With the deadline to file as a potential candidate for the Elmbrook School Board less than two weeks away, three contenders have emerged.
Lynne Thomas recently took out papers and has begun the process of collecting signatures for the district's at-large seat. If she completes all the requisite paperwork and officially becomes eligible to run by the Jan. 3 deadline, she will face off against incumbent Meg Wartman on April 3.
Incumbent Jean Lambert, who represents Area IV, roughly the southeast quadrant of the district, also is running again.
A newcomer joins race
Thomas holds a masters degree in education from Harvard University and has taught elementary school in Illinois and Pennsylvania. She said her motivation to run for the board - it's the first time she has run for any community office - is the opportunity to address how the district responds to issues.
"I've become concerned that the district has responded to the shortfall and the changes in state support in a reactive rather than a proactive way," Thomas said. "I have a child in second grade, and I want to represent those younger parents who have children enrolled or soon will have children enrolled in the district.
"Our teaching staff is strong, and I have always had a positive experience as a volunteer. Our parents are very concerned about the quality of education, and that is part of the strength of the district."
Incumbents look to hold seats
Wartman announced at a November School Board meeting that she was planning to run again.
"I'm excited about what we are doing. I want to be here," she said.
Candidates for at-large seats may live anywhere in the district, though candidates for specific areas must live within that area. All residents can vote for all seats.
Lambert said she wants to remain on the board because there is work to be done, including "a greater focus on student achievement" in areas such as language and reading as well as "acclimating a new superintendent."
Superintendent Matt Gibson will retire at the end of the current school year. The search for his replacement has begun and is expected to conclude in February.
For detailed information, including how to obtain proper filing forms, go to
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7 COMMENTS
Santas Elf - Dec 20, 2011 10:34 PM - Report Abuse
We'd be up to our eyeballs in 4K, 220 increases - anything to pump up the taxes and justify a bloat in the teacher count. Have we learned nothing from the past few years of fiscal comedy? :-/
Meg has hung tight on the tough decisions, and she's earned the voters loyalty. Let Ms. Whatsherface find another school district to haunt! :([/b]
Anonymous - Dec 21, 2011 2:33 PM - Report Abuse
Not to worry, There are enough parents who care about the quality of the education in elmbrook school district, who realize that a vibrant and strong elementary school system has the ability to attract new families to the area and can be done without a referendum to "pump up taxes." (I guess Santa's elf would rather lower his property value than increase his property taxes... penny-wise pound foolish. :()
I wish Ms. Thomas good luck! ;D We got your back against the ole MegMeister.
Cindy K - Dec 22, 2011 9:13 AM - Report Abuse
I know there's the chance a few jaws will hit the floor, but I've often said if the district would truly eliminate non-resident enrollment, after that, I could maybe be persuaded to institute 4K. I absolutely refuse to pay for both, though.
Nail Bender - Dec 22, 2011 9:41 AM - Report Abuse
Santas Elf - Dec 22, 2011 12:52 PM - Report Abuse
[b]It would have been nice of you to mention that prior to our last super-referendum which has already guaranteed high taxes well into the future. :(
If you can find a stronger more vibrant elementary school system than we already have, I'll abandon my home and move there. If not, please send all of those new families on over with cash in hand. I'm ready to go to condo heaven and permit Ms. Thomas to lead the district further into tax hell. >:(
Oh and do have a robust cash blowing holiday. Remember, taxes are not due in till the end of January, ready or not! :o [/b]
ConservativeMensch - Dec 24, 2011 3:49 PM - Report Abuse
Santas Elf - Dec 24, 2011 11:20 PM - Report Abuse
How many districts will be offering Mandarin Chinese next year? Hey that's the language of Mongolia! What more exclusivity could one ask for?[/b]