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 O’Hara, Richardson and Uecke.
Why are you running to retain this position?
As a member of the Marinette School District Board, I remain steadfast in my commitment to advancing educational excellence and fostering a supportive environment for educators. Above all, I am dedicated to advocating for equitable state funding and implementing policies that prioritize student achievement. Ensuring that every student is provided with the necessary resources and opportunities to excel academically is at the core of my continued service to the community.
If re-elected, what will be your top priorities?
Promote Student Achievement: Ensure every student receives the support and resources needed to excel academically and personally.
Close Educational Gaps: Focus on reducing disparities for students with disabilities and those facing economic challenges, so all students have equal opportunities for success.
Support Teachers: Provide educators with the tools, training, and resources necessary to foster a positive learning environment.
Advocate for Equitable Funding: Work with state officials to secure fair and sufficient funding for our schools.
Ensure School Safety: Maintain and enhance safety measures to protect students and staff.
Student Internship: Connect students interested in local internships with the outstanding local businesses our community has to offer, giving them valuable real-world experiences and strengthening these partnerships.
How will you involve parents and the public?
At Marinette Schools, we believe that education is a partnership between families, staff and our wider community. Every year, we host a community conversation to listen to your ideas and concerns, ensuring our schools reflect what matters most to Marinette families.
Our family engagement nights, held at every school level, are designed to welcome parents and community members, creating spaces where everyone feels at home.
Keep parents and community informed through regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, our website and our school newsletter. Encourage community attendance at concerts, school events, board meetings and academic showcases. Your presence makes these moments more special.
Together, we can shape a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
I BELIEVE:
Every child deserves equal educational opportunities for success.
Every child should be prepared for a sustainable career by continuing their education. This could be achieved by expanding partnerships with technical colleges, universities, military recruiters, and employers to strengthen career-readiness pathways.
Every child needs to attend school regularly. Chronic absenteeism needs to be addressed through collaboration with parents and students.
Marinette Schools should offer a variety of educational opportunities that will address the needs of all students. This would include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math).
We have students with diverse backgrounds, such as economic, cultural and educational.
Not one size fits all. We need to provide the resources that help each and every student succeed.
I will continue to advocate for additional state funding to provide the highest level of excellence for our children.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for this position because I’m deeply invested in the future of our schools and our community. As a parent of three Marinette Marines with lifelong roots here, the success of the district directly impacts my family. Additionally, my professional experience at Samuel—a local organization that supports the skilled trades and careers in manufacturing—provides a firsthand perspective on the skills and preparation students need for life after graduation. For those reasons, I am committed to supporting our schools and our community and working diligently for the future of Marinette.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
If elected, my top priorities will be centered on what matters most for our students and our community. I will focus on supporting student achievement and ensuring every student is prepared for life after graduation.
I will also prioritize collaborating with administration to assure teachers and staff have modern classrooms with relevant technology that enhances learning. Just as important, I will remain fiscally responsible and respectful of all taxpayers. Strong schools and responsible budgeting must go hand in hand.
Above all, my goal is to make decisions that benefit students and reflect the values of the entire community.
How will you involve parents and the public?
It starts with listening. As a board member, I understand that I am one of nine people who must work together to make decisions in the best interest of students, staff, families and the community. I will encourage parents and community members to share ideas, concerns, and perspectives through meetings and open communication channels. Strong schools require strong partnerships. I’m committed to ensuring families and the public are heard, respected, and involved in the decisions that shape our district.
Beyond formal conversations, I am accessible and open to feedback from parents and the community. As a parent of three active children in the Marinette School District, I’m regularly at school events and activities, which give me frequent opportunities to hear directly from others and keep “my finger on the pulse” so to speak. Those insights give me a well-rounded perspective that I will bring that to the boardroom.
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
Supporting students in and out of the classroom starts with setting priorities and making financial decisions that put their needs first. As a board member, my responsibility is to set policies to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and after graduation.
That means collaborating with other board members and the administration to ensure that inside the classroom, teachers and staff have the right tools, resources, and support to deliver the best possible education.
Outside the classroom, we need to strengthen real world learning opportunities. As students approach graduation, partnerships with local businesses can provide hands-on experience and work-based learning. This is something I’m particularly passionate about, because our community offers many pathways for students to build skills before entering the workforce or continuing their education. I will be an advocate in the community to strengthen the partnership between the schools and local businesses.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this position because I am committed to ensuring the future success of our district and its students. I believe education is the foundation upon which every child’s growth and potential is built. As a community, we have a responsibility to provide not only academic excellence but also an environment that fosters emotional, social, and creative development.
As a parent with children in the district, I am passionate about shaping an educational experience that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
If elected, my top priorities will be centered on three key areas:
First, I will prioritize student achievement, engagement, and opportunity. Every child deserves a learning environment that fosters growth, challenges potential, and provides the tools needed to succeed.
Second, I will focus on responsible decision-making. As a board member, it’s crucial to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that consider both the immediate needs of our students and the long-term sustainability of our district. I will advocate for fiscally responsible choices that ensure the continued success of our schools for years to come.
Last, I believe clear and consistent communication is key to building trust and transparency. All stakeholders—students, parents, staff, community—should be kept informed and engaged in the decisions that affect them. Regular, open dialogue will be a priority to ensure that everyone feels heard and valued in the decision-making process.
How will you involve parents and the public?
Engaging parents and the public is essential to creating a strong, supportive school community.
First, this includes regular and open communication between the school board, parents, and the community. I believe it’s critical to keep the lines of communication open and transparent so everyone feels connected and informed throughout the decision-making process.
Second, I believe parents and community members can feel more connected to the schools by participating in school events, volunteering in the classrooms, or supporting extracurricular programs. By fostering opportunities for hands-on participation, we can create stronger connections between families, educators, and students.
I believe when parents and the public are actively involved, we create a stronger, more unified community that can better support the success and well-being of every student
How will you support students in and out of the classroom?
I will do my best to lead by example. I enjoy volunteering in the schools, supporting the PTO and fundraisers, and supporting special events. By being present, I can better understand the needs of our students and teachers. It also shows students that their achievements, both big and small, are valued.
Responses from Braatz, Ceranski, Faller and Giebler were published last week in the Peshtigo Times.
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