ELECTION: Four candidates seek two seats on school board
Voters in the New Richmond School District will cast their ballots to fill two open seats on the Board of Education. Four candidates will be on the ballot and their answers to a survey are listed.
Voters in the New Richmond School District will cast their ballots to fill two open seats on the Board of Education. Four candidates will be on the ballot and their answers to a survey are listed below:
Name: Stephanie (Johnson) Heidtke
Position seeking: New Richmond School Board
Age: 34
Family: I have been married for 13+ years to my husband, Jim. We have two amazing kids, Tyler (11 and in sixth grade at New Richmond Middle School) and Katelin (7 and in first grade at Paperjack Elementary).
Municipality or school district of residence: We live in the New Richmond School District.
Years living in community: I grew up and graduated from Somerset. Jim and I bought our first home and moved to New Richmond in January of 2002.
Occupation: Owner of Paradigm Services Inc., a residential social services provider for adults with diagnoses of developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and mental health issues.
Public Service experience: I have volunteered at my kids’ schools since Tyler was in kindergarten. Mostly now, we volunteer with my daughter’s school as my son is a bit too old to want his mom at school with him. My husband and I read with the kids in my daughter’s class weekly, go on field trips, work at book fairs and have lunch at school with her once a week. I feel lucky, as a working mom, to be able to do that. It helps me get to know her teachers, the other kids she is in school with, see her in her own element and feel closer with her.
Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: As a parent, I want people on the school board, who are voting for our schools, our community and our kids, to have a stake in their vote. I think having the perspective of a mother will assure that I am making decisions that are focused on the best education of our children.
I also see it as imperative that we are being fiscally responsible. That doesn’t always mean spending less, but it does mean spending smarter and in areas that will have the greatest impact on the future of our students.
Why did you decide to run for office: I think I have a fresh perspective to offer. I want to have an impact on the changes happening within our district and our state. I want to set an example for my kids by being involved with community.
Name: Rick Hinz
Position Seeking: New Richmond School Board
Age: 48
Family: Wife Sherry; adult son Derek and adult daughter Monique
Municipality or school district of residence: Reside in New Richmond School District – Richmond Township
Years living in the community: 23 years
Occupation: Contracting Specialist, 3M Co.
Public Service experience: Incumbent - currently in sixth year serving on New Richmond School Board.
Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: We need to keep the momentum going and continue to build upon our successes. This can be accomplished in part through our board goals and corresponding action steps that help guide us through short and long term challenges. Goals include: 1) Provide up-to-date facilities that meet the long-range needs of students and community, 2) Ensure students at all ability levels achieve their fullest potential, 3) Maintain effectiveness of board in collaboration with district administrator and administrative team, 4) Ensure a strong financial foundation for the school district now and in the future, 5) Expand customer service focus.
Why did you decide to run for office: I hope to preserve the positive environment that currently exists and contribute to the effective management of inevitable organizational change. It is important that we continue to maintain board focus on governance and district administrator focus on operations. A key foundation to our success is the development of trust and effective communications between the board, district administrator and community. I believe we have accomplished this, understanding there is always room for improvement, and I am proud to be a part of it. With voter support I hope to continue our progress.
Name: Larry Moore
Position seeking: New Richmond School Board
Age: 65
Family: Wife Mania; two grown sons, Jeff (Michelle) and Mike (Sarah); and two grandsons, Wes and Ryan
Municipality or school district of residence: New Richmond
Years living in community: Born and raised in the district, attended and graduated from NRHS, resident in district from 1979 to present.
Occupation: Retired School Teacher, life-long learner and educator, budding author
Public Service experience: Taught for 35 years in Clear Lake. While teaching social studies I served as union president and negotiator, dealing extensively with the administrators and board to provide the best education while dealing with the cost restraints. Promoting and emphasizing student and teacher self-respect and value.
Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: Economy: The district is trying to provide the best education with the reduced funding from the state and citizens of Wisconsin. This reduced allocation requires a shift in ideas in order to accommodate the loss of funding while keeping the education of our children a top priority. I feel there are ways to accomplish this by supporting the classroom where education takes place.
Wasteful spending: Reducing the money spent on non-essential, non-educational things that aren’t helping educate our children. Better utilization of the facilities that were paid for by the citizens of this community, for the continued education and enrichment for the children and adults in our community.
Why did you decide to run for office: I was educated in the district, as were my wife and sons, my youngest grandchild attends K-4. Since the age of 5, I have been connected with education either as a student or a teacher. I’ve been awed by the good teachers and shuddered at the bad. I want my grandson and all the children in this district to have the best educators for the best education possible.
Like many of you I have a fixed income, don’t want my taxes used wastefully. I think I have the background and mindset to bring new life and ideas into the board to help our students, our educators and our citizens receive and provide the best educational services possible.
Name: Bryan D. Schafer
Position seeking: New Richmond School Board
Age: 48
Family: Son in NRMS
Municipality or school district of residence: City of New Richmond
Years living in community: Lived in the New Richmond School District for 19 years
Occupation: Police officer
Public Service experience: Police officer for 28 years and New Richmond School Board member for six years.
Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: The top issues facing New Richmond School District is addressing future unfunded liabilities and at the same time finding ways to remain competitive in both hiring top quality staff and providing the best education for our students. This is a constant balance, both of which we have aggressively addressed and been committed to as a Board. I remain optimistic that we can accomplish our objectives for the betterment of the district’s future.
Why did you decide to run for office: I am running for re-election out of commitment toward quality education. It is imperative that we support our staff, insure they have the highest qualifications, the best pay/benefits possible, and that they put the educational needs of our children first. I continue to insist on fiscal responsibility and accountability at all levels of the district, and at the same time, apply a common sense approach to all operational components. We have an opportunity as a growing district with new facilities and a staff that is second to none, to impact the future of New Richmond. As a community, we should not settle for anything less. I have been dedicated to public service for more than 28 years and know that we must make up-front investments in our children’s education to insure the future success of our community. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for what is best and represent the best interest of the community.
Tags: new richmond schools, local government, education, news
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