West Bend School District Candidate Questionnaire

WELCOME

2010-01-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

This website is provided as a community service to the West Bend School District voters by Eagle Forum of Wisconsin/Washington County Chapter.

The questionnaire answers below begin with the final question, so visitors may choose to click on the "Introduction of Candidates" in order to familiarize themselves with the candidates before beginning.

Thank you for taking the time to explore your school board candidates and their viewpoints. Please feel free to pass on the link to this website.

The Primary will take place on February 16 to fill two at-large seats on the school board. Every vote counts!

NOTE:

1/23/09/10: This questionnaire has been amended to reflect the answers of candidate Doug Rakowski who was attending to a family emergency.

Candidate Carl Knepel has withdrawn from this race.

1/29/10: Bart Williams has withdrawn from this race. Read his letter HERE.

Please see candidate Doug Ziegler's answers to other survey questions HERE.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

2010-01-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

What is your position on a residency requirement for
administration and teachers? (Choose: Favor/against)

MARQUARDT: IN FAVOR
WILLIAMS: AGAINST
WEIGAND: AGAINST
CORAZZI**: AGAINST
VAN EERDEN**: AGAINST (IN FAVOR OF REQUIRING SUPT. TO HAVE RESIDENCY)
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE
RAKOWSKI: IN FAVOR.
ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

TEACHER BENEFITS AND PENSIONS

2010-01-15T16:52:00.004-08:00

Teacher benefits and pensions will knowingly stress the system finances. What is your recommendation to deal with this in the near future? in the long term?

MARQUARDT: Public employee costs are a huge and growing challenge. If concessions cannot be realized to slow the growth (in the new contract), staff reductions will be necessary. Wherever possible, services should be privatized to avoid legacy costs. Long-term, money must be set aside and invested to cover benefits already
committed.

WILLIAMS: Review collective bargaining agreement to see what's possible. Repeal of qualifying economic offer (QEO) law poses challenges, but may allow creative solutions (e.g., link teachers' pay to student progress
(pay performance). We need to eliminate redundant positions (e.g., dean of students at elementary schools,
which are in addition to principals).

WEIGAND: Here are a few thoughts: Through negotiations we need to increase the age of retirement and work on reducing benefits, much like the current social security system does. We could reduce the amount of teachers by offering more virtual classes.

CORAZZI**: The Board and teachers union are currently in negotiations on a contract for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years. Appropriately, members are being asked for limited wage increases and to assume more responsibility for health care expenses.

VAN EERDEN**: Benefits and retirement benefits are a component of negotiations. Planning is under way to
continue to examine alternatives to reduce the impact of these on the district budget.

KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: Benefits and pensions need to be budgeted and the cost per student should be documented for the public. Teachers need to be part of the budget process.

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

COMBINING TWIN HIGH SCHOOL

2010-01-15T16:52:00.003-08:00

What is your position about combining the twin high schools into one school? (Choose: Favor/Against)

MARQUARDT: IN FAVOR

WILLIAMS: AGAINST

WEIGAND: AGAINST. (I have seen no data that indicates we need a change or compel me to change what we currently have. I am open to data review.)

CORAZZI**: AGAINST (Would support community referendum vote)

VAN EERDEN**: AGAINST (Open to reviewing new data)
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: AGAINST (There are many factors affecting this decision.)

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

4-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN

2010-01-15T16:52:00.002-08:00

What is your position on 4-year-old kindergarten? (Choose: Favor/Against)

MARQUARDT: AGAINST

WILLIAMS: AGAINST

WEIGAND: AGAINST

CORAZZI**: IN FAVOR (if financially feasible and district had space)

VAN EERDEN**: NO POSITION (There are no plans in the foreseeable future to pursue this, therefore, this is not an issue I have a position on. I do support our district Headstart program which serves disadvantaged preschool-age children.)
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: AGAINST

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

2009 TAX LEVY

2010-01-15T16:52:00.001-08:00

What was your position on the 2009 tax levy in the West Bend School District: (Choose: Favor/Against)

MARQUARDT: AGAINST (taxing to the maximum allowed)

WILLIAMS: AGAINST

WEIGAND: AGAINST

CORAZZI**: IN FAVOR

VAN EERDEN**: IN FAVOR
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE.

