In Mount Horeb, 4 vie for 2 seats on School Board
7:05 PM 3/17/04
Sandy Cullen For the State Journal

Substantial growth in enrollment looms as a huge concern for the Mount Horeb Area School District, where four candidates are facing off for two seats in the April 6 election. <

Aaron Rittenhouse is challenging incumbent Jeff Hanna, and Kyle Wahlgren and Brian Haroldson are vying for another seat. Incumbent Susan Brice is unopposed. <

With up to 1,200 lots slated for development in the district, Hanna said, "Growth is going to hit us real hard." <

If growth comes slowly, the need for a new building could be six years away, Hanna said. But he and fellow candidates said planning must start now to avoid crowded schools or a sudden tax hike. <

Budget issues also remain a concern in the district of 2,078 students, Hanna said. <

When he first ran three years ago, Hanna said, "I wanted to find ways to stop some of the unnecessary spending." As finance committee chair, Hanna ranks technology, teacher's salaries and books as spending priorities, and considers some annual purchases of sports equipment unnecessary. <

Opponent Rittenhouse said he brings an understanding of state formulas that can optimize funding for the district. <

A former history teacher at Mount Horeb High School, Rittenhouse wants to advance curriculum and teaching methods, and invigorate site councils in every district building to involve parents and community members in finding creative solutions to problems. He also wants to foster a district-wide physical health initiative. <

Now employed by Johnson Controls, Rittenhouse works with schools and libraries statewide to create safe and cost-effective environments. <

Nineteen-year-old Wahlgren considers his youth a strength as he faces Haroldson for a board seat. <

"I just feel that a young person will be more knowledgeable about what is going on and can relate to the kids well," Wahlgren said. <

Wahlgren also wants to ensure that the district keeps up with technology. <

Haroldson said his 15 years of business experience in the sale of information technology systems has given him skills in budget and finance, management and negotiations. <

"One thing I know how to do is to talk to people," said Haroldson, who wants to connect with district residents through personal e-mail and expanded use of the district's Web site. "I really believe that more people need to get involved in the process." Mount Horeb School BoardSeat 4 <

Jeff Hanna Age: 45 Address: 101 Harvest Circle. Mount Horeb. Job: Cheese cooker, Lactoprot USA. <

Political experience: Three years on Mount Horeb school board. <

Other public service: Liaison for Site Council Committee at Intermediate Center, tutored students in reading and math in after-school program at Springdale Lutheran Church. <

Education: Graduate of Belleville High School. <

Top priorities: Retain good pay rate for staff, plan for growth, keep up with technology. <

Aaron Rittenhouse <

Age: 34 <

Address: 112 N. Grove St., Mount Horeb <

Job: Account executive, Johnson Controls <

Political experience: None <

Other public service: Immediate past president of Academic Booster Club, Mount Horeb, member of Optimists Club. <

Education: Bachelor's degree in history and German, Bethel College; graduate work in history, UW-Madison. <

Top priorities: Implement simple, purpose-driven mission statement, develop collaborative approaches to address growth, build on culture that encourages pursuit of academic excellence. <

Seat 5 <

Brian Haroldson <

Age: 34 <

Address: 3480 County Road JG, Mount Horeb. <

Job: Account executive, AE Business Solutions. <

Political experience: None <

Other public service: None <

Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, UW-Madison. <

Top priorities: Plan effectively for growth, get more people involved in the district. <

Kyle Wahlgren <

Age: 19 <

Address: 516 Nordic Trail, Mount Horeb <

Job: Sales associate, Boston Store <

Political experience: None <

Other public service: Adult leader for Young Life youth group <

Education: Graduate of Mount Horeb High School, will be studying economics at Edgewood College. <

Top priorities: Plan for growth, foster safety and awareness involving drugs and alcohol, open lines of communication, keep up with technology. <