Pierce County voters will once again head to the polls April 1, 2025 to cast their ballots for important local village board, city council, town board and school board elections. 

Local races have a crucial role in shaping the lives of citizens. They determine the leadership and policies that govern schools and communities. Those elected make decisions on education, public safety, infrastructure, services, and what to do with taxpayers’ money. Serving in a public office role is often a thankless task that involves hours of discussions, research, presentations and meetings.

The Pierce County Journal sent questionnaires to candidates in local races. The hope is their answers will allow voters to get to know them a bit, what they stand for and how they would approach these roles if elected. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk*.

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There are three seats open on the Ellsworth School Board, with incumbents Julie Lundstrom and Michael Petersen on the ballot along with new candidate Charles Kummer. Susan Beck, who has served on the board for many years, chose not to seek re-election.

Charles Kummer

Did not respond

Julie Lundstrom*

Town of residence: Ellsworth

Occupation/profession: President and Mechanical Engineer at a small company focused on advancing medical technology

Prior elected offices: Currently serving on the Ellsworth Community School Board as Board President. Previously served as Board Treasurer.

Do you have children who attend the school district? Have they graduated? We are proud parents of five children educated through the Ellsworth schools. Our oldest daughter is a junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, our second daughter is a high school senior, our sons are in 10th and eighth grade, and our youngest daughter is in fourth grade.

Community/civic activities: I have been actively involved in our community for many years, dedicating much of my volunteer efforts to supporting children, youth, and college students. I love the Ellsworth community and have lived here most of my life. Some of my contributions include: • Ellsworth Community School Board – Current Board President; previously served as Board Treasurer. Member of various committees, including Budget & Finance, Negotiations & Personnel, and Buildings, Grounds & Transportation. • Career and Technical Education & Health and Physical Education Facility – Dedicated significant time to educating and engaging the public on facility needs, to pass the referendum, and support through the design and current construction phases. • Ad-Hoc Facilities Committee – Contributed to efforts that resulted in the construction of the new elementary school. • Youth sports & activities – Active in various capacities, including concessions, fundraising, and ticket sales. • Country Partners 4-H Family – Active participant and supporter. • Faith-based involvement – Over 25 years as a Confirmation and Sunday School educator, as well as chaperoning and organizing multiple youth trips. • Pierce County Fair – Volunteer at food stands with Our Savior’s Church and 4-H. • Participate in annual ditch clean-up efforts. • Red Wing Environmental Learning Center family and supporter. • University of Minnesota Mechanical Engineering Robotics Show Judge • Past coach for Girls on the Run International • Past Girls in Science STEM camp instructor for a summer robotics class

Why are you running for school board? What are your priorities? I am honored to serve on the Ellsworth Community School Board. Our district has much to be proud of, and my goal is to continue building on our positive momentum. I know firsthand that serving on the board requires dedication, collaboration, and hard work. My top priority is ensuring that our children, teachers, and staff remain at the forefront of every decision. I am committed to bolstering a safe and supportive learning environment, making responsible use of district resources, and maintaining high expectations for both instructional education and enrichment opportunities so that all students can thrive. I am actively working with legislators to advocate for fair and sustainable school funding to ensure long-term financial stability for our district and taxpayers. I also support strong educational programming and resources to address learning gaps and encourage student participation in the arts, sports, and extracurricular activities. These experiences provide valuable skills and contribute to lifelong success. As a representative of our community, I believe in open communication, responsible decision-making, and maintaining high-quality public education for all students.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the school district? Like many rural Wisconsin districts, Ellsworth faces several challenges that require strategic planning and community support. One challenge is attracting and retaining high-quality educators. Competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment are essential to keeping excellent teachers in our schools. Another challenge is the growing demand for special education services, with state and federal funding falling short of covering the true cost of these essential programs. Ensuring all students receive the support they need while managing limited resources remains an ongoing priority. Chronic absenteeism is also a concern, as consistent attendance is critical to student success. Through increased awareness, family engagement, and targeted interventions, we are making progress in improving attendance across all grade levels.

One exciting challenge is the transformation of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Thanks to the support of our community in the 2024 referendum, we are modernizing outdated 1975-era CTE classrooms into industry-standard learning spaces. This investment will help bridge the region’s skills gap in manufacturing and technical trades by offering hands-on training, and advancing technical and entrepreneurial skills through student-led production initiatives. Successfully integrating these updated facilities, equipment, and curriculum, while strengthening partnerships with businesses and technical colleges will be a rewarding challenge as we prepare students for high-demand careers.

