KAUKAUNA — The spring 2023 election is an important one, with contested seats on the Kaukauna Area School District Board of Education and in two out of the four Kaukauna City Council seats.
Kaukauna Community News asked each candidate why they were running and what was the most important issue.
Here are their responses, in alphabetical order by district:
KAUKAUNA CITY COUNCIL (1 open seat in each district)
Marty DeCoster, incumbent, District 1
I am running for this position again because I enjoy serving the community and would like to continue being involved with the growth of Kaukauna.
The issue that I believe is very important to continue addressing in Kaukauna is promoting the city and making it a destination.
A destination for raising a family, a destination for employment, a destination for entertainment or recreation, and many other reasons to say “I am going to Kaukauna.”
I am proud to be a lifelong Kaukauna resident and proud to say that I call Kaukauna home.
Elizabeth Walker, District 1
As a mom of three and teacher within the district, I want what is best for all current and future members of the community.
My overall goal is to help better the community of Kaukauna and advocate for the citizens.
This makes me think: What do the citizens of Kaukauna need to be successful? To stay safe? To enjoy themselves?
I feel as though I am realistic, creative and have a great deal of ideas to bring to the table. Collaboration and communication are key to making success happen.
When thinking about new ideas, the City of Kaukauna currently provides many great events. I completely understand there needs to be events that are geared toward individuals without families; however, what if the events we have that are currently supposed to target families were planned to be even more engaging and family friendly?
What about adding events such as movies in the park, bringing in a variety of vendors that will increase engagement and attendance at Live at Hydro Park, a Winter Wonderland walk through during the winter season, a kids and kites event, sidewalk chalk walk, the summer park program, events to support culture, diversity and equity, etc.
The possibilities are endless and through collaboration, consistent communication and the utilization of resources, we can help to continue to improve our community and the involvement of the citizens within.
There are also other important topics that can be brought to the table for consideration, such as the amount of garbage that is found within our city parks and a possible distribution and use of rain barrels in order to harvest rainwater and protect water quality.
As mentioned earlier, I want to help improve the City of Kaukauna in order to make it a better community for our current and future residents.
Chris Britten, District 3
I’ve always had an interest in city politics, like so many other citizens I wonder how decisions are made and why money is allocated in certain areas.
I’m running to be a voice for the citizens of district 3.
I want to help address issues and concerns they may have and find compromising solutions. During my short time gathering signatures, I heard many different questions and topics.
I like our city’s direction. We have great recreational opportunities for all people.
I believe the biggest issue currently for the city is building another school. I’m sure there are many details to be discussed. I hope to be a part of that process.
Those who know me, know I go all out. Anything I’m involved in I give 100 percent.
I look forward to being your support at City Hall. Thank you for considering me at the polls.
Brian Schell, incumbent, District 3
I have been the 3rd District Alderman for the past 4 years.
I have a genuine love for the city of Kaukauna and the things that take place within the city. I care about the citizens of Kaukauna and want to see our city prosper.
I feel the important issues facing the city are the concerns about the quality of water, as this seems to be a big concern of my constituents.
I would also like to see a balance between growth and services provided to help keep taxes in check.
It is my goal to make sure that the services that we offer as a city are second to none, and the improvement projects ensure the quality of life for all residents.
KAUKAUNA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION (2 open seats)
Dale Antoine
The Kaukauna School District is already an excellent school district.
My goal is to help keep it moving in a positive
direction.
The biggest issue is to turn the open enrollment flow around and retain and attract families into the Kaukauna School District.
The district is losing too much state funding by having families enroll in other districts.
The financial future of the district depends on solving this issue.
We need to spread the word on how great this district is and that it is only getting better.
Mike Campbell, registered write-in
I am running for school board because I love Kaukauna and want to help Kaukauna Schools continue its excellence in education.
We have so many amazing teachers and opportunities for our kids.
My oldest graduated from Kaukauna in 2022, and I have two more children in the school system.
I am running because so many parents have told me they feel their values are not represented on the School Board.
Kaukauna has not been immune to the politicization of education including taxpayer funded divisive political ideology promoted and approved by our current school board.
No matter what your political affiliation – politics has no place in our curriculum or hanging on our classroom walls. My goals are simple – focus on education and continuing to improve our excellence by implementing the following strategies:
1– Raise the bar in education — Raise expectations for our students and provide support to those who need it before the mandated state levels which are extremely low. Implement early childhood dyslexia intervention. Improving a child’s success improves their self-esteem and mental health and provides them with a better start for their future.
2 – Political free school zone – Promotion of political action committees, or political ideologies should be removed from our schools as there are no politics in math, science or reading and writing.
3 – School board accountability – Remove the $17,000+ annual stipend paid to school board members and put that money back in education. Move board meetings to 6:30 p.m. so more families can attend. Record and publish school board meetings so busy families and taxpayers can stay informed on the workings of their school.
Sue Gertz, incumbent
I love Kaukauna, I have lived here all my life. I am currently on the school board and have the experience and knowledge needed for the job.
I am open to all ideas and suggestions from the community and work hard to get questions answered.
I most often hear from the community about the purchase of the land for a new middle school. It’s important that we look into a new school because our middle school is overcrowded.
We will need to make decisions in the near future and it’s important to gather all the necessary information.
Busing is another hot topic. Kobussen cannot find enough bus drivers to sustain the status quo.
We will have to take action on how to go forward with what Kobussen is able to offer.
I want to continue to support our students, teachers and administrators in providing a successful, safe and high quality education.
Tracy LyBoualong
As a KASD alumni and mother of four within our district, I am running for school board to use my passion and diverse experience with children and families to help create policies in which all families in Kaukauna feel heard and represented.
Every child in our district deserves a safe and engaging environment that allows them to reach their highest potential. In order to make this happen we must also ensure our staff are well supported in all aspects of their jobs.
Like many districts, in recent years there has been a divide both in our communities and our districts.
I feel it is time we come back together with transparency, open communication and respect to push Kaukauna to the top for all students, staff and community members.
Together we can ensure the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students are met in the most fiscally responsible way.
I truly hope that each of you choose to allow me the opportunity to represent you, your children, and the KASD community.
Charles West
I’ve raised my two daughters in the Kaukauna community for eight years. I’m a former teacher and social worker, I am proud of Kaukauna schools every day.
My father was an ammunition inspector for the Department of Defense, I always knew that his job was pretty important because we moved every two years chasing a carrier group of Navy ships around the world from Asia-Home-Europe-Home-Asia-and Home again.
I went to school to teach special education and taught for as long as the economy allowed.
I’ve always known that teaching is a very important job. I don’t teach anymore but I know schools and how school boards operate.
This is important work.
It’s not just important for our 5,000 students but also for the 28,000 people who live in KASD.
Working together as a board to sustain and build on what makes me proud of KASD is why I’m running for school board.
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