GILLETT – During the spring primary election on Feb. 17 there will be two open seats on the Gillett School Board that five candidates will be vying for.
The five candidates are Nicole Blaskowski, incumbent board president Jamie J. Heroux, Ben Korth, incumbent board director Nanette Mohr and Elizabeth Telford.
In an effort to give all candidates an opportunity to present their approach to the board of education position, the Peshtigo Times reached out to candidates with a questionnaire form.
In alphabetical order, responses from Mohr and Telford are included in this article.
Why are you running to retain this position?
I wish to continue serving on the Gillett School Board because I believe education is the basis for a strong community. It is important to make sure that all students are provided with access to top-notch educators and a solid curriculum so they are ready for post secondary education or a career.
If re-elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priorities if re-elected will include continuing to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers, leveraging technology to enhance student learning, safety of our schools and support mental health initiatives of our school community.
How will you involve parents and the public?
I believe that we need more community involvement, interacting with our taxpayers and hearing their voice, which is an important part of a successful school district.
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
Curriculum choices for students, especially opportunities for them to work in technical trade programs that offer part-time employment, as well as career planning for students for college, technical school and joining the workforce. As a district we need to make sure we are adjusting the curriculum to meet the demands of the economy and making sure schools are preparing students for all possibilities.
Why are you running for this position?
I have decided to run for Gillett School Board as I truly have a passion for what an inspiring education can provide for our youth. Education is how one can shape and create your own future. Our youth must have leaders that believe in them; no matter what their background may be.
A responsible and growing District can provide the tools and opportunities for students to grow into productive members of their future careers and community. K-12 education is where students are first inspired to have autonomy in their individual growth in learning.
This is where students can be supported by community, including parents, educators, peers, and community by encouraging their positive growth.
If elected, I hope to create a positive and transparent role in our district to help bridge the operations and challenges of the district to all so that we can succeed and inspire both students and community.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Recently, I was involved in the strategic planning. The community is in agreement of the priorities that need to take place within our district. We all come from different life experiences and found ourselves agreeing on the direction the district should head.
My priorities mirror exactly that of our community.
First, focusing on our academics so curriculum is prevailing and relevant for students success and growth. A focus on career readiness that supports students life skills and future careers in the secondary school.
Second, providing a supportive staff environment to ensure high-quality staff, competitive wage compensation, and passionate staff for our students.
Third, transparent fiscal responsibility so that the community is aware of the fiscal obligations that face the district to operate and succeed.
Finally, focusing on the learning spaces. Areas are in need of modernization to maintain proper functionality and safety for all that attend our buildings and grounds.
How will you involve parents and the public?
When we first entered the Gillett School District we did not know what to expect. My husband and I were not from Gillett. We were pleasantly surprised at how Mr. Angeli and staff were so warm and quick to welcome us to the school!
I was invited to be a part of the Family Lighthouse Team which helped me to both meet and understand our district and community! We met teachers, students, and other parents. It helped me understand that if I involve myself then I too can be the support, change, or progress that our children’s school may need.
If elected, I would like to be an advocate for parental involvement through the numerous organizations we have or even create new ones with that same type of welcome and opportunity for ALL parents in our district so that parents feel empowered and supported!
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
Students now face pressures of technology, social media, challenging socioeconomic factors, and many other hurdles. The world has changed a lot in the last 10 years. We need to be realistic of both academics and the actual challenges students have in and out of school that affect our school environments and their success. Students need to know their education is where they can build a positive and healthy life for themselves, regardless of their situation. They need to know we support them!
I would like to support this by assessing what challenges students are facing in our district and work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, parents, our student resource officer, counselors, and community to evaluate what we have in place and what we need to implement to better support our students for a healthy life, full of self esteem and success!
Our students success is what shapes the world ahead.
Responses from Heroux and Korth were published last week in the Peshtigo Times. Blaskowski did not respond to the questionnaire.
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