There are 2 seats on the MTSD School Board up for election this Spring. One of the incumbents, Erik Hollander, has decided not to run for re-election; we are thankful for his commitment and service.
4 candidates have filed for the 2 open spots. We wanted to understand how the the candidates aligned with our priorities, and sent a questionnaire to all that addressed:
- A commitment to non-partisanship
- A desire to bring our community together through mutual respect and an ability to listen and compromise
- An understanding that every student deserves a school district where they are respected and given the individualized tools that they need to succeed
- An awareness that a School Board utilizing a governance model to create fiscally and academically sound policies is a best practice
All 4 responded to the request, but only 3 answered the questions; one candidate declined to participate, citing that she was too busy. Below are the unedited answers.
Candidate Questions & Answers
- MOTIVATION AND QUALIFICATIONS: What motivated you to run for election and why will you be a good addition to the Board?
- AFFILIATIONS: Have you or are you open to accepting any support (data, volunteers, and/or financial) from a partisan political group or organization? Have you accepted an endorsement or financial support from a political party?
- VISION FOR MTSD: What is your vision for education in the MTSD? Be specific – what's working and what would you like to see improved?
- FUNCTION OF BOARD: What do you see as the function of the Board of Education? Specifically, please address:
- Do you favor the current governance model or do you feel that the Board should shift to an operational model, and why?
- What is your view of the superintendent's role and how the superintendent and the Board work together?
- How and when do you see parent input fitting into Board decisions? To education in general?
- COMMUNICATION: What kind of communication should the School Board have with parents/families? With teachers? Please ensure that your answers account for open meeting laws.
- CURRICULUM: What should the Board's role be in curriculum planning and oversight? In your answer, please specifically address:
- STAFF RETENTION/CLIMATE: Multiple school districts in our region have recently seen the resignation of teachers, staff, superintendents, and school Board members. What will you do to retain school district employees thus ensuring a stable and supportive environment for students and staff?
- LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY PRIORITIES: Do you support MTSD's legislative priority regarding increasing funding for public schools in the 2023-2025 Wisconsin state budget? If not, how would you propose creating sustainable funding for MTSD? What are your views of allocating money in your district so that the money follows the child?
- EQUITY: What does the word equity mean to you? What place, if any, does equity have in our school district?
- UNITY: Our community went through a difficult recall process-what suggestions do you have to help us move forward, together? Did you sign the recall? If so, why? If you signed, how would you work with Board members that you tried to recalll? If you did not sign, why? If you did not sign, how will you work with a potential Board member who did sign the recall?
1 . MOTIVATION AND QUALIFICATIONS: What motivated you to run for election and why will you be a good addition to the Board?
Sergey Babakhanov: I am a first-generation Armenian immigrant to the United States. Mequon has been my home for the past 20 years. As a father of four children, it is my duty and privilege to serve my community.
My knowledge in risk management, security, and the public safety will benefit the day-to-day operations of our schools and enhance the safety of our students and staff.
I received my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from UW - Milwaukee. Additionally, I obtained four (4) Associate Degrees in Insurance. I worked with the Brown Deer Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department and The United States Marshals Service to provide safety for our community.
While I do not have a background in education myself, I come from a family of several educators. My mother dedicated her life to special education teaching, and I have a keen understanding of what it means to be a teacher; the importance and life long impact this profession and our schools have on our children, and our future.
Wendy Francour: I am the only candidate:
- with 9 years of service to the community on the BOE, having served as Vice-President, Clerk and Treasurer
- who was recalled and re-elected by the community demonstrating their trust
- with decades of volunteerism in MTSD, serving as Co-PTO President, chair of multiple committees, events and on task forces as well as for MTEF on numerous committees and events
- who as a BOE member helped to create MTSD's mission, vision, strategic plans, approved the 10 Year Long Range Master Plan, Legislative Platform, Academic Recovery Plan and 2 School Resource Officers,
- who partnered with the Superintendent to create Summer Academy, an engagement opportunity for all students.