What skills/experiences have prepared you for this role? My professional career, combined with my community involvement, deep understanding of the district, and experience as a parent of five children attending local schools, has prepared me well for the role of an Ellsworth School Board member. I spent 18 years as engineer at 3M, where I honed both my technical and leadership skills through project execution, team collaboration, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and tackling large, often complex challenges. Six years ago, I pivoted in my career and co-founded a small engineering company. This experience has given me valuable insight into business management, securing funding, financial oversight, collaboration with other organizations and businesses, and executing complex projects from start to finish. Through these experiences, I have cultivated an effective and collaborative leadership style that enables me to work productively in this board position. I have learned that listening to understand and considering multiple perspectives are essential for sound decision-making, and I bring this mindset to my work on the board.

For the past four years, I have served on the school board, first as Treasurer and now as President. During this time, I have deepened my understanding of school finance, board leadership, and long-term district planning. Last year, we navigated a significant leadership transition with the retirement of our long-standing superintendent. This process required careful decision-making, extensive collaboration, and a strong commitment to ensuring stability for our district. I am committed to continuous learning, attending the annual State School Board Convention to stay informed on best practices and policy changes. Serving on the school board requires dedication and a passion for education - I bring both to this role.

What do you see as the primary work of the school board? Is there anything you wish the public understood better? The school board serves as a governing body responsible for oversight, policy-setting, and advocacy for students, staff, and the community. Board members focus on financial responsibility, academic excellence, and ensuring a safe, supportive learning environment. The board works collaboratively, making decisions through consensus rather than individual action.

One aspect I wish the public understood better is the complexity of Wisconsin school finance. Ellsworth operates with one of the lowest revenue limits in Wisconsin, making careful financial planning essential. Additional state and federal funding fall short of covering the true costs of education, so local operating referendums are critical to maintaining programs, retaining quality staff, and meeting student needs. Despite these challenges, our district has maintained stable or declining tax levies and mill rates, prioritizing responsible investment while minimizing tax volatility. Balancing financial responsibility with a strong educational experience requires thoughtful planning, transparency, and ongoing commitment. We are fortunate to have a community that values and invests in our students and schools. I am grateful for the continued support of our residents, who recognize that strong schools contribute to a thriving community and a bright future for our children.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board/administration/the public? Differences of opinion are natural and should be addressed with respect, open communication, and a focus on student success. Board members must listen, consider all perspectives, and engage in constructive debate based on facts and long-term goals. Once a decision is made, it’s important to move forward with unified commitment. Transparency and public engagement help build trust when differences arise between the board, administration, or community. While not every decision will please everyone, ensuring all voices are heard and decisions are made with integrity builds confidence in our leadership.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? I want our community to take pride in Ellsworth Schools, recognizing that our strong educational system is made possible by the continued support of our taxpayers. Transparency in funding and spending is essential to maintaining this trust. I take financial decision-making seriously, ensuring that every dollar is used responsibly to provide the best possible education while being mindful of the local taxpayer burden. Providing a high-quality education and being fiscally responsible are not opposing goals. Strategic planning, prioritization, and efficiency allow us to invest in student success while respecting the financial commitment of our community. By making thoughtful, sustainable decisions, we can ensure that our schools remain strong and our taxpayers see the value of their investment.

How can people contact you? lundstromj@ellsworth.k12.wi.us

Michael Petersen*

Town of residence: Hartland Township

Occupation: Engineering Services Provider

Prior elected office: None

Do you have children who attend the school district? Have they graduated? I have nine children currently attending Ellsworth, starting with my two oldest daughters graduating this year and my youngest in first grade. To have children in every school in a variety of grades is really like a super power for being on the school board. I get immediate feedback on a variety of topics that help me understand the day-to-day operation of the district.

Community/civic activities: Most of my activities revolve around my family; I'm constantly supporting my kids’ participation in a variety of school organizations, including track, volleyball, band, choir, and drama. We bring a significant contingent to the Busy Fingers 4H club and support other organizations through volunteer efforts, like the Ellsworth School Foundation.

