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.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
POSITION ON LAST REFERENDUM??
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.
**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
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.
**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
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.
**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
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.
**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
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.
**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
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.
**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
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.
**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
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?
**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
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.
**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..
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.
** 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..
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.
**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
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.
** 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...
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.
**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
** Denotes current board member
**KRIS BEAVER, age 43; wife, and two children in West Bend schools.
YEARS IN WEST BEND: 8
***
CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL, age 17. Parents: William and Vanessa Knepel.
YEARS IN WEST BEND: 10; Jackson 7
***
RANDY STARK, age 43; wife - Amy and two children that are currently students in the district.
YEARS IN WEST BEND: Life-long resident
***
TIM STEPANSKI, age 42, married 18 years with 4 children ranging in age from 12 to 17.
YEARS IN WEST BEND: 3
***
**KRIS BEAVER, age 43; wife, and two children in West Bend schools.
YEARS IN WEST BEND: 8
***
CARL WILLIAM KNEPEL, age 17. Parents: William and Vanessa Knepel.
YEARS IN WEST BEND: 10; Jackson 7
***
RANDY STARK, age 43; wife - Amy and two children that are currently students in the district.
YEARS IN WEST BEND: Life-long resident
***
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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