things contentious, people are going to walk away and go, 'I cant take this anymore,'" he said. Tony Evers' statewide mask mandate was overturned, the Oconomowoc school board took up the issue. (920) 474-4812. Dan Raasch, one of the Oconomowoc board members who resigned, said the group made their decision to quit the board entirely because they didnt feel like they had any options left and they wanted to shock the community into paying attention to the ways he said their school board wasnt working in the communitys best interest. EMAIL. Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. I will continue this trend of performance if electedto the board in April. School Board Meetings and Agendas Meeting Schedules. Roehl said the climate surrounding school board meetings has become polarizing amid the pandemic and debates over safety. 2023 www.jsonline.com. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. 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 will never know if we did too much, but we will most definitely know if we did too little," said one parent. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. 3 Oconomowoc Area School Board members quit, citing toxic behavior and hyper-partisan environment. Application Contact Address. Youre not an expert on everything, youre not there to manage the day-to-day operations of the district.". What a concept! If the pandemic showed us anything, it is that kids learn the best in the classroom with a teacher. The effort against members Juliet Steitzer, Kim Herro, and Scott Roehl began on September 17, 2020. OCONOMOWOC The Oconomowoc Area School Board appointed three new members in Neal Ninmann, Sandy Schick and Chad Schraufnagel last Wednesday to replace the three board members who had resigned last month. The current board follows a policy and governance model that has helped our district move forward. "The kids and the teachers had been doing a marvelous job throughout the year dealing with the masks," said Grothaus. 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. Recall supporters said they did not agree with the decision and wanted students to have in-person learning five days a week. 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. To do this we need focus on excellence, celebrate our successes, and create an overall district that people see as the best overall option for their students. 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. Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee. "[1], Jason Baumann, a member of the group, said, "We're all concerned parents in the district that are not happy with the way things are going in general with our district, with our school board. Application Contact Phone. FOX6 News reached out to all three former members but none were available for an interview Monday. Herro was in the last year of her term, which expired April 2022. Recall supporters had 60 days to collect signatures from citizens in the school district. 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. School board members resign in COVID-19 protest. Address: N56 W35146 Pondview Lane, Oconomowoc Past political experience: Current board member Community involvement: Current school board member, former Oconomowoc rec league coach.. Watch Oconomowoc Area School District's Oconomowoc Area School District Board of Education Meetings on Livestream.com. In conversations with parents, teachers, and members of the community there is consensus that the school board can do better. Sell the old Meadow View to fulfill the promise of the past board. Since there is no ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, even on the issue of the health and safety of our students and staff, we cannot be part of an organization that is so non-responsive to every constituents concerns, not just a minority segment, and is so cavalier about our students, staffs and communitys health and safety, the letter states. Schraufnagel:If I am elected, I will continue to prioritize the following: 1.) One of them was Juliet Steitzer, whose loss in Oconomowoc tipped the balance of power, setting the stage for the later resignations. You have permission to edit this article. Are we using it? The board must focus on strategic alignment driving results and opportunity for students, teachers and parents. Thiel:I have 4 priorities for the district. One of the main issues for the school board in the near future will be deciding on the district's next superintendent. 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. You have permission to edit this article. I was part of that majority. Oconomowoc Area School District, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. The school board recall success rate was 7.8%. 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 One of our top priorities will be to review and respond to enrollment fluctuations by continuously focusing on investing in our teachers, buildings and curriculum both financially and through policy updates that give autonomy to district leadership. However, virtual learning for most students is not as effective as in-person learning. COVID-19, though, lit a match under the existing tensions and "consumed everything," said Grothaus. 6 Marquette edges St. John's, Crime Stoppers: Dispute on city bus leads to shooting, CBS 58's Feel Good Friday: Free zoo admission, inflatable animals and more. From my perspective as a board member, to ensure that we are not putting our students at risk, a soft launch to the school year will provide greater clarity as to the effects of the virus when our students are back in session. 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. . Schick:When I campaigned in 2002, I had the following beliefs. The results are not official until they are canvassed. "Were losing some really good people because of the contentiousness, and Im concerned that we may lose some more teachers in the process, or more administrators, that we already know we have a shortage of.". I led program development initiatives expanding outreach, involvement, and resources for both students and . In May, after Gov. Throughout my life, I have been an active participant in my community. While Herro, who co-owns a manufacturing business, said shes used to discord and disrespect as a woman in a male-dominated workforce, the onslaught of anger directed at her and other members was staggering. Apply today! Voters may cast a ballot for up to four of the six candidates. Incumbents Jessica Karnowski and James Wood received the most votes and will retain their seats. I am currently a human resources director for a company in Merton. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I have also served on both local and national boards of directors. 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.". Oconomowoc Area School District: School Year Calendar. Most students perform better when learning in person. 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. This year, though, board meetings have gotten tense, and a combination of public pressure and district politics mean many wont put those precautions in place. After results came in, Steitzer released a message on her school boardFacebook page. Aug 2006 - Jun 20158 years 11 months. Ballotpedia features 395,577 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc news with a print subscription to The Enterprise: https://bit.ly/ocoent_sub. In January, the Oconomowoc School Board agreed to put a two-question facilities referendum on the ballot totaling $75.45 million. If you make a promise keep it. Community members launched a recall effort against three of the board members who voted for hybrid learning, including Herro. PRINT+DIGITAL: AS LOW AS $6.50 PER MONTH. View All Calendars is the default. 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. A majority voted to keep requiring masks indoors through the end of the year, though kids could ditch them when they were outside. 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. 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. "If people step forward and Im very hopeful that theres enough good people out there that will do that then the good quality work for kids can continue. Michael Ford, a professor of public administration at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a member of the Oshkosh City Council, said theres a concept called "school board capture" that refers to boards being overtaken by interest groups a union, for example, or particular business interests. R- Realistic Spending- Dont spend what you dont have. There are examples of other districts offering course credit for extra-curriculars and this innovative strategy helps to reduce expenses while also increasing scope and depth of viable opportunities for students. They would be able to go to work that day. U.S. President | 2.) "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.". Empowering a Community of Learners and Leaders. We can always do more and better in supporting studentswellness. Two of the seven at-large seats on the Oconomowoc Area School District school board were up for general election on April 5, 2016. State and local courts | We need to put our students holistic well-being as our top priority, build consensusand move schools forward. After the board meeting, the district immediately began receiving dozens of requests for religious exemptions, which Grothaus said completely undermined the teachers authority. Anderson:As a parent of four, the wake of our school board making national news for toxic dysfunction hit hard. The board voted 4-3 to choose him over Grothaus, who had served in the role for the year prior. The district is great with wonderful teachers, curriculum and facilities. All rights reserved. Leadership by the board, in the district, in classroom, by the teachers, and by the students. 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. In 2020, there were 87 COVID-related recalls against 89 officials, and in 2021, there were 131 against 214 officials. 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. The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) issued a cease and desist letter to a parent threatening her with a defamation lawsuit for statements she made in public forums about the use and accessibility of age-inappropriate material. 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. Counties | We are in a good place right now and I want to make sure that we continue being financially strong. 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. Continue to implement our district strategic plan and our athletic strategic plan. Steitzer became a board member in 2018 and said this year's election became overwhelmingly partisan. 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.
10. March 2023