GREEN BAY – As the April 1 General Election draws near, Press Times staff reached out to the six candidates who are running for three seats on the Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) Board of Education.
All six candidates have been posed the same three questions. The responses are unedited, with the exception of typos or formatting modifications.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board and what are your qualifications for it:
I am running for a seat on the Green Bay Area Public School District board because I believe every child deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the real world. Parents should have a strong voice in their children’s education, and our schools must focus on core academics, accountability, and responsible budgeting.
For too long, education policy has been driven by political agendas rather than common sense and student success. We need to get back to the basics — reading, writing, math, and science — while also ensuring students are taught practical skills that will serve them beyond the classroom. I believe in promoting discipline, respect, and high expectations for all students so that we create a culture of excellence.
As for my qualifications, I bring a strong background in leadership, business, and community service. I have experience in strategic decision-making, budgeting, and problem-solving — skills that are essential for effective school board governance. Additionally, I am committed to listening to parents, teachers, and students to make informed decisions that benefit the entire district. As a former GBAPS student myself and parent to three graduates, my focus is on improving educational outcomes, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and keeping politics out of the classroom.
What do you feel are the top needs of the school district:
The Green Bay Area Public School District faces several critical challenges, but the top needs, from my perspective, are:
Our community leaders need to be asked, welcomed, and appreciated. We live in a world-class, world-famous city, and we have local talent to match our reputation. We do some of this, but we need to do a lot more.
I believe addressing these priorities will strengthen our schools, improve student outcomes, and restore confidence in our public education system.
What role should the community play in supporting the education of area youth:
The community plays a critical role in supporting the education of our youth, and a strong partnership between families, businesses and schools is essential for student success. Here’s how I see the community’s role:
Why are you running for a seat on the school board and what are your qualifications for it:
I was appointed to serve on the Green Bay Area School Board last year, April 2024, when a board member resigned. This also came at a time of great upheaval on the heals of the abrupt resignation of the superintendent after only seven months on the job. I’m on the board to effect substantive transformation that yields better results for the children of our district. I am a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, master army aviator and recently retired chief operating officer for a large transportation and logistics company. I bring to the board table extensive executive experience in strategic planning, training, leadership, fiscal responsibility and quantifiable results. I am 100% in this for our children. I engage with people across political, socioeconomic, and racial spectrums to find common ground solutions.
What do you feel are the top needs of the school district:
Student academic achievement for certain students are far short of expected standards. That needs massive attention. Our teachers need to feel genuine support and value. Our superintendent and the district staff as well as school administrators need a heightened awareness to take full responsibility and accountability for creating the conditions for success for all our students.
What role should the community play in supporting the education of area youth:
I made it a point to connect with all elements of our community. The children are the future of this community, so the community has a vested interest in helping shape conditions for a quality public school education.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board and what are your qualifications for it:
I want to ensure that all students receive the education and support they deserve. With my experience as a classroom volunteer and providing therapy for children with special needs, I understand the challenges families face and the importance of individualized learning approaches. I want to be a voice for parents, students, and teachers — helping to bridge gaps in communication and ensuring that policies and resources truly meet the needs of our community.
Additionally, as a parent in the district, I have firsthand knowledge of how policies impact students and families. My personal experiences — both as a former foster child and as a mother of a special needs child — give me a unique perspective on equity, inclusion, and the need for strong school-community relationships. I want to use that perspective to help other families navigate the education system, ensuring that every child — regardless of their background or abilities — has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
By serving on the school board, I will work to create policies that support teachers, strengthen parent involvement and provide students with a learning environment where they can thrive. I believe in listening to the concerns of our community and working collaboratively to find real solutions that make a difference in students’ lives.
What do you feel are the top needs of the school district:
The top needs of our school district are improving literacy scores, improving staff retention and improving our district’s report card score. To address these challenges, we need a clear strategy that diagnoses the root causes and tackles them head-on.
What role should the community play in supporting the education of area youth:
The community plays a huge role in supporting the education of our kids.
Schools can’t do it alone — it takes a village to raise a child. Families should be involved in their children’s education, whether that means helping with homework, staying informed about what’s happening in the district, or advocating for what their children need.
Volunteers make a big difference too, whether they’re helping out in classrooms, coaching teams, or just being positive role models.
Local businesses and organizations can partner with schools to offer internships, volunteer opportunities and funding.
We also need the community to support strong schools by pushing for good policies, making sure schools have the resources they need and encouraging a culture where learning is valued, inside and outside of the classroom. Children are our future, and when the future is fully supported, the world becomes a better place.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board and what are your qualifications for it:
I am running for the Green Bay Area School Board because I care deeply about our community and believe that strong public schools create strong communities.
My background and life experience make me a strong candidate for this role. I am a former PTA mom and president, actively involved in supporting our schools while my children attended public school. I saw how a strong partnership between schools and the community benefits students, and I want to make sure that remains true in Green Bay.
As a lifelong community volunteer, I have always been focused on what is good for my community and brings people together. I started my neighborhood association to foster connections, and my passion for gardening led me to become a Certified Master Gardener, helping to beautify public spaces. I also volunteer with Rooted In, a local nonprofit that prepares meals for food pantries and community refrigerators.
