There will be at least one new face on the Oconto Falls School Board following the April 7 election.
Incumbent Emilie Trudell is seeking another term, while Misty Gilbertson and Brandon Martzke seek to earn a spot. Two people will be elected to serve three-year terms.
All candidates were sent questionnaires about themselves and the issues. Gilbertson did not respond to inquiries.
What made you decide to run for this position?
Martzke: I care about the future of our students and community. I want to bring thoughtful leadership, responsible decision-making and open communication to a strong board. My focus is maintaining academic excellence, fiscal responsibility and opportunities that prepare students for life after graduation. I’m committed to listening, collaboration and making decisions that serve the best interests of all students and their families.
Trudell: I care deeply about this community, and I take the responsibility of caring for it very seriously. Serving on the board has shown me how important thoughtful, steady leadership is. This role is about stewardship; making decisions that support students while being responsible with community resources. Especially in times that can feel uncertain, I believe in staying grounded, building trust and helping our district move forward with a clear, long-term focus.
What experience do you have to serve in this position?
Martzke: As a business owner, I understand what it takes to run a successful organization. I’m experienced in problem-solving and managing budgets to achieve the greatest impact.
My construction background provides practical insight into facility maintenance and improvements. As a resident of the far southern end of the district, I also understand challenges with transportation, and I’m committed to representing families from every part of the district.
Trudell: As a current board member, I bring experience in governance, budgeting and long-term planning. I approach this role by listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions and working to understand different perspectives. As a graduate of the district, I bring a personal connection and long-term perspective I value deeply. I focus on balancing the needs of students, staff and taxpayers, while keeping sustainability in mind.
What is one of the biggest challenges facing the school district, and how do you plan to address it?
Martzke: Our school district’s purpose is to educate our children, but our goal should be to provide an exceptional education. The quality of a student’s experience is closely tied to the quality of the teachers in our classrooms. Attracting and retaining great educators is essential to student success. That means investing in staff, maintaining strong facilities and fostering a supportive district culture. By doing so, we strengthen our schools and the future of our entire community.
Trudell: One of the biggest challenges is navigating enrollment trends while continuing to provide strong opportunities for students. That requires us to think beyond the moment and plan for the future. I believe in using data, listening to our community and making thoughtful decisions that support both educational quality and financial stability so our district remains strong for years to come.
Revenues and expenses continue to be an ongoing debate to balance any budget. Do you favor searching for new revenue streams or reducing programs, staff, or other expenses? Please provide examples, if possible
Martzke: As a business owner, I’ve learned that balancing a budget starts with careful planning and maximizing the value of every dollar. I would first look for efficiencies, industry partnerships, grants and other revenue opportunities before reducing programs that impact students. In business, you evaluate every expense to ensure resources are used wisely. If reductions are ever necessary, they should be transparent and focused on protecting educational quality and student opportunities.
Trudell: I believe it has to be a balanced approach. Our focus should always be on protecting opportunities for students while maintaining long-term financial stability. That means looking carefully at how we spend, identifying efficiencies and considering responsible revenue options when needed. Just as importantly, I value approaches that minimize disruption to students and staff, recognizing how important strong relationships are within our schools and community.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
