{"id":890,"date":"2026-02-09T16:03:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T21:03:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/sdws-failure-to-launch-optimizing-our-future-plan-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-02-10T21:04:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T02:04:11","slug":"candidate-mitch-gallagher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/","title":{"rendered":"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-890\" data-postid=\"890\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-890 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_zpru899 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_m9xt900 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_rei631   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>The Alliance sent detailed questionnaires to all 5 active school board candidates. As we receive them, we are publishing each candidate&#8217;s unedited answers so that you can make an educated decision this April. The questions are roughly grouped into 5 categories:<\/p>\n<p>La Alianza envi\u00f3 cuestionarios detallados a los cinco candidatos activos para la junta escolar. A medida que los recibimos, estamos publicando las respuestas sin editar de cada candidato para que puedas tomar una decisi\u00f3n informada este abril. Las preguntas est\u00e1n agrupadas aproximadamente en cinco categor\u00edas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#candidate\">About the Candidate \/ Acerca del Candidato<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#district\">About the District \/ Acerca del Distrito<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#public-schools\">About Public Schools \/ Sobre las Escuelas Publicas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#curriculum-learning\">About Curriculum &amp; Learning \/ Acerca del Curr\u00edculo y Aprendizaje<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#oof\">About Optimizing Our Future \/ Acerca de Optimizando Nuestro Futuro<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The first candidate we are featuring is Mitch Gallagher. El primer candidato que estamos presentando es Mitch Gallagher.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_pxfl000 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_zu11106 first\">\n                    <!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_k47n426 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <a name=\"candidate\"><\/a>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text --><!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_trsd277 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h3 class=\"fancy-heading tf_textl\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    About the Candidate \/ Acerca del Candidato            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                                <\/span>\n    <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_z2v0223   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-902 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mitch Gallagher and his family\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Tell us about yourself. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cu\u00e9ntanos sobre ti.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am a father of 3 living in the Bethesda neighborhood. I have 2 girls (6 and 4) and one son (2). My oldest daughter is in the Dual Language program at Bethesda and we are planning on having the four year old follow her in the dual program next year and my son joining the dual program in a couple years. My wife is an HR Director and I am a Reporting Analyst.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Soy padre de 3 hijos y vivo en el vecindario de Bethesda. Tengo 2 ni\u00f1as (de 6 y 4 a\u00f1os) y un ni\u00f1o (de 2 a\u00f1os). Mi hija mayor est\u00e1 en el programa de doble idioma en Bethesda y estamos planeando que la de cuatro a\u00f1os la siga en el programa de doble idioma el pr\u00f3ximo a\u00f1o y que mi hijo se una al programa de doble idioma en un par de a\u00f1os. Mi esposa es Directora de Recursos Humanos y yo soy Analista de Reportes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why are you running for school board? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 te postulas para la junta escolar?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am running for school board because our community deserves decisions based on real data and thought out plans. I am committed to providing transparent community and data-driven decision making that represents the best interests of our entire community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Me postulo para la junta escolar porque nuestra comunidad merece decisiones basadas en datos reales y planes bien pensados. Me comprometo a proporcionar decisiones transparentes, basadas en la comunidad y en datos, que representen los mejores intereses de toda nuestra comunidad.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you believe qualifies you to be on the Waukesha school board? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 crees que te califica para estar en la junta escolar de Waukesha?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am a real stakeholder in the health of our district. I understand that a healthy school district benefits everyone in the community whether they have children in the district or not. I spent the vast majority of my summer digging into data surrounding the OOF process and have a solid understanding on the multiple layers of factors that affect the strength of our schools. My professional background as a data analyst fits perfectly into conducting real analyses on the effects the school board decisions has on the community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Soy un verdadero interesado en la salud de nuestro distrito. Entiendo que un distrito escolar saludable beneficia a toda la comunidad, tengan o no hijos en el distrito. Pas\u00e9 la gran mayor\u00eda de mi verano analizando datos relacionados con el proceso OOF y tengo un s\u00f3lido entendimiento de los m\u00faltiples factores que afectan la fortaleza de nuestras escuelas. Mi experiencia profesional como analista de datos encaja perfectamente en la realizaci\u00f3n de an\u00e1lisis reales sobre los efectos que las decisiones de la junta escolar tienen en la comunidad.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you have children, do they attend or have they attended Waukesha schools? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Si tienes hijos, \u00bfasisten o han asistido a las escuelas de Waukesha?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, my oldest is in the Dual Language program at Bethesda and I have two more that we are hoping to send through that program as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>S\u00ed, mi hijo mayor est\u00e1 en el programa de Doble Lengua en Bethesda y tengo dos m\u00e1s que esperamos enviar tambi\u00e9n a ese programa.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Have you toured or volunteered in any of our schools recently? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfHa visitado o trabajado como voluntario en alguna de nuestras escuelas recientemente?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, I was heavily involved in the parent contingent of OOF research which involved looking at schools both inside and out. I also enjoy volunteering and helping inside my children\u2019s schools whenever I am able.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>S\u00ed, particip\u00e9 activamente en el contingente de padres de la investigaci\u00f3n OOF, que consist\u00eda en observar las escuelas tanto por dentro como por fuera. Tambi\u00e9n me gusta ser voluntario y ayudar dentro de las escuelas de mis hijos siempre que puedo.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_7z34373 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <a name=\"district\"><\/a>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text --><!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_zb1o568 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h3 class=\"fancy-heading tf_textl\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    About the District \/ Acerca del Distrito            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                                <\/span>\n    <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_q48u286   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>What do you see as the positives of the Waukesha School District? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les considera que son los aspectos positivos del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The specialty programs are truly huge benefits. Dual Language is not a common thing offered elsewhere and makes the district stand out. Things like the STEM programming, Health Academy, and Engineering Academy offer highly specialized experiences that\u00a0 help prepare kids to be successful ahead of their peers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Los programas especializados son realmente grandes beneficios. El programa de Doble Idioma no es algo com\u00fan que se ofrezca en otras partes y hace que el distrito se destaque. Cosas como los programas STEM, la Academia de Salud y la Academia de Ingenier\u00eda ofrecen experiencias altamente especializadas que ayudan a preparar a los ni\u00f1os para tener \u00e9xito antes que sus compa\u00f1eros.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where do you think the district could improve? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfD\u00f3nde crees que el distrito podr\u00eda mejorar?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We need to support our educators and, in turn, our students. We need to make sure our educators who are in the classroom every day have an avenue in which they feel comfortable reaching out and expressing concerns. We can\u2019t help our students if we can\u2019t even hear our teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We need to focus on how to make our district attractive again. While we are focusing on cutting buildings and teachers to \u201cright size\u201d there is nothing being done to promote and stabilize our schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Necesitamos apoyar a nuestros educadores y, a su vez, a nuestros estudiantes. Debemos asegurarnos de que nuestros educadores, que est\u00e1n en el aula todos los d\u00edas, tengan una v\u00eda en la que se sientan c\u00f3modos para comunicarse y expresar sus preocupaciones. No podemos ayudar a nuestros estudiantes si ni siquiera podemos escuchar a nuestros maestros.<br \/><br \/>Debemos enfocarnos en c\u00f3mo hacer que nuestro distrito sea atractivo nuevamente. Mientras nos concentramos en recortar edificios y maestros para \u201cajustar el tama\u00f1o\u201d, no se est\u00e1 haciendo nada para promover y estabilizar nuestras escuelas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you hope to accomplish as a board member? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 esperas lograr como miembro de la junta?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I hope to instill an obligation for real analyses. Whether the decision is to close schools or invest in curriculum, we must establish processes that are able to quantify success so we are able to continuously improve student and community outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Espero inculcar la obligaci\u00f3n de realizar an\u00e1lisis reales. Ya sea que la decisi\u00f3n sea cerrar escuelas o invertir en el plan de estudios, debemos establecer procesos que sean capaces de cuantificar el \u00e9xito para poder mejorar continuamente los resultados de los estudiantes y de la comunidad.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you think the board\u2019s highest priority should be in the next term? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l crees que deber\u00eda ser la m\u00e1xima prioridad de la junta en el pr\u00f3ximo per\u00edodo?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The board must emphasize both student and teacher support to guide them through the current consolidation process. I am worried by the lack of discussion surrounding the actual logistics surrounding such drastic changes in such a short time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>La junta debe enfatizar tanto el apoyo a los estudiantes como a los maestros para guiarlos a trav\u00e9s del proceso de consolidaci\u00f3n actual. Me preocupa la falta de discusi\u00f3n sobre la log\u00edstica real que conllevan cambios tan dr\u00e1sticos en tan poco tiempo.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are your views on SDW\u2019s communication practices? What, if any, changes would you make? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus opiniones sobre las pr\u00e1cticas de comunicaci\u00f3n de SDW? \u00bfQu\u00e9 cambios har\u00edas, si es que har\u00edas alguno?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication has been, in short, terrible. Parents are confused and unable to get straight answers to any questions. Communications need to be succinct, specific, and understandable. We must focus on creating a fundamental shift in our communication to ensure that families have the information they need, when they need it.