NEW BERLIN — Four newcomers are running for two seats on the New Berlin School Board: Matthew J. Arend, Joseph Greenhagen, Amanda Peterson and Bob Willkomm.
The Freeman asked all candidates the same questions ahead of the April 7 election. The Freeman didn’t hear a response from Arend and Greenhagen by press time. Here are the responses:
FREEMAN: Why are you running for the School Board?
Peterson: I am running for School Board in New Berlin because I believe strong schools start with good communication and a focus on students. I want to help strengthen the connection between the School Board and our community and make sure every student is getting the support they need to succeed — from 4K through graduation. With a background working with children on the autism spectrum and being a mom of two, children will always be my priority. From every background and every stage of learning, the School District of New Berlin should provide top-tiered education to each student that walks through its doors.
Willkomm: I am running for the New Berlin School Board to provide the best education for our students, so they become well-educated, good citizens and leaders of our community. At the same time, I want the district to be fiscally responsible to taxpayers. I will hold myself and the School Board accountable and transparent to students, employees, taxpayers and the community at large.
FREEMAN:The district has faced budget pressures in recent years. How would you prioritize spending to maintain quality education while controlling costs?
Peterson: The School Board has a responsibility to the taxpayers to maintain a healthy budget.
It is important to prioritize things like educators, resources and student programs to sustain our high standard of education. However, we must find efficiencies and maximize the impact of every dollar in the most transparent way possible. I am ready to help make tough choices to ensure the long-term success of our district.
Willkomm: As a CPA and financial professional, I will take the budget and spending process very seriously. We need to prioritize academic achievement at the highest level. Secondarily we need to provide students with other programs and opportunities to develop self-confidence, respect for others and leadership skills as appropriate. This will include individual financial and employment skills. At the same time, we need to hire, develop and retain top educators and administrators for the district. To achieve this, we will need to review all costs and programs to ensure that they meet our objectives for educational and social development excellence.
FREEMAN: What is your position on school choice programs (e.g., vouchers, open enrollment, charter schools)?
Peterson: While school choice and voucher programs can create competition, they can also come with concerns around transparency, accountability and the stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
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In New Berlin, our public schools are among the best in the state, and our community has invested heavily in their success. I would be hesitant to support policies that risk diverting state funding away from a system that is already serving our students well and supporting our dedicated educators.
Willkomm: School choice programs have a role to play in education. Voucher programs and charter schools can offer alternatives for parents who seek special curriculum such as religious and special needs focused education that we may not be able to offer as a public school. They also function as a check to keep public schools competitive and committed to providing the best education possible. Open enrollment provides opportunities to allow students outside the community to benefit from what our schools have to offer. However, these programs should not overburden our school system.
FREEMAN: What is your “red line” — a situation where you would vote against a plan regardless of cost savings or efficiency?
Peterson: My red line will always be safety. There is nothing more important than keeping our children and educators safe while at school and I will never put a price tag on that issue.
Willkomm: I would never sacrifice our students’ education or social development for simple cost savings or efficiency. At the same time, I would never jeopardize the district’s financial solvency or overburden taxpayers.
Where necessary the School Board needs to prioritize programs and evaluate how they meet the needs of the students. At times, existing programs need to be evaluated against new innovative programs and the changing needs of students.
FREEMAN: Many residents feel their concerns are not fully considered by the School Board. How would you improve communication with parents and taxpayers?
Peterson: One of the reasons I decided to run for School Board in New Berlin was that I believe there is a disconnect in communication between the current board and the community. As a candidate, there have been multiple occasions when I am the only attendee at public meetings.
From better utilizing social media platforms, to hosting inperson discussions that facilitate dialogue around concerns and ideas, I believe that we can find a better process suited to drive open and accessible communication between the School Board, the community, and parents alike.
Willkomm: I would continue to encourage the community to read and understand district newsletters as well as contact School Board members with concerns. I would encourage the School Board to become more available. I would encourage other School Board members to attend events at schools or throughout the city to interact with students, parents and the community. School Board member attendance at parent / teacher conference days, sporting events, the city parade, and 4th of July and winter festivals are events to make us more visible and accessible.
See all of our election coverage at gmtoday.com/elections.