As a 32 year resident with a MTSD K-12 graduate, I have years of listening and learning and I understand the issues facing MTSD. I am engaged, informed and open minded. I support the governance model for the BOE as a proven best practice, school boards remaining non-partisan and am a very strong advocate for public school education.
I choose to serve on the Board as I believe a well rounded education is the most important thing we give our children. With my first hand knowledge of MTSD for the past 28 years I celebrate our successes and comprehend the opportunities for continuous improvement.
Kate Barikmo: I know how valuable great public schools are - mostly because I am a product of amazing schools. I grew up in Ozaukee county, in the town of Cedarburg. I went to Thorson Elementary where my teachers soon realized I was behind my peers in Reading and Comprehension. Immediately, I was put in an intervention to improve my reading abilities. By the time I was in second grade, the gap between myself and my peers disappeared. This changed the path of my life forever. By High School, I was taking AP classes and I entered college with over a year of credits from those classes. I graduated with my Bachelor's (History, Sociology, and Educational Services) Degree and went on to earn my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL license. I also went to school and became an EMT. Now, I am a 7th Grade Teacher and volunteer EMT.
This would not have happened if my teachers hadn't intervened early on. I could have easily fallen through the cracks and the problem would have only worsened. If that had happened, I don't know where I would be now.
All that to say- I know the value of great public schools. I am where I am because of great public schools. And that's why I'm running- to help maintain and improve our incredible schools.
If elected, I would be the only current classroom educator on the board. With my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a license in ESL education, I am equipped with a skill set to support all types of learners and a deep understanding of what our students need. Since I am currently teaching, I have extensive knowledge of current best practices in education and how to put them into place in the classroom. I am also a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and because of that I have the knowledge to support the district in creating effective processes and protocols that support school safety.
Note: this answer was updated 3/10/23 at the candidate's request.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
2. AFFILIATIONS: Have you or are you open to accepting any support (data, volunteers, and/or financial) from a partisan political group or organization? Have you accepted an endorsement or financial support from a political party?
Sergey Babakhanov: Presently I have not received any support from any party. I reached out to the Democratic Party and offered to speak with anyone who is interested to hear about me - no response!!!
I reached out to the Republican party to speak and was invited to 2 events where I presented myself and my agenda.
I have not received neither any financial supports nor any endorsement from any of the above mentioned political parties or any other organizations up to this date.
I am open to accept any support from any individuals only.
Wendy Francour: I am adamant school boards MUST remain non-partisan and completely separate from any political party influence. That said, while I have been approached, I have never accepted any support from a partisan political group or organization who asked permission to support me. In the same vein, I have never asked for nor accepted an endorsement nor financial support from a political party.
Kate Barikmo: Running for office requires the use of data. There are almost 30,000 residents in Mequon and Thiensville. It would be impossible to reach every voter, so I have to use data to find the people who actually vote (most people don't vote in spring elections). I did a lot of research on voter databases and I decided to use Votebuilder because it has the best voter data and allows me to reach the most voters. I understand this may rub people the wrong way but I want to assure you that I am still working to reach ALL voters. It just happens that the Democratic Party has the best voter database. Using a voter database is the only way to efficiently reach all voters. It's easy to use and it gives me lists of people who actually vote- so I am not spending my time reaching out to people who don't vote. I hope the voters can understand that running for office requires a lot of voter contact, and the best way I can do that is by using Votebuilder.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
3. VISION FOR MTSD: What is your vision for education in the MTSD? Be specific – what's working and what would you like to see improved?
Sergey Babakhanov: My agenda includes moving the district forward through
- strong educational programs
- accommodating learning needs of every child
- encouraging family involvement and participation in the academics and after school programs
I believe our community can be further united through common goal of providing the best learning environment to all our children and fostering positive experiences in the Mequon - Thiensville schools.
I would like the M-T School Board to eliminate biases in their decision making process. Have the ability and willingness to hear both sides and compromise not only with the side that supports certain members of the M-T School board, but make sure that all M-T families benefit from their decision.
