WELCOME

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Candidate Carl Knepel has withdrawn from this race.

1/29/10:  Bart Williams has withdrawn from this race.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

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KNEPEL: WITHDRAWN FROM RACE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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

** 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

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