RAKOWSKI: IN FAVOR (I was originally against. After learning the state was the culprit, I supported it.

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

2009 WEST BEND SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM

2010-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

What was your position on the 2009 West Bend School District Referendum? (Choose: Favor/Against)
Question #1 = Jackson school
Question #2 - Badger renovation

MARQUARDT: IN FAVOR (Question #2); AGAINST (Question #1)

WILLIAMS: AGAINST BOTH REFERENDA

WEIGAND: AGAINST

CORAZZI**: IN FAVOR

VAN EERDEN**: IN FAVOR
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: AGAINST (Question #1); IN FAVOR (Question #2)

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

OPPOSE MAJORITY VOTE

2010-01-15T16:51:00.002-08:00

Will it trouble you to vote to oppose majority vote? (Choose: Yes/No)

MARQUARDT: NO

WILLIAMS: NO

WEIGAND: NO

CORAZZI**: NO

VAN EERDEN**: NO
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: NO

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

OVERRULE DECISIONS MADE BY DISTRICT MANAGEMENT

2010-01-15T16:51:00.001-08:00

Are you willing to overrule decisions made by district management? (Choose: Yes/No)

MARQUARDT: YES

WILLIAMS: YES

WEIGAND: YES

CORAZZI**: YES

VAN EERDEN**: YES
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: YES

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

SPENDING TAXPAYER MONEY ON LUNCHEONS/DINNERS

2010-01-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

What is your standpoint on spending taxpayer money for administration and leadership team luncheons and/or dinners?

MARQUARDT: I have no problem with food and refreshments during long in-house meetings, as long as it is kept reasonable (like pizza or sub sandwiches). However, if the meeting is helf off-site, or for generally social purposes, the individuals should cover the cost themselves.

WILLIAMS: Especially in these tough economic times with people losing pay, jobs and homes, West Bend
having the #3 highest unemployment in Wisconsin, and higher taxes at all levels of government, I would attend
the team function but simply pay my own way using my personal funds.

WEIGAND: It is important to remember, as public employees, that money comes from the taxpayer and must be guarded. I am not condemning them for having luncheons, just reminding them to be mindful of cost.

CORAZZI**: I believe that all effective leaders should offer recognition and say thank you to team members who
deliver quality results. West Bend students achieve academically at one of the lowest per pupil spending rates
and highest student:teacher ratios. These results require teamwork to deliver and deserve occasional
appreciation.

VAN EERDEN**: I support conservative spending that is focused on strategic initiatives.

KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: The budget needs to be defined so that all expenditures, at all levels, are justified, documented, audited and followed up. The budget, at all levels, should be open to the public.

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

BALANCING DISTRICT BUDGET

2010-01-15T16:50:00.004-08:00

What is your philosophy on balancing a district budget in difficult times?

MARQUARDT: The budget simply needs to be broken down into needs and wants. "Needs" are the core
mission, as required by state statute - "wants " are specialty/technical classes, advanced classes,
extra-curricular activities and athletics. Class sizes and various student opportunities need to be logically
balanced against reasonable fee and tax levels.

WILLIAMS: Be creative and diligent. Zero-based budgeting requires the district to build its budget from the
ground up each year and scrutinize/prioritize expenses vs. simplistically adjusting (too often increasing) each
budget item. I'd pursue all grants and contributions (e.g., business naming rights, sponsorships, etc.) that make sense and the community supports.

WEIGAND: As a businessman, I believe a balanced budget should be achieved regardless of the economic times. The question becomes, "How do we arrive at the balanced budget? Raise taxes or cut expenses?"

CORAZZI**: The board must always make near-term decisions with a longer-term perspective in mind, which has not always happened. Needs of all stakeholders (students, taxpayers and teachers) must be considered and balanced. An effective leadership team should continually look for ways to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of all resources.

VAN EERDEN**: I have made decisions based upon knowledge of school finance, input from stakeholders, and present and future needs of the school district.

KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE.

RAKOWSKI: We need a budget that reviews all current and potential financial requirements to meet the educational needs of our students to compete in a world class environment, to be within our ability to pay.