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>La comunicaci\u00f3n ha sido, en pocas palabras, terrible. Los padres est\u00e1n confundidos y no pueden obtener respuestas claras a ninguna pregunta. Las comunicaciones deben ser concisas, espec\u00edficas y comprensibles. Debemos centrarnos en crear un cambio fundamental en nuestra comunicaci\u00f3n para asegurarnos de que las familias tengan la informaci\u00f3n que necesitan, cuando la necesitan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How would you work to increase the transparency of the budgeting process? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo trabajar\u00edas para aumentar la transparencia del proceso presupuestario?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budgeting is not a simple process and can be hard to communicate. While budgets are available to view to the public they are not easily accessible or easily digestible. We need to create documentation that re-frames the budget in a way that anyone can understand. This would also include creating KPIs and understanding progress that each dollar we budget is contributing to. Every dollar the public spends on public education should have a tangible return on investment that we are able to talk about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>El presupuesto no es un proceso sencillo y puede ser dif\u00edcil de comunicar. Aunque los presupuestos est\u00e1n disponibles para que el p\u00fablico los vea, no son f\u00e1cilmente accesibles ni f\u00e1ciles de comprender. Necesitamos crear documentaci\u00f3n que replantee el presupuesto de manera que cualquiera pueda entenderlo. Esto tambi\u00e9n incluir\u00eda la creaci\u00f3n de indicadores clave de rendimiento (KPI) y la comprensi\u00f3n del progreso al que contribuye cada d\u00f3lar que presupuestamos. Cada d\u00f3lar que el p\u00fablico gasta en educaci\u00f3n p\u00fablica deber\u00eda tener un retorno de inversi\u00f3n tangible del que podamos hablar.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How would you go about attracting families to SDW? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo atraer\u00edas a las familias a SDW?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First and foremost, I want to highlight our programming. Dual language, STEM and 4k programs at the elementary level get families into the district early and once a family is here they\u2019re more likely to stay. We need to make sure we are promoting these programs at every opportunity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second, we need to be more transparent. Our enrollment decline is outpacing falling birthrates by a significant margin; families are fleeing the district. Transparency and open communication are necessary first steps to regain the trust of families and bring them back. They need to know that we are supporting their futures when they stay in our district but right now there is nothing happening to create that reassurance. Nothing can change until outreach begins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Primero y ante todo, quiero destacar nuestros programas. Los programas biling\u00fces, de STEM y de 4k a nivel de primaria atraen a las familias al distrito desde temprana edad y, una vez que una familia est\u00e1 aqu\u00ed, es m\u00e1s probable que permanezca. Necesitamos asegurarnos de promover estos programas en cada oportunidad.\u00a0<br \/><br \/>En segundo lugar, necesitamos ser m\u00e1s transparentes. Nuestra disminuci\u00f3n en la matr\u00edcula est\u00e1 superando la ca\u00edda de la tasa de natalidad por un margen significativo; las familias est\u00e1n abandonando el distrito. La transparencia y la comunicaci\u00f3n abierta son los primeros pasos necesarios para recuperar la confianza de las familias y hacer que regresen. Necesitan saber que estamos apoyando su futuro cuando permanecen en nuestro distrito, pero en este momento no est\u00e1 pasando nada que genere esa seguridad. Nada puede cambiar hasta que comiencen las acciones de divulgaci\u00f3n.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_9i05442 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <a name=\"public-schools\"><\/a>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text --><!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_1rpl536 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h3 class=\"fancy-heading tf_textl\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    About Public Schools \/ Sobre las escuelas p\u00fablicas            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                                <\/span>\n    <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_le1l570   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>Why do you support public schools? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 apoyas las escuelas p\u00fablicas?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I support public schools because they are the foundation of a thriving community. Beyond my role as a dad, I support them as a homeowner and a taxpayer. Strong, high-performing public schools are the primary tool we have to attract young families to our neighborhoods. When our schools succeed, our entire local economy succeeds. We cannot have a vibrant city without a vibrant school district.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Apoyo a las escuelas p\u00fablicas porque son la base de una comunidad pr\u00f3spera. M\u00e1s all\u00e1 de mi papel como padre, las apoyo como propietario de una vivienda y contribuyente. Las escuelas p\u00fablicas fuertes y de alto rendimiento son la herramienta principal que tenemos para atraer a familias j\u00f3venes a nuestros vecindarios. Cuando nuestras escuelas tienen \u00e9xito, toda nuestra econom\u00eda local tiene \u00e9xito. No podemos tener una ciudad vibrante sin un distrito escolar vibrante.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the most important thing our public schools should be doing? To what extent do you think they are meeting this goal? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l es la cosa m\u00e1s importante que deber\u00edan estar haciendo nuestras escuelas p\u00fablicas? \u00bfHasta qu\u00e9 punto cree que est\u00e1n cumpliendo con este objetivo?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important thing our schools must do is deliver an academic product so valuable that families choose Waukesha over every other option. We are in a competitive marketplace now. The data suggests we are struggling and not being competitive. With enrollment down 8% over the last two years of full data and families leaving for private or neighboring districts, the &#8216;market&#8217; is telling us we have work to do. We need to improve our academic return on investment to win those families back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Lo m\u00e1s importante que nuestras escuelas deben hacer es ofrecer un producto acad\u00e9mico tan valioso que las familias elijan Waukesha por encima de cualquier otra opci\u00f3n. Ahora estamos en un mercado competitivo. Los datos sugieren que estamos teniendo dificultades y no estamos siendo competitivos. Con una disminuci\u00f3n del 8% en la matr\u00edcula durante los \u00faltimos dos a\u00f1os de datos completos y familias que se est\u00e1n yendo a distritos privados o vecinos, el &#8216;mercado&#8217; nos est\u00e1 diciendo que tenemos trabajo por hacer. Necesitamos mejorar nuestro retorno acad\u00e9mico de inversi\u00f3n para recuperar a esas familias.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is one thing you think the community needs to better understand about public schools? Why? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l es una cosa que crees que la comunidad necesita entender mejor sobre las escuelas p\u00fablicas? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The community needs to understand that fewer students does not mean lower taxes. There is a misconception that if enrollment drops, the budget should shrink and taxes should go down. In Wisconsin, the opposite is true. When we lose students, we lose state aid, but our fixed costs remain. That financial gap is filled by raising property taxes. Understanding this &#8216;Death Spiral&#8217; is critical because it explains why &#8216;shrinking&#8217; the district is actually the most expensive option for taxpayers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>La comunidad necesita entender que tener menos estudiantes no significa menores impuestos. Existe la idea err\u00f3nea de que si la matr\u00edcula disminuye, el presupuesto deber\u00eda reducirse y los impuestos bajar. En Wisconsin, ocurre lo contrario. Cuando perdemos estudiantes, perdemos ayuda estatal, pero nuestros costos fijos permanecen. Esa brecha financiera se cubre aumentando los impuestos sobre la propiedad. Comprender este &#8216;espiral de la muerte&#8217; es fundamental porque explica por qu\u00e9 &#8216;reducir&#8217; el distrito es en realidad la opci\u00f3n m\u00e1s cara para los contribuyentes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you think about the current school funding situation in Wisconsin? What, if anything, would you like to see change? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 piensas sobre la situaci\u00f3n actual del financiamiento escolar en Wisconsin? \u00bfQu\u00e9 te gustar\u00eda que cambiara, si es que hay algo?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The current state funding formula punishes districts with declining enrollment. It essentially forces property taxes up whenever a district shrinks, creating an incentive structure. While I would love for the state to fix the formula to be less volatile, we can\u2019t wait for a bailout. The only part of the equation we control is enrollment. I want to see a shift in our local strategy from &#8216;managing decline&#8217; (cutting budgets) to &#8216;aggressive growth&#8217; (attracting students) to maximize the revenue available under the current rules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>La f\u00f3rmula actual de financiamiento estatal perjudica a los distritos con matr\u00edcula en disminuci\u00f3n. Esencialmente, obliga a aumentar los impuestos a la propiedad cada vez que un distrito se reduce, creando una estructura de incentivos. Aunque me encantar\u00eda que el estado arreglara la f\u00f3rmula para que sea menos vol\u00e1til, no podemos esperar un rescate. La \u00fanica parte de la ecuaci\u00f3n que controlamos es la matr\u00edcula. Quiero ver un cambio en nuestra estrategia local, pasando de &#8216;gestionar la disminuci\u00f3n&#8217; (recortar presupuestos) a &#8216;crecimiento agresivo&#8217; (atraer estudiantes) para maximizar los ingresos disponibles bajo las reglas actuales.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_kztm370 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <a name=\"curriculum-learning\"><\/a>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text --><!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_7k5a703 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h3 class=\"fancy-heading tf_textl\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    About Curriculum &amp; Learning \/ Acerca del Curr\u00edculo y el Aprendizaje            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                                <\/span>\n    <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_nmhr200   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>What are your views on standardized testing? Does SDW do too little, too much, or the right amount? Why? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus opiniones sobre las pruebas estandarizadas? \u00bfSDW hace muy poco, demasiado o la cantidad correcta? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We test enough, but we don&#8217;t <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">use<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the data enough. Tests are vital diagnostic tools, not just compliance check boxes. More testing would take time away from instruction, I want &#8216;smarter&#8217; testing. We need to use this data to identify which curriculum investments are generating a return in student growth. If a program isn&#8217;t moving the needle on these scores, we shouldn&#8217;t be funding it or we should rethink how we apply the programs.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Hacemos suficientes pruebas, pero no usamos los datos lo suficiente. Las pruebas son herramientas de diagn\u00f3stico vitales, no solo casillas de verificaci\u00f3n de cumplimiento. M\u00e1s pruebas quitar\u00edan tiempo a la ense\u00f1anza; quiero pruebas m\u00e1s &#8216;inteligentes&#8217;. Necesitamos usar estos datos para identificar qu\u00e9 inversiones en el curr\u00edculo est\u00e1n generando un retorno en el crecimiento de los estudiantes. Si un programa no est\u00e1 mejorando estos resultados, no deber\u00edamos financiarlo o deber\u00edamos replantearnos c\u00f3mo aplicamos los programas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are your thoughts about screen use in our schools? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 opinas sobre el uso de pantallas en nuestras escuelas?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology must be a tool but not a crutch. Through \u201cWaukesha 1,\u201d every student has an iPad, but an iPad is not a teacher. I support a &#8216;Screens Down&#8217; approach for core instruction, especially in K-5 literacy and math, where face-to-face engagement is critical. We need to scrutinize our screen-time data. Are students using these devices for active learning or are they just using them to consume media? The device should support the curriculum, not replace it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>La tecnolog\u00eda debe ser una herramienta, pero no una muleta. A trav\u00e9s de \u201cWaukesha 1\u201d, cada estudiante tiene un iPad, pero un iPad no es un maestro. Apoyo un enfoque de &#8216;Pantallas Abajo&#8217; para la instrucci\u00f3n b\u00e1sica, especialmente en alfabetizaci\u00f3n y matem\u00e1ticas de K-5, donde la interacci\u00f3n cara a cara es fundamental. Necesitamos examinar nuestros datos sobre el tiempo frente a la pantalla. \u00bfEst\u00e1n los estudiantes usando estos dispositivos para un aprendizaje activo o solo los est\u00e1n usando para consumir medios? El dispositivo debe apoyar el plan de estudios, no reemplazarlo.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are your thoughts about AI usage in our schools? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 opinas sobre el uso de la IA en nuestras escuelas?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of how anyone feels about AI, it is here to stay. We can\u2019t ban the future but it does need to be regulated. I would approach AI similar to how we used calculators in school. Students need to know how to use it but first need to know how to learn and think without it. AI usage should have a system where certain subjects are off limits, some where it can be used as a companion and others where it can be a full partner in learning. For example, Fundamental math and literacy should have no place for AI assistance. Using AI for brainstorming or further understanding complex topics should be encouraged but not depended on. Advanced skills like computer sciences, engineering or other data intensive subjects could have heavy AI-integration to supplement knowledge and skill building.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Independientemente de c\u00f3mo se sienta cualquiera sobre la IA, ha llegado para quedarse. No podemos prohibir el futuro, pero s\u00ed necesita ser regulado. Yo abordar\u00eda la IA de manera similar a c\u00f3mo usamos las calculadoras en la escuela. Los estudiantes necesitan saber c\u00f3mo usarla, pero primero deben saber c\u00f3mo aprender y pensar sin ella. El uso de la IA deber\u00eda tener un sistema en el que ciertos temas est\u00e9n fuera de l\u00edmites, algunos donde se pueda usar como complemento y otros donde pueda ser un socio completo en el aprendizaje. Por ejemplo, las matem\u00e1ticas fundamentales y la alfabetizaci\u00f3n no deber\u00edan contar con asistencia de IA. Se deber\u00eda fomentar el uso de IA para generar ideas o comprender mejor temas complejos, pero no depender de ella. Habilidades avanzadas como ciencias de la computaci\u00f3n, ingenier\u00eda u otras materias que requieran manejo intensivo de datos podr\u00edan integrar fuertemente la IA para complementar la adquisici\u00f3n de conocimientos y habilidades.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are your views in the current debate over whether students, especially secondary students, should read whole books or focused excerpts? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus opiniones sobre el debate actual acerca de si los estudiantes, especialmente los de secundaria, deber\u00edan leer libros completos o fragmentos seleccionados?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I believe students should be reading whole books. Life requires deep work, sustained attention and the ability to comprehend and synthesize complex narratives. Reading whole books teaches to look at situations with context while lengthening attention span. We shouldn\u2019t lower standards to meet smaller attention spans but instead should raise expectations and help rebuild them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Creo que los estudiantes deber\u00edan leer libros completos. La vida requiere trabajo profundo, atenci\u00f3n sostenida y la capacidad de comprender y sintetizar narrativas complejas. Leer libros completos ense\u00f1a a mirar las situaciones con contexto mientras se alarga la capacidad de atenci\u00f3n. No deber\u00edamos bajar los est\u00e1ndares para adaptarnos a una menor capacidad de atenci\u00f3n, sino m\u00e1s bien elevar las expectativas y ayudar a reconstruirlas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do you believe the district has a responsibility to provide services for students with IEPs\/504s? Why or why not? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCrees que el distrito tiene la responsabilidad de proporcionar servicios a los estudiantes con IEP\/504? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9 s\u00ed o por qu\u00e9 no?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely. Not only legally but morally. I want the focus to be on early intervention instead of waiting for a student to fail to qualify for help. We need to invest in strong general education to help prevent learning gaps becoming disabilities. Special Education funding obligations must fully be met alongside a goal of giving every child needed support before requiring an IEP when possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Absolutamente. No solo legalmente, sino tambi\u00e9n moralmente. Quiero que el enfoque est\u00e9 en la intervenci\u00f3n temprana en lugar de esperar a que un estudiante fracase para calificar para ayuda. Necesitamos invertir en una educaci\u00f3n general s\u00f3lida para ayudar a prevenir que las lagunas de aprendizaje se conviertan en discapacidades. Las obligaciones de financiamiento de la Educaci\u00f3n Especial deben cumplirse por completo, junto con el objetivo de brindar a cada ni\u00f1o el apoyo necesario antes de requerir un IEP cuando sea posible.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you think is the biggest obstacle to learning that kids in SDW face at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, respectively? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l crees que es el mayor obst\u00e1culo para el aprendizaje que enfrentan los ni\u00f1os en SDW en los niveles de primaria, secundaria y preparatoria, respectivamente?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elementary \u2013 Continuity and support. With the current consolidations through OOF affecting all of our students whether it\u2019s through larger class sizes, changing home schools, new and unfamiliar cohorts or a host of other problems, the district has not done enough to ease the process and support the students through such a drastic change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Middle School \u2013 The district report card shows our middle schools are meeting expectations, however there is a significant drag between Student Engagement and behavior metrics. Middle school is a hard age in kids\u2019 lives. We need to be providing uniform disciplinary and academic structures throughout all sections to give kids the predictability and attainable goals that they need and understand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High School \u2013 There is a gap between our graduation rate and actual proficiency rate. For example, Waukesha North has a 90% graduation rate but proficiency in both math and reading hover near 45%. We\u2019re equating \u201ccredits earned\u201d with \u201cskills learned\u201d and we are telling parents that their children are \u201ccollege ready\u201d through graduation when the reality is many of our students are struggling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Primaria: continuidad y apoyo. Con las consolidaciones actuales a trav\u00e9s de OOF que afectan a todos nuestros estudiantes, ya sea por el aumento del tama\u00f1o de las clases, el cambio de escuelas de origen, grupos nuevos y desconocidos o una serie de otros problemas, el distrito no ha hecho lo suficiente para facilitar el proceso y apoyar a los estudiantes frente a un cambio tan dr\u00e1stico.<\/p>\n<p>Escuela secundaria \u2013 El informe del distrito muestra que nuestras escuelas secundarias cumplen con las expectativas; sin embargo, hay una diferencia significativa entre el compromiso estudiantil y los indicadores de comportamiento. La adolescencia es una etapa dif\u00edcil en la vida de los ni\u00f1os. Necesitamos proporcionar estructuras disciplinarias y acad\u00e9micas uniformes en todas las secciones para brindar a los ni\u00f1os la previsibilidad y los objetivos alcanzables que necesitan y comprenden.<br \/><br \/>Escuela preparatoria \u2013 Existe una brecha entre nuestra tasa de graduaci\u00f3n y la tasa de dominio real. Por ejemplo, Waukesha North tiene una tasa de graduaci\u00f3n del 90%, pero el dominio en matem\u00e1ticas y lectura ronda cerca del 45%. Estamos equiparando \u201ccr\u00e9ditos obtenidos\u201d con \u201chabilidades adquiridas\u201d y le estamos diciendo a los padres que sus hijos est\u00e1n \u201cpreparados para la universidad\u201d al graduarse, cuando la realidad es que muchos de nuestros estudiantes est\u00e1n teniendo dificultades.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What should the district be doing to ensure students, especially high school students, are developing the &#8220;capacity and skills to be community, college, and career ready\u201d? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 deber\u00eda estar haciendo el distrito para asegurar que los estudiantes, especialmente los de secundaria, est\u00e9n desarrollando la &#8216;capacidad y las habilidades para estar preparados para la comunidad, la universidad y la carrera profesional&#8217;?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We can help guide students to community-readiness by having service requirements by engaging in meaningful volunteer activities within our community. We should also be integrating civics and discourse learning into our standard curriculum. Understanding how to engage in respectful debate while advocating for themselves is a skill sorely missing from the general population today and we can help shape a more civil future even through disagreements. Finally, we shouldn\u2019t ignore \u201csoft skills\u201d through Social Emotional learning. Developing students in things like empathy, conflict resolution, and adaptability will lay a foundation for excelling in basic life skills and being healthy, productive members of society.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being college ready doesn\u2019t mean simply getting in to college. It means having the skills to succeed. We should be working closely with WCTC, UWM, and Carroll U at all times to identify opportunities for Dual Enrollment or early college credits. We should also continue moving towards including more Project Based Learning and a diverse course offering with access to AP or IB courses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We already have great opportunities for specialized fields via the Healthcare and Engineering academies.\u00a0 We can add to this by partnering heavily with local businesses for work-based learning opportunities. This could include establishing formal partnerships that include credit-earning internships or apprenticeships as well as giving students opportunities to spend time shadowing local professionals in fields of interest before they even graduate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Podemos ayudar a guiar a los estudiantes hacia la preparaci\u00f3n comunitaria estableciendo requisitos de servicio mediante la participaci\u00f3n en actividades de voluntariado significativas dentro de nuestra comunidad. Tambi\u00e9n deber\u00edamos integrar la educaci\u00f3n c\u00edvica y el aprendizaje del discurso en nuestro curr\u00edculum est\u00e1ndar. Comprender c\u00f3mo participar en un debate respetuoso mientras defienden sus propios intereses es una habilidad que hoy en d\u00eda escasea en la poblaci\u00f3n general, y podemos ayudar a formar un futuro m\u00e1s civil incluso a trav\u00e9s de los desacuerdos. Finalmente, no deber\u00edamos ignorar las \u201chabilidades blandas\u201d a trav\u00e9s del aprendizaje socioemocional. Desarrollar en los estudiantes aspectos como la empat\u00eda, la resoluci\u00f3n de conflictos y la adaptabilidad sentar\u00e1 las bases para sobresalir en habilidades b\u00e1sicas de la vida y ser miembros saludables y productivos de la sociedad.<\/p>\n<p>Estar preparado para la universidad no significa simplemente ingresar a la universidad. Significa tener las habilidades para tener \u00e9xito. Debemos trabajar estrechamente con WCTC, UWM y Carroll U en todo momento para identificar oportunidades de inscripci\u00f3n dual o cr\u00e9ditos universitarios anticipados. Tambi\u00e9n debemos seguir avanzando hacia la inclusi\u00f3n de m\u00e1s Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos y una oferta diversa de cursos con acceso a cursos AP o IB.