Voters in Wilmot Unified High School District will be able to cast a ballot in a contested school board race on April 3.
Two seats will be filled, with three candidates on the ballot. Voters will be able to cast a ballot for up to two names.
The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate, by email or by mail.
Here is their biographical information, followed by their question responses:
Deborah Rudolph — Age: 64. Village, town, city where you reside: Silver Lake. Education: UW-Whitewater B.S.E. minor Library Science 1975; National Louis University M.E. 1998. Occupation: Retired. Previous elected/appointed public office: Wilmot High School Board 2015-present, Election Inspector for Village of Salem Lakes
Wayne Trongeau — Age: 68. Village, town, city where you reside: Twin Lakes. Education: Graduated from Wilmot High School in 1968. Attended numerous classes and training in Police, Fire and EMS with state licenses in all. Occupation: Retired Police Officer – Twin Lakes PD. Previous elected/appointed public office: The only public office is Wilmot High School Board. First elected in 2004 to present.
Travis Wetzel — Age: 32. Village, town, city where you reside: Twin Lakes. Education: Wilmot High School, UW-Whitewater- Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Marketing Education, Cardinal Stritch University- Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Occupation: Career & Technical Education Coordinator at Union Grove High School. Previous elected/appointed public office: Union Grove Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
1.) What will be your top priorities if elected to the School Board?
Rudolph –WHS needs to see growth on our school report card. Our leadership team has identified areas that need focus and are working with the staff to raise our scores.. We also need to keep the school budget under control so that property taxes are kept steady. We also need to recruit and retain a cohesive, innovative staff that will keep the lines of communication open and honest through out the building.
Trongeau — The top priority will be to continue to work together with the other board members as a team. To focus on the best interest of the students and the district. The school report card from the state is being addressed by the administration and positive results are being seen.
Wetzel — My top priority is to ensure Wilmot High School is providing the best educational experiences possible for all students. It is important that financial resources are used efficiently & responsibly to offer authentic, high-quality learning experiences for all students. WUHS needs a positive culture for learning as well as retaining exceptional educators. A focus on leadership and positive educational change to improve the score on the School Report Card from the state (62.3 – Meets Few Expectations).
2.) Why are you the best choice for School Board?
Rudolph — I am a retired educator with a knowledge of the inside workings of a school district. I understand the highs and lows that come with educating today’s young adults.
Trongeau — I feel that I along with other current board members are the best choice for the board because we have been devoted to the students and the district. We work as a team together and when necessary can make tough decisions after learning all facts involved. I have attended the State Education Convention in Milwaukee every January for the last fourteen years going to classes and lectures to become the best board member that I can be.
Wetzel — Why are you the best choice for School Board? My wife, Jamie and I are proud Wilmot alumni and passionate about the Panthers. I have nearly 10 years of experience working at Wilmot High School as a Business & IT teacher, department chair, and Career & Technical Education Coordinator. As a business owner, entrepreneur, and school leader, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, organizational leadership, and continuous improvement. I am excited to be part of a leadership team to transform Wilmot into an exceptional institution, where I hope to send my kids to one day.
