Waterford Graded candidates make their case for election

Waterford Graded candidates

make their case for election

Tom Hoffman

Age: 37

Address: 420 Whippletree Lane, Waterford

Occupation: Managing partner, Dealer Dynamics, Pewaukee

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business and administration, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

Political experience: None

Organizations: Youth coach for football, basketball, soccer and baseball

___________________

Jordan Karweik

Age: 26

Address: 511 Fairview Circle, Waterford

Occupation: Owner and insurance professional, JK Insurance Solutions

Education: Associate’s degree, Milwaukee Area Technical College; graduate, Waterford Union High School

Political experience: None

Organizations: 19 years, Brown’s Lake Aquaducks member, 3 years as board member; current chapter president, Historic Burlington Business Association; member, Republican Party of Racine

By Patricia Bogumil

Editor

Tom Hoffman and Jordan Karweik are two candidates who offer different outlooks on what is needed to effectively serve the community and its children by serving on the Waterford Graded School Board.

They seek election to a school board seat currently held by Paul Beyerl, who is not seeking re-election.

Their thoughts on which issues they feel are important to the Waterford Graded district and school board, as well as why each feels he is the stronger candidate for the position, follow.

Tom Hoffman

• The issues. We must keep the tax money we are currently sending to other school districts here in WGSD.

For those unaware, taxpayers have already lost more than $3 million over the last 5 years by not having a 4K program. I will finish the work I began nine months ago as a citizen by finalizing the implementation of a district-wide 4K program. Our community must reap the rewards of additional services and a projected increase of more than $900,000 per year in additional state aid.

I will do everything I can to make sure 4K is implemented responsibly and use the existing preschool centers wherever possible.

While increased revenue from a 4K program will be a start, we need to do more to prepare our community for the budget deficits projected by the current administration.

We must take proactive steps now or we will be forced to raise taxes exponentially just to keep the District afloat. This is not an acceptable option for me.

To begin repairing the school board’s fractured relationship with our teachers, I will recommend that the district form a permanent Teacher Advisory Panel.  The panel would meet directly with the school board and provide input in the decision making process.

For a better understanding of the morale issues afflicting our schools and the rash of teacher resignations, I will recommend that an employee survey be completed for the entire district.  Until we understand the full scope of the problem, we are unable to determine the best course of action to resolve it.

Finally, I will work to reverse the board’s recent changes to the requirements for citizen input. These changes are clearly designed to stifle community input – which is exactly what the Board needs more of. I will promote school board openness by acknowledging concerns publicly and discussing these issues as much as possible in open session.

      • The candidates. In contrast to my opponent, I have the experiences that matter most for this position. I have a Bachelor of Business degree and more than 15 years as an established, successful business owner.

I am a parent of a WGSD student with three more who will attend soon.

I was raised here and have been a Waterford homeowner and property taxpayer for more than 7 years.

I did not suddenly start to show up at school board meetings after announcing my candidacy, but have been involved throughout 2013.

My motivation to run has no hidden agenda. It is based on the desire for what’s best for the community’s children, improving relationships and inviting new dialogue from anyone who desires to contribute.

I’m not interested in promoting a political party’s ideology or jump-starting a career in politics. My history of regularly attending board meetings and trying to solve problems as a citizen long before running for this position show that my intentions to earn a seat on the WGSD board are sincere.

When choosing a candidate, please compare our experience, contributions, commitment and the veracity of our ideas while making a decision.

Jordan Karweik

      • The issues. The most pressing issue is the Common Core curriculum. I support keeping control and accountability at the local level. Relinquishing control to the federal level is a bad path to follow.

As many of the parents can see, Common Core is not providing the high standards that the Waterford Graded School District is accustomed to. I will work for the children to remove Common Core standards and instill standards that will get children learning the common sense way.

I will talk to teachers, parents, WGSD staff and school board members to find the best curriculum to teach our children. With Common Core gone, the children’s future will be on more solid ground.

Communication is a very important aspect of being a School Board member. I plan to keep avenues open between teachers, administration and taxpayers. I will make myself available in the school buildings for the teachers. I will be available by phone, e-mail and in person to all the parents and taxpayers. I will make sure that all questions or comments that are asked will be addressed in a timely manner.

I fully support Act 10 and all of the reforms put in place. With Act 10 in place, and with the teachers’ union decertified, we will be able to work better with the staff. Right now there is a lot of uncertainty with the teachers concerning whether or not they will be treated fairly.

When I am elected, I will work to keep lines of communication open between staff, administration and the school board. Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world, educating our children. With Act 10, teachers no longer have to pay money to the union bosses. Outstanding teachers can be rewarded for their hard work. With Act 10, the district has more flexibility in how your tax dollars are used.

Bottom line, I will try hard to balance the needs of the children, taxpayers and employees of the Waterford Graded School District.

      • The candidates. I would like to mention a few ways in which I am different from Tom Hoffman, my opponent, but, to be honest, it is hard to tell where he stands on a lot of issues. I do know that politically, I’m on the opposite side of the aisle. I also know that I’m a lot more direct and precise with what my message is and I will let people know where I stand.

As the only Conservative candidate, I will be responsible with taxpayers’ hard-earned money. I will also look out for the best interest of the children, taxpayers and teachers.

Tom Hoffman beat me by 141votes in the primary election. If people want a Conservative to win this election, it is very important that the citizens of Waterford get out and cast a vote for me for the Waterford Graded School Board.

I will work hard for all parties so the best environment for learning exists for the kids. I look forward to helping educate the kids in our great community.