February’s main decreased a area of eight candidates to 6 forward of subsequent Tuesday’s election for the Kiel Board of Education.
Incumbents Dan Dietrich, Philip Schaefer and Tony Johannes are all in search of re-election. Their seats are being challenged by Diana Sitzman-Schaefer, Jamie Henschel and Mike Joas.
Following are the replies of every candidate to a candidate survey offered to them by the Tri-County News. Their replies are printed in their entirety as equipped to the Tri-County News. The order in which their replies are printed was decided by a random drawing carried out by News workers.
Tony Johannes
Tony Johannes is employed as a math instructor at Sheboygan North High School. He mentioned, “My wife Cary and I have two children, and our family loves the community of Kiel. Addy is a ninth grader attending Kiel High School and Elise is a third grader at Zielanis Elementary School. My daughters enjoy soccer, basketball acting and music. This means I have had the opportunity to volunteer to coach their teams or help in other ways as needed.”
In October, Johannes was chosen to hitch the Kiel Area School District Board of Education. Asked about his {qualifications} for being a great board member, he mentioned, “For 25 years, I have served the students and families of Sheboygan as a math teacher. In that role I have worked as North’s Math Department chair, city wide math chair, numerous committee heads and led various curriculum adoptions. I have also served as my church’s president and pastoral relations chairperson. In all of my leadership positions, I manage budgets of various sizes, I strive to build consensus with all decisions and I communicate openly and transparently.”
As for points he perceives are dealing with the district, Johannes mentioned, “The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone including our students. At a recent School Board meeting our counselors shared the challenges they are facing on a daily basis and how overwhelmed everyone is feeling. Our students cannot succeed academically if they are struggling with various mental health challenges. I believe it is vital for the district to assess our current needs and find ways to provide additional training for current staff and add additional counselor(s) or social worker(s) as needed.”
He added, “The recent state report card reflected great academic success at both Zielanis Elementary School and Kiel Middle School; however, it also showed we need to assess our practices at the high school and take steps to ensure our growth and academic achievement increase. I believe it is important that we ensure our graduates are career and college ready. This means we need to continue to develop our relationships with area businesses. Additionally, we need to make sure our students are meeting the benchmarks for academic success at the college level. This includes college prep classes, volunteer opportunities and involvement in clubs and other extracurricular activities.”
Johannes added, “Recognizing a challenge is important, but also having the ability to formulate solutions while working as a team is just as vital. During my time as an educator and my time on the Kiel Area School District’s Board of Education, I believe I have shown the ability to do both. I am excited to continue that work if elected.”
Mike Joas
Mike Joas was born and raised in Kiel and is a graduate of Kiel High School. He married his highschool sweetheart in 2001. They have remained in the Kiel Area School District and are elevating two sons.
He attended a number of commerce faculty applications to advance his data in the household enterprise. During his senior 12 months, he began managerial duties and in 2002 he took over the reins of the enterprise from his mother and father. The enterprise—Joe’s Auto Body Tractor—simply marked 50 years in enterprise in 2021. During the years in enterprise, Mike and his household have adjusted to the modifications of the business and targeted on their ardour for tractor restoration.
Mike and his father have grown a enterprise that reaches far past the Kiel Area School District. The enterprise has finished enterprise with clients in 26 states in addition to Puerto Rico and the Netherlands. As supervisor of the enterprise, Mike has discovered the significance of considering outdoors of the field, adjusting to financial modifications, and listening to his clients. Problem fixing is an day by day process requiring communication all through the provision chain. Additionally, he manages facets of the enterprise funds and the budgets associated to the assorted restorations.
Mike nonetheless finds time to assist and provides again to the group. He has volunteered time to varied native golf equipment and organizations in the Kiel space. He has held workplace positions in the FFA Alumni & Supporters, a neighborhood tractor membership and Holy Trinity in School Hill. He has served one prior time period on the Kiel School Board.
Joas mentioned he spends extra than simply time when working with the group. He and his household donated their time and assets to utterly paint and customise the inside of the Kiel FFA Alumni and Supporters trailer which is seen and utilized by the FFA children at group occasions such because the annual Kiel Picnic.
When free time could be discovered, Joas mentioned he enjoys pastime farming along with his household. The pastime farm contains elevating a beef herd and caring for goats, horses and chickens. The household will even perform a little money cropping annually.
Joas mentioned he cares in regards to the schooling of the group’s kids and continues to take part in the district to carry consciousness to the present board and administration.
He mentioned, “As a life-long community member and local business owner, I feel it is very important for our district to prepare our students for the real world. We have great teachers and staff working in our district. I want everyone to be able to leave the school with an education which makes them a valuable citizen to any community, regardless where they choose to live in the future.
“When talking with the management of our district, the superintendent and the Board of Education, it has become apparent schools are charged with so much more than educating the students. Unfortunately, this has resulted in performance numbers and metrics that concern me. If you look at our five-year State Report Card history trends, it is difficult to find bright spots. Our teacher turnover ratio in our district also needs to be reviewed. Our current performance leaves our students behind as they move into the real world and our teachers frustrated. I want to work with the board to advance our educational goals and figure out what is not working. I do not want anyone to view our district as kicking the can down the road. We need to fix matters now.”
