Q&A: Neenah school board candidates tell us their goals ahead of the April 4 election

AnnMarie Hilton, Appleton Post-Crescent
·12 min read

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Lindsay Clark worked in children's ministry at Appleton Alliance. She currently attends Calvary Bible Church in Neenah.

NEENAH - The individuals looking to snag a seat on the Neenah school board come with a variety of backgrounds; but they find common ground on issues such as open communication, a seamless transition to the new high school and wanting to serve the families of the Neenah Joint School District.

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.

Incumbents Deborah Watry and Tom Hanby will face challengers Brian Roeh, Lindsay Clark, Michelle Swardenski and Rocky Schafer for three seats on the board.

Incumbent Amy Morrissey is not seeking reelection.

Some responses were lightly edited for clarity and length. Candidates are ordered alphabetically by last name.

Lindsay Clark
Lindsay Clark

Lindsay Clark

Relevant experience

I am a mom with two young daughters who will soon be entering the district, and the owner of a Wisconsin 501(c)3 nonprofit that advocates for organ, eye and tissue donation. I manage our nonprofit's day-to-day finances, volunteers, fundraising, marketing, social media, event planning and community outreach efforts. Prior to the birth of my girls, I worked in children's ministry at a local Fox Valley church (Appleton Alliance). I also have my own marketing consulting business I operate part time, working with clients on a wide array of business needs. In my free time, I serve in children's ministry at our church and spend as much time as I can helping families in need of an organ transplant here in Wisconsin.

Tom Hanby
Tom Hanby

Tom Hanby (inc.)

  • City of residence: Neenah

  • Age: 57

  • Occupation: Construction manager/carpenter at Boardwalk Builders

  • Highest education: High school graduate

Relevant experience

Currently serving (his first full term) on the Neenah school board. I serve as the chair of the school board policy committee, an important committee helping determine school district behavior. I have closely followed our school district behavior since 2003 and have seldom missed a regular board meeting. I understand our district's needs and operations.

Brian Roeh
Brian Roeh

Brian Roeh

  • City of residence: Neenah

  • Age: 41

  • Occupation: Aviation

  • Education: Bachelor of science

Relevant experience

I have never run for a political position before. As a parent with four children in the Neenah school district I am dedicated to making sure they and their classmates are given all the tools they need to succeed not only in school but in life after graduation. In my professional life I started out as a tradesman then obtained a degree in my field to further my career. I understand the usefulness of both paths and know that many factors go into that decision.

Rocky Schafer
Rocky Schafer

Rocky Schafer

Relative experience

As a Realtor in the Fox Valley, I engage with new and existing community members, manage financial dealings and keep up to date on the needs of our schools. I'm a proud Neenah Joint School District alumni and parent to children at different levels in the district and active nonprofit volunteer.

Michelle Swardenski
Michelle Swardenski

Michelle Swardenski

Relevant experience

I previously served on the Neenah Joint School District Board of Education for seven years in a variety of roles, including as its president.

Editor's note: Swardenski told The Post-Crescent she didn't seek reelection after her previous time on the board to spend more time with her family.

Deb Watry
Deb Watry

Deborah Watry (inc.)

  • City of residence: Neenah

  • Age: 71

  • Occupation: UW-Superior: senior lecturer for many education-related topics, but most recently, superintendent internship; UW-Oshkosh: lecturer for student teachers

  • Highest education level: Doctorate in education administration

  • Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dnwatry1

Relevant experience

  • University educator for administrators and teachers: 13 years

  • District and school administrator (superintendent, principal, director of instruction): seven years

  • Classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and coach: 27 years

  • School board member: Four years (current board clerk, chair of the curriculum committee, member of policy committee)

  • CESA 6 Board of Control: Two years, current chairperson of board

Why are you running for office?

Clark: I am running because I want to be an active voice for parents and students. I want to refocus curriculum on the academic basics, encourage parent involvement, advocate for students, teachers and paraprofessionals in special education, and build strong community partnerships with local businesses, tech schools and nonprofits.

Hanby: Serving our school systems is the most impactful service opportunity available in our community. I'm extremely interested in continuing as part of the pipeline for community input for the operation of their schools. To facilitate the success of all students, therefore a direct correlation to the success of our community.

Roeh: I would like to have a positive impact on my community as well as my children’s education.

Schafer: I will be a positive addition to the board with my professional and personal background. NJSD has been my home my entire life. I believe in serving our community, and it's time for me to give back to the place that's had such a profound impact on my family.

Swardenski: Public education is the cornerstone of a safe and thriving community. I believe I am beyond lucky to raise my family here, and I want to be a part of keeping our community strong and giving our kids a bright future. I will be a valuable and insightful board member.

Watry: Throughout my educational journey of 47 years, I have advocated for public education. I look forward to continuing the opportunity to serve students, staff and the community as a school board member and to help in supporting the district’s journey and passion for creating equity and excellence for all students.

What makes you the better candidate?

Clark: As a mom of two and a local nonprofit leader, I have experience advocating for families, building community partnerships and balancing a budget. I have a master’s degree in marketing and nonprofit leadership and have devoted my life to helping my community. I want to continue that work by advocating for families in the district.

Hanby: For over 19 years, I have demonstrated my willingness and commitment to be involved and informed about our district operations. I am always willing and interested in garnering information and listening to all parties before making decisions that impact their schools. My blue collar background provides a balance of view points.

