Posted: March 24, 2009 |(0) Comments

David Maass

Age: 58

Occupation: retired network and PC technician at Northwestern Mutual Life

Education: bachelor's in sociology from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Contact: (414) 762-1508; DaveMaass@aol.com

Is block scheduling beneficial?

The traditional class schedule covers the basics. Block scheduling also covers the basics, and it provides the necessary instruction time needed to develop the thinking skills demanded by the marketplace. Although every approach has its limits, block better prepares students to provide for their own families one day.

Is district security adequate?

Security is our first duty. Yes, we have locked doors, staff at key points when children are passing and cameras. More importantly, our schools are dedicated to the safety, growth and nurture of every child. Trust and safety is essential for learning.

Are you open to the possibility of closing a school?

I am opposed for these reasons: Neighborhood schools create life opportunities for children and their families and are an essential aspect for creating and sustaining property values; closing a school would be destabilizing and destructive to the educational process; and the direct and indirect costs of this would be terrible.

What two things would you like to change about the district?

The manner in which the state controls school revenue and expenses is irrational and destructive. Expenses are mandated to exceed revenue. This is unsustainable. Each year, this dynamic results in staff and program reductions. The state created this situation. The state must resolve it.

Grade the School Board.

The board understands and supports the positive initiatives of the district, has a laser-like focus on student achievement and is a prudent fiscal steward of the public dollars. We work to improve the state school finance laws; we need to get better at this.

Kathee Molus

Age: 46

Occupation: accountant and owner of Molus Accounting; picture frame designer and owner of FastFrame in Kenosha

Education: bachelor's in accounting from Marquette University

Contact: (414) 762-6134; rmolus@wi.rr.com

Is block scheduling beneficial? Block scheduling enables students to concentrate on only four subjects a term. Students can take more classes in a specified area. However, 90 minutes is a long time to hold students' attention. Subject continuity is broken by seven months between semesters. Yet to be determined is overall student performance.

Is district security adequate?

Yes. However, we live in societies where uncontrollable events occur. We need to be aware of our surroundings, having safety plans of action in place and practiced in the case of an unfortunate event. We need to listen to children, making sure they have support and knowledge that someone cares.

Are you open to the possibility of closing a school?

Yes, only if it is beneficial to the children and community. Large class size would negate any benefits of school closure.

What two things would you like to change about the district?

We need to open the lines of communication more so between administration, staff and parents. The Web site needs to be updated with timely information, perhaps through students involved in Web site design. We need to control cuts to extracurricular activities as these areas promote a well-rounded, educational experience.

Grade the School Board.

The board receives an average "C." Cuts to unnecessary expenditures have finally occurred. However, until change and reform come to state laws and unions realize the tough economic times we are in, the School Board has had their hands tied in the areas we as parents complain the most about.

Nick Szablewski

Age: 37

Occupation: purchasing (contractor)

Education: South Milwaukee High School graduate, one year of police science at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Contact: (414) 698-5022; nickszablewski@aol.com

Is block scheduling beneficial?

No. I think that it is less beneficial because studies have shown attention spans and retention for learning is approximately 50 minutes for students. Block scheduling would increase class times, causing students to lose interest and possibly become disruptive if they lose interest and become bored.

Is district security adequate?

Yes. Overall, security is adequate but may need minor adjustments to improve it.

Are you open to the possibility of closing a school?

No. Schools are reducing the number of teachers to help balance their budgets; that would increase class sizes and make the environment worse for the teachers and students. Schools should try and maintain a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio.

What two things would you like to change about the district?

I would change how the state distributes funding to the district. I feel the district would receive more money than it is currently receiving. I would separate the middle and high school. I feel the influence of older students could make younger students copy what they see, creating potential danger.

Grade the School Board.

"C+." I think the current School Board is doing a decent job with what they have. If the state would change how the schools get their funding, the School Board would be able to get more accomplished.

Zach Wisniewski

Age: 33

Occupation: probation and parole agent, domestic violence specialist with Department of Corrections

Education: bachelor's in social work from UW-Whitewater

Contact: (414) 303-8310; campaign@votezach.com

Is block scheduling beneficial?

I believe block scheduling is beneficial to students. High schools utilizing block scheduling have noticed a number of advantages, including fewer failing grades, less time lost in hallways between classes, reduced drop-out rates, more time for teacher planning, and most importantly, more time for student-teacher interaction.

Is district security adequate?

In light of recent events at South Milwaukee High School, I think the district's security policy needs to be evaluated to ensure it's adequately protecting students. I'd also like to see more done to get parents talking to their children about resolving conflict appropriately and acting as good citizens.

Are you open to the possibility of closing a school?

I'm open to the possibility of a school closure, depending on the circumstances surrounding a closure and the reasons behind it. For example, I'd only support a school closure if a closure wouldn't negatively impact students or the quality of their education while providing a tangible benefit to the district.

What two things would you like to change about the district?

First, I'd change the way the district's budget is handled. Instead of continuing to cut from the bottom up, I'd look to balance the budget from the top down. Second, I'd work to open up more effective lines of communication between administrators, the School Board, students and parents.

Grade the School Board.

"C." I understand the School Board has a difficult task in balancing the budget and ensuring children receive a quality education, but I think our board has done an average job in that respect.