MARINETTE – During the spring primary election on Feb. 17 there will be three open seats on the Marinette Board of Education that seven candidates will be vying for.
The seven candidates are Justine Braatz, incumbent board president Brian Ceranski, incumbent board member Tom Faller, Cyndee Giebler, incumbent board member Rose O’Hara, Jamie Richardson and Kurt Uecke.
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 Braatz, Ceranski, Faller and Giebler can be found in this issue.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for Marinette School Board because I am committed to Marinette’s future and care deeply about our schools and the community they serve. Marinette has been home most of my life, and where I chose to raise my family. I’m a Marinette High School graduate, and I’ve been involved in our schools as a parent, coach, teacher, and administrator. I’ve seen our schools from many angles and understand both the strengths we can build on and the challenges we need to address. I want to give back to the district that helped shape me and help make our schools even stronger for future generations. I believe students deserve a strong education close to home, and families and community members should feel confident in their local schools.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priority is student success. As a Board member, I am committed to using district resources responsibly to meet the needs of all learners. All students deserve fair access to opportunities, resources, and support—no matter their background or learning needs. I also want to make sure our students are prepared for what comes after graduation, whether that’s college, tech school, a career, or the military. Another priority will be to focus on building strong academics and positive school environments that attract and retain families in Marinette. To accomplish this, I believe in being responsible with taxpayer dollars and making sure resources are used where they have the greatest impact on students. Finally, I will prioritize safe, respectful learning environments with clear expectations so students and staff feel supported and can focus on learning and growth.
How will you involve parents and the public?
I believe schools are strongest when families and the community are involved. As a school board member, I will listen to parents, staff, and community members and value their input. I want families and community members to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and being part of the conversation. Clear communication and transparency are important to building trust. Even when people don’t always agree, they deserve to be heard and respected. I would also like to continue building partnerships with local businesses and industries, helping to create a strong workforce for our community. When schools, parents, and communities work together, students benefit, Marinette benefits.
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
As a school board member, my role is to set policy, establish priorities, and provide oversight to ensure students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally. In the classroom, that means prioritizing strong instruction, especially in reading and math, and ensuring district policies and resources support all student’s learning. The board plays an important role in promoting safe, orderly schools, clear expectations, and access to activities that help students feel connected and engaged. The board also ensures the district prioritizes student services and regularly reviews data to determine whether systems are working effectively. I will listen to educators, families, and students and use their input, along with data, to guide board decisions. Keeping student needs at the center of district policy and oversight is essential to student success.
Why are you running to retain this position?
To continue to serve the residents, families, and children of the Marinette School District.
If re-elected, what will be your top priorities?
Only one top priority, to advance the education of all children, to the highest potential of each student.
How will you involve parents and the public?
Transparency, straight forward honest communication and dialogue.
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
This school district provides multiple opportunities, for all students, from band, science, tech ed, to access to credited classes at NWTC, and UW-Greenbay. A robust focus on early literacy, to school clubs and athletics, we have high quality teachers and Administrators, and hopefully by February, we will have a new Superintendent to replace the retiring Corry Lambie, to lead this District forward. I will continue to serve this community.
Why are you running to retain this position?
For the past 10 years I have been committed to faithfully serving the Marinette School District and am proud of the good work the board has accomplished. School districts and school boards face many important and complex challenges today. I believe it is imperative that school boards address these issues thoughtfully and collaboratively, working toward well-informed decisions that best serve our students and community.
The primary goal of the Marinette School District is to ensure that, upon graduation, all students are prepared to pursue college, technical education, military service, or career-ready employment. Our schools help shape our future leaders—accountants, attorneys, mechanics, nurses, physicians, police officers, scientists, teachers, welders, and more. In short, they are our future.
I encourage you to cast your ballot based on which candidates you believe will best represent your interests—and the interests of our students, parents, families, and community.
If re-elected, what will be your top priorities?
To provide educational excellence for all our students, regardless of background, individuality, or career aspirations, we must continue to foster an environment that supports our students.
Our schools have made meaningful progress in reducing absenteeism and increase our students sense of belonging, we must be committed to continuing these efforts. Our educators and staff do a tremendous job preparing our students for their future; as a district, we must ensure they are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to provide the high-quality education our students deserve.
Additionally, we must continue to strengthen partnerships with our community, businesses, industry, and academic institutions to expand educational opportunities and support students in achieving their future goals.
How will you involve parents and the public?
I have always believed that elected officials are accountable to those they are elected to represent. The ideas and concerns voiced by our stakeholders are necessary and valuable in building community and consensus. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to listen to the thoughts, concerns, and ideas as they relate to our district and the education of our students.
Our district actively seeks input through newsletters, surveys, and listening sessions, all of which are invaluable during the decision-making process. Our monthly school board meetings are open meetings and the public is invited and encouraged to attend to hear firsthand the issues being addressed and the rationale behind board decisions.
There are some matters, due to confidentiality or legal restrictions, board members are unable to discuss, I appreciate your understanding of these limitations. I am always available and willing to discuss your issues and concerns to the extent I am able.
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
One of the district’s goals is to strengthen the sense of belonging for our students, educators, and staff. I believe a strong sense of belonging is fundamental to student success, motivation, and overall well-being. When students feel valued, safe, and connected to their school community, they are better positioned to thrive academically and socially.
Our educators and staff work diligently to foster this sense of community by building strong relationships and creating welcoming learning environments that address the needs of all students.
The district also provides essential student services, including social-emotional learning, Title I support, academic and social interventions, and comprehensive special education services. It is critical that we continue to offer and strengthen these supports for our students and families.
Why are you running for this position?
I have dedicated my life to education. I believe Marinette Schools are one of our area’s finest assets. I am committed to contributing to the school’s continued success. I understand there are challenges: As a person who cares deeply about education, if elected, I can offer a perspective that will be of service to the district, its students, and the community. I will be dedicated and objective in my role as a Board of Education member.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priorities as a school board member are to make sure students have a vibrant, challenging curriculum, strong opportunities for career readiness, and a school team that feels supported every day. I want students to be excited about what they’re learning and to build the skills they need to think deeply and creatively. I also believe in giving students clear pathways for life after graduation—whether that means college, technical training, or heading straight into a career—along with real-world experiences that help them explore their interests. And none of this is possible without great teachers and staff.
As a Board member, I will prioritize decisions that ensure our staff have the resources, training, and encouragement they need to help students succeed.
How will you involve parents and the public?
I value strong connections with families and the community, and to that end, I plan to encourage the administration and Board to work closely with PTAs/PTOs, booster clubs, and local organizations. I will support virtual meetings, as well as in-person opportunities, so everyone can participate in the way that works best for them. I will make it a priority to attend school events and attend meetings I’m invited to, to listen, learn, and better understand the needs of our students and families.
To keep participation Board activities accessible, I support offering Zoom, and sharing meeting recordings and clear summaries for those who can’t join live. I will bring the perspective I hear from constituents to the Board table for discussion.
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
I believe the Board must focus its work on providing a supportive environment. Our decisions should focus on hiring and retaining excellent staff, working with the administration to direct our financial resources toward providing the support students need, and monitoring student opportunities and achievement to assure we are meeting the expectations of families, businesses, and community members. This should be a collaborative effort.
Responses from O’Hara, Richardson and Uecke will be published next week in the Peshtigo Times.
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