Question and Answer Page

Question # 1 (from Forward Janesville):

What is the primary reason you are running for office?

Answer to #1:

I feel it is a privilege to run for a seat on the Janesville Board of Education. I have no burning issue that I feel must be resolved. I do not aspire to be a politician. I am seeking the opportunity to serve the residents of the Janesville School district and the more importantly the students of the district. I have children attending the district and hope to assist in shaping their education. I offer myself as a viable candidate to emphasize the importance of the School Board. I look forward to discussing my views about moving the district forward.

Question # 2 (from Forward Janesville):
What are your top three priorities if elected (re-elected)?

Answer to #2:

Budget Stewardship – Given the realities of the current funding formula, budgeting can no longer be a once a year process for the board. A “Budget check” needs to be done on every decision that is made.
Community Development – The School District cannot be an “island unto itself”. Partnership with other community entities must be formed.
Technology Enhancement – I do not think that new technology needs to be purchased, but current tools need to be utilized more effectively. More information needs to be posted to the internet and email needs to be used aid in communication.

Question # 3 (from Forward Janesville):

Did you support passage of the high school renovation referendum? Please explain why or why not.

Answer to #3

Yes. Schools must be maintained for the present students and future student. The buildings need the renovation. It does not make good economic sense to put off these needs as they only become more expensive in the future. Now the job becomes getting the most out of the money that has been allocated.
From a learning perspective, the environmental upgrades are important because they should not be an issue. School can be challenging enough for a student without having to worry whether they will be comfortable during class, be able to move freely from class to class, or have the space needed to learn.

Question # 4 (from Forward Janesville):

Since 1993, the state has allowed districts to provide a qualified economic offer (QEO) during negotiations with teachers’ unions. The QEO law states that school districts can avoid arbitration with its teachers if they offer a package of salary and benefit increases totaling 3.8 percent or more. Governor Doyle has indicated his desire to repeal the QEO law. Do you support continuation of the QEO law? Why or why not?

Answer to #4

One of the main benefits of the QEO law is that it prevents job actions, which disrupt the lives of students. It establishes a fair starting point for negotiations and a fair ending point, if negotiations are unsuccessful.
Healthcare costs are driving the discussion of what will happen with the law.
The law should be reviewed on set schedule with the rest of the funding formula. It seems problematic that a law is put in place and then never reviewed. There has been little change in the funding formula since it was enacted in 1993; it is time for a review.

Question # 5 (from Forward Janesville):

State revenue limits have forced the Janesville School District to make nearly $2 million in budget cuts this year, and more cuts may be necessary next year. How does this fact affect your priorities as a potential member of the School Board?

Answer to #5:

It frames every discussion. All decisions now have to be viewed from two perspectives, how does this decision effect students and what is the budget impact of the decision. Decisions may need to be made based on least impact to the budget versus most benefit to the student.
The upfront nature of the budgeting issues provide for an opportunity for transparency. A through discussion about the costs of decisions allows residents of the district to be aware of how elected officials are performing. The District is currently well managed. I hope to help maintain and improve the level of management.

Question # 6 (from Forward Janesville):

What, if anything, do you think the school district should be doing to promote our local economy and encourage graduates to stay in the Janesville area?

Answer to #6:

The District needs to work cooperatively with area business and other agencies to forge new partnerships. Students need to experience what the community has to offer. The School District can provide these experiences by creating these partnerships. These experiences will show the students that they do have a future in the Janesville area.
Business people and Local officials are the experts in the things they do. The district needs to do more to tap these resources. As a Board member, I want to show students that there is a future in the Janesville area and that the future is bright.