Why are you running for school board? What are your priorities? The future of our community is founded in the quality of the education provided to the future members of our society. If we want to live in a greater society, we need to ensure that we give the children of the community greater opportunity to learn. I feel compelled and honored to be allowed to take part in determining the policies and direction of the school district. This community has been overwhelmingly welcoming and supportive and I am thankful for the opportunity to return some of that good will. My overriding priority is the success of each and every student. The school district faces the greatest challenge in meeting the diverse needs in its varied student population. Primary is providing the students a safe and productive place to learn. From that foundation it is critical to put in place programs and policies that support a quality education, based in the values that align with the community. Providing specialty services to support the success of special needs children, children experiencing crisis and other children with special educational needs, is also a high priority. Overall, I want each and every graduate to not only have a great education based in foundational topics but, also be ready to be a productive and positive part of any community they choose to live in.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the school district? Ellsworth is fortunate to have unprecedented support from the community, providing for the financial needs of the district as well as overwhelming support for activities and programs. Like most school districts, the fundamental challenge is declining enrollment. Beyond the normal ebb-and-flow, these reductions can have significant impact on long term financial decisions. The district staff are working hard to make sure that Ellsworth is positioned to attract as many new students as they can, especially in pre-K programs. Of course, I would encourage young families to have a bunch of kids! Staff retention is also an issue facing most districts, especially in some specialized areas. Ellsworth is a wonderful community to live in and, as I said before, is very supportive of the school district, which is a key factor for staff satisfaction. The board and administration have worked hard to provide competitive compensation to maintain parity with other local districts and are very supportive of staff concerns and needs. The district continues to support local students returning as teachers to the schools they were educated in.

What skills/experiences have prepared you for this role? My greatest challenge and satisfaction comes from being a father to my numerous children. In growing in that role and experiencing the challenges of a dynamic family, I am more empathetic to the varied experiences and needs of the families of the community. This has instilled a foundational concern with the importance of providing each and every family with the best opportunities. My 35-year career (if you don't count the time working on the farm) has given me opportunities to build strong relationships with folks that have diverse and differing opinions, to find collaborative solutions to complex problems. I have been fortunate to work on and manage large projects that has given insight into managing large budgets and responsible use of funds. This has helped me thoughtfully navigate each unique situation and work for positive outcomes. I recently had opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Association of School Board's, "Day at the Capitol" in Madison, advocating for improved funding. I was thankful for the many years I have worked with legislators on a variety of levels in support of local, state and federal programs and initiatives. As a member of the school board, it is my responsibility to advocate for the best interests of the students, families, district and community. Maintaining relationships with the folks that create the legislation that impacts our community is critical to impacting future outcomes.

What do you see as the primary work of the school board? Is there anything you wish the public understood better? I see the school board as the guardians of the wants and needs of the community. To provide clear direction to the district administration and ensure, through validation, that the district staff are effective in carrying out their mission. The seven members of the board are community members and are all working their best to provide the best direction to the administration and support the community. However, the community has experiences, needs and opinions that are uniquely their own. The board needs to hear the input from diverse community members to help give perspective on what is important to them. I am dedicated to supporting the needs of the community, even if it may not perfectly align with my own opinions. I am bound by the Constitution, Federal, State and Local Laws but, beyond that, want to help the district represent the values of the community.

What is the best way to address differences of opinion on the board or between the board/administration/the public? Foundational to resolution of any differences, is working to maintain respectful relationships, fully communicate and understand the position of everyone involved, and ensure clear understanding of any requirements that must be met. Each board member comes to the table with their own set of experiences, beliefs and opinions, with a desire to do their best for the students. Awareness that respectful discourse is the most effective method to get resolution is critical. Leaving your ego at the door is an important part of this. Once a topic has been debated and a vote has been taken, no matter how close, the outcome is now owned by the entire board. The district administration and staff are great to work with. It is the responsibility of the board to set the policies of the district and, through the Superintendent, to ensure those policies are implemented. Again, respectful discourse is critical in resolving issues. Disagreements need to be fully vetted then when the board makes a decision the administration is obligated to implement it. If that doesn't occur, the board policies reserve additional actions that can be taken. The relationship between the board, the administration and the public is critical to the success of the students. I appreciate any community member that comes to me with an issue and I will work to understand it and engage the administration for resolution. During the Covid-19 pandemic, before I was a school board member, I had written an editorial that discussed the challenging nature of the decisions they were making. I acknowledged that though they were not necessarily the decisions I would have made for my vast family, they had to make decisions for the entire student population, staff and community. I have taken that to heart in my current role on the board and when working to resolve any concerns with the community, hope that they are as empathetic to that idea as I was.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? It is a constant challenge to get the most student benefit out of every dollar the community has allowed us to use. I view that financial support as an investment in the future of the community, an investment in the long-term prosperity of the community, the community continues to grow with well-educated and conscientious residents, and they are greeted with a future that is fulfilling. The recent referendum is a great example of the dedication of the local community. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) resources have been falling behind the needs of the community and the community responded. This investment will significantly enhance opportunities. In general, I'm focused on responsible spending to meet strategic long-term needs and maintain enough flexibility to adapt to short term issues. Attracting and retaining high quality staff, focusing on fundamentals, teaching good citizenship, maintaining good facilities, adapting to changing societal needs, and advocating for the district are all methods in support of that.

How can people contact you? michael.ellsworthschoolboard@gmail.com