Hardel seeks election as write-in candidate
By Holly Neumann
Leah Hamilton and Michael Harbridge will be on the April 2 ballot for the Iola-Scandinavia School Board.
Hamilton represents the towns of Harrison, Wyoming and Helvetia and will run uncontested for her position. She was appointed to the board last November following the resignation of Ken Wavruk.
Harbridge will run unopposed for a position to represent the village of Iola.
Gena Gullixon currently holds this spot, but has moved out of the area.
Shannon Hardel missed the required paperwork filing date to be listed on the ballot, but will be a write-in candidate to represent the towns of Scandinavia and Amherst.
This position is currently held by Mike Koles, who has decided not to run again.
Leah Hamilton
Hamilton said the Iola-Scandinavia School District is very important to her.
“It is important that my children, friends’ children and community’s children attend a good school that provides excellent educational standards and extracurricular activities pertinent to their success for their future,” she said.
She believes her strongest assets are communication, a new perspective and fresh ideas.
Hamilton said her biggest area of concern for the district is making sure tax dollars are well spent on important projects and needs.
“I hope to make a difference by being as transparent as possible to the community, by listening to the public’s concerns and by being as open to the public as we can be,” she said. “We need to take all aspects into consideration in order to achieve the best possible solution.”
Hamilton hopes to become more involved in tax referendums and school projects and grounds.
She noted high educational standards make I-S a great district.
Hamilton is married and has two sons, ages 6 and 1. She is self-employed and runs Hamilton Insurance Services.
Michael Harbridge
Harbridge and his wife Jeannine are raising two daughters and have lived in the Iola community for 17 years. He wants to see the district grow and prosper.
“One of the reasons we chose to make Iola-Scandinavia our home was because of the great reputation of the school district,” said Harbridge. “Our children have attended every year of school in this district.”
He thinks there are a lot of great things happening in the district.
“We’ve made incredible strides over the past couple of years,” Harbridge said. “One of the main concerns is attracting and retaining qualified teachers. There are shortages of teachers around the country so it’s competitive, especially in small districts. For a small district, Iola offers so many assets that other communities our size don’t have. We need to show off what we offer so we can attract and retain the most qualified teachers.”
Harbridge brings experience in every aspect of running a business to the board.
“I think that’s very beneficial, because the board is making decisions of how tax dollars are used,” he said. “Board members need to think like a business owner and understand budgets, payroll, planning for future improvements and working to attract the highest quality staff.”
He wants to do what is best for the district and future of the students and community.
“I know one person can’t make all the difference and change things. It’s a group effort, including the board, administration, staff, students and community,” Harbridge said. “I believe everyone going on the board has certain things they want to see improved. Overall, we have so many things our district is improving, and I want to help achieve the goals, and continue to raise the bar. There is always room to grow.”
Harbridge said he would always listen to the community.
“I’m certainly open to talk to members of the community and hear ideas and thoughts,” he said. “I’m not going in with an agenda, but an open mind and a willingness to listen, learn, evaluate and help direct the district in the best direction.”
Shannon Hardel
“I bring solid analytical and leadership skill, as well as a passion for our community and the youth it serves,” she said. “I truly believe that all students can and should be successful. I want all students to know and understand that they can be successful, that there are resources available to steer and guide them.”
Hardel is a registered nurse. She graduated with an associate’s degree in 1993 and later returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree with a focus on education and research.
She and her husband Brad have four sons and three grandchildren.
“My family is very tight-knit and enjoy spending time together,” she said. “My husband and all of my sons have attended school in the I-S District. My grandchildren are attending school in the same. Coming from a large school district myself, I came to appreciate the small school atmosphere and the tight bonds that develop within the community, the family’s and schools.”
She believes that as with most districts, tight budgets are a reality.
She is looking forward to being involved in any areas of need.
“The school board should be instrumental in ensuring allocation of resources to support student achievement and success,” Hardel said. “A school board must demonstrate collaboration and effective team work to achieve goals.”
Among them is communication.
“I think it is important to listen to community members, students and district staff,” she said. “And to take ideas forward for consideration. I think this is the best way to represent the community.