The very recent dance event at Homestead HS that gained public attention and made the news was brought up at the Board meeting on 02/27/2023. As I was attending the meeting, I did hear several parents express their deepest concerns about the inappropriateness of this event how egregious this event was. While listening to the concerned speakers how paretns and many students reacted to this event, I noticed that several board members had smirks on their faces, which clearly showed me how some board members react to the criticism and have low to no tolerance when board is being criticized. Is this where we are taking our district and how board members should react and act when criticized?
Per Policy Section 9000 - STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS, Code 9120: Open communication with the District's students, parents/guardians, employees and the public is essential to operate effectively. The Board places high importance on sharing information concerning the District's goals, achievements and initiatives and welcomes feedback.
Wendy Francour: One of the important responsibilities for a school board member is to be a fierce advocate for public education.
I am proud of the well-rounded education we offer our students with both curricular and extra-curricular options to maximize each student's academic achievement and personal growth. We nurture critical thinking while creating pathways to ensure post-secondary success utilizing Seven Milestones for Post-Secondary Success as benchmarks.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/teaching-learning/academics
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/archived/commitments/milestones.
MTSD “Significantly Exceeds Expectations”, the highest rating, on the 2021-2 District Report Cards with an overall score of 85.4. We are ranked 6th out of the 364 K-12 public school districts in Wisconsin.
MTSD is grounded in Our Mission: “Together, we ignite each student's passion for learning, preparing for a lifetime of infinite possibilities”
and Our Vision: “Each student, every time, empowered to succeed”
following Our Guiding Principles which are MTSD's core values and beliefs:
- Each student is valued, will learn and will experience success.
- Education must address every facet of a child's being.
- Staff is our most valuable asset in achieving our mission and vision.
- Respect, responsibility, fairness, citizenship, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential for a safe and successful learning environment.
- Seeking innovation and working to constantly improve all practices increases the value of our organization for all stakeholders.
- Research, assessment and measurement must inform decision-making and accountability.
- Sustaining fiscal strength is necessary for the vitality of our schools and community.
- Engaging our community through meaningful relationships fosters trust and accountability.
MTSD offers: a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum including:
(AVID)Advancement Via Individualized Determination to students of all academic levels K-12. Homestead and Steffen are National Demonstration Schools.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/departments/avid
During the 2022-23 school year, 96 students (19.7%) of middle school students and 133 (10.5%) of Homestead students for a total of 13% of our 7-12 grade students are enrolled in an AVID Elective Class. Some of the 2021-22 AVID Elective course effectiveness results: 1). as a whole, students enrolled in this course demonstrated “expected growth” in math and reading; 2). 100% of AVID Elective high school students enrolled in and successfully completed at least one AP course; 3). 100% of AVID Elective seniors applied and got accepted to more than one college/university and enrolled immediately following graduation.
A Talented, Advanced and Gifted (TAG) Program dedicated to developing the gifts of all students offering programs and opportunities so students can maximize their potential.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/teaching-learning/talented-advanced-gifted
27 honors-level classes at Homestead next school year as detailed in our 2023-24 Course Guide which includes Independent Study courses and is posted transparently on the District website.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/Homestead/teaching-learning/course-guide
In the 2022-23 School year 766 students (61%) of the HHS student population enrolled in at least one honors-level course.
25 Advanced Placement (AP) classes at Homestead as detailed in our 2023-24 course guide. In the 2022-23 School year, 672 (53%) students enrolled in at least one AP class. According to AP/College Board data, 532 HHS students took at least one AP class in the 2021-22 School year and 429 of our students passed at least one of these AP exams.
