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How do you feel about trying to remove books from libraries?
Jamie Maier - will paraphrase what a teacher from the CSD English department said the other morning that rings so true- "Books are both windows and mirrors." In my opinion, books in general promote learning and reading, and thought-provoking books create discussion, debate and deeper thinking. Kids are exposed to intriguing and provocative stimulation everywhere - I am delighted if a book inspires my kids to open their minds and think critically. There will always be books people object to, just like there will always be music, movies, art and other creative forms of expression people will object to. But to say these things should be locked away because they universally expose people to the "wrong" messages is dangerous. If a parent objects to a particular book, a better solution would be to talk to their child and his or her teacher about why they feel the messaging is wrong and suggest and agree to an alternative for that child.
Jennifer Calzada - Did not respond.
Elizabeth Charland - Did not respond.
Kate Erickson - Did not respond.
Ryan Hammetter - Did not respond.
Rick Leach - Did not respond.
Hani Malek - Did not respond.
Laura Stroebel – Did not respond.
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Under what conditions do you think you would recommend, if ever, a return to virtual schooling or mask mandates?
Jamie Maier - I think we saw how well virtual schooling can benefit students and teachers. I hope we never have to return to full virtual schooling, but we should comply if there is a state mandate to do so. I also see that there is value in making vitual school an option for kids who are health compromised, sick, or even showing symptoms that are concerning. We now know it's possible for a child to be able to keep up with his or her classmates from home - if that's a better option for some families, or a viable interim solution for families who don't want to impose a sick child on his or her classmates, I don't see any harm in making that available to families, even if it is just a simple audio/video link into the classroom.
It is also my hope that we never have to impose another mask mandate; however, if the City of Cedarburg or Ozaukee County mandate it, I feel our district should follow suit, and if students chose to wear one for protection or to prevent a spread of a virus, I would like to see our community respect those decisions.
Jennifer Calzada (inc.) - Did not respond.
Elizabeth Charland - Did not respond.
Kate Erickson - Did not respond.
Ryan Hammetter - Did not respond.
Rick Leach - Did not respond.
Hani Malek - Did not respond.
Laura Stroebel – Did not respond.
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What in your background or experience makes you a good choice for the school board?
Jamie Maier - I am a parent, a business owner and I have been a member of committees and boards all throughout my professional career. I think it is crucial that any organization has a diverse group of board members who are willing to listen, think critically and respect differing opinions as well as remain open and interested in hearing different perspectives. I am not one to blindly support the status quo, or take a "business as usual" attitude. I recognize that our school board and our community are fractured, and it is the duty of this upcoming School Board to work together to repair this schism and rebuild the community's trust by listening to its constitutes and making decisions that are best for all, not a select few.
Jennifer Calzada (inc.) - Did not respond.
Elizabeth Charland - Did not respond.
Kate Erickson - Did not respond.
Ryan Hammetter - Did not respond.
Rick Leach - Did not respond.
Hani Malek - Did not respond.
Laura Stroebel – Did not respond.
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Are there curriculum-related or diversity-related issues that you think the current board members are not addressing? If so, what would you do differently?
Jamie Maier - There are several issues that continue to divide the community, and unfortunately many are linked back to the current school board. Insensitivity to diversity continues to plague the board and the district. That was illustrated on a national level by the very emotional and controversial issue they created by ordering the painting over of the diversity mural at the middle school - the board has not followed up on what they promised the committee, and they have not been transparent on how they came to the decision to remove that mural.
Hopefully this can be resolved by electing a more diverse board in a few weeks, and reopening the discussions about race and gender equality. There is also a push in the community to review our current HG&D curriculum. It hasn't been reviewed in a decade and should be studied closer to make sure our kids aren't being left at risk with outdated messages and incomplete teachings.
I don't understand the mentality of ignoring something and hoping it goes away, or turning a blind eye to something because it's uncomfortable. Let's be more transparent with our constitutes, let's look to see how other school districts are addressing issues like DEI and let's implement what is working.
Jennifer Calzada (inc.) - Did not respond.
Elizabeth Charland - Did not respond.
Kate Erickson - Did not respond.
Ryan Hammetter - Did not respond.
Rick Leach - Did not respond.
Hani Malek - Did not respond.
Laura Stroebel – Did not respond.
