Incumbent Russell Hollman is being challenged by Rick Lowney for the Zone 5 – Royalton/Mukwa seat on the Manawa School Board. The County Post East sent questionnaires to each candidate, and their responses are listed below.
What is your background, your qualifications, and why are you interested in running for school board?
Hollman: Education: Wausau East High school graduate; BS degree from UW-Superior. I am a retired teacher, coach, and bus driver from the School District of Manawa. I’m married with three adult children, all graduates of Little Wolf High School. I have resided at Bear Lake, Town of Royalton for 40 years.
I am interested in supporting the success of Manawa students and in encouraging our valuable staff as they perform their duties.
Lowney: I’m a Manawa graduate. I received my agricultural degree from UW-River Falls. I also have a masters degree in school counseling from River Falls. I’m in the process of finishing my specialist degree for school administration.
I’m interested in the Manawa schools. I’ve been working now as a teacher for 24 years. Manawa seems to have a few issues right now where I think I can give a strong voice and help them solve some of those and work through them.
Employee morale has been a topic of discussion over the last several months. Do you think employee morale is a problem within the Manawa School District? If yes, what steps would you take to improve morale if you are elected?
Hollman: It is distressing to lose our high quality personnel that have contributed to the success of our district. Their service is appreciated and their loss is difficult. I can assure our staff that they are valued and appreciated.
Lowney: There appears to be a problem, from the people I’ve talked to. And I think there appears to be an even bigger perception, and I think that’s the key. The perception of a morale problem is probably bigger than the morale problem itself.
I think this is probably my number one strong point, is that I’m a people person. If we look at my track record, I have a long history of working with coworkers. Working with people at all different levels, whether it be coworkers, building administrators, student leaders, this is my strength. This is what I do.
Do you feel the employee turnover within the district is too high? If yes, what would you recommend to change that if you are elected?
Hollman: It is distressing to lose our high quality personnel that have contributed to the success of our district. Their service is appreciated and their loss is difficult. I can assure our staff that they are valued and appreciated.
Lowney: I know Stephanie Flynn did research comparing Manawa to boarding school districts. She said that it’s maybe slightly higher, but not too much higher. The bigger problem is any turnover at a small district is a big hit. I think what Manawa has had is turnover during the school year and I think that has really fueled the fire.
Once again, I’m a people person and I think I can create an environment where a teacher would want to stay. I have a lot of experience as a substitute principal, and one of the things I do is always set out short term and long term plans. So when we solve one problem, we’re not just diving into another one, that there is a long term plan that we are working to.
What areas of the district’s budget do you think should be looked at when considering future budget reductions?
Hollman: The district is looking into more efficient heating and cooling upgrades to keep costs in check and maintain equipment and facilities.
Lowney: That is a tough one. Small school districts run on their checkbook. There’s just no doubt about it. I think with all small districts, one of the challenges they face is combining tasks. Where are there places where we can combine tasks rather than cut tasks. Right now there has to be a way to keep the electives in the district.