When the state of Wisconsin mandated all public schools must offer Academic and Career Planning via the Education for Employment (E4E) or PI-26 legislation, MTSD designed a program to “authentically engage” students in experiences related to their future careers.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/teaching-learning/acp/acp-plan
In addition, MTSD offers the only orchestra program in Ozaukee County, has award winning arts programs and Homestead offers every WIAA sanctioned sport (29) plus club sports and 70 clubs and activities to engage our students,
The pandemic caused unfinished learning. What did MTSD do about it and how are we prioritizing social and emotional well-being post-pandemic? We developed an Academic Recovery Plan in alignment with the District's Milestones for Post-Secondary Success and our Guiding Principles, the goal of which is for MTSD students to meet or exceed Milestone percentages attained in the 2018-2019 school year by the end of the 2022-23 school year. We instituted summer academic programming (Summer Academic Boost), pre-pandemic bell schedules to allow for teacher collaboration time, provided after school teacher facilitated support for students, developed an on-site credit recovery program for HHS students and deliberately utilized US Department of Education ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds) funds to address for ALL students their learning loss and social, emotional and academic needs.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/teaching-learning/student-performance-data
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/district/2021-2022/academic-recovery-plan
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/district/2022-2023/arp
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/district/2022-2023/esser-iii
Continuous improvement based in best practices for educational advances for ALL students is always the goal of MTSD. We can always strive to improve with stakeholder engagement and support.
Kate Barikmo: MTSD lists their vision for the district as, "Each student, every time, is empowered to succeed." I agree with this vision. Overall, we are very lucky as a community to have wonderful leaders who are experts in education.
There is a quote written on the white board in the Egelhoff Community Room. I think it goes like this, "Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it." What a succinct way to say the real goal of education. While I think MTSD does a great job of this-- there's always more we can do. I would love to see our schools offer more opportunities for students to grow as leaders, voice their opinions and ideas, and actively help to improve our community and world. It's their turn to lead next, after all.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
4. FUNCTION OF BOARD: What do you see as the function of the Board of Education? Specifically, please address:
A. Do you favor the current governance model or do you feel that the Board should shift to an operational model, and why?
Sergey Babakhanov: The board of education must serve as a governing body of our schools. The board members must know the answers to all of the questions related to M-T School issues, not seek an answer from the M-T administration. The Administration should serves as an operational body to the board.
Superintendent is a contractor that must enforce the ruling of the board. That is why it is important for a board member to know the answer to a question before it is presented to him/her.
Wendy Francour: In MTSD, the Board of Education (BOE) functions as a governance board. We providing strategic oversight of and direction to the District by establishing the strategic vision and informed policies by which the District is run by the Superintendent in order to achieve the goals and objectives set out in our strategic plan to ensure the success of ALL of our students. We advocate for ALL students, listen to and consider the viewpoints of all stakeholders to ensure MTSD represents the viewpoints of our community.
The BOE monitors the monthly District expenditures to establish and approve the annual District budget, sets the tax levy, partners with Administration to determine the District's educational goals, authorizes the development and revision of curriculum and student services, ratifies employee contracts, approves expenditures and ensures facilities and equipment are maintained in order to properly support teaching and learning, hires (if needed), oversees and annually evaluates the Superintendent, advocates for the educational growth and well-being of ALL students, stays informed on educational best practices and legislative topics impacting public education thus ensuring data based decision making.
Yes. I favor the governance model.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/board/governance
According to “The Key Work of School Boards”, a guidebook for School Boards, the governance model is the most effective way for Boards to operate to focus on achievement for ALL students and to collaborate with the Superintendent.
Kate Barikmo: Honestly, I believe that is for the community and schools to decide. The Board exists to serve the schools and community. Therefore it is for the community to decide if the model works for our district. However, as a citizen and voter- I see no issues with the current model.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
B. What is your view of the superintendent's role and how the superintendent and the Board work together?
Sergey Babakhanov: As stated before, superintendent is a contractor that proposes agenda, but the final decision must be made by the M-T School Board. It is imperative for the Board to control the district and act as a governing body, and superintendent must execute the orders.
