Appleton school board candidates explain why they are running and what they would focus on if elected
APPLETON — Those vying for a seat on the Appleton Area School District board of education each have their own reasons for running and ideas for what they'd address if elected.
Nine candidates are running for the four open positions on the board. The primary election on Feb. 15 will narrow the field to eight candidates.
The top two finishers in the April election will earn three-year terms. The third- and fourth-place finishers will earn one-year terms.
The Post-Crescent asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire explaining their relevant experience, why they want to run and what community members are telling them are the most important issues.
Some responses were lightly edited for clarity and to meet the word requirement. Candidates are ordered alphabetically by last name.
Here's a closer look at those running for the 2022 Appleton school board.
James Bacon
Address: 1120 N State Street
Age: 37
Occupation: Director of outreach and operations for an education technology company
Highest level of education: Master’s degree in education entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in business from Wake Forest University
Campaign website: www.votejamesbacon.com
Facebook page: Facebook.com/JamesBaconforAASDSchoolBoard
Relevant experience
I started my career as a middle school math teacher in Arkansas, served as a teacher coach for new teachers in Mississippi and North Carolina, founded a regional chapter of an education nonprofit that recruits and trains teachers for hard-to-fill positions in districts serving primarily students from low-income backgrounds in Louisiana, and oversaw hiring for Boston Public Schools (a district of 12,000+ employees and 54,000+ students). Currently, I am able to pursue my passion for supporting student and teacher success by working with schools across the country to easily schedule more time with each other when they need it. I am also a parent of two young kids, with my oldest currently in AASD 4K, and currently serve on the board after being appointed in August 2021.
Why are you running for office?
I am running because I care deeply about the success of our students, schools and staff. My experience as an educator and AASD parent gives me unique insight to oversee the district’s policies and outcomes. I want to continue bringing an informed voice to all issues our district faces.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
My entire career has been in education, from the classroom to central office. I bring a different perspective informed by work in six states and with a diverse group of educators, leaders and students. I bring new ideas to ensure our schools keep improving to support students from all backgrounds.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Student outcomes and opportunities: We must evaluate our goals for students, staff and schools to ensure they're ambitious and drive a culture of excellence while monitoring to provide support that makes these goals feasible and meaningful.
Staff support and burnout: Our teachers and staff are vital and work closely with our students and families. We need to expand avenues for staff engagement and input to refine and reimagine our systems.
Safety: In all aspects of safety, we must continue to rely on information from experts to inform district policies, while supporting the administration in creating systems that implement these effectively.
Jim Bowman
Address: 701 N Canterbury Drive
Age: 77
Occupation: Coordinator of Fox Cities Advocates for Public Education
Highest level of education: Master's in Statistics and MBA from University of Michigan
Campaign website: www.jimbowman4schoolboard.com
Relevant experience
Eleven years as director of quality assurance at Thilmany Paper Mill
Twenty years as principal of James Bowman Associates, a consulting firm in quality assurance
Twelve years as youth soccer coach
Two years as member of Education Committee, League of Women Voters.
Why are you running for office?
I seek reelection to help prepare our students for their futures.
Upon graduation, they will enter a world full of opportunity and risk. With the support of family, teachers and the larger community, every student can succeed academically, socially and emotionally. I want our schools to lead this effort.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
I believe the community owns its public schools and expect our school district to achieve our community’s priorities.
I organized and led Friends of Appleton Schools, which helped pass the 2014 referendum. It funded the purchase of computers for 15,000 students enabling them to receive instruction throughout the pandemic.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
By an overwhelming margin, residents are most concerned with the safety of children in school and their ability to learn during a disruptive pandemic. I believe that three steps will reduce this threat to that of the common flu:
a. Push vaccination to a higher level. That result together with natural immunity will move the school district closer to herd immunity.
b. Invest in high efficiency ventilation systems in schools to reduce the concentration of air-borne viruses.
c. Achieve consensus in our community on the science of COVID-19 and methods to control the virus on a continuing basis.
Andrea Klitzke
Address: 925 W Fourth Street
Age: 31
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Highest level of education: Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Marian University of Fond du Lac
Campaign website: www.AndreaforAppletonSchools.org
Facebook page: Facebook.com/AndreaForAppletonSchools
Relevant experience
A nearly completed bachelor’s degree in Middle to Secondary Education, four years of observation hours/student teaching, and took many diverse courses that cover an array of educational practices and issues regarding education. (I took a break to pursue a job opportunity and subsequently, married my husband and began our family).
