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Six candidates will square off for three seats on the Pewaukee School Board this spring.
Incumbents Steve Dankert, Eric Krasovich and Ann Wright’s seats are up for election; they are running against challengers Jason Berg, Jane Flammang and Bren Sawall.
The top two vote-getters will receive three-year terms, while the third place vote getter will get a two-year term.
Now News Group asked the candidates questions about the Pewaukee School District’s strategic plan, what they see as the district’s top priority and district services they would like to see improved. Their answers were limited to 100 words.
What are your thoughts about the Pewaukee School District’s 2021-24 strategic plan, and is there anything in that plan you would change?
Berg: Although interrupted by a pandemic, Pewaukee’s 2021-24 strategic plan is a very good one. The district has set the bar high for itself with the future ready and sustainability goals. I would like the district to revisit the purpose section of the strategic plan to do a better job focusing on careers in the trades. Working in the railroad industry, I have navigated the trade industry for 28 years and believe I can be an asset to students and families by assisting with apprenticeships, career fairs and more community interaction.
Dankert (inc.): The PSD strategic plan is built with district and community collaboration. I believe the goals identified are the correct ones for our district and our students. and I wouldn’t change them. Our strategic plan should always be the “rudder of our ship,” and, while we might change the path in response to a storm, the destination we set is still correct.
Flammang: First, there is a lot to like. Creating a strategic plan is no easy task. Subdividing into functional pillars (6 Core Work Systems) is a common way to organize all participants and promote accountability. So kudos. My only real issue, at this point, would be that I worry about the ability to measure accurately the results per work system. What hasn’t been broadly communicated, though I’m sure is being designed, would be what metrics? How often? What is our plan to change direction if goals are not being met?
Krasovich (inc.): I am strongly in favor of strategic planning efforts focused on closing the math achievement gap. While it’s true that our district is performing at a level above average for the state, our students are capable of more in this area, and it is our duty to find the best tools to help them to achieve as data shows us that math, more than reading, is the best predictor of future academic success. I am also supportive of efforts to increase transparency and communication with parents and taxpayers that will be accomplished through a redesigned website.
Sawall: Our strategic plan is well rounded as it strives to continually improve the educational outcomes of our student body by continuous improvement of test scores and course proficiency with an equal balance of emotional-social support. Our current plan for workforce development seeks to increase the diversity of staff annually until the staff reaches or exceeds the level of student population diversity. Highly qualified teachers do not need to reflect on racial standards. An excellent teacher, regardless of race, should be able to teach students of any race, religion, or economic status because they are a skilled educator.
Wright (inc.): The Pewaukee School District has implemented a strategic plan for over 20 years, and we have seen enormous growth utilizing the input we receive from all stakeholders. The plan revolves around a three-year cycle but is reviewed every year. Since we are in the first year of the current plan, I look forward to reviewing the progress in May of this year and making any relevant changes at that time.
What do you see as the district’s top priority, and how would you address it?
Berg: Families have endured so much over the past two years. Supporting mental health needs while ensuring our students’ educational atmosphere is compassionate while challenging them to embrace their talents needs to be a priority. All children deserve an education in the safety and security of an exceptional district.
Dankert: Referencing back to the question above, COVID-19 has been a massive storm for every educational organization. For two years our students and educators have faced obstacles to success. The result has been learning loss, emotional distress, and exhaustion. We need to return to what has made PSD excellent: learning, teaching, supporting and improving the readiness of Pewaukee youth to make positive contributions in this community.
Flammang: It’s no different anywhere, whether a business or public sector. Acquisition and retention of talent is paramount. I’m a firm believer we have some of the best teachers in the state. I believe this leads to us continually producing the best students, who go on to excel in furthering their education, entering military or public service, seeking out trades, and generally experiencing success in life. We must keep our standards high when seeking additions to our educators and general staff. I would do my best to see to it that the quality of the individual is the main recruitment criteria.
Krasovich: I’m enthusiastic about serving on a board that maintains a laser-sharp focus not on politics, but on people; namely the children of our district. I believe we best serve their interests when we remember that their success is our only goal. In an increasingly polarized world, it is my sincere hope that board members will choose to filter each decision we make through a student-centered lens. That step will ensure choices are made for the right reasons.
Sawall: The last two years presented challenges to students that left some with an educational “gap.” Statewide test scores and in our district demonstrate reduced proficiency in reading, English and math. Students with low proficiency need additional assistance. I would address this “gap” utilizing standardized testing to identify proficiency gaps as well as teacher feedback. Develop a targeted educational plan that increases class time, including summer school, targeting those areas such as reading, English and math. This gives those students an improved opportunity for a robust foundation to start the next school year.
Wright: The last two years have brought significant changes to the lives of everyone within the Pewaukee School District. I feel it is important for the district to identify and provide assistance to both children and staff needing mental health resources. We have been successful in bringing healthcare providers onto the PSD campus in order to help ensure access for all.
Which one or two district services would you like to see improved, and what is your plan for doing so?
