When extreme politics and religious ideology attempt to position themselves on a non-partisan, public school board it creates strife for our children. Much like a dysfunctional marriage where the children are in the middle of the feuds, it is always the kids who suffer. While fundamentalist beliefs and alternative agendas may serve the needs of a church board or political organization, public school boards are different. When I first ran for office, one of our esteemed, conservative supreme court judges and friends emphasized to me the "unique, non-partisan" nature of this position. I was grateful for the reassurance, support, and wise counsel and still reflect on her words today. In the past, extreme political views led to unfortunate, costly reforms like the Galileo test, contentious battles between the board, teachers and administrators; and worst of all, a lack of focus to children and education. Fortunately, because the community has wisely voted for sane representation with the election of 7 conservative, business minded, faithful servant leaders who celebrate our public schools, there has been positive resolution.
Being in a non-partisan position does not mean you function without your belief system, but rather you balance it with the expectations of the entire community and the needs of its children. In addition, you function according to the Wisconsin State Constitution and the requirements of Wisconsin DPI. The only "agenda" a school board member brings is to seek constantly to make decisions in the best interest of their #1 constituent; the children. Making decisions that positively reflect the professional voice of our teachers, with utmost consideration of the needs of children, while being fiscally responsible to the stakeholders, is the task.
The current board consists of invested, highly educated leaders who manage multi-million dollar budgets within companies like Delta Defense, Caterpillar Inc, Brookfield Convention Center, and West Bend Mutual. In addition, many are West Bend graduates who returned as employees and entrepreneurs to further develop the industry of our respected town. Without a doubt, they are seeking to elevate and celebrate the reputation of our schools; their companies depend upon it. (If you have any question about the many celebrations in our district over the past 3 years, refer to my Tiffany Larson, Parent and Community Member facebook page. It is impossible to share all the wonderful achievements of our students and staff, but you'll get the idea!) In addition, most have children in our district. When I was on the board, members would actually scoff at the idea that their own children or grandchildren would ever attend public school. Can you imagine? These board members, supposedly "representing" you and your kids, yet they despise public schools? Newsflash for parents: They were representing politics and religion...not your children.
Fortunately, we have educated, non-partisan, fiscally minded board members with the resilience and fortitude to dedicate 3 more years to the mission of the district. A small, but vocal minority prefer to demean, denigrate and disparage our school district and board (no different than the Pharisees of biblical times or school yard bullies), yet these incumbents are still willing to sacrifice their families, work, and leisure time to serve you and your children. When we invite extreme politics, personal agendas, and religious fanatics to the board, the outcome will only be divisiveness for our community. Fortunately we have a choice. Choose wisely; the future depends on it.
Being in a non-partisan position does not mean you function without your belief system, but rather you balance it with the expectations of the entire community and the needs of its children. In addition, you function according to the Wisconsin State Constitution and the requirements of Wisconsin DPI. The only "agenda" a school board member brings is to seek constantly to make decisions in the best interest of their #1 constituent; the children. Making decisions that positively reflect the professional voice of our teachers, with utmost consideration of the needs of children, while being fiscally responsible to the stakeholders, is the task.
The current board consists of invested, highly educated leaders who manage multi-million dollar budgets within companies like Delta Defense, Caterpillar Inc, Brookfield Convention Center, and West Bend Mutual. In addition, many are West Bend graduates who returned as employees and entrepreneurs to further develop the industry of our respected town. Without a doubt, they are seeking to elevate and celebrate the reputation of our schools; their companies depend upon it. (If you have any question about the many celebrations in our district over the past 3 years, refer to my Tiffany Larson, Parent and Community Member facebook page. It is impossible to share all the wonderful achievements of our students and staff, but you'll get the idea!) In addition, most have children in our district. When I was on the board, members would actually scoff at the idea that their own children or grandchildren would ever attend public school. Can you imagine? These board members, supposedly "representing" you and your kids, yet they despise public schools? Newsflash for parents: They were representing politics and religion...not your children.
Fortunately, we have educated, non-partisan, fiscally minded board members with the resilience and fortitude to dedicate 3 more years to the mission of the district. A small, but vocal minority prefer to demean, denigrate and disparage our school district and board (no different than the Pharisees of biblical times or school yard bullies), yet these incumbents are still willing to sacrifice their families, work, and leisure time to serve you and your children. When we invite extreme politics, personal agendas, and religious fanatics to the board, the outcome will only be divisiveness for our community. Fortunately we have a choice. Choose wisely; the future depends on it.