Wendy Francour: In MTSD the BOE and Superintendent operate as a “Team of 8” in a collaborative relationship as detailed above. The Board follows Policy #1210 Board-Superintendent Relationship and our Bylaw found under Policy #0122. The Superintendent's role is detailed in Board Policy #1230.
Kate Barikmo: The superintendent is the leader of the district. They are tasked with an incredibly difficult (but hopefully rewarding) position. The Board is there to support the district and by extension, the superintendent. But, the Board is also there to act as an additional voice in the decision making process so that the superintendent is not unilaterally making policies. The Board and Superintendent should (and do) have a wonderful, collaborative relationship but can also act as a check and balance to each other to maintain fair policies.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
C. How and when do you see parent input fitting into Board decisions? To education in general?
Sergey Babakhanov: Every parent has the right to challenge and question any material that they think is inappropriate or challenging for their children. These questions, in my opinion, must be evaluated on case by case basis. As we know, per Policies Book 2000 Program Policy, EQUITY IN EDUCATION Section 6 - Providing instruction and curriculum that are culturally relevant and rigorous for all learners.
What is culturally relevant to one family, may not be culturally relevant to another family. Our multicultural district has many cultures not limited to Jewish communities, Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, Hinduism and many others. Each culture looks and evaluated materials differently. Board can't be biased and must accommodate all families regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex and gender.
Wendy Francour: Parents and guardians are their student's most important teacher and advocate. Home to school collaboration is highly valued in MTSD in order to ensure the success of each student. The input of parents, guardians and all stakeholders in the community is valued and respected by the BOE.
Kate Barikmo: The board exists to be a governing body for the district. The community elects them through the democratic process and is thereby putting their trust in Board members to carry out the function of the Board. Simply, we cannot have every single community member make every single decision- so we elect people to represent us. Parents should vote for who they think is best for the role and bring their voices to the public comment portion of Board Meetings. But ultimately, we have tasked and elected the Board to act for us- and we should trust them to do that.
In the classroom specifically, a certain amount of parent input is important. Parents are the expert on their child and have a say in their education. Teachers are experts in education and we should trust them to do their job. Parents and schools are a team, working together to ensure the well-being of the student and providing the best possible education. No team is complete without respect between teammates and a give-and-take of ideas.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
5. COMMUNICATION: What kind of communication should the School Board have with parents/families? With teachers? Please ensure that your answers account for open meeting laws.
Sergey Babakhanov: The School Board must have an open communication with everyone: parents/families and teachers. If the board approves and pays teachers then the board must be able to openly communicate and challenge a teacher when necessary. If we look at the recent event with the last week's dance, it is important that the board communicates to all parents and school staff, making a statement and ensuring that an appropriate actions will be taken, stressing that the actions will be released after their investigation is completed.
Wendy Francour: The BOE values communication with parents, guardians and all stakeholders including staff. The goal is to cultivate relationships grounded in mutual trust and respect. Each Board member's contact information is and always has been on the MTSD website.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/board/school-board/board-members
I welcome calls or emails from any parent, guardian, community member, MTSD teacher or staff member at any time. Board member are elected to listen and to represent all stakeholders in our community. This is a value I hold as an absolute. I take my role serving our community with integrity very seriously. I am committed to being open minded, listening to and considering all viewpoints on all sides of a topic as part of my data gathering in every decision I make.
The Board offers two opportunities for input from stakeholders during Citizen Communication and Comment at every monthly Regular Business Meeting.
Hearing requests for additional opportunities to engage with the Board during the recall, the Board has scheduled Board Office Hours several times a year as an open forum for discussion with all stakeholders which are attended by up to three Board members so as not to violate open meeting laws.
We operate as a “committee of the whole” meaning no one member has authority and, transparently following state statute, all Board business is conducted in public.
