Four candidates, including two incumbents, are competing for three positions on the Oconto Falls School Board in the April 7 election. Here are their election profiles.
Pam Engel
Age: 58, eight years in the district
Education: Graduate of Antigo High School; Bachelor of Science in history and broadfield social sciences, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Master of Arts in educational leadership, Marian University
Employment: Interim principal, Sunnyside Elementary, Pulaski Community School District; past employment includes Pulaski Community School District substitute teacher, Howard Suamico School District substitute teacher, St. Norbert College adjunct, Pulaski Community School District teacher for 25 years, high school associate principal, elementary principal, Howard-Suamico School District teacher for six years
Children in the district: None
Statement: “My background as parent, educator and administrator from 4K to the university level give me a unique perspective to add to the School Board. My background working with parents, students, school staff, various levels of administration and community members in multiple educational settings have allowed me to learn a lot about schools and about working effectively with groups of people. My passion for promoting and helping public schools and education in general make me a strong advocate for the Oconto Falls Schools.”
Bec Kane-Kurzynske
Age: 33, lifelong resident of the district
Education: Graduate of Oconto Falls High School, Class of 2000; Bachelor of Arts in education and social studies, St. Norbert College; master’s degree in education from Viterbo University with an emphasis in reading education; master’s degree in supervision and administration from National Louis University; completed superintendent licensure program though Viterbo University
Employment: Assistant superintendent/director of personnel in the Pulaski Community School District; previously held administrative and teaching positions within the Pulaski Community School District; first position as an education professional was teaching at Oconto Falls High School
Experience: Member of Board of Education in Oconto Falls for six years
Children in the district: Two stepchildren at Oconto Falls High School
Statement: “During my six years on the Board of Education, I have served as an advocate for children, families and our community locally, on statewide committees representing the Oconto Falls Board of Education and in meeting with lawmakers regarding how their decisions impact the work that happens in our classrooms. I am a committed supporter of Oconto Falls Public Schools and will continue to make decisions as a board member that center on two essential questions: ‘What’s best for children?’ and ‘What is the best educational opportunity that we can provide within our means?’”
Clint Gardebrecht
Age: 38, nine years in the district
Education: Graduate of Wabeno High School; Bachelor of Science in paper science and engineering, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Employment: Regional manager for Honeywell, responsible for its Process Measurement and Control Division across the Eastern U.S. and Canada. Formerly, engineer for Verso Paper at Quinnesec, Michigan
Experience: Various management positions throughout career ranging from operations, service, sales and manufacturing; strong financial experience managing businesses across diverse geography and industry segments; ability to challenge results, empower individuals, impact change and provide creative ideas to elevate performance to a higher level; locally involved with the youth sports programs and Panther Pride
Children in the district: Two at elementary, one at middle school
Statement: “As with most School Board members, I have a vested interest in ensuring that all children, including my own, receive the best educational experience possible within the means of our community. My broad experience and small town values make me well suited to serve on this board. We have a lot to be proud of in our school district, and my goal is to assist the community in making it even better.”
Ken Harter
Age: 68, 35 years in the district
Education: Graduate of Wabeno High School and University of Wisconsin-River Falls, bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Employment: Retired from University of Wisconsin-Extension, 22 years as Oconto County UW-Extension agriculture agent
Experience: Completing my fourth term on the Oconto Falls Board of Education; department head of the Oconto County UW-Extension department, 15 years; served on and chaired the St. Anthony Parish Board of Total Education; served on (six years) and chaired (two years) the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay Board of Total Catholic Education; Oconto County representative on Nicolet Federated Library System Board of Trustees (12 years), currently beginning second term as president of the board; Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association Council executive committee member (four years) and state president
Children in the district: Daughter is a graduate of Oconto Falls High School
Statement: “My respect for public education is based on my life experience. With a large family on a less than prosperous farm, education was a priority for my parents, supported by committed teachers and an engaged community. My board focus is preparing all district students for their futures with reasonable investment by taxpayers. Going forward, public school leaders must work to defeat the unprecedented threats to public education in Wisconsin that will disproportionately affect rural schools.”
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