Vote Justman, Ongert and Schmidt for School Board
To the editor: We have had the pleasure to get to know personally three incumbents running for West Bend School Board positions: Nancy Justman, Joel Ongert and Tonnie Schmidt. The current board consists of invested, educated leaders who manage multimillion- dollar budgets and contribute to employment within the community. They make decisions based on fact, logic, fiscal responsibility and information gathering with minds willing to listen and be changed when necessary. Political extremism no longer rules our board, as it did not too many years ago. The fourth candidate for School Board brings with her the extremism of the past. When radical politics and religious ideology attempt to position themselves on our nonpartisan public School Board, it undermines the reputation of our community and the education of our children. Experienced leadership and consistency is needed in these troubled times.
We wholeheartedly have cast our votes for Justman, Ongert and Schmidt.
Karl and Stacy Scherzer
West Bend
To the editor: We have had the pleasure to get to know personally three incumbents running for West Bend School Board positions: Nancy Justman, Joel Ongert and Tonnie Schmidt. The current board consists of invested, educated leaders who manage multimillion- dollar budgets and contribute to employment within the community. They make decisions based on fact, logic, fiscal responsibility and information gathering with minds willing to listen and be changed when necessary. Political extremism no longer rules our board, as it did not too many years ago. The fourth candidate for School Board brings with her the extremism of the past. When radical politics and religious ideology attempt to position themselves on our nonpartisan public School Board, it undermines the reputation of our community and the education of our children. Experienced leadership and consistency is needed in these troubled times.
We wholeheartedly have cast our votes for Justman, Ongert and Schmidt.
Karl and Stacy Scherzer
West Bend
Ongert deserves re-election to West Bend School Board
To the editor: “Continuous Improvement” and “Excellence for All” is the guiding philosophy and vision of the West Bend School District. For the past three years, West Bend School Board President Joel Ongert prioritized these keystone concepts as his compass while serving the people of the district. Joel has served the great people of the district
with passion, enthusiasm, dedication, commitment, and professionalism.
He is a great steward to the community and is dedicated to the mission of the district while being guided by conservative principles. He has made numerous tough decisions over the past three years, showing his commitment to fiscal responsibility while balancing the future needs of the district and fulfilling the mission statement. He shows the ability to engage and inspire employees of the district. As a leader, he understands that he represents the people.
Joel displays an important leadership trait that is difficult to find. This philosophy is key for a school board that is tasked with overseeing a wide array of disciplines. He understands that he should not be the smartest person in the room when business or curriculum decisions are being made. He wants to be surrounded by the most knowledgeable people in each area. Informed decisions are then made based on data from actual subject matter experts. This philosophy ensures that our children’s educational futures are not determined by someone’s personal biases and that financial decisions are being made in a fiscally responsible manner.
Joel Ongert has an enthusiastic passion for education and this community. He can often be found at school events with his family leading from the front. As a parent of two children in the district, public servant and a conservative, I ask you to join me in voting for Joel Ongert for School Board and continuing down this path to excellence. Tim Kemps
To the editor: “Continuous Improvement” and “Excellence for All” is the guiding philosophy and vision of the West Bend School District. For the past three years, West Bend School Board President Joel Ongert prioritized these keystone concepts as his compass while serving the people of the district. Joel has served the great people of the district
with passion, enthusiasm, dedication, commitment, and professionalism.
He is a great steward to the community and is dedicated to the mission of the district while being guided by conservative principles. He has made numerous tough decisions over the past three years, showing his commitment to fiscal responsibility while balancing the future needs of the district and fulfilling the mission statement. He shows the ability to engage and inspire employees of the district. As a leader, he understands that he represents the people.
Joel displays an important leadership trait that is difficult to find. This philosophy is key for a school board that is tasked with overseeing a wide array of disciplines. He understands that he should not be the smartest person in the room when business or curriculum decisions are being made. He wants to be surrounded by the most knowledgeable people in each area. Informed decisions are then made based on data from actual subject matter experts. This philosophy ensures that our children’s educational futures are not determined by someone’s personal biases and that financial decisions are being made in a fiscally responsible manner.
Joel Ongert has an enthusiastic passion for education and this community. He can often be found at school events with his family leading from the front. As a parent of two children in the district, public servant and a conservative, I ask you to join me in voting for Joel Ongert for School Board and continuing down this path to excellence. Tim Kemps
School Board in good hands with Schmidt, Ongert and Justman
To the editor: I am writing to publicly endorse Tonnie Schmidt, Joel Ongert and Nancy Justman for the West Bend School Board.
I feel we now have a solid School Board and feel we should keep this team together at this time. The current board consists of business owners and servant leaders for companies like Delta Defense, Caterpillar Inc., Brookfield Convention Center, Kohl’s Corp. and West Bend Mutual. In addition, these leaders have invested in the development of their hometown and care about the future of our local school system.
This board seeks to elevate and celebrate the reputation of our schools; their companies depend upon it. Additionally, I feel that the political divisiveness and some self-indulgent agendas have been reduced and they have been representing the whole better and they seek the best interest of their #1 constituent, the children.
The task of this board is to make decisions that positively reflect the professional voice of our teachers, with utmost consideration of the needs of children, while being fiscally responsible to the stakeholders. I feel these three can help make those decisions in a stable and consistent manner.
