Three candidates vie for seats on Medford School Board

There are four candidates running for three seats in the Medford School Board. Candidates include three incumbents and one newcomer.

Questionnaires were sent to all the candidates. Their responses are listed in alphabetical order by the candidates’ last names.

Aemus Balsis

I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Medford Area School District School Board since April 2021. During my time on the board, I’ve been a dedicated advocate for our children, families, and school staff, always working to create policies and goals that reflect my conservative values. I believe in the power of community programs and the importance of education in shaping our children’s future.

In my professional life, I’m a Detective with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and I’ve been proud to call Medford home for over 21 years. My wife, Emily, and I are blessed with a wonderful family—our 10-year-old twins are in the 4th grade at Medford Area Elementary, we also have a set of 3-year-old twins and a 1 ½-year-old.

When I’m not working or serving the community, you can find me outdoors, enjoying time with my family and friends—whether we’re hunting, fishing, camping, or simply spending time together. I hold my small-town and family values close to my heart, values that I’ve carried with me from growing up in a large family in Kennan, Wisconsin.

I am also passionate about advocating for mental health, special education, and supporting programs for children in need. Serving on the school board and being a part of this community is a responsibility I take to heart, and I look forward to continuing to support the future of our children.

2) Why do you want to serve on the school board?

I am seeking reelection to the Medford Area School Board because I believe in standing up for conservative values that reflect the priorities of our community. For too long, individuals who hold these values have not always had the representation they deserve in local politics, including at the school board level. It’s time for more conservative- minded individuals to step forward and help shape the future of our schools and our community.

I recognize that many issues and agendas that are pushed at the local level do not always align with the values and beliefs of the people in our community. For years, I stood by without taking action, but after realizing the need for a stronger voice, I made the decision to run for school board and have served the past 4 years with a deep commitment to making a difference.

I am passionate about public education and believe it is essential for the success of all children. During my time on the school board, I’ve worked to support the values and priorities that matter most to the students, staff, and families in our district. I understand the importance of trust in this role, and I approach my position with integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic – values that I also uphold in my position with the Sheriff’s Office.

As a board member, I strive to bring practical solutions and honest answers to the community. I recognize that not everyone agrees on every issue, but I believe everyone deserves to be heard and respected. My goal is to create a positive learning environment for all children, one that fosters growth, inclusivity, and the development of strong academic and personal values.

Listening is at the core of my approach. I take the time to understand all perspectives before responding and speak out only when I have something meaningful to contribute. I am committed to speaking for those who cannot always speak for themselves, especially when their needs may be overlooked.

By serving on the school board, I am not just fulfilling a role; I am dedicated to making a real difference in our community. I am driven by the desire to support the growth of all children in a way that reflects our shared values, and I hope to continue this important work with your support.

3) What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the school district and what will you do as a board member to overcome that challenge?

As a board member and candidate, I have a deep respect for the values that make rural Wisconsin communities so special. I believe the biggest challenge facing our rural school districts is securing long-term financial stability while maintaining the quality of education our children deserve. While we were fortunate to have passed a referendum recently, we must recognize that the financial demands on our school systems are ongoing. Costs continue to rise, and the resources available to rural districts are often limited when compared to more urbanized areas. Additionally, attracting and retaining quality educators is a challenge in our rural schools due to the higher cost of living and the difficulty in competing with larger districts for talent.

As a school board member, I focus on transparency, honesty, and open communication with both the community and the district. I always work to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely, prioritizing the needs of students while being mindful of the financial impact on our taxpayers. I believe in upholding the principles of integrity and directness in every conversation, so you will always know where we stand as a district.

I am a strong advocate for furthering and growing partnerships with local businesses, the sheriff’s department / police department, social services, counseling, and other community organizations to support our schools. We are all invested in the future of our children, and I’ll continue working to forge connections that help ease the burden on our district’s finances, whether it’s through grants, community initiatives, or volunteer programs that can support both our students and teachers.

Having been a member of this community for 21 years and with my experience as a detective in the sheriff’s department, I have a unique understanding of the needs and concerns of our area. I know that the heart of a strong school district is the connection between the school and the community it serves, and I will work to ensure that our district remains a place where students thrive, educators feel supported, and parents have a voice.

It’s about making decisions that are best for our children and future generations, while staying true to the values that have kept our community strong for years. Together, we will continue to move forward with honesty, integrity, and a shared commitment to the future of our children.