I also have experience as an early childhood teacher (infancy- 4 years old) and certifications from related trainings and courses I completed during that time. I am a level 13 on the Wisconsin State Registry and understand Wisconsin Early Learning Standards and Wisconsin State Standards. For the last two years, I’ve been raising my children and have been in the community connecting with families and educators from our district. We supported each other through the pandemic, and came together in an effort to ask questions and communicate with the board and district.
Why are you running for office?
As a new parent to the district, I want to improve the educational experience for families and connect with the community. I vow to be responsive, serve as a voice for all, demand transparency, encourage data-driven decision making, and help problem solve to facilitate setting measurable goals and action plans.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
I don’t shy away from a challenge and always pursue clarity, sometimes asking administration difficult questions to ensure accountability to district families. I have been sharing my experiences with administration and brainstorming ways to improve policies for families, while also considering various perspectives when offering solutions to pressing issues.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
With residents, it’s shared a concern of stagnancy in achievement scores. While it would be a massive undertaking, I would like to see a full inspection and assessment of the curriculum, evaluation of what drives success in other districts, and for curriculum to be accessible to families. Parents can facilitate learning opportunities at home and there’s a higher level of district accountability in terms of content.
For families: COVID mitigation. With careful planning and communication, there are ways to accommodate all families; whether through masked and unmasked classrooms, or other possibilities. Challenges don’t have to be divisive if handled properly.
Jason Kolpack
Address: 1311 Bedford Lane
Age: 44
Occupation: E-Commerce Technology Manager
Highest level of education: Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Facebook page: Facebook.com/JasonKolpackForAASDSchoolBoard
Relevant experience
As a veteran of the United States Navy, I learned how to adapt to new and uncomfortable situations and work with people from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds. My role in the intelligence field trained me to work with large amounts of sensitive data to identify useful patterns for which I was awarded a Joint Service Achievement Medal.
My prior experience as a software developer trained me to create and maintain complex systems as well as quickly identify and resolve critical issues. Additionally, my current role has enhanced my skills in communication and policy development.
I serve with a number of other technical leaders in the Fox Valley as a member of the Fox Valley Technical College IT Advisory Committee. This committee works to ensure that the technology programs offered by the college are relevant and up to date with current industry standards and workforce needs.
Lastly, I volunteer as a basketball coach and have for a number of years. This has been a very rewarding experience and has allowed me to work with a number of children from all over the city to help them challenge themselves and learn new skills.
Why are you running for office?
I believe that all students deserve a great education. I am running because I want to help ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for every student, support and empower educators to do what they do best, and contribute to defining the policies that shape our students’ education.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
As an AASD parent, I have a vested interest in the success of the school district. As a veteran, I have a history of service. Lastly, as a technical leader, I believe in the practice of servant leadership and have experience tackling complex issues that require a systematic analytical approach.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Student success requires support for not only their academic needs, but also their social and emotional needs. We need to do everything that we can to keep our students and educators safe and healthy so that they can stay in person, in school, where they can be most effective.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has widened an already concerning gap in student achievement. Especially now, retaining and attracting high quality educators is critical. While compensation and benefits are very important, I think that it is equally important to make sure that we are supporting them and setting them up for success.
Dave Moscinski
Address: 2613 N Viola Street
Age: 73
Occupation: Nearly retired school administrator
Highest level of education: Education Specialist from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Relevant experience: Several years experience as a public school administrator in area school districts.
Why are you running for office?
I have had a meaningful career in education and have met many wonderful folks over the years. I would like to share what I have learned from them on the Appleton Board of Education.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Going to over 400 school board meetings during my career makes me familiar with all the requirements for the office. Articles I have authored on school board cooperation have appeared in national and state school board journals.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Make sure every student counts. With many seniors ready to retire, it is important for students to realize they are being counted on to fill the gap. Encourage development of technical skills so students can make an immediate contribution as quickly as possible. Improve respect for education. This is especially true for teachers. Without them you have nothing and fewer are going into the profession. Encourage use of alternative licensing programs. There are concerns with budgetary issues because rules set 30 years ago when districts where growing are making it difficult when districts are declining. The community can help deal with this.
Nick Ross
Address: 933 E Pacific Street
Age: 35
Occupation: Anti-Violence Advocate at Diverse & Resilient
Highest level of education: Bachelor of Arts in English and comparative literature from Columbia University
Facebook page: Facebook.com/NickRoss4AASD
Relevant experience
Born in Marinette
Neenah High School graduate
First generation college graduate
Community advocate
Vice president of Friends of Appleton Public Library
Why are you running for office?
