Why Run for school board?
Once a Pirate, always a Pirate...
It's a common, but never understated, saying around the Pewaukee School District campus and community. Having worked alongside many staff, students, parents and current board members as Pewaukee's past Communications Manager, I know firsthand how tight-knit and caring the community is. And, how welcoming they are! When my family and I returned two years ago from California, and my daughter Ella began the first of her 14 years as a Pirate in Mrs. Costello's final 4K class, it was like we never left.
And that's why I'm running for the Pewaukee School Board on April 2, 2024. To give back and teach Ella to cherish this community and do everything you can to contribute to, and revel in, its achievements.
My qualificationS
Having worked alongside every PSD stakeholder group as Pewaukee's past Communications Manager, I have built-in relationships that will benefit me as a board member. I can walk into any school, on any field or into any event and see familiar faces. These relationships are crucial to the partnerships needed to continue to be a top-rated school district.
My past position also gave me an invaluable lens to every aspect of the district - curriculum, finance, athletics, arts, buildings and grounds, safety, clubs, parents' groups and more. This is an exceptional base to have as a new board member.
Finally, as a father of a first-grade student with her whole life in front of her, I want to ensure Pewaukee School District prepares her for a world continuing to evolve at light speed. The district is one of the best in the state, but never rests on past achievements. It takes a concerted effort to attain "best of" status, but it takes 10 times more work to retain it. I look forward to being part of that success as PSD's newest board member for years to come.
TOp THREE ISSUES FACING PSD
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
PSD's state report card is impressive, but there's always room for improvement. How are we preparing ALL students for their post-secondary futures? Are we partnering with the right organizations and institutions to ensure students have the best options for four and two-year colleges, trades, immediate workforce opportunities and more? Where are we with pairing a mentor to every senior?
STAFFING
The task to properly staff an organization as diverse as Pewaukee School District is an incredible challenge in normal times. In today's world, it's an enormous daily effort to keep a Top-Ranked Workplace running as effectively and efficiently as possible. From teaching and learning to custodial services and beyond, this is perhaps the most critical issue PSD, and all Wisconsin districts, face.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health challenges and awareness have always been important issues, but the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has accelerated and exacerbated an already-troubling challenge. The optimist in me thinks the positive is we have never been more aware of, and accepting of, society's mental health needs. The other side of the coin: how do we provide for an unending need? Campus services help, but we need more.
no social media, No outside money
Lastly, you won't find me campaigning on Facebook or Twitter. I'm just not a fan of "social" media - and I don't have the time for it if I was! I will also be self-funding my entire campaign. I'm not a fan of partisan politics' involvement in schools. Someone in New York or Texas or Florida - from either party - should not be influencing decisions pertaining to Pewaukee Schools. That job belongs to district residents.
As board members, it's our sworn duty to empower Dr. Cady and his award-winning staff and answer to district taxpayers. Specifically, the board is charged to:
● Perform the specific duties and operate within the powers vested in the Board of Education by the state statutes.
● Promote the cause of education, including establishing, providing and improving District programs, functions and
activities for the benefit of students.
● Adopt policies for the general management of the schools in the District.
● Employ a Superintendent as its professional advisor and delegate to the Superintendent the necessary authority
and provide him/her with the appropriate personnel to administer the policies established by the Board of
Education.
CONTACT ME
Send me an email! ZupkeForPewaukee@gmail.com