<\/p>\n<p>Ya tenemos grandes oportunidades para campos especializados a trav\u00e9s de las academias de Salud e Ingenier\u00eda. Podemos ampliar esto asoci\u00e1ndonos fuertemente con empresas locales para oportunidades de aprendizaje basado en el trabajo. Esto podr\u00eda incluir el establecimiento de asociaciones formales que incluyan pasant\u00edas o aprendizajes que otorguen cr\u00e9ditos, as\u00ed como brindar a los estudiantes la oportunidad de pasar tiempo acompa\u00f1ando a profesionales locales en campos de inter\u00e9s antes de que se grad\u00faen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you intend to support and promote the district\u2019s Dual Language program? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo piensas apoyar y promover el programa de Doble Lengua del distrito?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a parent with a child currently in the program, I see the benefits firsthand. My first priority in any program is making sure that teachers are adequately supported and have what they need, I consider a necessity in any scenario. But Dual Language is, and should continue to be, a crown jewel of SDW. The program is truly unique and one of the main draws for families to the district. This program needs to be amplified as much as possible because, for as great as it is, not many people realize it even exists.\u00a0 My first priority would be promotion and advertising. Second would be community outreach. We should be partnering with local groups and businesses that expose DL students to different cultures within their own city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Como padre de un ni\u00f1o que actualmente est\u00e1 en el programa, veo los beneficios de primera mano. Mi primera prioridad en cualquier programa es asegurarme de que los maestros reciban el apoyo adecuado y tengan lo que necesitan, lo cual considero una necesidad en cualquier escenario. Pero el Programa de Doble Lengua es, y deber\u00eda seguir siendo, una joya de la corona de SDW. El programa es verdaderamente \u00fanico y es uno de los principales atractivos para que las familias elijan el distrito. Este programa necesita ser promovido tanto como sea posible porque, por muy bueno que sea, pocas personas se dan cuenta de que siquiera existe. Mi primera prioridad ser\u00eda la promoci\u00f3n y la publicidad. La segunda ser\u00eda la vinculaci\u00f3n con la comunidad. Deber\u00edamos asociarnos con grupos y negocios locales que expongan a los estudiantes del programa de Doble Lengua a diferentes culturas dentro de su propia ciudad.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_584e430 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <a name=\"oof\"><\/a>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text --><!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_ctxo547 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h3 class=\"fancy-heading tf_textl\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    About Optimizing Our Future \/ Acerca de Optimizando Nuestro Futuro            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                                <\/span>\n    <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_x1nl777   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>What are your overall thoughts about the OOF process? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus impresiones generales sobre el proceso OOF?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, I am not anti-consolidation nor do I believe that a school should never close. Additionally, I also believe that the national birth rate decline is a worthwhile reason to look at consolidation of facilities and adjusting long terms plan. That said, the way the process played out was hectic, poorly thought out, and as transparent as concrete. At the end of the day, it was abundantly clear that the current school board knew what they wanted to do and they were going to do it no matter what. They should have saved everyone the time and energy and said this from the beginning. Instead, they wasted months of everyone\u2019s time to feign transparency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Primero, no estoy en contra de la consolidaci\u00f3n ni creo que una escuela nunca deba cerrar. Adem\u00e1s, tambi\u00e9n creo que la disminuci\u00f3n de la tasa de natalidad a nivel nacional es una raz\u00f3n v\u00e1lida para considerar la consolidaci\u00f3n de instalaciones y ajustar planes a largo plazo. Dicho esto, la forma en que se desarroll\u00f3 el proceso fue ca\u00f3tica, mal pensada y tan transparente como el cemento. Al final del d\u00eda, estaba m\u00e1s que claro que la junta escolar actual sab\u00eda lo que quer\u00eda hacer y lo har\u00edan sin importar qu\u00e9. Deber\u00edan haber ahorrado a todos tiempo y energ\u00eda y decirlo desde el principio. En cambio, hicieron perder meses a todos pretendiendo ser transparentes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What, if anything, would you have liked to have seen be done differently? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9, si acaso, te hubiera gustado que se hiciera de manera diferente?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The current board was elected to be in their position, to that end I can not fault them for their ultimate decision they came to. However I have two main, glaring issues that are unacceptable. First, revealing a plan no one had seen literal minutes before the final vote then implementing that plan is a slap in the face to everyone who spent a single second being involved in the process at any level. That includes everyone with students in the district as well as the taxpayers the board represents. Second, implementation without planning has exposed this board configuration and administration as being negligent, dismissive, and reactive rather than proactive . We\u2019ve seen through the atrocious communication attempts, the lack of transportation answers or information, the confusing redistricting maps, and now that lack of information regarding summer school that no aspect of the district is safe from the incompetence that has been displayed over and over.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>La junta actual fue elegida para estar en su posici\u00f3n, y en ese sentido no puedo culparlos por la decisi\u00f3n final a la que llegaron. Sin embargo, tengo dos problemas principales y evidentes que son inaceptables. Primero, revelar un plan que nadie hab\u00eda visto literal minutos antes de la votaci\u00f3n final y luego implementar ese plan es una bofetada para todos los que dedicaron un solo segundo a participar en el proceso en cualquier nivel. Eso incluye a todos los que tienen estudiantes en el distrito, as\u00ed como a los contribuyentes que la junta representa. Segundo, la implementaci\u00f3n sin planificaci\u00f3n ha expuesto a esta configuraci\u00f3n de la junta y a la administraci\u00f3n como negligentes, despectivos y reactivos en lugar de proactivos. Hemos visto, a trav\u00e9s de los atroces intentos de comunicaci\u00f3n, la falta de respuestas o informaci\u00f3n sobre transporte, los confusos mapas de redistribuci\u00f3n y ahora esa falta de informaci\u00f3n respecto a la escuela de verano, que ning\u00fan aspecto del distrito est\u00e1 a salvo de la incompetencia que se ha mostrado una y otra vez.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is your overall vision for the future of SDW? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l es tu visi\u00f3n general para el futuro de SDW?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I believe in what we have and believe that the foundation still exists to make SDW a true destination district. We need a board and administration that share that vision to work together towards it. We get there by setting quantifiable metrics and goals for ourselves and being honest and transparent with the public about our progress. Until we have leaders in place who are willing to hold themselves accountable we are doing little more than hoping our decisions are the right ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Creo en lo que tenemos y en que a\u00fan existe la base para hacer de SDW un verdadero distrito de destino. Necesitamos una junta y una administraci\u00f3n que compartan esa visi\u00f3n para trabajar juntos hacia ella. Llegamos all\u00ed estableciendo m\u00e9tricas y objetivos cuantificables para nosotros mismos y siendo honestos y transparentes con el p\u00fablico sobre nuestro progreso. Hasta que tengamos l\u00edderes en el lugar que est\u00e9n dispuestos a responsabilizarse, estamos haciendo poco m\u00e1s que esperar que nuestras decisiones sean las correctas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If elected, how do you plan to navigate the implementation of the plan the board approved in November? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Si es elegido, \u00bfc\u00f3mo planea manejar la implementaci\u00f3n del plan que la junta aprob\u00f3 en noviembre?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It would be a short turnaround time which makes accountability and transparency all the more important. As a board, they should be asking administration for their detailed implementation road map, not just for general updates and patting themselves on the back. I would push immediately for detailed implementation plans, specifics on how progress is being tracked, and details on how administration is providing needed support to students, teachers, and families throughout the entire process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Ser\u00eda un tiempo de respuesta corto, lo que hace que la responsabilidad y la transparencia sean a\u00fan m\u00e1s importantes. Como junta, deber\u00edan estar pidiendo a la administraci\u00f3n su plan de implementaci\u00f3n detallado, no solo actualizaciones generales y felicitaciones a s\u00ed mismos. Yo presionar\u00eda de inmediato por planes de implementaci\u00f3n detallados, especificaciones sobre c\u00f3mo se est\u00e1 haciendo un seguimiento del progreso y detalles sobre c\u00f3mo la administraci\u00f3n est\u00e1 brindando el apoyo necesario a los estudiantes, maestros y familias durante todo el proceso.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_ejz4483 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h3 class=\"fancy-heading tf_textl\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    Conclusion \/ Conclusi\u00f3n            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                                <\/span>\n    <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_l4e3544   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>Is there anything else you would like to share about why voters should elect you to the school board this April? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bfHay algo m\u00e1s que le gustar\u00eda compartir sobre por qu\u00e9 los votantes deber\u00edan elegirlo para la junta escolar este abril?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m not a politician; I\u2019m a parent who believes in the foundation of this school district. I want all of my kids to go to SDW but the current path is unsustainable. We need to stop the enrollment exodus (almost 4x the rate of the rest of the county) and start acting like we want to be a destination district.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m not interested in making political statements or taking moral stands. What I am interested in is using district-centered, data-driven decisions that come with quantifiable results so we can understand how to best use our resources to create the best district we can possibly become.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>No soy pol\u00edtico; soy un padre que cree en los cimientos de este distrito escolar. Quiero que todos mis hijos asistan a SDW, pero la trayectoria actual no es sostenible. Necesitamos detener la fuga de inscripciones (casi cuatro veces la tasa del resto del condado) y empezar a actuar como si quisi\u00e9ramos ser un distrito de destino.<br \/><br \/>No me interesa hacer declaraciones pol\u00edticas ni tomar posturas morales. Lo que me interesa es tomar decisiones centradas en el distrito y basadas en datos, que tengan resultados cuantificables, para que podamos entender c\u00f3mo usar mejor nuestros recursos y crear el mejor distrito que sea posible.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Alliance sent detailed questionnaires to all 5 active school board candidates. As we receive them, we are publishing each candidate&#8217;s unedited answers so that you can make an educated decision this April. The questions are roughly grouped into 5 categories: La Alianza envi\u00f3 cuestionarios detallados a los cinco candidatos activos para la junta escolar. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":902,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[67,60,68,92,96,28,94,15,18,25],"class_list":["post-890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-elections","tag-candidates","tag-dual-language","tag-elections","tag-oof","tag-questionnaires","tag-school-board","tag-school-closures","tag-students","tag-teachers","tag-transparency","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Alliance for Education in Waukesha\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/allianceforeducationinwaukesha\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-09T21:03:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-11T02:04:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-683x1024.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"45 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b561c02cf2603b5b2311e4f110386e4b\"},\"headline\":\"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-09T21:03:31+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-11T02:04:11+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":6612,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/mitch-gallagher.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"candidates\",\"dual language\",\"elections\",\"oof\",\"questionnaires\",\"school board\",\"school closures\",\"students\",\"teachers\",\"transparency\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Elections\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/\",\"name\":\"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/mitch-gallagher.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-09T21:03:31+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-11T02:04:11+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/mitch-gallagher.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/mitch-gallagher.jpg\",\"width\":1365,\"height\":2048,\"caption\":\"Mitch Gallagher and his family\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/09\\\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Alliance for Education in Waukesha\",\"description\":\"Advocating for students and teachers in Waukesha\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Alliance for Education in Waukesha\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/alliance-logo-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/09\\\/alliance-logo-1.png\",\"width\":340,\"height\":340,\"caption\":\"Alliance for Education in Waukesha\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/allianceforeducationinwaukesha\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b561c02cf2603b5b2311e4f110386e4b\",\"name\":\"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/e742c7ea4556580bff01b99e931143a99efc140faa8a1862a2194f33672214b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/e742c7ea4556580bff01b99e931143a99efc140faa8a1862a2194f33672214b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/e742c7ea4556580bff01b99e931143a99efc140faa8a1862a2194f33672214b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\\\/index.php\\\/author\\\/alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha","description":"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha","og_description":"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/","og_site_name":"Alliance for Education in Waukesha","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/allianceforeducationinwaukesha","article_published_time":"2026-02-09T21:03:31+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-11T02:04:11+00:00","og_image":[{"width":683,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-683x1024.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha","twitter_description":"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek","Est. reading time":"45 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/"},"author":{"name":"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#\/schema\/person\/b561c02cf2603b5b2311e4f110386e4b"},"headline":"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher","datePublished":"2026-02-09T21:03:31+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-11T02:04:11+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/"},"wordCount":6612,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg","keywords":["candidates","dual language","elections","oof","questionnaires","school board","school closures","students","teachers","transparency"],"articleSection":["Elections"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/","url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/","name":"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher - Alliance for Education in Waukesha","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg","datePublished":"2026-02-09T21:03:31+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-11T02:04:11+00:00","description":"Learn where Waukesha School Board candidate Mitch Gallagher stands on the issues by reading his responses to our questionnaire.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg","width":1365,"height":2048,"caption":"Mitch Gallagher and his family"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/candidate-mitch-gallagher\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"School Board Candidate Questionnaire: Mitch Gallagher"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/","name":"Alliance for Education in Waukesha","description":"Advocating for students and teachers in Waukesha","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#organization","name":"Alliance for Education in Waukesha","url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/alliance-logo-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/alliance-logo-1.png","width":340,"height":340,"caption":"Alliance for Education in Waukesha"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/allianceforeducationinwaukesha"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/#\/schema\/person\/b561c02cf2603b5b2311e4f110386e4b","name":"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e742c7ea4556580bff01b99e931143a99efc140faa8a1862a2194f33672214b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e742c7ea4556580bff01b99e931143a99efc140faa8a1862a2194f33672214b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e742c7ea4556580bff01b99e931143a99efc140faa8a1862a2194f33672214b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org"],"url":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/author\/alliancewaukesha_hcg3ek\/"}]}},"builder_content":"<p>The Alliance sent detailed questionnaires to all 5 active school board candidates. As we receive them, we are publishing each candidate's unedited answers so that you can make an educated decision this April. The questions are roughly grouped into 5 categories:<\/p> <p>La Alianza envi\u00f3 cuestionarios detallados a los cinco candidatos activos para la junta escolar. A medida que los recibimos, estamos publicando las respuestas sin editar de cada candidato para que puedas tomar una decisi\u00f3n informada este abril. Las preguntas est\u00e1n agrupadas aproximadamente en cinco categor\u00edas:<\/p> <ul> <li><a href=\"#candidate\">About the Candidate \/ Acerca del Candidato<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#district\">About the District \/ Acerca del Distrito<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#public-schools\">About Public Schools \/ Sobre las Escuelas Publicas<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#curriculum-learning\">About Curriculum &amp; Learning \/ Acerca del Curr\u00edculo y Aprendizaje<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#oof\">About Optimizing Our Future \/ Acerca de Optimizando Nuestro Futuro<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <p>The first candidate we are featuring is Mitch Gallagher. El primer candidato que estamos presentando es Mitch Gallagher.<\/p>\n<a name=\"candidate\"><\/a>\n<h3>About the Candidate \/ Acerca del Candidato<br\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mitch Gallagher and his family\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mitch-gallagher.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>Tell us about yourself. <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>Cu\u00e9ntanos sobre ti.<\/strong><\/p> <p>I am a father of 3 living in the Bethesda neighborhood. I have 2 girls (6 and 4) and one son (2). My oldest daughter is in the Dual Language program at Bethesda and we are planning on having the four year old follow her in the dual program next year and my son joining the dual program in a couple years. My wife is an HR Director and I am a Reporting Analyst.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Soy padre de 3 hijos y vivo en el vecindario de Bethesda. Tengo 2 ni\u00f1as (de 6 y 4 a\u00f1os) y un ni\u00f1o (de 2 a\u00f1os). Mi hija mayor est\u00e1 en el programa de doble idioma en Bethesda y estamos planeando que la de cuatro a\u00f1os la siga en el programa de doble idioma el pr\u00f3ximo a\u00f1o y que mi hijo se una al programa de doble idioma en un par de a\u00f1os. Mi esposa es Directora de Recursos Humanos y yo soy Analista de Reportes.<\/p> <p><strong>Why are you running for school board? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 te postulas para la junta escolar?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I am running for school board because our community deserves decisions based on real data and thought out plans. I am committed to providing transparent community and data-driven decision making that represents the best interests of our entire community.<\/p> <p>Me postulo para la junta escolar porque nuestra comunidad merece decisiones basadas en datos reales y planes bien pensados. Me comprometo a proporcionar decisiones transparentes, basadas en la comunidad y en datos, que representen los mejores intereses de toda nuestra comunidad.<\/p> <p><strong>What do you believe qualifies you to be on the Waukesha school board? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 crees que te califica para estar en la junta escolar de Waukesha?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I am a real stakeholder in the health of our district. I understand that a healthy school district benefits everyone in the community whether they have children in the district or not. I spent the vast majority of my summer digging into data surrounding the OOF process and have a solid understanding on the multiple layers of factors that affect the strength of our schools. My professional background as a data analyst fits perfectly into conducting real analyses on the effects the school board decisions has on the community.<\/p> <p>Soy un verdadero interesado en la salud de nuestro distrito. Entiendo que un distrito escolar saludable beneficia a toda la comunidad, tengan o no hijos en el distrito. Pas\u00e9 la gran mayor\u00eda de mi verano analizando datos relacionados con el proceso OOF y tengo un s\u00f3lido entendimiento de los m\u00faltiples factores que afectan la fortaleza de nuestras escuelas. Mi experiencia profesional como analista de datos encaja perfectamente en la realizaci\u00f3n de an\u00e1lisis reales sobre los efectos que las decisiones de la junta escolar tienen en la comunidad.<\/p> <p><strong>If you have children, do they attend or have they attended Waukesha schools? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>Si tienes hijos, \u00bfasisten o han asistido a las escuelas de Waukesha?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Yes, my oldest is in the Dual Language program at Bethesda and I have two more that we are hoping to send through that program as well.<\/p> <p>S\u00ed, mi hijo mayor est\u00e1 en el programa de Doble Lengua en Bethesda y tengo dos m\u00e1s que esperamos enviar tambi\u00e9n a ese programa.<\/p> <p><strong>Have you toured or volunteered in any of our schools recently? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfHa visitado o trabajado como voluntario en alguna de nuestras escuelas recientemente?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Yes, I was heavily involved in the parent contingent of OOF research which involved looking at schools both inside and out. I also enjoy volunteering and helping inside my children\u2019s schools whenever I am able.\u00a0<\/p> <p>S\u00ed, particip\u00e9 activamente en el contingente de padres de la investigaci\u00f3n OOF, que consist\u00eda en observar las escuelas tanto por dentro como por fuera. Tambi\u00e9n me gusta ser voluntario y ayudar dentro de las escuelas de mis hijos siempre que puedo.<\/p>\n<a name=\"district\"><\/a>\n<h3>About the District \/ Acerca del Distrito<br\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong>What do you see as the positives of the Waukesha School District? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les considera que son los aspectos positivos del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The specialty programs are truly huge benefits. Dual Language is not a common thing offered elsewhere and makes the district stand out. Things like the STEM programming, Health Academy, and Engineering Academy offer highly specialized experiences that\u00a0 help prepare kids to be successful ahead of their peers.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Los programas especializados son realmente grandes beneficios. El programa de Doble Idioma no es algo com\u00fan que se ofrezca en otras partes y hace que el distrito se destaque. Cosas como los programas STEM, la Academia de Salud y la Academia de Ingenier\u00eda ofrecen experiencias altamente especializadas que ayudan a preparar a los ni\u00f1os para tener \u00e9xito antes que sus compa\u00f1eros.