MARQUARDT: The constant financial challenge due to anill-conceived stae funding formula, mounting employee costs (both current and legacy), and enrollment increases/population shifts. Building maintenance needs that were ignored in the past must be addressed. We need to continue to find creative ways to get results with fewer resources than others.
WILLIAMS: Our district faces many challenges, including improving communication with and participation by the community, student academic performance, budgetary constraints (especially on the heels of a recession, loss of local jobs, limits on state aid, etc.), facilities needs, compliance issues, etc.; however, improving the relationship with the community is priority #1.
WEIGAND: We constantly hear about budget shortfalls and poor facilities. In my opinion, a greater concern is the decline of student test scores, particularly in the middle and high school. Interesting that of the 4th grade test scores, McLane and Jackson were the highest, yet we constantly hear about those facilities needing more money.
CORAZZI**: First, maintaining quality educational programs while the State is shifting funding away from equalized aid to local property taxes. Resulting tax increases keep the question "what does it cost" instead of "what do we value in education?" Second, shortage of classroom space at elementary and middle schools.
VAN EERDEN**: Budget challenges are at the forefront with projected reductions of 2 million dollars or more per year for the next few years. It is essential to maintain strong educational programming to position our students to successfully transition to post-secondary education and careers.
KNEPEL: WITHDREW FROM RACE
RAKOWSKI: Providing a quality world class education with significant parental involvement, and full budgetary transparency to meet the fiscal abilities and desires of the citizens of West Bend.
ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.
