Part 2 on Waupaca School Board race
By Robert Cloud
The Waupaca County Post sent questions to all six candidates running for the Waupaca School Board.
Following are their responses.
How does your personal, professional and academic experience make you a better candidate for the Waupaca School Board?
Mark Polebitski: Academically I hold a degree from UWSP with a major in mathematics education and a minor in computer science education. My masters degree in education with the thesis centered around the effectiveness of distance learning versus in-person learning completed in the early 2000s from St. Mary’s in Winona, MN. Professionally, over my 33 years as an educator at Waupaca High School I experienced first hand the relationships among the operational, tactical and governing aspects of public education, which is key to being successful on a school board.
Joel Bartel: I currently work in health care and know what it takes to get our schools open. My years of farming helps me know the values and work ethic parents expect from their schools. My bachelor’s in education and teaching experience helps me relate to challenges teachers are facing. My MBA helps me bring real world business experience to the board, and understand the importance of vocational education. But most important of all being a father of two students allows me to relate to the challenges our students are facing in school, which the current incumbents can’t relate to.
Betty Manion: Academically, I have a bachelor’s and master’s of theological studies degree from St. Norbert College. Professionally, my experience is all about students. I was involved in education as a teacher and administrator for 25 years as the director of religious education at St. Mary Magdalene and as a national program director for summer service/learning immersion trips for high school students. I’m also an adjunct professor at Silver Lake College and St. Norbert College and a professional storyteller, author and motivational speaker. Our four children attended Waupaca schools. Every child has a story; it’s our job to learn it and help them grow it.
Emily Nikolai: Lawrence University provided me with a well-rounded liberal education. While my bachelor’s of science degree is in music education, their education program trained us to always dig deeper and look for the individual strengths in students. I was able to apply this training while teaching in schools in Kentucky, Indiana and Wisconsin (in the Waupaca School District). Most importantly, though, is my personal experience as a parent. I want to be on the board to represent our students and be a true advocate for them throughout their time in our schools so they can be fully prepared for their future.
Sandy Robinson: With 28 years’ service on Waupaca’s board, I’ve seen how decisions made today impact our students and community now and in the future. I hold a bachelor’s degree in education from UW-Stevens Point. I’ve served as board treasurer since 2017; president 2005-2008. I was controller for the United States Curling Association, retiring after 30 years. Past member, CESA 5 Board of Control. Member, Wisconsin DPI Committee, PI34 trainers. Helped obtain grant of $650,000+ to expand students’ opportunities through establishment of our charter school. Active parent-volunteer in elementary, middle and high school activities over the years.
Steve Klismet: I graduated from WHS class of 1986, attended one year at UW-Marshfield and one year at FVTC. I realized that traditional college wasn’t for me. I was always better at learning by doing and I think a lot of students feel this way. I have been involved in our family’s businesses for 40 years in Waupaca. I am a member of the Lions, past President of Truckers Pride Day, Waupaca Area First Responders and co-founder of Waupaca Rod and Classic. Being involved has taught me to listen and be objective.
What do you see as the strengths or weaknesses of the current board?
Steve Klismet: Every one of the current school board members cares deeply about the success of the Waupaca School District. They all worked together to open our schools, and keep them open. To move forward, I feel we need more diversity. I feel it would be an asset to the board to include someone with children currently enrolled. This really gives a different perspective of the current situation. In addition, having someone who is accessible for community members, teachers and students to talk with when they have questions. That is important to me and I think it’s important for a small community.
Mark Polebitski: The current board is made up of individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. Each of us brings unique perspectives to the table. The board has very robust discussions on just about every matter because of this. The longevity of several board members give us a unique frame of reference on many topics that aid in our decision making. One item we are working on now is overhauling the district policies. As a board we are strengthening our understanding of how governance and administrative policies meld with each other. Understanding the balance of tactical, operational and governing is key to success.
Joel Bartel: Waupaca has great facilities, but the biggest board weakness is the fact under them Waupaca’s enrollment is on a decline. According to administrator Ron Saari each student the district loses there is a $10,000 decrease in revenue, and this has a direct impact on class size, teacher salary, teacher retention, and taxes. If elected I will ensure taxpayers, teachers, and administrators that this trend will stop. School choice has created competition between neighboring school districts. By implementing a traditional education and value strategy we will be able to separate Waupaca from neighboring districts and attract and retain more students.
Betty Manion: Our strength is mutual respect. Every meeting begins by reading seven norms that define shared expectations for board behavior. These norms, based on respect, keep us accountable and directly impact board performance. This strength along with a diverse board membership of past educators and community members has been most effective. We listen to ALL opinions, carefully considering all options before making decisions. Bottom line: we are always mindful of taxpayer dollars and our students’ best interests. We’ve also worked on collaborating and developing strong working relationships with the: city, county and area townships.
Emily Nikolai: Our current school board has done a fine job updating our technology and curriculum while keeping true to a strong budget. However, during this past year, I feel they weren’t in touch with the students’ overall needs. I don’t entirely fault them on this fact because no one on the board has a current student in the school system. Parents need to be more involved on this board! Without parental involvement, this board is not diverse enough to have well rounded discussions on what is best for the teachers, and more importantly, the students in our district.
Sandy Robinson: The board is always working to improve – that’s a strength. There’s always more to learn. That’s why I’m impressed with the current board members’ openness to new ideas and solutions by seeking input from staff, students, parents/guardians and community members; and continuing their own education through book studies and participation in workshops and conventions. This particular board’s strengths are: their diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, their ability to listen, and their personal commitment to doing the hard work necessary to get the job done, especially in a time of crisis.