School board candidates participate in forum 

Six of the eight candidates for the School District of Rhinelander Board of Education participated in a pre-election forum Wednesday morning at Rhinelander High School. The event was co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods and the Rhinelander High School Student Council. Members of the student council moderated the discussion which lasted just under 90 minutes.

Following introductions, candidates Doug Artus, Judy Conlin, Bill Freudenberg, Kurt Helke,  Mary Peterson and Jacqui Zivko were asked questions about their qualifications, the district’s budget issues, the school funding formula, communication between the district and the public and their feelings on the district’s newly implemented target-based grading system.

Incumbents Conlin and Peterson emphasized their experience and perspective as retired teachers. 

“Having taught in this district and two other districts, I feel that sometimes when stuff comes to our board we need to hear what a former teacher went through and how they would react to it,” Peterson said. “Not necessarily that we are going to sway the board, but we are at least there to present a teacher's viewpoint.”

Among other things, Conlin mentioned her 22 years as a special education teacher and service on the state superintendent’s special education advisory council.

“I’m grateful to have been able to serve on the board and I hope that you will continue to have faith in me to re-elect me,” she said.

Freudenberg stressed his long history of service to the community and his passion for the district. He also noted he’s been attending school board meetings in order to learn more about the operations of the district. 

“I believe in our future and you are our future,” he said, addressing the members of the student council.

Zivko, Helke and Artus noted they bring multiple perspectives to the table including as parents raising children currently enrolled in the district or about to graduate.

Artus, who was appointed less than a year ago after former board member David Holperin resigned, said the experience has been eye-opening.

“I’ve learned it’s a much larger responsibility than just looking after your own family, it’s the whole community,” he said.

Helke cited his “fresh perspective” and problem-solving skills, honed over many years as an officer with the Rhinelander Police Department, as well as his knowledge and experience related to mental health issues impacting students and families.

“I’ve been involved in this community for a very long time and I hope to (use) my experience and knowledge to make this school district as good as it can be,” he said.

Zivko explained that she is a county social worker and a mother of four, one of whom is a special needs student. She also has experience with juvenile justice, she said.

“I’ve worked with families in the community that have had children that have been struggling in the school district,” she said, adding that she has seen a “huge disconnect in the community when it comes to special needs” and can offer insight on that important issue.

As for target-based grading, most of the candidates stressed that change is always difficult and it’s probably too soon to gauge whether moving away from the A-F scale was a good decision.

Artus said he knows some have expressed frustrations with the new system but he recently attended a school board convention and heard positive reviews from every district that has made the change. 

Freudenberg said he understands the impulse to hold on to the familiar.

“I think as we go on, it will grow on us,” he said. “We’ll learn to adapt just like we adapt to other things.”

Helke was the last candidate to address the grading issue. 

“I know you guys hate it,” he said, addressing the students directly.

As he did during the public comment portion of the March 24 school board meeting, Helke also referenced a question he posed on Facebook seeking feedback on the change. He noted that those who responded to his question were opposed to the change. He questioned whether the district secured enough parent/staff/community “buy-in” before making the change. He also noted that other criticisms of the new system include “subjective grading, inadequate feedback and undue stress on students.”

At the end of the discussion, Debra Durschlag of LWVNOW said all eight candidates were invited to participate in the forum and her organization heard from seven of them. Incumbent Ron Lueneburg indicated he intended to attend but was ultimately unable to make it, she explained. 

The top four vote-getters on April 1 will be elected to the board.