RICE LAKE, Wis. (WJMC) — Four seats are up for election April 1 for the Rice Lake Area School District Board of Education and six candidates are running.
Four new candidates are Andrew Kopp, Josh Royes, Lori Zahrbock and Lannah Schulz. Two incumbent candidates are Phil Henkel and Miriam Vavra.
We interviewed each candidate, asking why they are running, why residents should vote for them and what issues they find important for the school district.
Henkel said student success after school was focus.
“I’m a big promoter of career- and tech-ed because I think–the high cost of living–that’s something that’s essential for students to know so they can defray the cost of living when they get out,” Henkel said.
Vavra said one of her goals was make sure the district was desirable for students and families.
“Obviously declining enrollment is a concern so being on the Building and Grounds Committee I feel I can have a part in keeping our buildings top notch, but also bringing in new facilities that are going to draw people into our school district,” Vavra said.
Royes said student achievement and teacher retention his focus.
“I think that we need to keep our teachers and give them the support that they need to have autonomy in their role and continue to grow and enjoy their role. And naturally that will cascade down into student outcomes,” Royes said.
Zahrbock said student safety and opportunity were important.
“Those things that are good for our kids but also be careful in what we allow for them, like technology and things like that,” Zahrbock said. “I believe that we need to ensure a high quality education for all of our kids but also make sure we are creating invincibility and supporting policies that support success for everyone.”
Kopp said keeping up with new technology, like AI, and its implications, was important for students entering a future workforce.
“So I think as a school district, we need to stay in front of that technological curve. Making sure our students are well prepared for the ethical use of AI in schools,” Kopp said.
Schulz said she would focus on declining enrollment and teacher turnover.
“The teachers, the students, the families, the parents have a voice in this community. They need someone who will listen to them and get to the real line of questioning that we need to research,” Schulz said.
Listen to the interviews on the Northwest Now news website, click the link below.
The election is April 1.
