Amber Leifheit is running for re-election to the Marshfield School Board.
Much national attention has been placed on the upcoming Wisconsin presidential primary. I think we should look at our local elections. I am running for school board In Marshfield. Two candidates will be elected to serve for the next three years. It is a very critical time for our school district, with budgets shrinking and expectations for our students increasing.
Why should you vote for me? I have been actively involved in our community for the last 25 years. I have volunteered with many nonprofits, been the Pied Piper Preschool Administrator, the Pathway Partners Mentor Coordinator, a substitute teacher and served for six years on the school board. I am currently the executive director of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, a position that I’ve held for eight years. This variety of experience has given me a certain depth of understanding for Marshfield’s issues and a broad experience with students, parents, facilities, finance and budgets.
A school board member needs this experience and a passion for education. The job of a school board member extends well beyond the two-hour meeting. I believe it is each member’s duty to be well informed, that includes listening to all constituents, reading and attending continuing education. This takes many hours each month and I have demonstrated that I am willing to put in the time required to do the job right.
During the past weeks, I have answered questions for TV, newspapers, on social media, on my website and with groups of people. I have outlined why I want to run, why voters should vote for me, why I think we will need a referendum, why I support the iPad initiative and ideas to generate more income. I’ve explained that I think our athletic facilities need attention but I need to know how we can pay for the repairs before I can support this.
But there are many more questions. How do we attract and retain great teachers? How do we continue to maintain our programs so every child can find their niche? How do we educate kids facing special challenges? (23 percent of our students report they don’t have enough food, 20 percent are depressed and 6 percent have tried suicide.) How do we continue to keep our children safe? How do we make sure all children are college and career ready? I don’t know the answers to all of these questions. But I will continue to listen, learn and weigh the benefits for each child versus the expense to the taxpayer.
I will continue to advocate on behalf of all children to maintain an excellent schools system. When you vote April 5, please remember that local elections matter. Please vote for me, Amber Leifheit.
Amber Leifheit is a candidate for re-election to the Marshfield School Board.