Waukesha County was home to 395,118 residents in 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau. "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.". As noted before, in-person learning is critical to student success. Ninmann:I was appointed in September 2021 to fill one of the quitting members' spots. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. 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. The board filled the three vacant seats in Septemberby appointing Neal Ninmann, former board member Sandy Schick and Chad Schraufnagel. Learn more about the Oconomowoc Area School District at www.oasd.org. This topic has become far too political, and Ill never predetermine a decision based on politics. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community. How to vote | "[1], In reaction to the recall effort, Roehl said he preferred a face-to-face model as well. 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. Three candidates remain in the search for a new Oconomowoc School Board Superintendent. Now, nearly half the board is vacant, with some major decisions ahead. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Third, we deserve a school board that can operate for more than six months without creating negative headlines. 'The Culture Became Caustic,' Said One Board Member. Providing support for the educators of our school district, who continue to do incredible work with our students. My heart sunk. FOX6 News reached out to all three former members but none were available for an interview Monday. This enrollment out is currently larger than our enrollment in and every time that happens, we have fewer resources to work with. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. 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. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Oconomowoc-area news with a subscription: Click here. The Pewaukee School Board faces a similar situation, where six candidates will vie. The chart below details the status of 2020 recall efforts by individual school board member. August 16, 2021, 4:06 PM. PRINT+DIGITAL: AS LOW AS $6.50 PER MONTH. Calendar . Oconomowoc was one of the only schools to raise student scores during the pandemic. It will take years of rebuilding and recovery as people continue to live in fear. 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. In total, there are four seats up for election this year, and six candidates running. ", RELATED:Two incumbents ousted in a Waukesha School Board race partly defined by unrest over virtual learning. I would have run then, but I wanted to make sure that the candidates I supported were elected (they did) and I didnt want to dilute the votes we needed. General mask wearing should be a family choice based on their understanding of masks and should not be monitored by staff unless under protocol since this takes time from their main task of educating. That mindset is the only way for us to grow as a district to go from good to great. "For those who voted for my message I say thank you," Schweitzer said. I want Oconomowoc to be a destination school district for families outside of our boundaries. Schraufnagel:I was appointed to the OASD Board of Education in September of 2021 after three board members decided to quit in August of 2021. School board members are responsible for providing quality education to all students in the Oconomowoc Area School District; educational opportunities provided by the Oconomowoc Area School District should develop individuals who can lead productive and responsible roles in our community and society; the Oconomowoc Area School District contains a varied population who must be represented regardless of home location (urban and rural), family income, and family heritage; The School Board needs to ensure accountability and financial responsibility; School Board Members need to be open-minded, independent thinkers who are willing to challenge the district to maximize potential; The School Board needs to plan for the future. 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. "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.". Alexandra Schweitzer garnered 3,200 votes and was followed by Steitzer with 3,010. I have also mentored students at the high school in resume writing and interviewing skills and mentored students through Junior Achievement. School districts | Incumbent Juliet Steitzer was unseated in the election by challenger Matt Carrico. 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. Bill Thiel was appointed in Januaryto Roehl's former seat to finish out the term and will run for the seat this spring. My viewpoints remain the same. Local school board races have been injected with partisan money and party . Six compete for four seats on Oconomowoc School Board, Submit an Obituary Wash. & Oz. 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. If the pandemic showed us anything, it is that kids learn the best in the classroom with a teacher. Meeting Schedule / Notices / Agendas/ Meeting Summaries. Schweitzer said she ran agrassroots, parent- and taxpayer-focused campaign. "Well, my initial reaction was definitely surprise," said Scott Roehl, board VP. Contact info: pschmitz06@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/PaulaSchmitzCampaign; 262-490-7048, Address:N56 W35146 Pondview Lane,Oconomowoc, Past political experience:Current board member. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The district is great with wonderful teachers, curriculum and facilities. [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. The first question asks for $38.65 million for several projects . Mar 24, 2022 Updated Mar 24, 2022. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. It will notbe my last.". COVID-19, though, lit a match under the existing tensions and "consumed everything," said Grothaus. 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 board must focus on strategic alignment driving results and opportunity for students, teachers and parents. For more spring 2022 election coverage,click here. "He's not vaccinated and your decision not to require masks is going to mean that he's not going to be able to attend in-person school this fall," said parent Scott Drummond. The chart below compares coronavirus-related recalls to recalls for all other reasons in 2020, 2021, and 2022. 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. Neither Raasch nor Grothaus could be included in the recall as they had not yet served on the board for a full year. 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. 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. I will fight for this as it will bring a transformative, long-lasting solution in times of crisis. "That began a tremendous attack on the board at that point about not having the kids full five days a week face-to-face, back in the schools.". Divisive, bullying, partisan tactics are among the reasons why three Oconomowoc Area School Board members said they resigned. Feb 10, 2022 Updated Jun 3, 2022. Schick:Our resilient district has improved our ability to provide virtual learning during the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. TWEET. The district needs to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn. 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. Bill Thiel received the most votes with 5,311 (22%), Neal Ninmann was second with 4,989 votes (20%),. Most students perform better when learning in person. As a mother of two high-schoolers, an educator, and an online course developer in health and wellness, I have been researching programs and interventions used successfully by other districts that we can bring to the OASD to support students who are hurting. I am running to continue to move our school district in the positive direction. The candidates are (top row, left to right): Andrew Anderson, Neal Ninmann (i), Sandy . All Rights Reserved.