Joas added, (*6*)
Philip Schaefer
Philip Schaefer is employed because the safety supervisor for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He is married to Jolene Schaefer they usually have two sons, Cameron, 11; and Charlie, 8.
Schaefer has been a Board of Education member since 2019. He is also Kiel Baseball Club president/co-president, 2020 to current; coach in the Kiel Baseball Club from 2017 to current; and a Kiel Area Basketball Association coach (sixth grade boys) from 2021 to current.
“Most importantly, my commitment to serving the community, especially kids,” is what Schaefer mentioned about why he’s certified to serve on the board. “I have had a successful career in public service, starting as a sheriff’s deputy and currently working at a community college. I strive to make well thought out decisions that positively affect those I serve. I pride myself in being able to articulate my perspective while listening to the perspective of others. I believe in making decisions based on known facts and understood impact, not on a political or personal agenda.”
Schaefer added, “There are a number of school district issues that are recurring—budget constraints, student success, aging buildings, etc. While the district budget is currently in a positive position, I will continue to work to be sure that money is spent wisely, having a direct impact on student success.
“Another issue is making sure that all are college or career ready. The district continues to partner with colleges and area businesses so that students understand their options, and prepare themselves according. I will continue to support those efforts.
“Last, the community has been divided, as is the nation, by the terrible state of politics. My board decisions will always be based on making sure all kids have an inclusive environment to learn, and not be influenced by politics.
“As a current board member, I have witnessed the tremendous efforts of teachers and staff, sometimes through extremely difficult circumstances, to go above and beyond for kids in this district. I am inspired by those efforts. I am running to continue on the board so that I can support these professionals and provide a work environment where they can be as successful as possible in their continued efforts to positively impact all of our kids and our community as a whole.”
Jamie Henschel
Jamie Henschel has been working for Kohler Company for 29 years.
He began as a bath grinder in the foundry and is at present a supervisor for the Global Power Service constructing.
Henschel has been married to his spouse Heather for 13 years. “I have three kids, Cody, age 29; Wyatt, 9; and Hailey, 2,” Jamie mentioned. “Wyatt has attended Zielanis Elementary for almost five years. We live in School Hill and last year I had the opportunity to coach the Peewee baseball team for the School Hill Athletic Club. We are members of the St. James UCC Church in Spring Valley and I currently hold a leadership role on the Educational Board for the church. I also am a part of the Land Committee for the Township of Meeme.
“My daily tasks as a supervisor are to communicate and organize the needs of the business. To oversee the employees, provide guidance, support, identify needs and manage the relationship between staff and the organization. Most importantly, help people become successful and provide ongoing, timely feedback. I think these traits would transfer well as a member of the School Board.
“An important issue in the Kiel School District are the below average scores in the Elementary and High School. We need to identify where we are failing and address these issues. If the teachers need help, we need to address it now—not next year. If our teachers ask for help, we need to react. If we do not, we are letting the students down and just passing it on to the next year. This is not acceptable. Our students should be our number-one priority.
“There needs to be more transparency in the School Board. People aren’t being heard. They refuse to answer questions from the people that elected them. They ignore what the community wants and asks for. It’s time for a change.
“Why should you vote for me? I’m a person that can’t sit back and watch things fail. Watching the Kiel School District fail is not an option for me. I will lead and drive results. Below-average scores are not acceptable and our teachers and students deserve better.
“If we need to have a meeting every week to resolve the issues, then that is what we need to do. All hands on deck. We need to celebrate our wins but also identify and then resolve our failures.
“Our community is full of great people and leaders. We need to let them give suggestions, we need to listen and collaborate with them. All voices need to be heard. Communication is number one. We all have the same goals. Let’s help our kids to succeed.”
Diana Sitzman Schaefer
Diana Sitzman Schaefer is a homemaker however beforehand labored in gaming regulation, inside auditing, actual property and substitute educating.
She has been married to retired Navy Master Chief Jason Schaefer since 1997. They have two sons. Ocean, 14, attends Between The Lakes Virtual Academy and Lucian, 12, attends Kiel Middle School. Diana’s mother and father are Ron and Carol Sitzman of Kiel and Danie (Doyle) and the late Kent Wilson of Sheboygan.
“We moved to Kiel in 2018 so our boys could grow up with their cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles,” she mentioned. “Over the years, I have served my communities as a board member for various church, professional and HOA organizations and volunteered in various other capacities. For example, in Memphis, I organized community service and fundraising projects within my company to benefit the students at an economically disadvantaged elementary school and a local community center. In Pensacola I organized a community service project for military members to assist local residents. Most recently I’ve volunteered to tutor here in Kiel.”
Schaefer has not beforehand held public workplace. She mentioned, “As a military spouse for the past 24 years, we moved every three to five years so public office was not an option.”
