• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Brodhead School Board has 3 open seats

Photo

Howard W. Balch Jr.

Photo

Michael S. Oellerich

Photo

James Wahl

Four candidates are running for three seats on the Brodhead School Board.

HOWARD BALCH JR.

Age: 48

Address: N3935 Sunrise Circle, Brodhead.

Job: Wisconsin Department of Corrections, part-time school bus driver, retired from U.S. Navy.

Education: Brodhead High School graduate, attending MATC for accounting.

Community service: Member of American Legion

Elected posts: None

Major campaign issues: The major issue is spending the taxpayers’ money wisely in these economic times. If there was proper communication as is going on currently in the school board, the process would have more benefit to the community. I enjoyed a challenge in my career in the Navy and am ready for this one.

MICHAEL OELLERICH

Age: 24

Address: 199 Juniper Ave., Brodhead.

Job: Law student at University of Wisconsin Law School

Education: Graduate of Iowa-Grant High School (Livingston, Wis.), bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in political science, both from UW-Platteville. Will graduate with law degree in May 2012.

Community service: Eighth-grade girls basketball coach, volunteered at Kid Connection Secret Santa Workshop.

Elected posts: None

Major campaign issues: With the current situation in Madison, school district funding cannot be avoided as a major issue. As a board, we need to find creative solutions to keep class sizes low, offer quality programs, and avoid cutting extra-curricular activities for our students, all while balancing the budget.

JAMES WAHL (I)

Age: 47

Address: 701 3rd St., Brodhead.

Job: Network technician

Education: Blackhawk Technical College, 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Community service: Committee member for Boy Scout Troop 108, church youth leader.

Elected posts: Brodhead School Board member since June 2007 (served as treasurer and currently is clerk)

Major campaign issues: Provide an excellent education for every child. All schools are facing budget issues, and Brodhead is no different. The key factor in all decisions is what’s the best interest for the child. Every child deserves an excellent education, and we as a community owe that to each and every student.

DANA SHANKS

Age: 46

Address: W416 Red Cedar Lane, Brodhead.

Job: Customer service representative

Education: Juda High School graduate, Wisconsin Realtors Association, licensed from 1993-95.

Community service: Sporting events volunteer and highway cleanup

Elected posts: None

Major campaign issues: I am running as a candidate for Brodhead School Board with students’ best interest at heart. I believe they are entitled to the best education available.