<\/p> <p><strong>Where do you think the district could improve? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfD\u00f3nde crees que el distrito podr\u00eda mejorar?<\/strong><\/p> <p>We need to support our educators and, in turn, our students. We need to make sure our educators who are in the classroom every day have an avenue in which they feel comfortable reaching out and expressing concerns. We can\u2019t help our students if we can\u2019t even hear our teachers.<\/p> <p>We need to focus on how to make our district attractive again. While we are focusing on cutting buildings and teachers to \u201cright size\u201d there is nothing being done to promote and stabilize our schools.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Necesitamos apoyar a nuestros educadores y, a su vez, a nuestros estudiantes. Debemos asegurarnos de que nuestros educadores, que est\u00e1n en el aula todos los d\u00edas, tengan una v\u00eda en la que se sientan c\u00f3modos para comunicarse y expresar sus preocupaciones. No podemos ayudar a nuestros estudiantes si ni siquiera podemos escuchar a nuestros maestros.<br \/><br \/>Debemos enfocarnos en c\u00f3mo hacer que nuestro distrito sea atractivo nuevamente. Mientras nos concentramos en recortar edificios y maestros para \u201cajustar el tama\u00f1o\u201d, no se est\u00e1 haciendo nada para promover y estabilizar nuestras escuelas.<\/p> <p><strong>What do you hope to accomplish as a board member? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 esperas lograr como miembro de la junta?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I hope to instill an obligation for real analyses. Whether the decision is to close schools or invest in curriculum, we must establish processes that are able to quantify success so we are able to continuously improve student and community outcomes.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Espero inculcar la obligaci\u00f3n de realizar an\u00e1lisis reales. Ya sea que la decisi\u00f3n sea cerrar escuelas o invertir en el plan de estudios, debemos establecer procesos que sean capaces de cuantificar el \u00e9xito para poder mejorar continuamente los resultados de los estudiantes y de la comunidad.<\/p> <p><strong>What do you think the board\u2019s highest priority should be in the next term? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l crees que deber\u00eda ser la m\u00e1xima prioridad de la junta en el pr\u00f3ximo per\u00edodo?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The board must emphasize both student and teacher support to guide them through the current consolidation process. I am worried by the lack of discussion surrounding the actual logistics surrounding such drastic changes in such a short time.\u00a0<\/p> <p>La junta debe enfatizar tanto el apoyo a los estudiantes como a los maestros para guiarlos a trav\u00e9s del proceso de consolidaci\u00f3n actual. Me preocupa la falta de discusi\u00f3n sobre la log\u00edstica real que conllevan cambios tan dr\u00e1sticos en tan poco tiempo.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your views on SDW\u2019s communication practices? What, if any, changes would you make? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus opiniones sobre las pr\u00e1cticas de comunicaci\u00f3n de SDW? \u00bfQu\u00e9 cambios har\u00edas, si es que har\u00edas alguno?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Communication has been, in short, terrible. Parents are confused and unable to get straight answers to any questions. Communications need to be succinct, specific, and understandable. We must focus on creating a fundamental shift in our communication to ensure that families have the information they need, when they need it.<br \/><\/p> <p>La comunicaci\u00f3n ha sido, en pocas palabras, terrible. Los padres est\u00e1n confundidos y no pueden obtener respuestas claras a ninguna pregunta. Las comunicaciones deben ser concisas, espec\u00edficas y comprensibles. Debemos centrarnos en crear un cambio fundamental en nuestra comunicaci\u00f3n para asegurarnos de que las familias tengan la informaci\u00f3n que necesitan, cuando la necesitan.<\/p> <p><strong>How would you work to increase the transparency of the budgeting process? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo trabajar\u00edas para aumentar la transparencia del proceso presupuestario?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Budgeting is not a simple process and can be hard to communicate. While budgets are available to view to the public they are not easily accessible or easily digestible. We need to create documentation that re-frames the budget in a way that anyone can understand. This would also include creating KPIs and understanding progress that each dollar we budget is contributing to. Every dollar the public spends on public education should have a tangible return on investment that we are able to talk about.\u00a0<\/p> <p>El presupuesto no es un proceso sencillo y puede ser dif\u00edcil de comunicar. Aunque los presupuestos est\u00e1n disponibles para que el p\u00fablico los vea, no son f\u00e1cilmente accesibles ni f\u00e1ciles de comprender. Necesitamos crear documentaci\u00f3n que replantee el presupuesto de manera que cualquiera pueda entenderlo. Esto tambi\u00e9n incluir\u00eda la creaci\u00f3n de indicadores clave de rendimiento (KPI) y la comprensi\u00f3n del progreso al que contribuye cada d\u00f3lar que presupuestamos. Cada d\u00f3lar que el p\u00fablico gasta en educaci\u00f3n p\u00fablica deber\u00eda tener un retorno de inversi\u00f3n tangible del que podamos hablar.<\/p> <p><strong>How would you go about attracting families to SDW? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo atraer\u00edas a las familias a SDW?<\/strong><\/p> <p>First and foremost, I want to highlight our programming. Dual language, STEM and 4k programs at the elementary level get families into the district early and once a family is here they\u2019re more likely to stay. We need to make sure we are promoting these programs at every opportunity.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Second, we need to be more transparent. Our enrollment decline is outpacing falling birthrates by a significant margin; families are fleeing the district. Transparency and open communication are necessary first steps to regain the trust of families and bring them back. They need to know that we are supporting their futures when they stay in our district but right now there is nothing happening to create that reassurance. Nothing can change until outreach begins.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Primero y ante todo, quiero destacar nuestros programas. Los programas biling\u00fces, de STEM y de 4k a nivel de primaria atraen a las familias al distrito desde temprana edad y, una vez que una familia est\u00e1 aqu\u00ed, es m\u00e1s probable que permanezca. Necesitamos asegurarnos de promover estos programas en cada oportunidad.\u00a0<br \/><br \/>En segundo lugar, necesitamos ser m\u00e1s transparentes. Nuestra disminuci\u00f3n en la matr\u00edcula est\u00e1 superando la ca\u00edda de la tasa de natalidad por un margen significativo; las familias est\u00e1n abandonando el distrito. La transparencia y la comunicaci\u00f3n abierta son los primeros pasos necesarios para recuperar la confianza de las familias y hacer que regresen. Necesitan saber que estamos apoyando su futuro cuando permanecen en nuestro distrito, pero en este momento no est\u00e1 pasando nada que genere esa seguridad. Nada puede cambiar hasta que comiencen las acciones de divulgaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n<a name=\"public-schools\"><\/a>\n<h3>About Public Schools \/ Sobre las escuelas p\u00fablicas<br\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Why do you support public schools? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 apoyas las escuelas p\u00fablicas?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I support public schools because they are the foundation of a thriving community. Beyond my role as a dad, I support them as a homeowner and a taxpayer. Strong, high-performing public schools are the primary tool we have to attract young families to our neighborhoods. When our schools succeed, our entire local economy succeeds. We cannot have a vibrant city without a vibrant school district.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Apoyo a las escuelas p\u00fablicas porque son la base de una comunidad pr\u00f3spera. M\u00e1s all\u00e1 de mi papel como padre, las apoyo como propietario de una vivienda y contribuyente. Las escuelas p\u00fablicas fuertes y de alto rendimiento son la herramienta principal que tenemos para atraer a familias j\u00f3venes a nuestros vecindarios. Cuando nuestras escuelas tienen \u00e9xito, toda nuestra econom\u00eda local tiene \u00e9xito. No podemos tener una ciudad vibrante sin un distrito escolar vibrante.<\/p> <p><strong>What is the most important thing our public schools should be doing? To what extent do you think they are meeting this goal? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l es la cosa m\u00e1s importante que deber\u00edan estar haciendo nuestras escuelas p\u00fablicas? \u00bfHasta qu\u00e9 punto cree que est\u00e1n cumpliendo con este objetivo?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The most important thing our schools must do is deliver an academic product so valuable that families choose Waukesha over every other option. We are in a competitive marketplace now. The data suggests we are struggling and not being competitive. With enrollment down 8% over the last two years of full data and families leaving for private or neighboring districts, the 'market' is telling us we have work to do. We need to improve our academic return on investment to win those families back.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Lo m\u00e1s importante que nuestras escuelas deben hacer es ofrecer un producto acad\u00e9mico tan valioso que las familias elijan Waukesha por encima de cualquier otra opci\u00f3n. Ahora estamos en un mercado competitivo. Los datos sugieren que estamos teniendo dificultades y no estamos siendo competitivos. Con una disminuci\u00f3n del 8% en la matr\u00edcula durante los \u00faltimos dos a\u00f1os de datos completos y familias que se est\u00e1n yendo a distritos privados o vecinos, el 'mercado' nos est\u00e1 diciendo que tenemos trabajo por hacer. Necesitamos mejorar nuestro retorno acad\u00e9mico de inversi\u00f3n para recuperar a esas familias.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one thing you think the community needs to better understand about public schools? Why? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l es una cosa que crees que la comunidad necesita entender mejor sobre las escuelas p\u00fablicas? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The community needs to understand that fewer students does not mean lower taxes. There is a misconception that if enrollment drops, the budget should shrink and taxes should go down. In Wisconsin, the opposite is true. When we lose students, we lose state aid, but our fixed costs remain. That financial gap is filled by raising property taxes. Understanding this 'Death Spiral' is critical because it explains why 'shrinking' the district is actually the most expensive option for taxpayers.\u00a0<\/p> <p>La comunidad necesita entender que tener menos estudiantes no significa menores impuestos. Existe la idea err\u00f3nea de que si la matr\u00edcula disminuye, el presupuesto deber\u00eda reducirse y los impuestos bajar. En Wisconsin, ocurre lo contrario. Cuando perdemos estudiantes, perdemos ayuda estatal, pero nuestros costos fijos permanecen. Esa brecha financiera se cubre aumentando los impuestos sobre la propiedad. Comprender este 'espiral de la muerte' es fundamental porque explica por qu\u00e9 'reducir' el distrito es en realidad la opci\u00f3n m\u00e1s cara para los contribuyentes.<\/p> <p><strong>What do you think about the current school funding situation in Wisconsin? What, if anything, would you like to see change? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 piensas sobre la situaci\u00f3n actual del financiamiento escolar en Wisconsin? \u00bfQu\u00e9 te gustar\u00eda que cambiara, si es que hay algo?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The current state funding formula punishes districts with declining enrollment. It essentially forces property taxes up whenever a district shrinks, creating an incentive structure. While I would love for the state to fix the formula to be less volatile, we can\u2019t wait for a bailout. The only part of the equation we control is enrollment. I want to see a shift in our local strategy from 'managing decline' (cutting budgets) to 'aggressive growth' (attracting students) to maximize the revenue available under the current rules.\u00a0<\/p> <p>La f\u00f3rmula actual de financiamiento estatal perjudica a los distritos con matr\u00edcula en disminuci\u00f3n. Esencialmente, obliga a aumentar los impuestos a la propiedad cada vez que un distrito se reduce, creando una estructura de incentivos. Aunque me encantar\u00eda que el estado arreglara la f\u00f3rmula para que sea menos vol\u00e1til, no podemos esperar un rescate. La \u00fanica parte de la ecuaci\u00f3n que controlamos es la matr\u00edcula. Quiero ver un cambio en nuestra estrategia local, pasando de 'gestionar la disminuci\u00f3n' (recortar presupuestos) a 'crecimiento agresivo' (atraer estudiantes) para maximizar los ingresos disponibles bajo las reglas actuales.