Berg: 37% of seniors do not go on to attend college after graduation, and not all desire to. I would like to see the district promote careers in the trades more openly. The trades are solid careers that usually include excellent healthcare and retirement packages. These young adults can start earning desirable wages immediately and avoid “taking a year off” with no plan. I believe my experience can help students, families and the district be more aware of those industries that will always be in high demand.
Dankert: I am passionate about enabling each PSD student to find their path to a rewarding career after PHS. Culturally, we became too focused on college being the next step for students after high school. The result is $1.75 trillion in student loan debt. By expanding student access to technical skills and career information in their middle school years, combined with our PHS offerings and partnership with WCTC, we’ve grown student enrollment in technical career paths dramatically. With more parent outreach and positive success stories we can connect more students to these rewarding and successful career options.
Flammang: I would rather like to make you aware of a principle I hold. It’s imperative that we continue to provide the best education to students requiring something unique. Whether to help them manage challenges, or further challenge them. I look at our student body like any population. A statistical bell curve in which most students fall somewhere in the middle. I believe it is possible to place too much emphasis on the shoulders of the curve, negatively impacting the middle. I will be a vocal and voting champion of all students, focusing on how we do the most good.
Krasovich: We’re serving the needs of our higher-achieving, college-bound students well. While supporting those kids, we must live our mission to “open the door to each child’s future” by ensuring that we’re creating alternate pathways to great careers like those available through the trades/apprenticeships. I also want to make sure we continue to effectively serve students that need additional support, especially those that may be falling through the cracks–not those performing at the level at which intervention is an obvious need, but the average students who with the right tools and support could become “B” or even “A” students.
Sawall: We should improve career planning. Each day 10,000 skilled trades baby boomers retire. A recent statistic indicated 31 million skilled trades workers retired in 2020. Leaders agree, to resolve the gap, students need to be exposed as early as the third grade. I would improve this service by developing and supporting Career Days in elementary grades to introduce students to the various types of trades. In parallel, review current course offerings to identify opportunities to enhance interest and experience. Lastly, continue to work hand-in-hand with WCTC to introduce our students to these valuable careers and their advantages.
Wright: Mental health services and providing more future educational and career access for all students. Our student services department has done a great job bringing mental health resources onto our campus and continues to look for innovative ways to service students. The district prepares each student throughout their 4K-12 education by meeting goals through our graduate profile. We continue to explore opportunities for student’s future success through programs such as dual enrollment, Excelerate, early college Credit, and Start College Now. The district continues to explore opportunities for all students so we can truly open the door to each child’s future.
Jason Berg
Age: 50
Address: N26W26232 Quail Hollow Road, Pewaukee
Past political experience: No past political experience
Community involvement: Pewaukee Schools volunteer, state licensed foster parent, Operation Lifesaver (Railroad Safety) presenter, Kiwanas member, member of Queen of Apostles Church, 23 years serving on and past president of youth sports boards. I’m a youth mentor and have coached football, baseball and hockey.
Contact info: www.facebook.com/Jason4Pewaukee, jsberg72@aol.com
Steve Dankert (inc.)
Age: 55
Address: 438 Majeskie Drive, Pewaukee
Past political experience: Three years, Pewaukee Board of Education
Community involvement: 15+ years: PSD volunteer, youth sports coach, indoor cycling coach, and community event volunteer
Contact info: steveforpsb@gmail.com, steveforpsb.wixsite.com/website
Jane Flammang
Age: 48
Address: N41W22690 Sunder Creek Drive, Pewaukee
Past political experience: none
Community involvement: I have been a volunteer in the Pewaukee School district for five years in a variety of roles. I am a team manager for the Pewaukee Sussex United soccer club. When possible, I assist thecCity of Pewaukee as an elections poll worker.
Contact info: janeflammang4pewaukeeschools@gmail.com
Eric Krasovich (inc.)
Age: 51
Address: 1055 Oak Circle, Pewaukee
Past political experience: Sitting board member since 2021 appointment
Community involvement: Campus volunteer (math mentor, expert listener, district strategic planning volunteer, etc.)
Contact info: boe-ekrasovich@pewaukeeschools.org
Bren Sawall
Age: 59
Address: N25 W27221 Orchard Lane, Pewaukee
Past political experience: N/A
Community involvement: American Heart Association, Women’s Center of Waukesha
Contact info: 262-366-3262; brensawall4schoolboard@gmail.com
Ann Wright (inc.)
Age: 64
Address: N33W23855 Fieldside Road, Pewaukee
Past political experience: I am completing my second term with the Pewaukee School Board (six years total).
Community involvement: Over 30 years of community service; Pewaukee PTO president and vice president, PHS Blue Line Hockey president, 20+ years member and former president of Pewaukee Scholarship Fund Inc. I have been a classroom volunteer, a member of the Director of Instructional Services Search, PSD Strategic Planning Committee and two Superintendent Search Committees. Member and volunteer for Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Contact info: boe-awright@pewaukeeschools.org
Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.
More:Here’s what to know about the candidates running for Pewaukee Village Trustee in the April election
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