By Patricia Bogumil
Interim editor
Incumbent Steve Wallner faces challengers Charles “Russell” Eichner, Jennifer Hribar and Dawn Peterson in the April 3 election for two seats open on the Raymond School District 14 Board of Education.
Incumbent Jeff James is not seeking re-election.
The three-year positions pay $2,200 for board members and $2,300 for board clerk. Board positions are determined by board vote after the election.
Information provided by each candidate follows.
Russell Eichner
Age: 38
Address: 2030 Crestwood Drive, Caledonia
Education: Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Shawnee State University; Grades 1-6 teaching certification, University of Wisconsin–Parkside; and 21 credits earned toward a Masters in Educational Technology degree, Emporia State University
Occupation: Owner/tax accountant, Expert Tax Solutions Inc.; financial advisor, Principal Financial Group
Reasons for seeking office: I would like to continue the nurturing and caring environment that is currently in place at Raymond Elementary and improve and enhance academic standards and curriculum that challenge and enrich our students
Pressing issues: These include budget constraints, staffing and facility needs. Changing economic issues have created difficult times for all school districts, Our board must find ways to balance budgets while keeping high academic standards.
Strengths and experience: I will work to bring new technology and teaching methods to the district to address the needs of students today and in the future. I have worked in more than 30 different schools as a technology resource teacher to increase technology use and student driven content. I will work to create open lines of communication to be a liaison between the community, staff and administration.
Previous political experience: none
Organizations: NAIFA, NAEA, NATP, RCEDC, Union Grove and Raymond baseball volunteer coach.
Jennifer Hribar
Age: 40
Address: 2202 Waukesha Road, Caledonia
Education: Associate degree in marketing management from MATC and bachelor of science degree in marketing management, graduating with honors-cum laude, from Upper Iowa University
Occupation: Homemaker/State Director for 15 years, which included the states of Montana, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, for Miss American Coed Pageants, a national scholarship pageant for girls Ages 3-22
Reasons for seeking office: I would like to focus on the wants and needs for the Raymond School District. Wants and needs are heavily weighted upon budgetary constraints and availability.
Pressing issues: We need to focus on strategic planning in terms of 5-10 years down the road; in turn, allows for better planning of where the financials come into play. This would also include new fundraising projects and more volunteerism. Another key issue is communication between administration, parents and teachers in relation to minor/major problems that may occur now or in the future.
Strengths and experience: My experience encompasses working with young people of all ages and with parents that includes interviewing, career paths, and irate parents, dressing appropriately for the occasion, financials, complete program planning, staying within a budget and marketing major events.
Previous political experience: none
Organizations: Raymond School Facilities Assessment Team & Strategic Planning Committee; have helped in classrooms, field trips, Character Education, judged Karaoke for Kans, assisted and choreographed dance for the Raymond Panther Cheerleaders, Girl Scout Cookie Mom for Troop 5948, fundraising dhairperson for Girls Franklin Force Fast pitch Organization, State Director for 15 Years for Miss American Coed Pageants as well as staff and choreographer for the national pageant held in Orlando, Fla.
Dawn Peterson
Age: 42
Address: 2344 43rd St., Caledonia
Education: BBA-accounting, UW-Milwaukee, 5/91; Masters-tax, UW-Milwaukee, 5/94
Occupation: Tax director, Robert W. Baird & Co.
Reasons for seeking office: I am a passionate and involved parent. I believe I have necessary qualifications and will bring a new, fresh perspective to the challenges faced by our school district.
Pressing issues: The changes with the state budget have had a significant impact on school districts across Wisconsin. We must continue to think creatively and search for non-traditional funding sources to maintain the high quality education the citizens of Raymond have come to love and expect.
Strengths and experience: One of the things I believe strongly in is open, honest and proactive communication. I hope to enhance the communication channels with the Board, staff, parents, students and community. I have served as the Communication Committee Chair for the Finance Department at Baird for the past 4 years, so I will leverage that experience to the best of my ability.
Previous political experience: none
Organizations that I have been or are a part of: WICPA member, AICPA member, Tax Executives Institute-WI Chapter Board member, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Troop leader, Cub Scout Troop leader
Steve Wallner
Age: 48
Address: 1818 Crestwood Drive, Caledonia
Education: Bachelor’s degree, social studies; Grades 6-12 education certification, Cardinal Stritch University; Master Education Administration K-12 and higher education, Concordia University; Certified APPA Facilities Professional
Occupation: Interim Director of Student Life, University of Wisconsin–Parkside
Reasons for seeking office: I believe education is the basis for life-long learning. The home and grade school working together creates the foundation and love of learning that is vital for our students to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Pressing issues: Tight budgets will continue. As a school, community and board, we have to continue to examine what we are doing and how we are doing it. Raymond School has been providing an excellent educational base for our children since the 1960s. The community, teachers, administration and school board must continue to work together to make this happen.
Strengths and experience: Serving on the Raymond District 14 Board for the past six years and working in the University setting for more than 23 years has provided me with a knowledge base that covers all the areas within a school environment, from policy development and enforcement; to curriculum development and review; to bonding, planning, construction management, and maintaining facilities; to planning, developing and administering budgets from a variety of sources such as grants, user fees, bonds, and tax dollars; to hiring, evaluating, supervising employees; to working with the large varied needs our students bring to the educational experience.
Previous political experience: Raymond District 14 School Board member since 2006
Organizations: APPA, American Heart Association, Aids Resource Center, Fair Housing Council
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