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

ALTERNATE THEORIES OF ORIGIN

2010-01-15T16:50:00.003-08:00

What is your position relative to teaching alternate theories of origins such as Intelligent Design and Creationism as an alternative, or in addition to, the the theory of evolution to students in science classrooms? (Choose: Favor/Against)

MARQUARDT: IN FAVOR

WILLIAMS: (Amended 1/24 for clarity) ABSTAIN (As long as teaching them in public schools is completely legal, I am open to alternative theories of origin.)

WEIGAND: ABSTAIN (I would be FOR teaching the TRUTH about evolution.)

CORAZZI**: AGAINST

VAN EERDEN**: ABSTAIN (Adhere to legal parameters for public schools)
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: IN FAVOR

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

2010-01-15T16:50:00.002-08:00

What is your decision-making process?

MARQUARDT: I listen to the various points of view, find a way to determine or independently verify any facts
involved, and then make a good logical decision.

WILLIAMS: Board should be an independent oversight body diligently, fairly, reasonably and respectfully
balancing needs of all stakeholders - students, taxpayers, parents, teachers, district administration, businesses, etc.

WEIGAND: We all have core beliefs and values that define who we are. Those values influence us in decision making.

CORAZZI**: Before voting for, know what you're against. Consider all facts, but first ground in a clear statement of objectives and guiding principles, consider trade-offs.

VAN EERDEN**: Data collection, best practice review, stakeholder input, and careful analysis is done in
weighing the advantages and disadvantages of any proposed decisions. Others will acknowledge my
commitment to detailed fact-finding and review.

KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: Gather the facts, do not decide anything prior to the facts and discussion, attempt to compromise for the greater good of the situation, and respect everyone as an individual.

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

OPEN MEETING FORMAT

2010-01-15T16:50:00.001-08:00

Other than salary negotiations, personnel issues and land purchase discussions, I feel an open meeting should be (choose one) CUMPULSATORY/OPTIONAL.

MARQUARDT: COMPULSATORY.

WILLIAMS: COMPULSATORY

WEIGAND: COMPULSATORY

CORAZZI**: ABSTAIN (Not subject to opinion. Remain in compliance with open meeting laws.)

VAN EERDEN**: ABSTAIN (Adhere to open meeting legal requirements.)
KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: OPTIONAL

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

STRENGTHS

2010-01-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?

MARQUARDT: My background as a service-sector businessman, including experience gained from various legal issues, will prove an asset. My experience with public building design and maintenance issues will be valuable
as we address facility repairs and expansion questions. I will also bring a common-sense, conservative
perspective to all topics.

WILLIAMS:

New Berlin School Board (a similar district ) experience.
Advocate for education: Previous academic advisor, master's degree and three bachelor's degrees.
Leadership/management: 16+ years' experience in private and public sectors.
Experience transforming organizations: Together we can become a world class learning organization.
Character: Honesty, integrity, respect, collaboration, commitment, innovation.

WEIGAND: I have a good [baloney] detector and the ability to discern the merit of the issues broiught before the board. I would like to bring common sense into the discussions. As a businessman I have made a livelihood
doing what others said could not be done.

CORAZZI**: I understand both the resources needed to deliver the quality education and programs that earn national recognition, and the complexity of the challenges facing the District. I am not a "single issue" candidate and I have the business and leadership skills to deliver solutions that balance needs of all stakeholders.

VAN EERDEN**: I have 9 years of experience on the West Bend School Board with expertise in
curriculum and instruction, policy, and personnel. In addition, my Masters degree in Nursing along
with over 25 years as a nurse faculty and Dean have given me skills that have been useful on the
Board.

KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: I have 30 years professional business experience dealing with budgets, goals and negotiations. I have completed the course work for a masters degree in education, and been an instructor.

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

REASONS FOR RUNNING

2010-01-15T16:49:00.001-08:00

Why are you running for the school board and what goals do you hope to achieve if you are elected?

MARQUARDT: The average taxpayer needs an advocate on the Board. We also need a fresh, open look at the
budget - just like every business and household does; break it down to a zero baseline - determine what we need to spend and what is discretionary and, therefore, open to discussion.