<\/p>\n<a name=\"curriculum-learning\"><\/a>\n<h3>About Curriculum & Learning \/ Acerca del Curr\u00edculo y el Aprendizaje<br\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong>What are your views on standardized testing? Does SDW do too little, too much, or the right amount? Why? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus opiniones sobre las pruebas estandarizadas? \u00bfSDW hace muy poco, demasiado o la cantidad correcta? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9?<\/strong><\/p> <p>We test enough, but we don't <i>use<\/i> the data enough. Tests are vital diagnostic tools, not just compliance check boxes. More testing would take time away from instruction, I want 'smarter' testing. We need to use this data to identify which curriculum investments are generating a return in student growth. If a program isn't moving the needle on these scores, we shouldn't be funding it or we should rethink how we apply the programs.<br \/><\/p> <p>Hacemos suficientes pruebas, pero no usamos los datos lo suficiente. Las pruebas son herramientas de diagn\u00f3stico vitales, no solo casillas de verificaci\u00f3n de cumplimiento. M\u00e1s pruebas quitar\u00edan tiempo a la ense\u00f1anza; quiero pruebas m\u00e1s 'inteligentes'. Necesitamos usar estos datos para identificar qu\u00e9 inversiones en el curr\u00edculo est\u00e1n generando un retorno en el crecimiento de los estudiantes. Si un programa no est\u00e1 mejorando estos resultados, no deber\u00edamos financiarlo o deber\u00edamos replantearnos c\u00f3mo aplicamos los programas.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your thoughts about screen use in our schools? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 opinas sobre el uso de pantallas en nuestras escuelas?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Technology must be a tool but not a crutch. Through \u201cWaukesha 1,\u201d every student has an iPad, but an iPad is not a teacher. I support a 'Screens Down' approach for core instruction, especially in K-5 literacy and math, where face-to-face engagement is critical. We need to scrutinize our screen-time data. Are students using these devices for active learning or are they just using them to consume media? The device should support the curriculum, not replace it.<\/p> <p>La tecnolog\u00eda debe ser una herramienta, pero no una muleta. A trav\u00e9s de \u201cWaukesha 1\u201d, cada estudiante tiene un iPad, pero un iPad no es un maestro. Apoyo un enfoque de 'Pantallas Abajo' para la instrucci\u00f3n b\u00e1sica, especialmente en alfabetizaci\u00f3n y matem\u00e1ticas de K-5, donde la interacci\u00f3n cara a cara es fundamental. Necesitamos examinar nuestros datos sobre el tiempo frente a la pantalla. \u00bfEst\u00e1n los estudiantes usando estos dispositivos para un aprendizaje activo o solo los est\u00e1n usando para consumir medios? El dispositivo debe apoyar el plan de estudios, no reemplazarlo.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your thoughts about AI usage in our schools? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 opinas sobre el uso de la IA en nuestras escuelas?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Regardless of how anyone feels about AI, it is here to stay. We can\u2019t ban the future but it does need to be regulated. I would approach AI similar to how we used calculators in school. Students need to know how to use it but first need to know how to learn and think without it. AI usage should have a system where certain subjects are off limits, some where it can be used as a companion and others where it can be a full partner in learning. For example, Fundamental math and literacy should have no place for AI assistance. Using AI for brainstorming or further understanding complex topics should be encouraged but not depended on. Advanced skills like computer sciences, engineering or other data intensive subjects could have heavy AI-integration to supplement knowledge and skill building.<\/p> <p>Independientemente de c\u00f3mo se sienta cualquiera sobre la IA, ha llegado para quedarse. No podemos prohibir el futuro, pero s\u00ed necesita ser regulado. Yo abordar\u00eda la IA de manera similar a c\u00f3mo usamos las calculadoras en la escuela. Los estudiantes necesitan saber c\u00f3mo usarla, pero primero deben saber c\u00f3mo aprender y pensar sin ella. El uso de la IA deber\u00eda tener un sistema en el que ciertos temas est\u00e9n fuera de l\u00edmites, algunos donde se pueda usar como complemento y otros donde pueda ser un socio completo en el aprendizaje. Por ejemplo, las matem\u00e1ticas fundamentales y la alfabetizaci\u00f3n no deber\u00edan contar con asistencia de IA. Se deber\u00eda fomentar el uso de IA para generar ideas o comprender mejor temas complejos, pero no depender de ella. Habilidades avanzadas como ciencias de la computaci\u00f3n, ingenier\u00eda u otras materias que requieran manejo intensivo de datos podr\u00edan integrar fuertemente la IA para complementar la adquisici\u00f3n de conocimientos y habilidades.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your views in the current debate over whether students, especially secondary students, should read whole books or focused excerpts? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus opiniones sobre el debate actual acerca de si los estudiantes, especialmente los de secundaria, deber\u00edan leer libros completos o fragmentos seleccionados?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I believe students should be reading whole books. Life requires deep work, sustained attention and the ability to comprehend and synthesize complex narratives. Reading whole books teaches to look at situations with context while lengthening attention span. We shouldn\u2019t lower standards to meet smaller attention spans but instead should raise expectations and help rebuild them.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Creo que los estudiantes deber\u00edan leer libros completos. La vida requiere trabajo profundo, atenci\u00f3n sostenida y la capacidad de comprender y sintetizar narrativas complejas. Leer libros completos ense\u00f1a a mirar las situaciones con contexto mientras se alarga la capacidad de atenci\u00f3n. No deber\u00edamos bajar los est\u00e1ndares para adaptarnos a una menor capacidad de atenci\u00f3n, sino m\u00e1s bien elevar las expectativas y ayudar a reconstruirlas.<\/p> <p><strong>Do you believe the district has a responsibility to provide services for students with IEPs\/504s? Why or why not? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCrees que el distrito tiene la responsabilidad de proporcionar servicios a los estudiantes con IEP\/504? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9 s\u00ed o por qu\u00e9 no?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Absolutely. Not only legally but morally. I want the focus to be on early intervention instead of waiting for a student to fail to qualify for help. We need to invest in strong general education to help prevent learning gaps becoming disabilities. Special Education funding obligations must fully be met alongside a goal of giving every child needed support before requiring an IEP when possible.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Absolutamente. No solo legalmente, sino tambi\u00e9n moralmente. Quiero que el enfoque est\u00e9 en la intervenci\u00f3n temprana en lugar de esperar a que un estudiante fracase para calificar para ayuda. Necesitamos invertir en una educaci\u00f3n general s\u00f3lida para ayudar a prevenir que las lagunas de aprendizaje se conviertan en discapacidades. Las obligaciones de financiamiento de la Educaci\u00f3n Especial deben cumplirse por completo, junto con el objetivo de brindar a cada ni\u00f1o el apoyo necesario antes de requerir un IEP cuando sea posible.<\/p> <p><strong>What do you think is the biggest obstacle to learning that kids in SDW face at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, respectively? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l crees que es el mayor obst\u00e1culo para el aprendizaje que enfrentan los ni\u00f1os en SDW en los niveles de primaria, secundaria y preparatoria, respectivamente?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Elementary \u2013 Continuity and support. With the current consolidations through OOF affecting all of our students whether it\u2019s through larger class sizes, changing home schools, new and unfamiliar cohorts or a host of other problems, the district has not done enough to ease the process and support the students through such a drastic change.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Middle School \u2013 The district report card shows our middle schools are meeting expectations, however there is a significant drag between Student Engagement and behavior metrics. Middle school is a hard age in kids\u2019 lives. We need to be providing uniform disciplinary and academic structures throughout all sections to give kids the predictability and attainable goals that they need and understand.\u00a0<\/p> <p>High School \u2013 There is a gap between our graduation rate and actual proficiency rate. For example, Waukesha North has a 90% graduation rate but proficiency in both math and reading hover near 45%. We\u2019re equating \u201ccredits earned\u201d with \u201cskills learned\u201d and we are telling parents that their children are \u201ccollege ready\u201d through graduation when the reality is many of our students are struggling.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Primaria: continuidad y apoyo. Con las consolidaciones actuales a trav\u00e9s de OOF que afectan a todos nuestros estudiantes, ya sea por el aumento del tama\u00f1o de las clases, el cambio de escuelas de origen, grupos nuevos y desconocidos o una serie de otros problemas, el distrito no ha hecho lo suficiente para facilitar el proceso y apoyar a los estudiantes frente a un cambio tan dr\u00e1stico.<\/p> <p>Escuela secundaria \u2013 El informe del distrito muestra que nuestras escuelas secundarias cumplen con las expectativas; sin embargo, hay una diferencia significativa entre el compromiso estudiantil y los indicadores de comportamiento. La adolescencia es una etapa dif\u00edcil en la vida de los ni\u00f1os. Necesitamos proporcionar estructuras disciplinarias y acad\u00e9micas uniformes en todas las secciones para brindar a los ni\u00f1os la previsibilidad y los objetivos alcanzables que necesitan y comprenden.<br \/><br \/>Escuela preparatoria \u2013 Existe una brecha entre nuestra tasa de graduaci\u00f3n y la tasa de dominio real. Por ejemplo, Waukesha North tiene una tasa de graduaci\u00f3n del 90%, pero el dominio en matem\u00e1ticas y lectura ronda cerca del 45%. Estamos equiparando \u201ccr\u00e9ditos obtenidos\u201d con \u201chabilidades adquiridas\u201d y le estamos diciendo a los padres que sus hijos est\u00e1n \u201cpreparados para la universidad\u201d al graduarse, cuando la realidad es que muchos de nuestros estudiantes est\u00e1n teniendo dificultades.<\/p> <p><strong>What should the district be doing to ensure students, especially high school students, are developing the \"capacity and skills to be community, college, and career ready\u201d? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 deber\u00eda estar haciendo el distrito para asegurar que los estudiantes, especialmente los de secundaria, est\u00e9n desarrollando la 'capacidad y las habilidades para estar preparados para la comunidad, la universidad y la carrera profesional'?<\/strong><\/p> <p>We can help guide students to community-readiness by having service requirements by engaging in meaningful volunteer activities within our community. We should also be integrating civics and discourse learning into our standard curriculum. Understanding how to engage in respectful debate while advocating for themselves is a skill sorely missing from the general population today and we can help shape a more civil future even through disagreements. Finally, we shouldn\u2019t ignore \u201csoft skills\u201d through Social Emotional learning. Developing students in things like empathy, conflict resolution, and adaptability will lay a foundation for excelling in basic life skills and being healthy, productive members of society.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <p>Being college ready doesn\u2019t mean simply getting in to college. It means having the skills to succeed. We should be working closely with WCTC, UWM, and Carroll U at all times to identify opportunities for Dual Enrollment or early college credits. We should also continue moving towards including more Project Based Learning and a diverse course offering with access to AP or IB courses.<\/p> <p>We already have great opportunities for specialized fields via the Healthcare and Engineering academies.