Two seeking spot on Manawa School Board
By Holly Neumann
The results are in and Stephanie Riske and Nicole Rineck will now move ahead to the spring election for a seat on the Manawa School Board.
The election will be held Tuesday, April 5.
Riske came in first in the Feb. 15 primary with 154 votes, followed by Rineck (84) and Scott Westphal (64).
“I think I am one step closer to making a difference in our district,” Riske said. “I’m elated that people see value in me as a strong candidate for our board. I am ready to step up and be a leader for our schools.”
Riske’s hope is to bridge the gap between the administration, staff and community.
“We need to be transparent and honest to build trust with our constituents in our district,” she said. “I will promote involvement with parents in the decision-making of our policies, curriculums and finances. Staff and community involvement is important and should be encouraged for the success of our schools.”
Riske said she wants make an impact by being the voice for the community and students by speaking up at meetings and asking the tough questions.
“People are not aware they can attend a committee meeting and voice their opinions or views in a constructive way,” she said. “I have attended these meetings for years and have always found them very informative. By attending these meetings, I have learned what it takes to be on the board.”
Being present at school functions and involved in the school first-hand makes an impact, according to Riske.
“Seeing things for yourself speaks volumes over hearsay,” she said. “I want to offer solutions to problems. I am a persistent and involved community member and promise to stay as involved when voted on the board.”
Rineck’s hopes that Manawa students are prepared for the next steps of their life, whether it be the work force, technical school or college and that the district, along with parents, are preparing them for the next steps of life and giving them the proper coping skills needed to get through life and what it has in store for them.
“Parents and teachers should know their children/students well enough to know where they would excel out in the world and guide them towards that avenue,” she said.
Not every student wants to go to college, nor should they be pushed in that direction, Rineck said.
“When our children graduated, our daughter went to Fox Valley Technical College for one semester,” she said. “She decided it wasn’t for her. We supported her decision not to go back. It was her choice. Our son decided not to go to college and we also supported his decision, but he did state he felt like he should go to college.
“We as parents ask ‘why’ and explained that’s not a reason to go to college,” she said. “You must want to go, not feel you need/have to go. We are very proud of both of our children. They are very productive adults in society. Both children are making their own way through life: saving money, paying bills and raising families.”
Rineck wants to see more fiscal accountability and responsibility in the district.
“In my opinion, our district spends way too much on attorney fees, for one example,” she said. “Another example/question is why is the district renting space in downtown Manawa when we have vacant classrooms at one or both schools?
“Our student enrollment is decreasing,” she said. “The most responsible fiscal move would be to relook at how and what we are spending our funds on and plan and adjust accordingly. I know in our household, when I am not working, we adjust our spending habits. I would bring that mindset to the district and encourage others to do the same.”