WILLIAMS: District residents deserve maximum value and effectiveness from their generous support of our
schools. If elected, I will enhance the communication and partnership between the community and our school
district to ensure educational excellence, responsible decisions, properly maintained facilities, and independent, accountable and open/transparent Board oversight of our district.

WEIGAND: To provide an alternative to the status quo. I hope to provide a balance on the board to the current ideas of tax increases and referendums. I believe we can provide a quality education to students at an affordable price for the taxpayers. I would like to work toward reevaluating the priorities of the district.

CORAZZI**: I want to continue providing leadership to help solve challenges and hold the Administration accountable for ensuring quality education for students and efficient use of resources for taxpayers. I want to continue promoting effective communication with the community and transparency of District finances.

VAN EERDEN**: I am running for a fourth term because I am committed to public education in our community.
As a nine-year veteran of the School Board, I plan to continue to invest in education and support strong academic programs and safe, adequate facilities while continuing to address funding issues.

RAKOWSKI: I believe I can influence the decisions of the board to meet concerns above, which are my goals to achieve.

KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

GREATEST CONCERN FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT

2010-01-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

In your opinion, what is the greatest concern for the West Bend School District?

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.

AFFILIATIONS/COMMUNITY SERVICE/CHURCH

2010-01-15T16:48:00.001-08:00

Affiliations/Community Service organizations/local church participation:

MARQUARDT: School District CFAC2 (Facilities) committee, Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects and Construction Specifiers Institute, Washington County Republican Party (Membership Chairman), Americans for Prosperity and Common Sense Citizens, Member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in West Bend.

WILLIAMS: Former elected member of New Berlin School Board for one term, American Legion member, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church member, Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) member, ISACA [IT audit professional association] member; previous volunteer leader for Cub Scouts, MS Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Habitat for Humanity and various other groups, honorably discharged former U.S. Navy officer.

WEIGAND: Owner of construction business, member Common Sense Citizens of Washington County, former Little League coach and Commander of Royal Rangers Clubs for boys.

CORAZZI**: West Bend School Board Member, Office of the West Bend Public Schools Foundation, members of Citizens Financial Advisory Committee, St. Francis Cabrini parishioner.

VAN EERDEN**: West Bend School Board for 9 years. National League for Nursing, Healthcare Alliance of South Central Wisconsin, Wisconsin Association for Career and Technical Education, 5th Avenue United Methodist Church

KNEPEL: WITHDREW FROM RACE

RAKOWSKI: St. Francis Cabrini Church

ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE.

INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES

2010-01-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

** Denotes current school board member.

RANDY MARQUARDT: Age 43. Employed at consulting engineering firm; married - my wife is an RN; I have two step-children - son (27) and daughter (25) no longer living at home. We have two daughters (17 and 16) attending West Bend West High School.

Years in West Bend - 18 (in spring); grew up on farm in Kewaskum.

BART WILLIAMS: Age ____. I am married with three children who are all students in West Bend public schools.

Years in West Bend - 5.

DAVE WEIGAND: Age 53. Married 26 years. Four children; youngest attends West Bend East.

Years in West Bend - I have lived here since elementary school when I attended Fair Park School.

LYNN CORAZZI**: Age 47. Married, three students enrolled in West Bend Schools.

Years in West Bend - 8.

KATHY VANEERDEN**: Age 55. Married to Bob. Four children, two in college and two at West Bend East High School.

Years in West Bend - 17.

CARL KNEPEL: WITHDREW FROM RACE

DOUG RAKOWSKI: Age 69. Wife, Jeanniene; two daughters. Years in West Bend: 38.

DOUG ZIEGLER: NO RESPONSE

2010 School Board Primary

2010-01-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

Above posts from January 2010 are for the February primary School Board race for two open seats in West Bend, Wisconsin.

FOUR-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN

2009-03-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON 4-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN?

**KRIS BEAVER: I neither favor nor oppose this. While research says that it is beneficial, we have no room to add it. This is not an issue that has come before the board.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: I am against it.

