LINK March 2023

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EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES IN STEAM

The growing importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) in education and in Elmbrook is reflected in the continued expansion of opportunities in 2023:

f Education approved funding for a Robotics & Power Systems space at Brookfield East to be completed in Fall 2023

Several Robotics teams at elementary, middle and high school have already won state competitions, qualified for World competitions and received global recognition this year program will introduce a new Automation, Robotics and Trends in IT course strand in Fall 2023

sconsin grants (totaling nearly $40,000) received to support continued investment in Robotics

SPORTS

Elmbrook’s Unified Sports program had its first ever two games this past December and January! Unified Sports is an inclusive sports program in which students, both with and without intellectual and/or physical disabilities, are brought together to work as a team, form new relationships and compete in a friendly environment. The teams have played for packed houses between the Brookfield Central and Brookfield East Boys and Girls basketball games. The program was spearheaded by Brookfield East Sophomore, Hannah Christianson.

In February, Robotics students from across the District met in Madison to advocate for increased funding for STEAM education with state o cials as a part of the SASA Advocacy Conference.

The amount of smiles and cheers were the moments that made the night special and memorable.”

-Hannah Christianson

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BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATE PROFILES

Five candidates are vying for three seats on the School District of Elmbrook’s Board of Education. Because Board members represent the entire District, all residents can select one candidate for each seat in the spring election on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Each candidate was asked to respond to the following two questions and their answers are posted here, unedited, as they were submitted to the District.

Why have you chosen to seek election to the Elmbrook Board of Education? What experience do you have that will help you best represent the Elmbrook electorate?

AREA III

GREGG EBERHARDT AREA III

1. Brookfield is where I was raised, I’m an alumni, and coached at the high school and youth levels. This is where my wife and I chose to raise our three children; I want it to be the best that it can be. The district should place children in the optimal position to succeed academically. I have a long history in the community and I’ve witnessed it transform through the years while attempting to maintain the high standards that previous generations established. I want this community to be able to have pride and trust that the district is meeting the needs of the children and the overall community.

2. My history within the community started in 1976, which allows me to understand its principles. My engineering and business skills provide me the ability to analyze situations and make decisions that will help the community prosper. I oversee a $50 million P&L and work collaboratively with multiple functions to maximize value. The district’s goal should be educating children and providing maximum value to the community and taxpayers.

Residency: 1976 - 2003, 2016 - present; Education: BS Mechanical Engineering, Marquette University; MBA, Marquette University; Current Profession: Product Manager, MTE

SPORTS SHORTS

PREETHA KURUDIYARA AREA III

1. I am a parent of two Elmbrook students and have lived in Brookfield since 2009. I have volunteered hundreds of hours for Elmbrook Schools. I have volunteered for theater productions, BCHS PTO and Applause, the BCHS fine arts booster organization. I have been a room parent, a field trip volunteer, and a regular library volunteer. I serve on the Board of the Elmbrook Education Foundation and serve as the Director of Communications for the Elmbrook Parent Network. Volunteering has given me exposure to both the challenges and opportunities facing our district.

2. As a pediatrician, I have dedicated my career to the health and well-being of children. On the board, that dedication translates to prioritizing student mental health and resilience, along with the social and emotional well-being of all students. I am an advocate for children with special needs, and am dedicated to ensuring that children whose learning was affected by the pandemic receive the support services needed to catch up. A key ingredient is attracting, supporting and retaining high quality teachers and staff.

Residency: 14 Years; Education: BS, Marquette University, 1996; MD, St. George's University School of Medicine, 2002; Current Profession: Community Volunteer

ALUMNI EXCELLENCE

Brookfield East figure skaters, Lola Perelman & Ashley Papenfuss, competed internationally this month in the French Cup as members of Team USA and took home the silver medal.

The views and opinions expressed in these profiles are those of the candidates and do not reflect the o cial position of the School District of Elmbrook.

