GILLET – Three out of four candidates for Gillett School Board provided information to the Peshtigo Times. Incumbent Robin Banaszynski declined to respond.
Why are you running?
I am running for the Gillett School Board because I am a lifelong resident of this community with a deep commitment to education. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the importance of providing students with a quality education that not only equips them with academic knowledge but also prepares them to be engaged and responsible citizens. I believe in the power of education to shape the future of our community, and I want to ensure that we continue to provide our students with the best opportunities for success. Serving on the school board would allow me to contribute to the continued growth and improvement of our schools, ensuring that they meet the needs of both students and the broader community.
What are your top priorities?
As a member of the Gillett School Board, my top priorities will focus on fostering an environment that supports the success of both our students and staff.
First, I am dedicated to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the next step in their lives, whether they are entering the workforce, joining the military, attending technical college or pursuing a four-year university degree. It is crucial that our students leave Gillett School District equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen paths.
Second, I believe that providing our staff with a positive and supportive work environment is essential. Our educators and staff are integral to the success of our students, and they deserve a place of employment that is conducive to their professional growth and personal well-being.
Lastly, I am committed to ensuring that the community fully supports and understands the goals and needs of the Gillett School District. Open communication and strong community involvement are essential for creating an educational environment that benefits both our students and the wider community.
How do you measure success in education?
As an educator and community member, I firmly believe that success in education is best measured by the progress and growth of students throughout their educational journey. It is important that we focus not only on academic achievements but also on the development of essential skills, personal growth and the preparation of students for their future endeavors.
What qualifications do you bring?
I am proud to be a lifelong resident of the Gillett community, and I bring with me 25 years of experience as an educator with the Suring School District. This long-standing connection to the community and my deep understanding of the educational landscape give me a unique perspective on the needs and opportunities within our schools. My experience in education has reinforced my passion for fostering academic excellence, and I am committed to ensuring that the Gillett School District continues to thrive and provide the best possible learning environment for our students.
How would you involve parents and the public in the discussions?
I believe in the importance of fostering open communication between the school district, parents and the broader community. I am committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. To achieve this, I would prioritize maintaining open lines of communication through various channels, including emails, phone calls and face-to-face conversations. By being accessible and transparent, I aim to create an environment where the public and parents feel informed, involved and empowered in the decision-making process.
Why are you running?
As the parent of two children of the Gillett School District (a recent 2024 graduate and a current freshman in high school), I’ve always been actively engaged in their education. I believe that, as a district, we owe it to our children to provide them with the best education possible and that all children and parents should have a voice within our district.
What are your top priorities?
My top priorities include financial transparency, academic accountability and advocacy for students and parents who feel they are not able to have a voice within our district.
How do you measure success in education?
I believe that success shouldn’t be measured just by test scores. Success is measured throughout every facet of a student’s educational experience. hen a school year ends, students and parents should be able to look back and feel pride at what they’ve accomplished.
What qualifications do you bring?
I’m an invested resident of the Gillett community. Both of my children are Gillett Tigers, and my husband is a born-and-raised Gillett Tiger. I’m currently an employee with Schneider National for the past 27 years. I graduated from University of Wisconsin Green Bay with a Bachelor of Science Degree and hold certificates from Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College in Emergency Medical Technician and Advance Emergency Medical Technician.
I’ve been a volunteer with Gillett Area Ambulance for the past 29 years and currently hold positions as a board member and secretary/treasurer, Certified American Heart Association - CPR Instructor and member of the Oconto County Rescue Task Force. My past volunteerism includes co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 4724, Gillett Diamond Club – secretary and leader of St. John’s Lutheran Church Christian Education Team.
I’ve spent my entire career working in various roles requiring team dynamics and decision- making. I feel these skills make me the perfect candidate for the Gillett School Board.
How would you involve parents and the public in the discussions?
Open dialog is essential to success. Clarity and transparency will ensure understanding between parents, the public and the school board. I would encourage students, parents and the public to attend events and meetings. If unable, reach out to your school board members to communicate your thoughts and concerns. Change can only happen if people communicate and advocate for their school district.
Why am I running for school board?
I’m running to aid in making Gillett School District be a School of Choice. Residents of Gillett need to be proud of their school system and what it offers to the community. Ensuring there is a strong curriculum for student growth and great teachers and staff to work with our students will be key. I have met with Nathan Hanson to understand his vision moving forward as the new school superintendent and believe his work with the school board will be positive.
When we moved to Gillett, our youngest daughter was a junior in high school. It was a tough decision to move with only two years remaining, but we chose Gillett over other schools. To this day, it was the best decision we made. She had teachers that truly cared about her education, students were welcoming, and it was a truly great experience. I have five grandchildren attending Gillett today in all three school levels and I want to ensure they have that same experience.
What are your top priorities?
One of my first priorities will be to fully understand where the school district is at financially, academically and with enrollment. The school budget will be a focus as we move forward, knowing we will need community support to keep the school district moving forward.
Student education via a strong curriculum to help each student succeed in each grade level and their future also is a priority. I will work with our school board, staff and teachers to create a school district where parents want their children to attend versus open enrollment in other districts. This begins by listening to understand the concerns and the reasons parents are sending their children to surrounding school districts or thinking of doing so.
How do you measure success in education?
Success in education is seeing each student wanting to attend school to learn and participate in school activities. Most importantly, it is ensuring all students are receiving a great education at all levels. It also is seeing parents proud of how their children are progressing in their education.
Parents interacting with teachers and staff in a positive manner will show Gillett’s success in education. I believe there are four key parts to a child’s education: a strong curriculum for each grade, quality of our teachers, the student’s willingness to learn and active participation of the parents and family.
What qualifications do you bring?
The qualifications I will bring to the school board will be leadership skills, ability to listen to understand, drive for a resolution or solutions to areas of concern, and accountability through honest communication and trust. I am not afraid to challenge the status quo for a positive change or resolution. I believe in open and honest communication, which will be needed as the school district moves forward in the coming years. I believe my work experience at US Energy / US Venture of over 30 years in a leadership, team development and customer service role allowed me to develop those skills.
How would you involve parents and the public in the discussions?
I will encourage the residents of Gillett School District to attend School Board Meetings, ask questions and seek to understand what is going on in their schools. I’ll encourage parents to be a part of their child’s education, knowing they can ask questions and gaining an understanding of how they can help their child succeed.
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