RANDY STARK: I am not yet knowledgeable enough around the details of this topic to establish a position. I look forward to hearing any discussion.

TIM STEPANSKI: I am against it.

POSITION ON LAST REFERENDUM??

2009-03-24T12:48:00.001-07:00

WHAT WAS YOUR POSITION ON THE LAST REFERENDUM IN THE WEST BEND SCHOOL DISTRICT?

**KRIS BEAVER: I was in favor, but felt that the question should have been split into three parts.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: I was in favor of it. At the time the district gave the appearance that the 119 million dollar option was the only one available. Knowing what we know now that there is no immediate growth issue effecting Barton, I would have not supported the last referendum if it were on the ballot now. But at the time when this fact was not made clear I did support it. This type of mistake will definitely be avoided if I am elected. The process of the last referendum should have been much more transparent to the public.

RANDY STARK: I was in favor of it. In question 2, I described what I believe is a decline in the attractivenesss of the West Bend School district to families with school age children. Despite a high academic delivery, I believe this decline is accelerating. At the center of this issue is decades of inattentiveness around facility upgrades and expansion. While the 2008 referendum was large, it proposed to resolve the 30-40 years of insensitivity to the needs of the district. While the 2009 referendum is smaller in dollar volume, it will leave some uncompleted capital improvements that will be necessary for the long term needs of the District. I am convinced that if we become increasingly overlooked as a district in which people prefer to live, the results will become very apparent. Our property values will be negatively impacted, crime and social issues will increase, and the willingness of businesses to locate in our area will diminish. I maintain that the value of our school district is the single largest determinant in the value of our community.

TIM STEPANSKI: I did not support the previous referendum for several reasons. The school district came to the taxpayer and asked for over $100 million - asking us to sacrifice, but did not offer any cuts on their part. Spending still took off. I also felt the school district did not offer any solutions to ensure that this wouldn't happen again, instead, it would have beeen a blank check written by the taxpayer not knowing when they would come back and ask for more. I believe that fiscal responsibility must be in the forefront of our thoughts and minds and the board did not display their willingness to practice that.

POSITION ON 2009 REFERENDUM

2009-03-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE 2009 WEST BEND SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM?

**KRIS BEAVER: I am in favor of it.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: I am in favor of it.

RANDY STARK: I am in favor of it.

TIM STEPANSKI: Still undecided.

OPPOSING BOARD MAJORITY

2009-03-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

WILL IT TROUBLE YOU TO OPPOSE A BOARD MAJORITY ON AN ISSUE?

**KRIS BEAVER: No, it has not in the past.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: No.

RANDY STARK: No. Ideally, we as a board achieve success through collaboration and consensus. However, in the event that we are unable to reach consensus, I hold no reservations about maintaining an individual position.

TIM STEPANSKI: No.

OVERRULING DECISIONS

2009-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU WILLING TO OVERRULE DECISIONS MADE BY DISTRICT MANAGEMENT?

**KRIS BEAVER: Yes, and I have done that.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: Yes.

RANDY STARK: Yes. In the event that my individual decision making process described in question 6 takes me to a position that is different than that of district management, I am prepared to vote accordingly.

TIM STEPANSKI: Yes.

HOLDING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABLE

2009-03-24T12:21:00.001-07:00

TELL US WHAT APPROACHES YOU WOULD EMPLOY TO HOLD MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABLE FOR MISMANAGEMENT OF DISTRICT RESOURCES?

**KRIS BEAVER: A complete and timely investigation would be conducted and if wrong-doing were found, the person would be punished accordingly.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: I will employ strict oversight that will keep every district dollar accounted for. I will regularly talk with management on ways we can lower spending. Any habitual mismanagement of district resources by an employee will result in that employee being relieved of their position.

RANDY STARK: To be effective as an administrative team, we must recruit and retain quality personnel while offering them the confidence and support to make appropriate decisions around the use of resources. Simultaneously, we must maintain effective accountability and periodic review of those decisions.

TIM STEPANSKI: District resources belong to the taxpayer. It is important that the citizen is made aware of the situation. It is also important that after a complete investigation, the person responsible would be disciplined up to and including termination and possible prosecution.