Kate Barikmo: . It's fairly simple- transparent communication is the most important thing the School Board can do to instill trust with families and teachers. With open meeting laws, the Board is required to conduct sessions in a public manner with notice given. Open, transparent communication is a basic expectation of the board, which our Board does a great job of. The community plays a role too. It is our job as citizens to be eager and involved. It is the Board's job to communicate with us, the community. But it's the community's job to be receptive and involved.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
6. CURRICULUM: What should the Board's role be in curriculum planning and oversight? In your answer, please specifically address:
A. Your view on the requests to ban books that have been making news in districts around the country.
Sergey Babakhanov: The M-T School board must have a direct influence on the educational process and the curriculum that is offered to our students. Fortunately, after meeting with Dr. Joynt and Mr. Deering, Executive Director or Educational Services, I was assured that the books that have been making news in districts around the country are not pushed onto our children and M-T teachers are applying a great amount of effort to make sure that innocence of our children is not at stake.
Wendy Francour: As a policy governance board, the BOE in MTSD provides strategic oversight by establishing the policies and overseeing the establishment of the vision and goals of the District in alignment with our Strategic Plan, approving the budget ensuring prudent management of tax payer investment in our schools and student outcomes aligned with our mission, vision and guiding principles among our responsibilities.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/board/governance
The Board is not involved directly in developing curriculum nor should we be. MTSD curriculum experts develop our curriculum. The Board's role is first and foremost to be advocates for ALL students, confident in the knowledge that ALL children can and will learn and achieve success.
The BOE: approves Pupil Academic Standards,
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/teaching-learning/academics/academic-standards
approves the budget which ensures funding for curriculum
approves the addition and deletion of courses
and ensures alignment with MTSD mission, vision, strategic plan
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/district/strategic-plan-clone
and Milestones for Academic Success
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/archived/commitments/milestones
Should there be an instance of a request for reconsideration of instructional material, the Board would follow our Policy 9131 Complaints Regarding Instructional Materials.
Kate Barikmo: Intellectual Freedom is a cornerstone of education. Our children deserve access to different viewpoints and difficult issues. We owe it to our students to prepare them for the world and part of that goal is to provide materials that challenge our worldviews. Reading books from a wide array of authors and ideologies is how we form our own identities and learn about the world. It's how we become well rounded, educated individuals. It's how we gain empathy and understanding for others. And it's how we develop our own ideas and opinions. Censorship only serves to narrow what our students have access to. Our kids deserve the world- including all the books. The one exception I will make relates to age. It is understandable to ensure our books meet our students where they are at. Our youngest readers need books that are accessible to them both in reading level and content.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
B. Your views on SEL and if/how it should be incorporated into curriculum.
Sergey Babakhanov: SEL should be only incorporated with an approval of each parent only. As you may know M-T School District is a multicultural district. What may be appropriate for one culture, may not be appropriate for another culture and how children and parents may accept certain education materials related to SEL.
Wendy Francour: In MTSD, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect in educating the whole child focusing on academic success, mental health, student engagement and parent/guardian input and support. MTSD relies on a framework of Multilevel Systems of Support to meet the needs of each student.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/teaching-learning/instructional-methods-interventions
SEL is integrated into the daily work of MTSD educators. MTSD Social Emotional Coaches work with educators to support and advance individual student's social and emotional skills and work readiness skills utilizing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), guided by MTSD The Notable 9 which are skills for workforce readiness. We conduct surveys with our students annually, conducted by School Perceptions to assess their school engagement and for staff to foster collaboration and to develop relationships to enhance student safety, connectedness and well-being.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/teaching-learning/social-emotional-learning
Kate Barikmo: Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a buzzword. Some people are mad for all the wrong reasons. SEL is just a different type of learning- one that helps us form our own identities and learn how to exist in a complex world. It teaches students empathy, kindness, and techniques to use during difficult moments in their life. It teaches students that they are valued, and have worth beyond their grades and test scores. It teaches them that we care about how they are feeling. SEL can be as simple as a breathing exercise to calm down; or a conversation about ways we like to take care of ourselves during difficult times; or how to be a good friend. Who wouldn't want their children to learn that? Of course SEL should be incorporated into curriculum, and chances are- it already is.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
7. STAFF RETENTION/CLIMATE: Multiple school districts in our region have recently seen the resignation of teachers, staff, superintendents, and school Board members. What will you do to retain school district employees thus ensuring a stable and supportive environment for students and staff?
