Election preview: Ashwaubenon school candidates agree budget is a major issue By Sonja G. Ostrow News-Chronicle Budget deficits, fiscal responsibility, taxes: it appears that the candidates for the Ashwaubenon School Board, Bob Crowley, Ginny Laukka, Jean McNicoll Taylor and the president of the United States have more in common than one might assume. All four cite those issues as some of the most important they will have to address if elected. Although the three candidates for the two seats open on the School Board acknowledge it will not be easy to stem the tide of declining enrollment and cuts in state aide that have led to budget deficits, each is eager to try. Crowley said, "I believe that I can bring my passion for education, with the common-sense approach that I use to run a successful business, to Ashwaubenon education." He cited increased health care costs, keeping teachers and improving communication as other issues the district faces. "As long as the focus remains on doing what is best for the students, keeping in mind the needs of the taxpayers, we will continue to excel in all areas in our district," he said. Laukka agreed there is much work to be done, and said, "I bring to this process continued dedication to keeping our children in the forefront of the tough decisions that lie ahead, a track record that shows that I will honor the list of prioritized cuts voted on by the board, and the knowledge that to meet this challenge we must look across the board for potential cost savings." At the same time, Laukka praised the board for the progress it has made in the past three years, during which it has implemented World Language K-12, engaged in strategic planning to create a foundation for district goals, passed a referendum and renovated elementary schools, and produced test scores that are consistently higher than Bay Conference and state averages. Taylor, who has never served on the School Board but is active in the school system, argued what is needed is "someone who will bring fresh ideas, a common-sense approach, and who will be accountable to the parents, students, staff, and taxpayers." She stressed the need for communication, which she says has been missing. "Policies and communication to parents are not consistent among our schools," she said. "This lack of communication sometimes causes great confusion for parents and students. As a school board member I will work on improving communication and will respond to all inquiries in a timely, respectful manner." Taylor, however, argues the school district must implement an assessment tool for all programs in order to determine whether programs such as World Language K-12 really are effective and meeting standards. Ashwaubenon School Board Name: Bob Crowley Address: 1274 Sunny Creek Drive, Green Bay Age: 38 Occupation: Dentist Education: Bachelors in Physics, Marquette University; D.D.S. degree, University of Missouri-Kansas City Political experience: Elected to school board in 1998 and 2001 Community activities: Religious education teacher at Nativity Parish; Knights of Columbus; volunteer, CP Telethon; Ashwaubenon Business Association; Green Bay Area Exchange Club Family: Wife, Maria; two children Name: Jean McNicoll Taylor Address: 1300 Orlando Drive, Ashwaubenon Age: 45 Occupation: Physician Recruitment Assistant, St. Vincent Hospital Education: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Political experience: Ran for Ashwaubenon School Board in 2003 Community activities: Parkview School Principal Advisory Committee; Ashwaubenon School District Vision and Mission Setting Committee; Ashwaubenon School Student Fees Task Force; Parent Volunteer for Ashwaubenon Wrestling Club; Vice-chair, March of Dimes Division Board; Wisconsin Chapter - March of Dimes State Executive Committee; March of Dimes WalkAmerica Committee Family: Husband, Kevin; three children Ginny Laukka Address: 1465 Bradbury Court, Ashwaubenon Occupation: Active at home and in community Education: Bachelor of science, University of Michigan; Masters Degree, Architecture, University of Minnesota Political experience: Three years on Ashwaubenon School Board Community activities: Active member of Nativity Parish: Liturgical Minister and Christmas Giving Tree Coordinator; Friends of St. Mary's Hospital Volunteer; Recipient of School Bell Award from the Ashwaubenon School District for Volunteer Efforts; volunteer at Valley View School; Teacher Appreciation Day Chair; Parkview Parent Advisory Committee; Parkview Reading Buddy Family: Husband, Mark; two children