BALANCING THE DISTRICT BUDGET

2009-03-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON BALANCING A DISTRICT BUDGET IN DIFFICULT TIMES?

**KRIS BEAVER: My philosophy has not changed no matter the economy. The district needs to employ a zero based budget format. I have been pushing this for three years. What this means is that you fund the things that you are legally required to fund and then you prioritize the rest of what you do.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: My philosophy is to not center the reduction of spending in one specific area. The driving factor will be what has the least effect on the community at large. The raising of fees on families will be considered a last resort.

RANDY STARK: A balanced budget should be preferred in nearly all circumstances. Discretionary borrowing, however, is necessary and appropriate for large capital improvement projects.

TIM STEPANSKI: A budget is to be balanced no matter what the situation - good or bad. We are accountable to the taxpayer and it is imperative that we can prove we will operate within our means.

TEACHING ALTERNATIVE THEORIES

2009-03-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION RELATIVE TO TEACHING ALTERNATIVE THEORIES OF ORIGINS SUCH AS INTELLIGENT DESIGN AND CREATIONISM AS AN ALTERNATIVE, OR IN ADDITION, TO THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION TO STUDENTS IN SCIENCE CLASSROOMS?

**KRIS BEAVER: You would like a thumbs up or thumbs down answer on this question. That is not really possibe. My understanding is that the courts have said that creationism/intelligent design cannot be taught in schools. I fully understand both sides of this argument. I also understand that neither side can conclusively prove that they are correct.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: I am in favor oof it.

RANDY STARK: First and foremost, regardless of our chosen approach we must stress to our students tolerance, empathy and appreciation for the beliefs of others. Initially, I subscribe to the idea that science classrooms should be committed to the teaching of science. In considering decisions around this topic, however, I will be diligent to empl0y the decision making process described in question 6. (see previous post)

TIM STEPANSKI: I am in favor of it.

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

2009-03-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS YOUR DECISION-MAKING PROCESS?

**KRIS BEAVER: I learned years ago from one of the best CEO's I ever worked for to make decisions based on facts and not emotions. He said, "Get all the facts and the facts will tell you the decision to make." I live by that and that is how I make my most difficult decisions both as a board member and in my personal life.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: First identify all aspect and parties in the situtaion. Look at all relevant data. Get input from the community. And decide and act.

RANDY STARK: My experience has taught me that effective decision making is achieved by: *listening, *gathering information, *maintaining objectivity, *respecting the opinions of others, *committing to your solutions.

TIM STEPANSKI: I will make decisions based on two things: First, What is best for the student? Second, Is this how the taxpayer would spend their money?

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

2009-03-24T10:16:00.001-07:00

WHAT OBJECTIVE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS RELATING TO SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENT IN STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE ARE CONTAINED IN YOUR SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT? IN PRINCIPAL CONTRACTS?

**KRIS BEAVER: These measurements are in their performance evaluations not their contracts. It makes more sense to put them there, because otherwise you would have an extremely long contract that would be cumbersome and if you wanted to change the measurements you would have to wait until the end of the contract.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: Principals will be required to keep their students in line with or above state and national academic test scores. Principls will also be required to provide challenging course work. The superintendents' duties will be the same except for it will be at all sites instead of a individual school.

RANDY STARK: I have not had the privilege to review the specfics of the contracts mentioned above. I believe, however, that performance at all levels needs to be achieved through very clear objective based management. These objectives need to be concise, understood, measureable, and regularly reviewed. I am also a firm believer in compensation programs that are based on pay for performance.

TIM STEPANSKI: I am currently not versed on contracts enough to establish relevant goals other than achievement of current goals established by state and federal standards and having rankings based off of percentage of achievement over those goals.

WHAT SPECIAL STRENGTHS..

2009-03-24T10:12:00.001-07:00

WHAT SPECIAL STRENGTHS DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WOULD BRING TO THE BOARD?

** KRIS BEAVER: I have 4 years of experience as a board member. Contrary to some people's beliefs, that is not a bad thing. The learning curve for a new board member is very steep. In addition to that, I have a Masters in Business Administration and 17 years of business experience that have served me well in my time on the board.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: I would bring a youthful perspective to the board. With this quality I will be better suited to know how the decisions will truly effect students. I have first hand knowledge of the daily successes and failures between the staff and student poipulation. I have a hollistic knowledge of the district.

