New Salem School Board member takes office

New Salem School Board member Lisa Hinze (right) signs her oath of office as board Clerk Peggy Aull looks on

New Salem School Board member Lisa Hinze officially took her seat at a meeting Tuesday night.

Hinze took the oath of office and received her committee assignments of chairman of the Policy Committee and member of Education review.

Hinze will fill the seat until next April. It came open after Patricia Merrill resigned in April.

Lisa Hinze

Here are some questions and answers from Hinze:

WotI: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hinze: I am married with three children – my oldest is in third grade, my middle child is in first and my youngest is starting kindergarten in the fall. I have earned a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and have spent over 20 years working in the consumers products industry in marketing brand management. We have lived in Salem for 11 years and have quickly come to enjoy all the benefits this area has to offer.

WotI: Why were you interested in being on the school board?

Hinze: Although my work background is in business, I began to become interested in teaching and the school about five years ago. I wanted to better understand the environment my children would be learning in. When my oldest daughter started kindergarten three years ago, I began volunteering more at the school. My volunteer experience has helped develop a deep understanding of the some of the issues facing the school and education in general. I want to continue to be involved with my children’s education. I have a desire to make a difference and I am motivated and excited to learn more.

WotI: The Salem School District has had a tough year. What does the district most need to focus on with the school year again coming up soon?

Hinze: Of course, the objective of a school board is to ensure a quality education. And with the challenges that face the school in the fall because of the recent cuts, nothing could be more accurate of a statement. I think it is important that the school makes the transition into the new school year as transparent as possible – making sure the school is retaining our quality teachers, the curriculum is strong and the children are challenged.