By Alyssa Birkeland, Current Staff
Randy Marquardt’s school board term is ending, and he is up for reelection. Marquardt faces three other candidates in the race for two open seats. The election is April 5.
Marquardt grew up in Kewaskum and attended Texas A&M University for architecture, and finished schooling at UWM after receiving a job offer. Marquardt’s children have already graduated, and he currently has a grandson in the district.
Marquardt is just coming to the close of his two terms on the board, in which 5 of his 6 years were served as president. Marquardt was first moved to run for the school board after being on a facilities committee eight years ago, during discussion of the Badger referendum. He was not pleased with how the process went, and decided to run for the board.
Coming from a family of teachers, Marquardt says he has enjoyed working to make the schools better. He is proud of the changes made while he’s served, especially passing the Badger referendum, starting the Pathways charter school, and rebuilding Silverbrook Intermediate School. He says changes in the layout of the middle schools has been very beneficial in now offering music and foreign language as early as fifth grade.
Each of the candidates were asked three specific questions that target common concerns among students at the high schools. Below is a summary of Marquardt’s responses.
What are your thoughts about the teacher turnover rate and what do you see as a possible solution?
Marquardt does not believe the turnover rate needs to be worried about the way it has been, and says that the district’s rate is similar to those of other districts and professions. He explained that Act 10 made it easier for teachers to jump district to district without seniority affecting their pay, which can explain the rising trend in the past years.
How would you like to see the positions of superintendent and head principal filled?
Marquardt says that with so many changes from East and West administration combining, to having the combined head principal change recently, the building needs a driven leader who has a firm vision for the schools. For superintendent, Marquardt would like someone who brings in a new perspective and can keep the district on track down the road.
How would you like to address policy change in the coming years?
Marquardt hopes that people will be more open to change and says that it’s important to keep moving forward. Among his ideas for the district, he would like to expand opportunities in internships for students, and integrate technology into the classroom more.
Click on the links to read full transcripts of Randy Marquardt’s answers regarding policy changes, teacher turnover, and hiring a new superintendent and high school principal.
Also read interviews with candidates Jenn Donath, Tiffany Larson, and Ken Schmidt at The Current. Earlier coverage can be found here.
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