RANDY STARK: In business I am experienced in the leadership of people and the management of large projects and budgets. I believe people that know me will say I am objective, fair, and driven to achieve results. Underlying these qualities is an inherent commitment to enhance the community in which I was raised and have chosen to raise my children.

TIM STEPANSKI: I am NOT part of or entrenched in the current system as the other candidates are. I would be able to look at situations with a "fresh" look and new eyes.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING..

2009-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD AND WHAT GOALS DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IF YOU ARE ELECTED?

**KRIS BEAVER: I am running because I consider giving back to the community very important. My goals are to continue to refine the way that we develop the budget for the district, make sure that we have top notch, highly qualified teachers that teach very rigorous and relevant curriculum to our students to prepare them for their futures.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: I am running because it needs a different perspective. My ultimate goal will be to put trust back in the district's relationship with the community. I will achieve this goal by allowin gthe public to have more control. Other goals re increased school security and college preparation.

RANDY STARK: Over the course of the last several months I have been encouraged by a number of respected parents, colleagues, and community members to consider School Board candidacy. This coupled with my individual philosophy that you are part of the solution or you are part of the problem, drove my commitment.

TIM STEPANSKI: After speaking at a board meeting, I realized a parent's opinion mattered little. I feel the need to bring parents back into the school system, not have the school system be the parent.

GREATEST CONCERNS

2009-03-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE GREATEST CONCERN FOR THE WEST BEND SCHOOL DISTRICT?

** KRIS BEAVER: I have said many times, there is no one greatest concern. We hve multiple issues that need to be resolved. They are, in no particular order, funding of our schools, lack of space to house students, rigorous and relevant curriculum and meeting the needs of future students.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: The greatest concern for the district is it's relationship with it's constituents. The current board has not made a substantial effort to involve the community. Because of this, there is a growing disconnect between the district and the citizens. This disconnect is dangerous and will ultimately hamper children's education.

RANDY STARK: It is my concern that the West Bend School district has become far less frequently identified as the preferred school district in our geographic area. It appears to me that this decline is driven by complacency around facilities upgrades and a lack of cohesiveness between the school district and the community.

TIM STEPANSKI: Budgets. Currently, 90% of the school's budget is for salaries and benefits (this is indicative statewide). Areas must be found to free-up monies for repair and upkeep of our buildings. The current capital expenditure budget is less than 1%, making it difficult to care for district assets.

AFFILIATIONS/COMMUNITY SERVICE...

2009-03-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

AFFILIATIONS/COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/LOCAL CHURCH PARTICIPATION:

**KRIS BEAVER: Jackson Youth Soccer 4 years, Jackson Little League 7 years, Optimist Club of West Bend 3 years, Rivers Bluff Neighborhood Association Office and board member 3 years, West Bend Board 4 years and St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church 8 years.

CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL: American Legion (Badger Boys State), Rotary (student).

RANDY STARK: Currently I serve as the Community Chair of the West Bend School Board Citizen's Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC2). I am also the president and coach of the West Bend Wildcat Youth Wrestling Club and I have coached Youth football for the past 3 years. For 4 years I was a Town Board Supervisor in the Township of Barton. At this time I am also a member of the West Bend Sunrise Rotary.

TIM STEPANSKI: Member and Deacon of First Baptist Church of West Bend. Member VFW Post 1393, West Bend.

INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES

2009-03-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

** Denotes current board member

**KRIS BEAVER, age 43; wife, and two children in West Bend schools.

YEARS IN WEST BEND: 8

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CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL, age 17. Parents: William and Vanessa Knepel.

YEARS IN WEST BEND: 10; Jackson 7

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RANDY STARK, age 43; wife - Amy and two children that are currently students in the district.

YEARS IN WEST BEND: Life-long resident

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TIM STEPANSKI, age 42, married 18 years with 4 children ranging in age from 12 to 17.

YEARS IN WEST BEND: 3

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