Joe Thomas (BCHS ‘03) was voted into the class of 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

SCOTT WHEELER AREA I Incumbent

1. Recently there have been a lot of challenges in education. I’ve been, and will continue to be, an advocate for an academic-focused district, with outstanding extracurriculars, and schools that support families and students in learning and growing. Elmbrook has some of the best test scores and finances of any district in the state. But we can do even better, and I will help us get there!

2. I’m a father of 5, I have 22 years as a teacher and trainer, but my greatest qualification is my last eight years serving on the board. In time, Elmbrook has completed over $45 million in projects and upgrades without referendum, navigated a pandemic with less learning loss than surrounding districts, and started the LAUNCH program where students explore career pathways and work with business leaders solving real challenges. We’ve made recent curriculum changes including more US history in middle school, AP human geography, universal 4k, and science-based reading instruction. I’ll continue to do what’s best for kids and families, and would be honored to have your vote.

Residency: 12 Years; Education: 2002 – BA Biochemistry from Brigham Young University; 2006 – Masters of Education in Instructional Technology from Utah State University; Current Profession: The Church of Jesus Christ LDS- S&I Coordinator (where I teach, and provide training for religion teachers in SE Wisconsin, and NE Illinois.)

COACHING

DAVID IRWIN AT-LARGE

1. As a product of midwestern public schools and the father of a current Elmbrook student and a 2022 graduate, I am committed to the success and continuous improvement of our district. I believe we have excellent schools that can consistently achieve the highest standards with effective leadership, rigorous teaching of fundamentals, and strong Advanced Placement tracks. In today's world, marked by technological change, global competition, and social issues, school governance requires stability and good judgmentqualities that I possess. I am dedicated to raising achievement for all students and avoiding manipulation of schools for ideological purposes.

2. My varied experiences, including three years as the only foreigner in a French parochial school, working internationally in a Fortune 500 company, and co-founding a venture capital-backed startup, have given me the ability to see things from multiple perspectives and appreciate the unique qualities of America that are passed down from one generation to the next, largely through our schools. I have also served on numerous corporate and non-profit/church boards, gaining valuable insight into effective governance.

Residency: 18 Years; Education: MBA, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, 1995; BA, Economics, Dartmouth College, 1989; Current Profession: My line of work is management consulting and private investments. I am self-employed.

EXCELLENCE

Brookfield Stars Hockey Coach, Greg Copeland, wins the 2022-23 Division 1 Section 4 Coach of the Year.

Stuart Seymour, a Brookfield Central senior, claimed two Division 1 Titles and a State Record at the 2023 WIAA State Swim and Dive Meet as a member of the 6th place Brookfield Barracudas Team.

SAM HUGHES AT-LARGE

1. I have a passion for education and live with the belief that our exceptional community is unified around the goal of creating a stronger educational environment for our children. I bring problem-solving, team-building, and project-leading skills from years of building a homegrown successful business. I will always be cognizant of my responsibility to work respectfully, collegially and productively with diverse community members, including taxpayers, parents, administrators, students and staff. Our school district is one of the best; let’s make it better for all. SamForElmbrook.com

2. My greatest experiential skill is clear, concise communication through active listening and will be a thoughtful listener to every constituent with an open mind, considering all viewpoints. Professionally, this skill has enabled me to successfully develop and manage 100+ teams. I have developed detailed field training programs for teams in my industry and have served eight years as a board member on WiFCA. Having a non-verbal daughter with special needs, I have navigated the complex world of IEP’s for twelve years. I bring empathy, analytical thinking, fiscal discipline and personal tenacity.

Residency: 13 years; Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Olivet University, 2000; MBA in International Business through Executive MBA Program from Marquette University, 2010; Current Profession: President of Bluegreen, LLC

ALUMNI EXCELLENCE

The Brookfield East Cheerleading team took home 3rd Place at the 2023 WACPC State Championship in the Super Small Division.

Mike Caliendo (BEHS ‘16) became a 2023 Super Bowl Champion as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.