\u00a0 We can add to this by partnering heavily with local businesses for work-based learning opportunities. This could include establishing formal partnerships that include credit-earning internships or apprenticeships as well as giving students opportunities to spend time shadowing local professionals in fields of interest before they even graduate.<\/p> <p>Podemos ayudar a guiar a los estudiantes hacia la preparaci\u00f3n comunitaria estableciendo requisitos de servicio mediante la participaci\u00f3n en actividades de voluntariado significativas dentro de nuestra comunidad. Tambi\u00e9n deber\u00edamos integrar la educaci\u00f3n c\u00edvica y el aprendizaje del discurso en nuestro curr\u00edculum est\u00e1ndar. Comprender c\u00f3mo participar en un debate respetuoso mientras defienden sus propios intereses es una habilidad que hoy en d\u00eda escasea en la poblaci\u00f3n general, y podemos ayudar a formar un futuro m\u00e1s civil incluso a trav\u00e9s de los desacuerdos. Finalmente, no deber\u00edamos ignorar las \u201chabilidades blandas\u201d a trav\u00e9s del aprendizaje socioemocional. Desarrollar en los estudiantes aspectos como la empat\u00eda, la resoluci\u00f3n de conflictos y la adaptabilidad sentar\u00e1 las bases para sobresalir en habilidades b\u00e1sicas de la vida y ser miembros saludables y productivos de la sociedad.<\/p> <p>Estar preparado para la universidad no significa simplemente ingresar a la universidad. Significa tener las habilidades para tener \u00e9xito. Debemos trabajar estrechamente con WCTC, UWM y Carroll U en todo momento para identificar oportunidades de inscripci\u00f3n dual o cr\u00e9ditos universitarios anticipados. Tambi\u00e9n debemos seguir avanzando hacia la inclusi\u00f3n de m\u00e1s Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos y una oferta diversa de cursos con acceso a cursos AP o IB.<\/p> <p>Ya tenemos grandes oportunidades para campos especializados a trav\u00e9s de las academias de Salud e Ingenier\u00eda. Podemos ampliar esto asoci\u00e1ndonos fuertemente con empresas locales para oportunidades de aprendizaje basado en el trabajo. Esto podr\u00eda incluir el establecimiento de asociaciones formales que incluyan pasant\u00edas o aprendizajes que otorguen cr\u00e9ditos, as\u00ed como brindar a los estudiantes la oportunidad de pasar tiempo acompa\u00f1ando a profesionales locales en campos de inter\u00e9s antes de que se grad\u00faen.<\/p> <p><strong>How do you intend to support and promote the district\u2019s Dual Language program? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo piensas apoyar y promover el programa de Doble Lengua del distrito?<\/strong><\/p> <p>As a parent with a child currently in the program, I see the benefits firsthand. My first priority in any program is making sure that teachers are adequately supported and have what they need, I consider a necessity in any scenario. But Dual Language is, and should continue to be, a crown jewel of SDW. The program is truly unique and one of the main draws for families to the district. This program needs to be amplified as much as possible because, for as great as it is, not many people realize it even exists.\u00a0 My first priority would be promotion and advertising. Second would be community outreach. We should be partnering with local groups and businesses that expose DL students to different cultures within their own city.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Como padre de un ni\u00f1o que actualmente est\u00e1 en el programa, veo los beneficios de primera mano. Mi primera prioridad en cualquier programa es asegurarme de que los maestros reciban el apoyo adecuado y tengan lo que necesitan, lo cual considero una necesidad en cualquier escenario. Pero el Programa de Doble Lengua es, y deber\u00eda seguir siendo, una joya de la corona de SDW. El programa es verdaderamente \u00fanico y es uno de los principales atractivos para que las familias elijan el distrito. Este programa necesita ser promovido tanto como sea posible porque, por muy bueno que sea, pocas personas se dan cuenta de que siquiera existe. Mi primera prioridad ser\u00eda la promoci\u00f3n y la publicidad. La segunda ser\u00eda la vinculaci\u00f3n con la comunidad. Deber\u00edamos asociarnos con grupos y negocios locales que expongan a los estudiantes del programa de Doble Lengua a diferentes culturas dentro de su propia ciudad.<\/p>\n<a name=\"oof\"><\/a>\n<h3>About Optimizing Our Future \/ Acerca de Optimizando Nuestro Futuro<br\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong>What are your overall thoughts about the OOF process? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1les son tus impresiones generales sobre el proceso OOF?<\/strong><\/p> <p>First, I am not anti-consolidation nor do I believe that a school should never close. Additionally, I also believe that the national birth rate decline is a worthwhile reason to look at consolidation of facilities and adjusting long terms plan. That said, the way the process played out was hectic, poorly thought out, and as transparent as concrete. At the end of the day, it was abundantly clear that the current school board knew what they wanted to do and they were going to do it no matter what. They should have saved everyone the time and energy and said this from the beginning. Instead, they wasted months of everyone\u2019s time to feign transparency.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Primero, no estoy en contra de la consolidaci\u00f3n ni creo que una escuela nunca deba cerrar. Adem\u00e1s, tambi\u00e9n creo que la disminuci\u00f3n de la tasa de natalidad a nivel nacional es una raz\u00f3n v\u00e1lida para considerar la consolidaci\u00f3n de instalaciones y ajustar planes a largo plazo. Dicho esto, la forma en que se desarroll\u00f3 el proceso fue ca\u00f3tica, mal pensada y tan transparente como el cemento. Al final del d\u00eda, estaba m\u00e1s que claro que la junta escolar actual sab\u00eda lo que quer\u00eda hacer y lo har\u00edan sin importar qu\u00e9. Deber\u00edan haber ahorrado a todos tiempo y energ\u00eda y decirlo desde el principio. En cambio, hicieron perder meses a todos pretendiendo ser transparentes.<\/p> <p><strong>What, if anything, would you have liked to have seen be done differently? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9, si acaso, te hubiera gustado que se hiciera de manera diferente?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The current board was elected to be in their position, to that end I can not fault them for their ultimate decision they came to. However I have two main, glaring issues that are unacceptable. First, revealing a plan no one had seen literal minutes before the final vote then implementing that plan is a slap in the face to everyone who spent a single second being involved in the process at any level. That includes everyone with students in the district as well as the taxpayers the board represents. Second, implementation without planning has exposed this board configuration and administration as being negligent, dismissive, and reactive rather than proactive . We\u2019ve seen through the atrocious communication attempts, the lack of transportation answers or information, the confusing redistricting maps, and now that lack of information regarding summer school that no aspect of the district is safe from the incompetence that has been displayed over and over.\u00a0<\/p> <p>La junta actual fue elegida para estar en su posici\u00f3n, y en ese sentido no puedo culparlos por la decisi\u00f3n final a la que llegaron. Sin embargo, tengo dos problemas principales y evidentes que son inaceptables. Primero, revelar un plan que nadie hab\u00eda visto literal minutos antes de la votaci\u00f3n final y luego implementar ese plan es una bofetada para todos los que dedicaron un solo segundo a participar en el proceso en cualquier nivel. Eso incluye a todos los que tienen estudiantes en el distrito, as\u00ed como a los contribuyentes que la junta representa. Segundo, la implementaci\u00f3n sin planificaci\u00f3n ha expuesto a esta configuraci\u00f3n de la junta y a la administraci\u00f3n como negligentes, despectivos y reactivos en lugar de proactivos. Hemos visto, a trav\u00e9s de los atroces intentos de comunicaci\u00f3n, la falta de respuestas o informaci\u00f3n sobre transporte, los confusos mapas de redistribuci\u00f3n y ahora esa falta de informaci\u00f3n respecto a la escuela de verano, que ning\u00fan aspecto del distrito est\u00e1 a salvo de la incompetencia que se ha mostrado una y otra vez.<\/p> <p><strong>What is your overall vision for the future of SDW? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1l es tu visi\u00f3n general para el futuro de SDW?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I believe in what we have and believe that the foundation still exists to make SDW a true destination district. We need a board and administration that share that vision to work together towards it. We get there by setting quantifiable metrics and goals for ourselves and being honest and transparent with the public about our progress. Until we have leaders in place who are willing to hold themselves accountable we are doing little more than hoping our decisions are the right ones.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Creo en lo que tenemos y en que a\u00fan existe la base para hacer de SDW un verdadero distrito de destino. Necesitamos una junta y una administraci\u00f3n que compartan esa visi\u00f3n para trabajar juntos hacia ella. Llegamos all\u00ed estableciendo m\u00e9tricas y objetivos cuantificables para nosotros mismos y siendo honestos y transparentes con el p\u00fablico sobre nuestro progreso. Hasta que tengamos l\u00edderes en el lugar que est\u00e9n dispuestos a responsabilizarse, estamos haciendo poco m\u00e1s que esperar que nuestras decisiones sean las correctas.<\/p> <p><strong>If elected, how do you plan to navigate the implementation of the plan the board approved in November? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>Si es elegido, \u00bfc\u00f3mo planea manejar la implementaci\u00f3n del plan que la junta aprob\u00f3 en noviembre?<\/strong><\/p> <p>It would be a short turnaround time which makes accountability and transparency all the more important. As a board, they should be asking administration for their detailed implementation road map, not just for general updates and patting themselves on the back. I would push immediately for detailed implementation plans, specifics on how progress is being tracked, and details on how administration is providing needed support to students, teachers, and families throughout the entire process.\u00a0<\/p> <p>Ser\u00eda un tiempo de respuesta corto, lo que hace que la responsabilidad y la transparencia sean a\u00fan m\u00e1s importantes. Como junta, deber\u00edan estar pidiendo a la administraci\u00f3n su plan de implementaci\u00f3n detallado, no solo actualizaciones generales y felicitaciones a s\u00ed mismos. Yo presionar\u00eda de inmediato por planes de implementaci\u00f3n detallados, especificaciones sobre c\u00f3mo se est\u00e1 haciendo un seguimiento del progreso y detalles sobre c\u00f3mo la administraci\u00f3n est\u00e1 brindando el apoyo necesario a los estudiantes, maestros y familias durante todo el proceso.<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion \/ Conclusi\u00f3n<br\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Is there anything else you would like to share about why voters should elect you to the school board this April? <\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>\u00bfHay algo m\u00e1s que le gustar\u00eda compartir sobre por qu\u00e9 los votantes deber\u00edan elegirlo para la junta escolar este abril?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I\u2019m not a politician; I\u2019m a parent who believes in the foundation of this school district. I want all of my kids to go to SDW but the current path is unsustainable. We need to stop the enrollment exodus (almost 4x the rate of the rest of the county) and start acting like we want to be a destination district.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <p>I\u2019m not interested in making political statements or taking moral stands. What I am interested in is using district-centered, data-driven decisions that come with quantifiable results so we can understand how to best use our resources to create the best district we can possibly become.\u00a0<\/p> <p>No soy pol\u00edtico; soy un padre que cree en los cimientos de este distrito escolar. Quiero que todos mis hijos asistan a SDW, pero la trayectoria actual no es sostenible. Necesitamos detener la fuga de inscripciones (casi cuatro veces la tasa del resto del condado) y empezar a actuar como si quisi\u00e9ramos ser un distrito de destino.<br \/><br \/>No me interesa hacer declaraciones pol\u00edticas ni tomar posturas morales. Lo que me interesa es tomar decisiones centradas en el distrito y basadas en datos, que tengan resultados cuantificables, para que podamos entender c\u00f3mo usar mejor nuestros recursos y crear el mejor distrito que sea posible.<\/p>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=890"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":930,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890\/revisions\/930"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/902"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}