Public education is a bedrock of democracy, and we need to protect it from damaging partisan influence. We are overdue for LGBTQ+ representation on the board, and students deserve to see themselves reflected in leadership. I have the education, experience and community relationships to serve our district well.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
I work with some of our most vulnerable students and families, providing resources and support. I know the challenges they face in our schools and community. This will always inform my decision making. I have broad experience in community advocacy and nonprofit leadership, from grassroots to boardroom during budget review.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
The most critical issue is how we navigate and recover from COVID-19. I support following the guidance of reputable public health entities. To recover from this crisis, we need enhanced social and emotional learning programs and mental health support for students. We need to explore innovative ideas like sustainable HVAC renovation and the potential referendum, which could help stabilize our district community by lowering class sizes and easing the burden on teachers.
We also need improved communication and transparency between district leadership and the community. I promise to engage the community and keep communication open throughout my tenure.
Mike Schinke
Address: 4502 N Watershed Way
Age: 49
Occupation: Stay-at-home parent
Highest level of education: Bachelors of Science – Nursing at UW-Oshkosh. Graduated with honors.
Facebook page: Facebook.com/MikeSchinkeYourVoice
Relevant experience
Served on a small school board for a year, but my most relevant experience is I have school-age children in the Appleton Area School District.
I was also born and raised in Appleton, attended Franklin, Roosevelt (now Kaleidoscope), and Appleton West High School.
Working as a registered nurse and then medical sales contractor, I learned to work as a team to get the job done.
Why are you running for office?
Simple! For our kids! I’m tired of political agendas being pushed, instead of what our schools are actually supposed to be for…. educating our kids. I also, like many students, parents, and teachers, have felt I don’t have a voice. It’s time for change on the school board.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
I think being a parent of school age kids is an advantage of my candidacy. I am not motivated by political agendas, and as a stay at home parent, I’m certainly not doing this to advance my career. I’m only here to serve one interest group. The families of Appleton!
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Over and over, I’ve been told something has to change. Residents are concerned about how their kids are struggling academically and emotionally, and they don’t feel the district is listening to them. As for teachers, I feel, and have heard how they are overburdened by the demands set upon them.
We have to lighten the increased burden our teachers carry. They need the resources and time to get kids caught up. We also need to listen to parents and students about their needs, and challenges. Until we do that, we cannot solve any issues.
Pheng Thao
Address: 4801 N Tanglewood Drive
Age: 38
Occupation: Life and Leadership Coach & Violence Prevention Expert
Highest level of education: Master's in liberal studies and master's in Adlerian counseling
Facebook page: Facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076983134005
Relevant experience
I have spent close to 20 years working with families, community and youth on issues of violence within the home and in relationships. I have provided mental health support through talk therapy to children and youth in community and school settings. Additionally, I have over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management and policy making as a board member.
Why are you running for office?
I believe we can all contribute to a successful environment for our schools. We —parents, teachers, families and community — all play interconnecting roles that can enhance the learning and success of children in the district.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
My professional experience in mental health has enabled me to understand how to create meaningful policies and practices that will build strong foundations for our children’s learning.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Emotional and mental well being of children during this pandemic has exacerbated. Ensuring that we have adequate funding to support schools; children and teachers are vital to creating trauma informed environments where children feel nurtured, supported and be active learners.
Deb Truyman
Address: 5823 N Osprey Drive
Age: 67
Occupation: retired educator
Highest level of education: Master of Education- Curriculum and Instructional Leadership, Marian University and Master of Education- Reading Specialist, Viterbo University
Facebook page: Facebook.com/DebforAASDBoE
Relevant experience:
Current Board member having been elected in April 2019
City resident for 29 years
Volunteer in District schools for the past several years
Currently have grandchildren attending district schools
Why are you running for office?
I am running for reelection because I believe education is about student preparedness and readiness. I want to ensure that the Appleton Area School District, parents of the students, and our community, are successful in building desirable attributes and skills in each student that enables them to be life-long learners and contributors.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
I have proudly served on the AASD Board for the past three years. I have worked for accountability, meaningful communication, and transparency through community involvement and developing reportable goals. I plan to continue the work of developing a Community Linkage Plan to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in their school district.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Important issues include lack of transparency and parent/community involvement, helping students who are struggling emotionally and academically, and a staffing shortage. As a member of a board committee charged with development of community connections, I see this as a means of providing families, community members, and Board members with more opportunities to share their ideas. These connections will provide insight into what families and students need to overcome the losses of the past several years. Finally, our quality staff is vital to the district’s success. We need to compensate and support those who support our children and get their input on educational initiatives.
Reach AnnMarie Hilton at ahilton@gannett.com or 920-370-8045. Follow her on Twitter at @hilton_annmarie.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton school board primary election features nine candidates
