The Wisconsin State Journal is previewing municipal and school board races in Dane County ahead of the April 7 election. In the Marshall School District, six candidates — three incumbents and three challengers — are running for three three-year terms.

Traci Dutter

Age: 34

Address: 5102 Oak Park Road, Marshall.

Job: Financial adviser with Edward Jones in Marshall.

Political experience: None.

Other public service: Former special education/autism specialist teacher in the Marshall School District for seven years; member of the Elementary Site Council; member of the Marshall Area Business Association; parent volunteer for Family Assistance Center for Education, Training and Support organization; member of the Quality Education Coalition.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education needs from  UW-Eau Claire; master’s degree in special education and an Autism Specialist certificate from UW-Whitewater.

Top issues and solutions: The district’s average WKCE test scores for the past two years are one of the lowest in the county. We need to bring the focus back to our students and increase our rankings. Address unnecessary spending habits to put the money back in the classrooms. Establish a check and balance system so that one person will not have ultimate authority/decision making abilities in the district. Ensure that tax payers have a voice in the district.  

Web site: None.

Jennifer Frank

Age: 36

Address: 292 Maple Heights Road, Marshall.  

Job: Vice president of education and marketing for the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

Political experience: None.

Other public service: Member of the Marshall School District’s School Safety Council; board member for the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians Foundation;  assistant soccer coach for Marshall Parks and Recreation Department.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism from UW-Oshkosh.

Top issues and solutions: Maintaining both fiscal responsibility and continuation of the district’s many beneficial curriculum offerings and programs. As an open-minded newcomer, I will ensure resources are being directed to the classrooms, making the greatest impact. Continued examination of the current curriculum, using evidence-based measures to make changes, as needed, while ensuring the district stays on its current path of offering progressive curriculum.

Web site: www.jlfrank.webs.com

Amy Kelsey

Age: 39

Address: 411 Hubbell St., Marshall.

Job: Child-care provider.

Political experience: School Board member and treasurer and co-vice president of the Marshall Parent Teacher Association Board.

Other public service: Volunteer with Marshall public schools, PTA and Red Cross Blood Drive.
Education: Attended Warren Wilson College.

Top issues and solutions: To provide more for students in an economy where we have fewer resources each year. I will support spending in line with our goals as a district in increasing student achievement. Accountability to deliver top-notch education in every classroom, providing safe and drug-free schools, enhanced technology and differentiation to address the academic needs of students at all levels.

Web site: None

Greg Peterson

Age: 60

Address: 5088 Oak Park Road, Marshall.

Job: CEO/partner with Insurance Strategies Inc. in Elm Grove.

Political experience: None.

Other public service: Member of the Door Creek Church Stewardship Board; volunteered to repair low-income homes in New Orleans; helped build classrooms in Guatemala.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in geography from UW-Oshkosh; certification as a commercial pilot and scuba instructor.

Top issues and solutions: We must listen to the concerns from the community and parents and I propose setting aside 30 minutes for each board meeting for community input. I would make the administration accountable for adherence to the law, for lack of professionalism and for not putting the education of our children first.  

Web site: None

Lee Weinstock

Age: 68

Address: 608 B School St., Marshall.

Job: Retired teacher. 

Political experience: Nine years on Marshall School Board, serving as vice president and treasurer.

Other public service: President of Marshall Community Library Board, volunteer tutor to area students, classroom and special event volunteer.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education from Penn State.

Top issues and solutions: Maintaining a balance between spending what is necessary to provide top-quality education and our responsibility to provide a free education to all children is becoming more difficult each year. Student achievement has been and needs to continue to be our top priority, however we also need to focus on a high level of preparation for a student’s future, whether that be college, technical training, military careers or a place directly into the work force. I would also like to see greater emphasis on citizenship in our schools.

Web site: None

Jeff Ziegler

Age: 44

Address: 1570 Traut Road, Marshall.

Job: Talented and gifted resource teacher in the Madison School District.

Political experience: One term on the Marshall School Board.

Other public service: Basketball and baseball coach for Marshall youth. Also participated in community forums to help set priorities and provide direction for the district.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering mechanics from UW-Madison; master’s degree in instructional design and technology from Emporia State University.

Top issues and solutions: Providing the best educational experience for every student while operating under an inadequate funding process. Until the state addresses the funding issues we will continue to be in a position where we are trying to do more with less. We need to continue working on the implementation of our supervision and evaluation plan; curriculum review; and improve our implementation of response to intervention and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students.

Web site: None