Helen Stoeckel is the sole name on the ballot for the one available Prescott School Board seat, being vacated by Steve Sizemore, who chose not to seek reelection.

Helen Stoeckel

Town of residence: Prescott

Occupation: Special education teacher

Prior elected offices: None

Do you have children who attend the school district? Yes, three

Community/civic activities:  I am a member of Joy Lutheran Church. I attend middle and high school parent committees.

Why are you running for school board? What are your priorities?  I have been a teacher in this district and believe that I can make positive improvements in our district. I am running for the school board to support the amazing teachers that we are privileged to have with the district. I plan to do this while helping to build onto the strong foundation that is already laid.

What do see as the biggest challenges facing the school district?  I believe that the board, administration, teachers, and the community should be a team. Transparency builds a trusting foundation that every member of a successful team needs. Through creating a strategic long-term plan for the future of PSD that is visible to the community, staff and administration and maps out several years into the future there can be transparency that all group members can be beneficial for a healthy future for the district.

What differentiates you from the other candidates/board members? I believe that I would bring value to the board by sharing the knowledge and experience that I have from being a teacher within the Prescott School District.

What do you see as the primary work of the school board? Is there anything you wish the public understood better?  I believe that a school board's primary work is to help build an educational and fiscally district. To truly listen to every side and bridge the cap when they happen. It is important to hear from all the stakeholders. I think it would be beneficial for the community to understand the direction that our school would like to head in areas like facilities, curriculum, and staff retention.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board/administration/the public? I feel that a difference of opinions is healthy, and it is important to hear all sides. I believe that through open communication and transparency different sides are able to find common ground.

Could you support a board decision you did not vote in favor of? Why or why not?  Yes, I would speak my piece but, in the end, it is not about being right it is about what is best for the school district.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden?  A school board needs to budget responsibly and plan projects according to what is on that budget. Having a well laid out plan of where the school district should be headed is very important. It is important to have a surplus that is reasonable. Understand how the citizens of Prescott are taxed and where that money goes is super important.

How can people contact you?  They can call or contact through social media (messenger).