Sergey Babakhanov: After discussing staffing issues with M-T School administration, I was advised that our district is fully staffed and all teachers are licensed. In order to continue this stability for our district we need to enhance our crisis response procedures and protocols, provide social/emotional access to the staff and students, update and enforce zero harassment policies, zero violence policies. Establish policies that will reprimand those who have no respect for our district.
Teacher retention depends on an individual performance of each educator. I will work with other board members to retain the talent and provide each with competitive compensation and opportunity for advancement.
As a risk management professional I pledge to work on and ensure safety, security and wellbeing of each student, staff, administration office and school Board members to make sure that the M-T School district is safe for our community as a whole.
Wendy Francour: Across the country fewer students are majoring in education and teacher burnout is well documented in particular since the challenges of the pandemic. Staff retention is a challenge at all levels.
First of all, the culture of belonging established by the BOE as an expectation of behavior that has been modeled throughout the District is a first step. The BOE signs a Code of Conduct and Ethics every spring which is a Bylaw in Policy 0123. Adherence to this policy is a hallmark of our work on the Board. Carrying forth these principals in our engagement with community members, students and staff is an absolute.
In MTSD's 2021-24 Strategic Plan Goal 4 is Workforce Environment. Cultivating a workplace environment where professional growth is a priority to strengthen employees' belonging and impact.” It is an absolute.
MTSD conducts an annual staff pulse survey. Developing strategies and solutions to address responses reflecting areas of need is crucial. Examples:
- MTSD is unique in that we have an Employee Health and Wellness Center (Clinic) on campus housed at Range Line which is operated and staffed by Froedtert medical professionals offering new employee physicals, annual health risk appraisals for employees and spouses, vaccines, and more.
- MTSD utilizes Teachers On Call to hire substitute teachers which is an area of need.
- Providing mentors for MTSD teachers in their first three years of MTSD employment, mental health support and a support network for all staff.
- Providing room in the bell schedule for staff collaboration for sharing and re-applying best practices in instruction, for curriculum writing, for professional development.
- Offering fair and competitive wages.
I believe I have addressed student support/safety in prior questions.
Kate Barikmo: Since I am a teacher, I can speak to this with an acute knowledge of this crisis. Teachers, staff, superintendents, and School Board members are leaving because of a lack of respect and complete overwhelm. There is so much on their plates. And, there is too little respect. Let's use our district as an example. During the recall, our district leaders were called names, shouted at, and threatened with lawsuits....all for decisions that were in the best interest of our students. If you were in their shoes, would you want to stick around to endure all of that? We are lucky that they do. It's clear that we have a group of fantastic educators, staff, leaders, and Board members who keep coming back for the good of our schools and community. These people are the experts in the field of education. They have degrees (some Masters and Doctorates) in education. We owe them our respect and trust. When we show the staff they have that, our respect and trust, they stay because they know they're valued. Additionally, we need to keep salaries and benefits competitive. We need money to live. That's just a fact of life. Our teachers aren't an exception. They have lives and families and bills just like everyone else. Let's show them that we value them by ensuring they can pay their bills and keep up with inflation.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
8. LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY PRIORITIES: Do you support MTSD's legislative priority regarding increasing funding for public schools in the 2023-2025 Wisconsin state budget? If not, how would you propose creating sustainable funding for MTSD? What are your views of allocating money in your district so that the money follows the child?
Sergey Babakhanov: I support legislative priority to increase the funding for schools in the 2023-2025 WI State budget.
After discussing M-T School District's financial stability with the treasurer, in my opinion our district is in a good financial position.