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

To attract and retain quality educators and staff, our school district must prioritize long-term financial and infrastructural investments. There is a widespread shortage of qualified educators at the local, state, and national levels, and addressing this crisis starts with offering competitive salaries and benefits. By ensuring that we can provide a positive, healthy, and safe work environment with strong financial incentives, we demonstrate our genuine care and appreciation for the hard work educators do.

Educators and staff members dedicate their lives to helping children succeed, and it’s only fair that we honor that commitment with compensation that matches their contributions. If neighboring districts offer better opportunities, it’s only natural that talented individuals might seek those out. We need to invest in our educators by offering not just competitive pay but also support, professional development, and the tools they need to thrive in their roles.

Beyond financial rewards, educators are drawn to a local educational setting because it fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. They are more likely to stay in environments where they feel valued, supported, and equipped to grow. The relationships they build with students, families, and colleagues can be deeply fulfilling, and the positive impact they make is often what keeps them motivated.

Ultimately, by making thoughtful investments in both financial incentives and the overall educational environment, we can build a district that not only attracts great educators but also helps them feel supported and appreciated in their careers. A healthy and well-funded system is the foundation for thriving schools, where everyone—students, teachers, and staff—can succeed.

5) Public education has come under scrutiny at the state and federal levels. How can local schools work to restore/reinforce the public’s confidence in local schools?

As a candidate and current school board member, my focus is on strengthening our schools and continuing to build the strong trust of our communities. I believe in the values that make our rural Wisconsin schools unique: strong community ties, open communication, and a commitment to student success.

With just over 2,000 students in our brick-and-mortar schools and an additional 2,400 + in our Rural Virtual Academy (RVA), we have an incredible opportunity to ensure every child, no matter their path, receives a highquality education. We work to foster transparency with parents, staff, and students, keeping everyone informed through monthly newsletters, school board meetings, town hall meetings, and consistent communication.

I believe in the power of collaboration—working with local businesses, community organizations, and schools to build a stronger, more supportive environment for our children. I will promote professional development for our teachers to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.

Most importantly, I will listen to all viewpoints and keep an open door to parents and voters. Together, we will celebrate our successes and work through our challenges. Our schools will continue to be places where every student can thrive, and where the community plays an active role in shaping the future.

Let’s keep our schools strong, transparent, and rooted in the values we hold dear. Thank you for your support!

Corey Dassow

I am a father of four beautiful daughters, all of which are currently in Medford Public schools where my oldest is set to graduate this year. My wife, Trisha and I are graduates of the Medford Area School District. I am in my 19th year of proudly serving the community with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. My current leadership role is that of Sheriff, where I oversee everything from jail, patrol, investigations to budgeting, training, and hiring personnel. My passion is spending time with my family and friends. This includes camping, hunting, running, working out, biking, kayaking, making firewood, pretty much anything outdoors. I very much enjoy serving at the Cutting Edge Youth Center by interacting with our youth and coming alongside them while they do life.

Having been on the school board for the past three years, I would like to continue the opportunity to serve the community in a different way to ensure that all children are afforded the opportunity to learn in a safe environment.

I believe the biggest challenge for the school district as a whole is funding at the state and federal level. What I am seeing is a reduction in funding for public schools, along with the cost of inflation, putting a squeeze on school district’s budgets. What this means is that school districts are faced with looking for funding options outside of the normal yearly budgeted items.

This is a difficult but critical task. I am all too familiar with this same issue at my current place of employment, as I’m sure other places of employment are as well. Applications for open positions are few and some that apply are not qualified and/or desirable so we work shorthanded, demanding more from our loyal staff members and hopefully not causing burnout. Throwing money at the employee shortage issue is not a guaranteed fix but it certainly helps. Higher starting wages combined with more benefit time are all things that may help alleviate shortage(s). Aside from the financial aspect of this issue, I would be remiss if I did not mention that work environment/culture matters. Recognizing staff for their achievements, promoting higher education and training to staff, cookouts/potluck events are all things that can help foster a more desirable workplace.

The school district needs to continue to actively seek input from the community, especially the parents and teachers. I view the school board as a conduit between the community and school district. That is why it is important to have members on the school board that will listen to members in the community. But it does not simply stop at listening to their concerns, ideas, thoughts, and suggestions; they need to be carefully examined from all perspectives, placed on the agenda, and put to a vote. The school board is essentially a governing body and as such, each decision made must uphold the district’s mission: To ensure that all students learn.

Ben Koch

1). What is your background?

I grew up in Wausau WI and attended UW Madison in the engineering department, earning a BS in Civil

1) Please tell us about yourself. What is your background?