Our students first, not political agendas
About Amy
I was born in Menomonee Falls, but have lived as far North as Whitehorse, Yukon Territories, Canada and as far South as Dallas, Texas. I grew up as the daughter and granddaughter of public-school teachers, and my family always stressed the importance of a good education.
My proudest accomplishment is being a mother to three sons aged 12, 14 and 16 years old.
My second proudest accomplishment is being a medical oncologist who works part-time caring for patients with advanced skin cancers.
I married Paul in 2000 and in 2013 we moved back to WI to be closer to family. As our oldest was developmentally delayed, our #1 priority was the quality of the school district, and HLSD was the clear choice. We were thrilled with his special education curriculum, and our other two sons thrived with the variety of educational and extra-curricular offerings.
I believe strong public schools are the foundation of strong communities, and I would love to "pay it forward" by serving on the HLSD board.
Amy is the most qualified candidate for HLSD board
I have had three children in HLSD, over the past 10 years, 4K through 8th grade. I KNOW our schools and how board decisions impact the students and staff.
I am concerned because of the FOUR returning board members, only ONE is a current parent of students in our schools. ONE is a prior student, who currently attends university in another city. TWO are father and son without any personal experience in our schools.
I have donated > 200 hours volunteering in our schools.
I have regularly attended school board meetings advocating for our students and staff, while holding the current board accountable.
I advocated FOR inclusion of all stakeholder voices in the new superintendent hiring process.
I advocated AGAINST nepotism when a board member tried to appoint his son as the HLSD representative to the Hartland public library board.
I advocated AGAINST enlisting four different law firms to represent the district’s interests as this is fiscally irresponsible. Board passed the motion 3:2
I am experienced with the vast array of services offered to our students including gifted and talented enrichment programs, special education, and individualized education plans (IEPs).
I will be the ONLY board member in > 10 years with this BREADTH of experience
I am the ONLY party neutral or nonpartisan candidate!
I have not received an endorsement or financial assistance from ANY political party. Therefore, my only priority is what is best for our students.
Challenges facing HLSD
Superintendent search. I will listen to ALL stakeholders to find the BEST candidate with the vision and skill set to help us continue to excel and thrive through upcoming challenges.
Financial. Since 2011, per pupil funding has not seen an inflation-based adjustment. Rather, schools have weathered a $3,100 decrease to the current level of $7,420/pupil. Special education services are reimbursed at only 30%. Our district faces a budget shortfall of >$800,000. In addition to being fiscally responsible, I will advocate for improved public education funding.
Politicization of school boards. Historically, HLSD board members have been politically conservative, but they left their political views outside the board room and made decisions based on what was best for the students and district. With the meddling of WisRed in our local nonpartisan school boards, the focus shifted from education to the enactment of politically motivated policies, coordinated at monthly meetings attended by members of the Waukesha Republican party, and board members who feel they only need to serve their "political base". This divisiveness must stop, and we need to return to working together in the best interests of our students, staff, and district.
Amy’s commitment to you.
I will listen to all stakeholders.
I will attend school functions, so I am visible, approachable, responsive, and accountable.
I will work to ensure all students and their families are welcomed, respected, and included.
I will be an active, respectful listener, applying the concept of “coming from curious” to understand another person’s point of view, and will assume positive intent.