Roeh: My goal is to be the best representative of the students, parents and community members in the Neenah school district. By actively listening to the input of these individuals and balancing their needs, I hope to make the school district an even better place to enroll children.

Schafer: I support our schools and volunteer for youth centered activities. I understand how to turn ideas into reality by listening to  staff, students and community members. I’m on the Neenah Soccer Club Board. I’ve seen NJDS change and grow, from kindergarten at Hoover to having children in the district.

Swardenski: I served proudly on the Neenah Joint School District board for seven years. My career is dedicated to serving others, particularly fighting for the best interests of children. I bring intelligence, experience and an ability to work respectfully with others. I will serve our district with passion and dedication.

Watry: As a board member, I have been active and informed in supporting and representing the citizens in this district. My prior knowledge and experience base about fiscal management, curriculum and instruction, staffing, education law and school policy helps in understanding the operation and requirements for a successful school district.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues? How would you address them?

Clark: In talking with voters, the two most important issues they have voiced concern on are curriculum and special education support. Regarding the curriculum, I would advocate for a focus on the academic basics and foster a professional learning community (PLC) for students and teachers. I feel it is important to teach our kids how to think, not what to think.

Regarding special education, I would work to ensure they have proper representation on the board. I would suggest adding a teacher, paraprofessional and/or counselor to the board of education who works directly with the students to advocate on their behalf.

Hanby: Speaking with a variety of community members about their "most important issues" brings to the surface the fact that our community holds many different themes.  Common on the list include "Will our high school and middle schools be ready for the start of the 2023 school year?" Yes, we are on track for a successful opening of next school year. The board receives and monitors regular progress updates. An additional common inquiry is "How can individuals can have their choices heard?" I continue to be a champion and advocate for community involvement and transparency in our district operations and decisions.

Roeh: From the individuals I have spoken to, the topic that comes up most often is what to do with the Shattuck property. While I have not entered this race with a predisposed position on this matter, I believe that more community involvement in the decision would have been beneficial. I am also surprised that the bidding process did not have more applications. When this subject comes up for further discussion I am very excited to work this project to a successful conclusion.

Schafer: Residents are concerned about communication between the district and community with the closing of Roosevelt and Shattuck's sale. They worry that their voices aren't being heard or there's a lack of transparency.  As a board, we have a duty to be proactive in improving communication, giving our residents time to respond to ideas, and remaining transparent in our decisions to work together.

Residents are also worried about student test scores and students falling behind. We need to make sure our teachers and students have the support and resources. The core of every decision we make needs to be student success.

Swardenski: The issues facing our district are as varied as its people. There are concerns about the decline in district test scores the last few years, changes in course offerings/grading systems, the necessity of fiscal responsibility and accountability to taxpayers, district decisions about its resources, post-graduation opportunities, ensuring a seamless transition to the new high school and appropriately utilizing resources within the district buildings. Addressing this multitude of issues requires effective and open communication with the administration, taxpayers and families in the district. It will also require a willingness to ask difficult questions and be open to new solutions.

Watry: Create safe and optimal learning facilities: building the new high school, redesigning the old high school for middle school learning centers, providing safe and secure entrances and ADA accommodations

Make education relevant and prepare all students adequately for their future: providing authentic, real-world learning experiences that connect with the world of work; focusing on sound instruction in reading, writing and math; emphasizing critical thinking and problem solving.

Continue to develop positive relations with all parts of the community — education is a shared responsibility: providing opportunity for active participation in the school system, creating focus groups and advisory committees.

There has been talk that school board elections, which are designed to be nonpartisan, have felt more partisan in recent years. What is your take on partisanship for this race? 

Clark: When it comes to students and families, there is no need for partisan politics. There is, however, a need to work together as a board, offering diverse opinions and approaches to ensure the best and most thorough decisions are being made on behalf of the community. If elected, my responsibility is not to push a political agenda, but to ensure I am an advocate in the best interest of the students, parents and teachers.

Hanby: Over the last several years there have been much talk of partisan school board races/politics. Currently NJSD board is composed of a range of members from conservative to liberal. While partisanship has received much press we are fortunate that a two-party system has not overtaken our Neenah school election.

Roeh: Having met and spoken to the other candidates I did not get the impression that they are motivated by any political ideology. I do not believe anyone in this race is using it as a political steppingstone.

Schafer: I appreciate that many of our voters and fellow candidates have partisan views, but my focus is to provide a safe, open-minded educational space for our students and serve the community no matter where we are on the political spectrum. I respect our community and believe they will make informed decisions in this race so that we can focus on the real work we need to do to improve our school district together.

Swardenski: Serving on a school board is not about politics, it never should be. Public education is about the students, their families, our teachers, our staff and the very fabric of our community. It saddens me that lines are being drawn to divide us, rather than bring us together as a community in support of each other. If the community chooses me to represent them on the board, I will serve with respect to all.

Watry: The goal is to build school community and not divide. I want what is best for our students’ future and for the community. Investing in our children now means a vibrant future for the Neenah community. I would hope that this election focuses on selecting the candidates that are best qualified and sincerely committed to making the best educational decisions possible to benefit all students in the Neenah school district.

More:5 things to know about construction progress at the new Neenah High School

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: Neenah school board candidates say why they are running, top issues