Rib Lake, Gilman candidates talk about issues in election

Candidates for contested school board races were asked to respond to questions to help educate voters about their choices.

Rib Lake School Board Village of Rib Lake seat Jennifer Scott

I am married and have four children. I grew up in western Nebraska. Graduated from high school and then from college with a Bachelor of Science. My husband and I moved to Rib Lake in March of 2008. Currently, I am a stay-athome mom but feel like an Uber driver for the same 4 passengers that don’t tip well. :) Some of the things I like to do are listening to music, reading a variety of subjects, golfing, watching sports, being with friends, coffee, and soaking up the sun whenever it shows up here in north central Wisconsin.

Why do you want to serve on the School Board?

That is a good question. I have felt over the past 3-4 years that I should be willing to be on the school board if there was a need. I feel strongly about the rights we have here in America such as having the right to vote and freedom of speech. These things all tie together. I think that I would be able to work with others that agree and disagree with me to do the best for our children’s education. I know that I enjoy a challenge and would look forward to learning better the workings of a school board.

What do you think the biggest challenge facing the district over the course of the next 5 years will be?

Keeping rural schools from closing which could force kids to go to schools farther away.

Keeping quality teachers here. Pressing social issues and the need to not give in to what might be popular at the time, especially if those do not facilitate a better education or opportunities for our kids.

Funding for needed building and grounds improvements.

Security for all in the schools.

What do you think the role of the school board should be in relation to administration and staff when it comes to making decisions regarding school projects, improvements and personnel?

The school board is more over policies than the day to day decisions in the building. The administration and staff are in the buildings daily. Therefore, they are the ones that know best what decisions need to be made regarding projects, improvements and personnel. I think the role of the school board is to listen to those that are in the thick of things. I think in some cases, the board makes decisions and then delegates and lets those people make the changes necessary. I think the board gives guidance to administrators and staff, but they are not there to dictate. The board listens to those they represent and takes those concerns or encouragements to the people who are making the school run. The board steps

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up and takes on hard situations when needed. But ultimately, a person on the school board should be able to put the needs and education of our children first when doing the job they’ve been elected to.

What can the school district do within budgetary limitations to attract and retain quality educators and staff?

Another good question. I think one of the things Rib Lake has to offer educators is good community support, That is one of the special things about Rib Lake. Another thing is the country feeling and beautiful outdoor spaces we have in this community. If we can hire teachers that are looking to be out of the hustle and bustle of the big cities, they will be attracted to stay here. They will see that we have a good school system. It is a place that is great to raise a family. I have always believed that teachers should get paid more than professional athletes. But our society does not lean that way. I think if a person became a teacher because they believe in reaching students, then our salaries and benefit packages will help to encourage them to teach here.

What do you feel should be the priority when looking at potential infrastructure improvements in the school building?

Making sure the buildings are structurally working, warm, and safe. If we need to update our bathrooms, lunch room, windows, or whatever to have a good working environment then we need to take care of those. Also having our schools be warm not only in temperature but also in friendliness produces a good environment for students to want to learn and teachers to want to teach. That makes parents feel good about sending their students to school. And making sure our school is a place that is secure also reassures our parents that safety is a priority. After that, we can look at the “wants” to improve the school. I think those are important as well and can be addressed and prioritized as we have the funds.

Karah Grzanna

I was born and raised in Rib Lake and graduated from Rib Lake High School. Now married and a mother of 3 children who all attend the Rib Lake School District.

Why do you want to serve on School Board?

To be a voice for the community knowing that the school district is a huge part of town. I value quality education and feel that it plays a big part in the outcomes of our students.

What do you think biggest challenge facing the district over the course of the next 5 years will be?

Financial constraints that may impact much needed building updates. Increases in the cost of living making it harder to retain quality educators.

What do you think the role of the school board should be in relation to administration and staff when it comes to making decisions regarding school projects, improvements and personnel?

Ensuring the decisions are made that are following our district’s vision and mission and are fiscally responsible. All while keeping the public informed and getting feedback from the community before making a decision.

What can the school district do within budgetary limitations to attract and retain quality educators and staff?

Allow for shared decision making on topics that directly impact the teachers. Seek funding from grants or other areas to improve working environment. Continue to look for better compensation packages.

What do you feel should be the priority when looking at potential infrastructure improvements in the school building?

How to better utilize the space that we already have. Student and staff safety is priority. Taking feedback from educators into consideration with updates or changes.

Gilman School Board Derrick Romig

My name is Derrick Romig. I am lifelong member of the Gilman community, a journeyman plumber for Romigs Hardware, Assistant Chief for the Gilman Fire Department, and a committee member of the Village of Gilman tree board.

I would love to serve for you on the school board because there are things happening at the school that I feel need to be addressed. Some of the things I feel that need to be addressed are why we cannot retain young teachers for more than a few years, and why great teachers that live locally and that have taught in the school district have left the district to teach in other school districts.

The biggest challenge over the next five years facing the district is declining enrollment. I believe decisions regarding school projects, improvements, and personnel should be the job of the school board and administration can request the board for direction.

The best thing the school district can do within budgetary limitations to attract and retain quality educators and staff is keep a good relationship with the school staff and educators.