Elmwood School Board has three seats open with three candidates running. Incumbent Gabriel Weix is not seeking re-election.

Patrick Geraets*

Residence: Elmwood

Occupation/profession: Production Coordinator at Big Rivers Resources

Prior elected offices: I am currently on the Village of Elmwood board, and school board member for Elmwood Schools

Do you have children who attend the school district? Have they graduated?  Yes, I have three children that attend

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?  I was in 4-H and the FFA.

Why are you running for school board? What are your priorities?  With three of my children currently attending Elmwood schools, I first and foremost want to advocate for the students and make sure to keep their best interests in mind when making decisions. I want to make a positive impact by being part of the solution to help education grow and continue to be outstanding in Elmwood, while ensuring the safety of all students during their school years.

What do see as the biggest challenges facing the school district?  Education is continuously evolving. I’d like to see the Elmwood School District stay up to date with the changes, while keeping the best interests of the students in mind.

What differentiates you from the other candidates/board members?  Elmwood has always been and will always be a part of who I am. I was raised on our family farm, which has molded me into the person I am today. I’m a husband, father, son, brother, and friend, with good morals and a strong work ethic, and I will use those traits to continue to fight for what I believe in. When I think of Elmwood, I think home. I love and care about our village and school and I want to continue to improve both and leave them better for the next generation.

What has the previous school board done well?  Keeping the children first

What do you see as the primary work of the school board?  To work along side the administration to set up the curriculum, policymaking, approving the budget, and advocate on behalf of the community.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board/administration/the public?  First and foremost listen to the person or persons talking. Everyone has the right to be heard. Take a minute to respond with a calm tone of voice. Keep the discussion moving forward while keeping an open mind. Hopefully during the discussion, the differences of opinions can resolved.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden?  The school board continuously focuses on improving student achievement, by challenging the administration to keep pushing the school forward while keeping the taxpayers in mind.

How can people contact you?  geraetsp@elmwood.k12.wi.us

Jake Hartung

Did not respond

Jenny Wolf*

Did not respond