Asked about her {qualifications} which might make her a great faculty board member, Schaefer mentioned, “Educationally, I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Business Administration. I have lived in five states as well as Japan, and Kiel is the fourth school district my boys have attended. While living in Washington State, I worked with several tribes in casino gaming regulation, licensing and related consulting. In Tennessee and Nevada, I worked in the Corporate Internal Audit Department of Harrah’s and Caesars Entertainment where I initially led financial and operational compliance and control audits and eventually managed the Information Technology Audit Services team out of Las Vegas, assessing risk, performing audits, advising on project management and system development teams, and implementing and managing audit systems and providing training and support to our teams. I am a licensed real estate agent in Florida and while in Japan and Kiel I substitute taught in the middle and high schools gaining insight into today’s classrooms and the opportunities and challenges faced by students and teachers. I feel that my diversity of experiences and related skills would provide alternate and valuable perspectives to the Board of Education.”
As for her notion of points dealing with the Kiel Area School District, Schaefer mentioned, “I feel the most important issue presently facing the district is the lack of proficiency demonstrated in Math and English at the High School. Our DPI School Report Card overall score of 50.3 is essentially a failing grade. I am concerned that approximately 85 students scored “below basic” in math final 12 months and but our commencement charges are very excessive. Short time period, I’d say we have to establish the scholars who want additional instruction and supply it, probably throughout Raider time, earlier than they graduate. Long time period, we have to establish the basis causes of the problems and implement modifications to handle them. One of these challenges is psychological well being and I’m glad to see the district taking steps to handle that. I’d see the subsequent step to be gathering suggestions from college students and lecturers as to the opposite challenges they every face in their classroom efforts, akin to educational and behavioral expectations and requirements, and classroom disruptions and distractions.
“CRT is also a current issue. It is a hot topic nationally, people understand it differently, and it divides many. For myself, I simply want to see the district take a stance against divisive teaching methods and materials. Kids should not be taught that they are inherently victims or victimizers, oppressed or oppressors, based on skin color. Teach them history and alternate perspective; don’t make them the cause of the problem but guide all of them to being part of the solution. If people don’t feel that this is currently an issue, what harm is there in proactively taking steps to ensure it doesn’t become one?
“Finally, I don’t believe we are sufficiently challenging all of the students. Standards-based grading sets the bar at a 3 (which is a B or better), allows multiple attempts to get there, and recognizes straight 3’s as high honor roll. Consequently, many kids don’t see a reward for getting there the first time, consistent recognition for exceeding the standard, or even the value in working harder or going above and beyond. The KASD Mission includes, ‘Everyone must be challenged to reach their full potential.’ I do not believe this is happening. I feel that we need to raise the bar for our kids; set higher expectations and rewards, rules and natural consequences. They will rise to the challenge.”
Schaefer added, “I am running for the KASD BOE to do what I can to ensure my sons, my niece and nephews, their friends, and all the kids in our community are provided the best education we can give them to adequately prepare them for whatever path they desire to follow in life.”
Dan Dietrich
Dan Dietrich is employed as a part-time supply driver. He has a daughter Ashley—a Kiel High School graduate—and two grandsons.
Dietrich served on the City of Kiel Planning Commission for 18 years. He is at present serving on the Kiel Area School District Board of Education and has for the previous 21 years.
Asked about his {qualifications} to be a great School Board member, Dietrich mentioned, “I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and taught high school. I have 21 years of School Board experience.
“I have good communication skills and excellent listening abilities. I am fully prepared to discuss items on the meeting agenda and make decisions based on what’s best for our students. I continue to gain professional development by attending school board workshops, etc. to keep current with educational trends. I’ve owned a business and understand the financial responsibilities of good fiscal management.”
As for points he believes are presently dealing with the KASD, Dietrich offered them as follows:
Issue—The social and emotional well being and nicely being of our college students and workers because of the COVID pandemic.
Solution—Provide onsite counseling providers and rent acceptable certified workers to reinforce protection utilizing ESS grant funds. “We want to support and provide appropriate staff development for all our staff members,” he mentioned.
Issue—Increasing take a look at scores at the highschool.
Solution—Approve knowledgeable improvement plan to enhance ACT and pupil achievement at the highschool.
Issue—Continual fiscal administration to maintain a balanced finances.
Solution—Prudent use of funds from faculty help funding and U.S. authorities applications; cautious use of 840 monies. Prudent administration of our self-funded medical insurance premiums.
Issue—Eliminating bullying and harassment of college students
Solution—“We are working with an outside entity toward eliminating bullying and harassment in the district.”
Dietrich added, “The current board was an early participant in establishing a virtual charter school for on-line learning and added the Between the Lakes Academy for 4K-12 coverage (have 25 partnering districts). We have increased our partnerships with local businesses, industry and trade entities and Lakeshore Technical College. Refurbished the high school athletic complex and built a new Performing Arts Center from an approved referendum. Are supporting and carrying out a strategic plan which was built by the community. We openly live stream all board meetings and district events, thus keeping transparency. We’re going to have a Boys and Girls Club at the Middle School. We have created a Community Response Team. We support and collaborate with the community on a volunteer program to help the kids. We take a ‘Kid First’ mentality when making decisions.’”