CRIVITZ – Five candidates are running for seats on Crivitz School Board, including three incumbents. Incumbent Elroy “Sonny” Graese III didn’t respond to the Peshtigo Times’ questions by our deadline.
Why are you running?
The Crivitz Board of Education has always had a reputation of fiscal responsibility and commitment to high-quality education. As the leader of the board for the last four years, I have maintained those commitments, while working through a superintendent transition and successful building referendum. I would like to continue to be a part of what we’ve started over the last few years and see it through.
What are your top priorities?
The safety of our students is the top priority. The best learning happens in an environment that feels safe and protected for both students and staff.
How do you measure success in education?
In my opinion, success comes in many forms. Test scores are one measurement of success, and the state report card takes many of them into consideration.
Included on the state report card, along with test scores, are academic growth, chronic absenteeism, and graduation rate. Our report cards shows we score higher than anyone in the area. This is a testament to the dedication of the Crivitz school district, from administration to teachers and support staff, to high quality education. This success is also recognized at the state level as our high school was nominated this year for a National Blue Ribbon award in the area of academic growth ( in the category of Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools). We are one of a possible eight nominees at the state level.
What qualifications do you bring?
I was elected to the school board in 2016 and then chosen as the vice president of the board in 2018. In 2021, I was chosen by the board to be the president and have been re-elected to that position every year since.
My career outside of public service, along with my years on multiple boards have given me many opportunities to learn from other leaders. As a leader, I bring out-of-the-box thinking and an open mind. I continue to grow in how I lead and work with the board to make the best possible decisions.
How would you involve parents and the public in the discussions?
The district makes many efforts to involve parents through newsletters, the district website, and an open invitation to attend our board meetings. Public input and discussion is welcomed at our meetings, and I encourage parents to attend every chance I get. When considering what direction to take regarding the elementary school, we surveyed all taxpayers within the district boundaries to get their input on how to proceed.
Multiple open houses were held prior to sending out the surveys. The survey results overwhelmingly supported remodel as the best option and we passed our referendum on the first try.
Why are you running?
I am running for Crivitz School Board because I believe education is the most important gift a child can receive. I want to ensure that our students have an environment where they can learn and grow and where staff members have the tools they need to help students achieve their potential and become productive members of society.
What are your top priorities?
My top priority is creating and maintaining a healthy learning environment and finding a balance where students can explore all their interests. One of the greatest things about our school is the diverse activities available. A student can be on the football team and in the science club or star in Children’s Theater and play basketball. They can be in National Honor Society and take part in the welding program. The diverse programs and opportunities are an amazing asset to give students an outlet and to allow them to learn in many ways.
How do you measure success in education?
Measuring success in education can be difficult. There is a lot of focus on standardized test scores, which have their place but are not the end all be all. I prefer to focus on if students can articulate their goals and the steps to reach them, their participation in our extracurricular programs, and ensuring staff and students are not dreading Monday morning. Overall, success is dictated by the health, wellness and preparedness of our students and staff.
What qualifications do you bring?
I have a Nonprofit Business Management degree and over a decade of experience in nonprofit work. I feel this will help me understand the school district’s unique needs and operations. I also have worked in municipal government, which helps with understanding the laws and regulations that govern our school. (Deshane served as Crivitz Village Clerk for three years before taking a new position in Nov.)
How would you involve parents and the public in the discussions?
I encourage everyone to come to board meetings, read the minutes, listen to the recordings and reach out to your school board members. We are members of the community, but we cannot be everywhere at once. No two students, community members or staff members are the same, so please reach out to board members with your perspective, concerns and ideas.
Why are you running?
I am running because I believe all children deserve access to the best education and experiences that will positively shape their future. This is a massive undertaking that must include a rigorous and unbiased curriculum, healthy nutrition, staff and teachers who are committed to the positive development of each child and understand the fragile nature of that responsibility, extracurricular opportunities free of favoritism and partnered by involved and valued parents.
What are your top priorities?
My top priorities are making the school a safe, healthy and positive environment where our kids can learn and grow into the beautiful people they are meant to be.
How do you measure success in education?
I would start by our ability to teach to the individual child so that they graduate with the skills to positively impact their world, country, state, community and family.
What are your qualifications?
I earned a Masters of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix. I also have numerous undergraduate certificates, including one in childhood nutrition from Stanford online. As the assistant to a municipal clerk, I have worked closely with residents, municipal departments and the village board. As the mother of 10 children, with five still in the Crivitz schools, I have a personal interest in the success of the school district.
How would you involve parents?
Like I always have, through listening to those who don’t feel heard. Parents have plenty to say and provide when it comes to their children and their future. They just don’t feel valued or heard. All parents are welcome to bring their concerns to me and the board, so that a meaningful and well-thought-out discussion can be presented and considered. Also, when they bring up a concern in a meeting it should not be overlooked or ignored. Parents should never feel like they are not able to be a part of their children’s education.
Why are you running?
This position will allow me to apply my skills in a meaningful way, working together with other board members as well as members of the community to create the best possible experience for the students attending.
What are your top priorities?
My top priorities are academic stewardship, transparency and planning for the future to help make our schools the best they can be.
How do you measure success in education?
Measuring success in education can be multi-dimensional, but essentially equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.
What qualifications or experience do you bring to the board?
I have three young children in the district, which gives me a unique perspective and personal motivation to make a positive impact. I run a family owned and operated business in the village and serve as a village trustee. I have spent several years volunteering as a tee ball coach within the district and assisting the local Boy Scouts troop, teaching fundamentals and emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship and positive community engagement. Additionally, I have a diverse background in multiple trades, accounting and business, which has equipped me with a well-rounded skill set ideal for contributing to the board.
How would you involve parents and the public in the discussions?
By focusing on fostering a positive and open environment, listening to concerns and addressing them to promote transparency and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here