It appears to me that we have the ability to provide continuity and stability on our School Board with three talented leaders, willing to serve another term.
Vote in favor of our children and community. Vote Schmidt, Ongert and Justman. Dan and Sue Garvey West Bend
To the editor: I am writing to publicly endorse Tonnie Schmidt, Joel Ongert and Nancy Justman for the West Bend School Board.
I feel we now have a solid School Board and feel we should keep this team together at this time. The current board consists of business owners and servant leaders for companies like Delta Defense, Caterpillar Inc., Brookfield Convention Center, Kohl’s Corp. and West Bend Mutual. In addition, these leaders have invested in the development of their hometown and care about the future of our local school system.
This board seeks to elevate and celebrate the reputation of our schools; their companies depend upon it. Additionally, I feel that the political divisiveness and some self-indulgent agendas have been reduced and they have been representing the whole better and they seek the best interest of their #1 constituent, the children.
The task of this board is to make decisions that positively reflect the professional voice of our teachers, with utmost consideration of the needs of children, while being fiscally responsible to the stakeholders. I feel these three can help make those decisions in a stable and consistent manner.
It appears to me that we have the ability to provide continuity and stability on our School Board with three talented leaders, willing to serve another term.
Vote in favor of our children and community. Vote Schmidt, Ongert and Justman. Dan and Sue Garvey West Bend
Stay the course with School Board
To the editor: I urge my fellow citizens to reelect Ongert, Schmidt, and Justman to the School Board.
They have shown their fiscal responsibility by lowering the mil rate.
They have brought stability to our district that was in disarray with previous administrations and boards.
They have made the district once again a desirable destination where we can attract the best talent.
In these troubled times, we need their experienced and steady hands at the helm.
Please return the incumbents to the School Board.
Charlie Hillman
Town of Trenton
To the editor: I urge my fellow citizens to reelect Ongert, Schmidt, and Justman to the School Board.
They have shown their fiscal responsibility by lowering the mil rate.
They have brought stability to our district that was in disarray with previous administrations and boards.
They have made the district once again a desirable destination where we can attract the best talent.
In these troubled times, we need their experienced and steady hands at the helm.
Please return the incumbents to the School Board.
Charlie Hillman
Town of Trenton
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Back Schmidt, Ongert and Justman for West Bend School Board
To the editor: Please join me in electing school board members who have demonstrated their positive commitment to strengthening our schools, our community and our kids. Tonnie Schmidt, Joel Ongert and Nancy Justman have removed politics, special interests and personal agendas from the equation by focusing on a commitment to quality education and ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely. Tonnie, Joel and Nancy have raised expectations, restored excellence and demanded accountability through transparent, level-headed decisions that enhance and strengthen our schools.
There is no greater process to be a part of and we have a responsibility to the students, taxpayers and community to support our public school system by electing quality leadership. I can soundly attest to the character of these three individuals. They are doing what’s best for our students and taxpayers and that’s why they deserve our vote for a second term on the School Board.
Vote Tonnie Schmidt, Joel Ongert and Nancy Justman for the West Bend School Board.
Lauren Chojnacki (Moon)
West Bend
Back Schmidt, Ongert and Justman for West Bend School Board
To the editor: Please join me in electing school board members who have demonstrated their positive commitment to strengthening our schools, our community and our kids. Tonnie Schmidt, Joel Ongert and Nancy Justman have removed politics, special interests and personal agendas from the equation by focusing on a commitment to quality education and ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely. Tonnie, Joel and Nancy have raised expectations, restored excellence and demanded accountability through transparent, level-headed decisions that enhance and strengthen our schools.
There is no greater process to be a part of and we have a responsibility to the students, taxpayers and community to support our public school system by electing quality leadership. I can soundly attest to the character of these three individuals. They are doing what’s best for our students and taxpayers and that’s why they deserve our vote for a second term on the School Board.
Vote Tonnie Schmidt, Joel Ongert and Nancy Justman for the West Bend School Board.
Lauren Chojnacki (Moon)
West Bend
What has been successfully avoided on the non-partisan school board is political divisiveness. A quick review of social media makes it clear our incumbents are able to abide by the expectations for governance. I am concerned about the challenger. Your vote matters. Vote wisely.
 |  Remember, this is the novel corona virus (COVID-19). It absolutely is new. As someone who worked in hospitals for 15 years, please adhere to the recommendations of our medical professionals and the CDC, not a school board candidate. My brother-in-law is a surgeon. All elective surgeries are postponed and he is working 12 hour shifts, 7-days a week, in ICU and CCU environments, performing procedures typically reserved for critical care doctors. Now it is all hands on deck, regardless of medical specialty, to manage the numbers expected to rise exponentially the next few weeks. Help out our medical personnel and stay home. |
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