By Adam Hocking

Editor

MARSHFIELD — The spring election will be held on April 5, and included on the ballot, amongst other offices, will be the candidates for Marshfield Common Council, school board, and mayor. In an effort to familiarize voters with their choices, Hub City Times is conducting interviews with the candidates for school board, common council, and mayor.

This week will focus on two of the school board candidates: Amber Leifheit and Dale Yakaites. Hub City Times has reached out to Mark Critelli, Thomas W. Binder, and Dan Wald, who are also running for school board. Pending responses, those interviews will be published next week.

Amber Leifheit

Leifheit

Why are you running?

Marshfield is my home. In the 25 years since my husband and I moved here, we raised two children who attended Marshfield Public Schools K-12. I credit many of their real world successes to the great education they got right here in Marshfield. I want to help continue the tradition of excellent education for all children.

I feel strongly about paying back through community service, in particular service to our community’s youth. We have one of the top school systems in the state, and I think we can maintain its excellence if all sectors of our community work together.

United we can provide the quality education that our young people need to become another generation of productive citizens, involved taxpayers, and good neighbors. I am running because I feel I have the experience and knowledge needed to contribute to that process.

What do you see as the most significant issue facing the school district that you would have to deal with as a board member?

Our school district is facing several challenges with financial challenges topping the list. State and federal funding for education continues to decrease. Our young people and their futures must be our top priority. We need to find better ways to help struggling students and challenge the ones who are doing well. Our curriculum offers something for everyone — from career and tech classes to advanced placement classes. We must continue to implement state mandates while inspiring teachers to do their best work. We need do all of this and more while balancing our budget and finding innovative ways of raising revenue.

Data has shown that excellent schools are essential to an economically healthy community. We need good schools to attract and retain employees, and businesses and property values are directly correlated to the school’s performance.

Our community has spent decades building the school system we have today. Much is at stake. I understand school finance and have experience with budgets.

Why should citizens vote for you?

I have participated in education in many different roles. Each has given me hands-on experience dealing with students, teachers, parents, curriculum, budget, and the community. I am willing to listen, learn, ask questions, and try new ideas to help Marshfield continue to move forward.

Through my work as the director of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation and nonprofits, I have learned about our community. I know our community’s needs.

I know the schools, programs, and budget, and I have a few ideas for change. The school board will need to make some difficult decisions as they tackle the challenges ahead. I take the job the voters would entrust me with very seriously. I will continue to weigh the long-range impact of each vote, the tax consequences to tax payers versus the benefits for students. I will advocate on behalf of all students. I have the experience to help Marshfield continue to move forward while keeping Marshfield, Marshfield.

Dale Yakaites

Yakaites

Why are you running?

I feel that school board members have the responsibility to work together to set policy and develop a vision for sustained educational excellence in a school district. They are responsible for making sure all schools are safe places to come to work and learn every day.

A school board member is part of a team, a team that accepts and listens to input from board members, school administrators, school staff, and community members. I am running for school board because I think individual board members should strive to represent all the people in the district and put personal and political agendas aside.

What do you see as the most significant issue facing the school district that you would have to deal with as a board member?

Continued vigilance in terms of school safety should be a top priority. School finance will always provide major challenges for all school districts. Balancing the ability to maintain quality academic programs and co-curricular opportunities for all students — while building a fiscally responsible budget that considers the concerns of taxpayers — is a never-ending challenge.

Another critical issue is the recruitment, training, and retention of staff. This is a statewide issue. Competition to find and keep outstanding teachers to sustain the academic excellence we have become accustomed to here in Marshfield is dependent on great teachers. We have to work harder to provide a positive working environment for staff and to reward them for their accomplishments.

Why should citizens vote for you?

First, I am willing to listen, and sometimes that is a critical skill that persons in elected positions forget when it comes time to make decisions. I believe that serving as a school board member is one the most important positions in a community. I feel that strong, safe schools are vital to the future of our children and an essential part of making Marshfield and the surrounding area a great place to work and live. Great schools are essential to the growth of a community — key attractants for businesses looking to hire and for parents looking to relocate.

Second, I had many duties in over 34 years in this district: teacher, coach, technology coordinator, publications specialist, and resource person for several superintendents and many school boards. I know the history of the district and know what the position of school board member entails. If elected, I would have a very short learning curve.

Finally, I have the time needed, the desire to serve the people of this district, and the energy to do the job well.