Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

I first ran for public office when I saw that the Sturgeon Bay School District had lost the support of the community and was facing serious financial difficulties. I have always passionately believed that education is the key to allowing every member of our society to reach his or her full potential. I viewed this challenge as an opportunity to repay the community that has been so great to my family and me.

We had to make difficult decisions, but through sound financial management, we were able to regain the trust of the community. I served on the board for 15 years, 13 of those as President. My time on the board was invaluable in helping me to understand the challenges our schools face as well as the complexities of school funding.

In the Assembly, education continues to be a top priority for me. I serve as Vice-chairman of the Education Committee and I am Co-chairman, along with Sen. Luther Olsen, of the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding. Our current school funding formula is outdated and has not adapted well to the changing demographics in our state over the past thirty years. The commission is an ambitious, bipartisan effort to rewrite the formula to assure that every student in Wisconsin receives a great education, no matter their zip code.

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