Erin Clare is the lone candidate for the single Plum City School Board seat. She currently serves as the board president.

Erin Clare*

Residence: Salem Township

Occupation/profession: Manager of JM Watkins

Prior elected offices: Plum City School Board

Do you have children who attend the school district? Have they graduated?  I have two children - my oldest son graduated from Plum City School District in 2022, and my youngest son will graduate in May 2024.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?  Plum City Cub Scouts, Plum City Youth Sports, Plum City SOS, Plum City School Board

Why are you running for school board? What are your priorities?  I am running for school board because I feel it is a great way to support my community. The school is the lifeblood of a small town, and I want to make sure that our kids have the best opportunities as close to home as they can. My priorities are promoting excellence in our schools (both from staff and kids) while maintaining fiscal responsibility within the district.

What do see as the biggest challenges facing the school district?  The biggest challenge of any school district is balancing the needs of all, with decreased monetary support from our state government.

What differentiates you from the other candidates/board members?  I prefer not to describe what differentiates me from the other school board members, but what qualities we all share: dedication to our school and our students, willingness to work together, and an open mind to listen to all opinions.

What has the previous school board done well?  The previous school board has done a great job supporting the best staff in the area, and working hard to retain them, making Plum City School District a wonderful place to work, and educate our kids.

What do you see as the primary work of the school board?  The primary work of the school board is to maintain the finances of the district, and create policies that guide the district, according to the principles and practices that our community feels are important.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board/administration/the public?  The best way to address differences of opinion is to discuss them, calmly and factually, while keeping an open mind and listening to the other person's opinion. Every person has a right to their own opinion, and only by listening to the opposite opinion and discussing the problem logically, will we ever hope to come to the best solution for all involved.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden?  Balance is the best word to describe what we do - since both a quality education and keeping the local taxpayer burden as low as possible are the most important things we try to achieve. We must strive to keep costs down, as much as we can, and in spite of continued inflation. Unfortunately, there is only so much any district can do, and ultimately we have to ask our local communities to support us via referendum.

How can people contact you?  People are welcome to email me at eclare@plumcity.k12.wi.us - anytime!