Wendy Francour: Yes I absolutely support the MTSD legislative priority for increased funding for public schools. MTSD is asking lawmakers for an increase of $1,566 per pupil in categorical aid (spendable dollars) in the biannual budget. In addition, we are asking lawmakers to reimburse public school districts for 100% of the special education dollars to support all students.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/board/legislative-platform/legislative-advocacy-priorities
As a public school Board member I support public school funding increases as detailed above so we have the funding necessary to provide a free, high quality education for all students.
Kate Barikmo: Yes, I support the legislative priority regarding increasing funding for public schools in the 2023-2025 Wisconsin state budget.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
9. EQUITY: What does the word equity mean to you? What place, if any, does equity have in our school district?
Sergey Babakhanov: As you may know, I am an Armenian immigrant to the United States of America. Equity for me has a great meaning. For me Equity is when - NO ONE IS ASKING ME WHAT MY NATIONALITY OR RELIGION IS. Equity is when I am being judged by my actions, not by my accent. Equity is when I can announce my candidacy for a School District Board and there is no bias in the election process.
Equity is at the top place in the Mequon - Thiensville School District. While being in the M-T School district for over 10 years, there are multiple accommodations that were offered not only to me, but many other families of different races, nationalities and genders. I do not anticipate that Equity will be an issue in our district.
Wendy Francour: In MTSD we reference Educational Equity and it is a hallmark of our educational philosophy and curriculum meaning each child gets what is needed to support their individual educational journey.
https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/archived/commitments/equity
Kate Barikmo: Equity is another simple term that has been blown out of proportion. Simply put, the goal of equity is to ensure that every child gets what they need to be successful. That's it. There's no hidden meaning. There is no ulterior motive. It's that simple. So yes, it does belong in our schools.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer
10. UNITY: Our community went through a difficult recall process-what suggestions do you have to help us move forward, together? Did you sign the recall? If so, why? If you signed, how would you work with Board members that you tried to recalll? If you did not sign, why? If you did not sign, how will you work with a potential Board member who did sign the recall?
Sergey Babakhanov: I don't find that the recall was a difficult process. One side exercised their constitutional right to challenge the other side. However, this situation could have been avoided if both side would have compromised by sitting down at a negotiation table. Previous School Board didn't want to hear or negotiate, which was the #1 issue.
YES - I did sign the recall. Because of the mask mandate that was imposed on our children, some developed irreversible health issues. My daughter is one of these students that developed a chronic migraine at the age of 8. Up to this date (she is 11 now), she has to take medication, her vision is getting worse and worse, she has anxiety and breathing problems when she sees masks or is told that she has to put the mask on her face. However, we did follow the mandate.
As I stated before, we must resolve our difference through negotiations and ability to respect each other's opinions. However, this must be done by both side, not only one side must agree to compromise.
Wendy Francour: I was a recalled BOE member who was re-elected by the community. The recall created a deep division in the community I love. No. I did not sign the recall. I have been elected and re-elected to the BOE to represent ALL stakeholders-those who voted for me and those who voted for a different candidate. To me, it is important to remember we are all part of this amazing community and that each of us advocates for priorities important to them. It is crucial to listen to one another, to respect an individual's opinion and thank them for sharing it. The BOE never stopped listening. I am open-minded, respectful of differing opinions and welcome stakeholder input. I am elected to represent the entire community and will continue to work with all my fellow Board members, striving for respect-filled collaboration in order to continue the work of the Board on behalf of our students, staff and community and to earn the trust of those we serve.
Kate Barikmo: I did not sign the recall. I trust our Board and district leadership. I found the recall to be a blatant power grab for intensely partisan views. It seems the rest of Mequon-Thiensville did too, considering the recall was defeated. The recall wasn't in the best interest of the students. It wasn't even about the students. It was about politics. I am only interested in what is best for the students. If elected, I will maintain my professionalism. I do not shout at anyone. I listen to others' opinions and do my best to understand their views. I will continue that because I don't want to lose focus of why we are truly here- which is to ensure quality education for our students.
Megan Heinzelman: Declined to answer