Professionally, I have spent 28 years as a Physical Therapist, including nine years at Bellin Health, where I learned that small efforts can make a big impact. Earning an MBA in management strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of budgets and organizational operations. I am retired (but not tired) so I have the time, energy and flexibility to dedicate myself fully to serving our schools and community.
What do you feel are the top needs of the school district:
The reimbursement rate for services provided to students with special needs is far too low. One of the wonderful things about public schools is that we educate every student who comes through our doors. However, at a special education reimbursement rate of just 33% and a growing need for specialized services, our public schools struggle to balance demand and budget. As a school board member, I will always advocate for fair funding for public schools.
Reading scores must be improved districtwide. This is a real issue because many students are struggling with reading. Learners don’t all come to the classroom having had the same experiences or the same learning styles. What works for one, may not work for the other. We need to give our students and their teachers all the tools they need to achieve their potential. Our schools are focusing on this issue and must continue to do so because reading proficiency is essential for future academic and life success.
Taxpayer dollars siphoned from the public school budget into private school vouchers is a significant drain on the system. I respect every family’s right to educate their children as they see fit, but the current burden of supporting two separate school systems is financially unsustainable and has created a funding model that depends on frequent referendums. While local school boards cannot eliminate or regulate schools that accept vouchers, board members can educate the community and speak to state legislators, pointing out issues and suggesting solutions.
What role should the community play in supporting the education of area youth:
Community members can engage with local public schools by following the Green Bay Area Schools social media, reading the district newsletter mailed several times a year, attending school events and participating in district committees and task forces when the opportunity is offered. Additionally, many community members have valuable skills and talents that could benefit students. Those interested in contributing can connect with local schools to explore opportunities to support children and enhance educational programming.
Next time you’re stopped behind a school bus, remember — it’s carrying our future. The kids on that bus are watching and learning from us every day. It takes a whole community to support our young people. How do you show them they are valued? Do you talk to the kids bagging your groceries or playing in your neighborhood? Do you cheer for our local teams? Strong public schools are important for our community’s success. Everyone has a role in making sure schools get fair funding, whether through taxes or speaking up to lawmakers.
When we support education, we invest in a brighter future for all.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board and what are your qualifications for it:
Because the success of our public schools is incredibly important to our community and I want to be of service to my community. I believe that effective board members bring their different talents, experiences, and knowledge to the table but leave their agenda at home. I am not there to further my priorities, I am there to work with the other trustees to guide district leadership to achieve the district’s priorities. I am the Chief Product and Technology Officer of a Wisconsin based organization and current Vice President of the Board of Education. I think the leadership and strategic planning experiences that I bring with me are valuable and have helped the board make some difficult decisions over the last 3 years
What do you feel are the top needs of the school district:
I believe that the biggest challenges facing the district now are student achievement and making sure we have high-quality relationships between our leadership and our teaching staff. To improve achievement, we first need a strategic plan that defines success. We need to ensure our teachers have the right curriculum, tools, training and time to execute that plan. They also need to feel safe and supported by the administration. As board members we need to hold district leadership accountable for making sure they have a plan that includes measurable outcomes and that they take the appropriate measures to support our teaching staff.
What role should the community play in supporting the education of area youth:
There are so many ways our community can support our mission. The board and district leadership have established purposeful community engagement as a goal. We want to hear community voices. More importantly, members of the community can get directly involved. We are always looking for substitute teachers, crossing guards, and volunteers. These roles make a huge impact on our teachers and our students. Parent Teachers Organizations are opportunities for parents to become involved in creating enrichment opportunities for your kids. The bottom line is to become involved and model the community that you want our kids to live in.
Why are you running for a seat on the school board and what are your qualifications for it:
I am looking to join our school board because we need a new voice and new people leading our schools. We need truly informed people and I am one dedicated to actually doing the work needed. I am the only teacher that would be on the board, a lifelong green bay resident. I also have kids in the district unlike any board members and all but one other candidate.
I’ve held many educational positions in our district over many years and understand our schools better than anyone on our board or any candidate running. As importantly, I am an independent voice. I am not controlled nor beholden to any one entity. I am connected to people from all walks of life and would provide honest and productive direction for our schools. I care about everyone in our community regardless of background and I have the fortitude to make thoughtful and impactful decisions.
What do you feel are the top needs of the school district:
Our biggest need is to find and improve our leadership. We need to finally get the superintendent hire “right.” We need the right type of superintendent, one relatively local, and one who we as a board can support. We also need to revise who and how we hire as our district administrators and how they execute their job duties.
Secondly, more than ever, we have to decrease the daily chaos in our classrooms. We need to reduce misbehavior, increase our support of teachers, and adjust policies accordingly so all kids can learn in a safe and constructive environment.
Lastly, we need to be very careful and responsive in our future planning regarding the use of our money, boundary adjustments, etc as enrollment and outside influences change.
What role should the community play in supporting the education of area youth:
The community has a huge role. First and foremost, parents really have to be 100% committed to supporting their child’s education and our schools. We need to be partners in raising our future generations and help each other. The community at large needs to do their best to trust and support our teachers especially. They should also be willing to ask questions and challenge our district when we don’t hold up our end of the bargain. Being engaged and being committed to educating our youth takes many forms. Each person’s role may differ. But, at the very least, each person should do their best to support their children and hopefully offer some care and support to those around them as well.
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