Voters in the Randall Consolidated School District have a contested election for school board on the spring election ballot.
Appearing on the April 7 ballot are:
- Steven Calderwood, an incumbent
- Melissa Grochowske
- Jeff Swanson, an incumbent
Two seats will be filled. The individuals with the two highest vote totals will be elected to the seats to be filled. Voters will be able to cast two votes.
The same questionnaire was submitted by westofthei.com to each candidate by email to the address they submitted with their candidate information.
Here is their biographical information followed by their question responses, presented in alphabetical order:
Steven Calderwood — No response received.
Melissa Grochowske — Age: 40; Education: Associate Degree in Marketing, Current Wisconsin Substitute Teaching License; Occupation: Designer, KLM Builders Inc.; Previous elected or appointed public office: None, other public Service: Vice President, Randall Parent Teacher Club (PTC), 3 years Secretary, Twin Lakes Chamber & Business Association (2011)
Jeff Swanson — Age: 39; Village, town, city where you reside: Town of Randall; Education: BA Communication University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Occupation: SVP Sales & Marketing; Previous elected/appointed public office: Randall Board of Education (member and Vice-President), Kenosha County Civil Service Commissioner
1.) What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the school district and how do you feel the School Board should address it?
Steven Calderwood — No response received.
Melissa Grochowske — The most pressing issue facing Randall Consolidated School right now is its shrinking student population. It is concerning to see how many families have chosen to leave the district. This decline not only creates uncertainty around future funding, but also has a broader impact on the strength and stability of our community.As a parent with children in Randall and someone who lives in this district, I believe there are meaningful ways we can address this challenge. Improving communication between the school board and families is essential. Families need to feel heard, informed, and connected to the decisions being made.Additionally, board members should be more visible and engaged within the schools—attending events, interacting with families, and taking time to observe the day-to-day school environment. By being present and informed, the board can better understand the needs of students, staff, and families, and make decisions that reflect the community’s priorities.By strengthening communication, increasing transparency, and building stronger relationships within the district, we can begin to rebuild trust, encourage families to stay, and attract new ones to Randall.
Swanson — One of the most pressing issues facing our school district is sustaining and building on the positive academic growth we’ve recently achieved. The improvements reflected in our state scorecard are something our entire community—students, staff, and families—should be proud of. However, progress like this requires continued focus and intentional support. The School Board should prioritize strategies that reinforce student achievement, invest in our educators, and ensure staff have the tools, training, and support needed to continue moving performance in the right direction. At the same time, this work must be balanced with strong fiscal responsibility. The Board has an obligation to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that every investment is thoughtful, transparent, and aligned to student success. Maintaining fiscally responsible practices does not mean limiting progress—it means making smart, strategic decisions that maximize impact while preserving long-term financial stability. By staying focused on both academic growth and responsible financial management, the School Board can continue to strengthen our district—providing a high-quality education for students while maintaining the trust and confidence of our community.
2.) Why are you the best candidate for School Board?
Steven Calderwood — No response received.
Grochowske — What makes me the best candidate for this position is my commitment to being approachable, friendly, and truly engaged with our school community. I work to build trust and open lines of communication so that board members, staff, and families feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and concerns. As a parent of twins at Randall and a substitute teacher there, I bring firsthand experience and a genuine understanding of our schools’ strengths and needs. I am dedicated to using that perspective to support thoughtful decision-making and to help create an inclusive, effective environment where every voice is heard, respected, and valued.
Swanson — I believe I am the best candidate for the School Board because I bring both proven experience and a strong personal commitment to our district. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving as both a Member at Large and, most recently, as Vice President. During that time, I’ve developed a deep understanding of our school system, our priorities, and the government processes that guide effective and transparent decision-making. That experience allows me to contribute immediately—asking informed questions, making thoughtful decisions, and helping move our district forward in a responsible and productive way. In addition to my board service, my career as an executive with a local small business has equipped me with skills that directly translate to this role. I focus on continuous improvement, strategic planning, and fiscally responsible practices—ensuring we invest in what matters most while being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars. Just as importantly, I am personally invested in the success of our schools. I have three children—one Randall graduate and two currently attending in 2nd and 7th grade. I’m not just serving this community; I’m part of it. The decisions we make directly impact my family and so many others, which drives my commitment to always do what is best for our students, our staff, and our community as a whole. I am dedicated to building on the progress we’ve made and ensuring our district continues to grow, succeed, and serve every student well.
