Elmbrook School Board Candidates Discuss Referendum and Start Times

The upcoming election on April 7, 2025, will see three contested seats on the Elmbrook School Board, with significant implications for the district’s future. Candidates are addressing critical issues, including a potential referendum for facility needs and the contentious topic of school start times. With one seat guaranteed to welcome a new face, the election has sparked discussions about the direction of the district.

Incumbent Scott Wheeler is vying for re-election in Area I against challenger Kevin Klandrud. In Area III, former board member Jennifer Roskopf and newcomer Bob Burlage will compete for the seat vacated by Preetha Kurudiyara. Additionally, incumbent Sam Hughes faces challenger Elizabeth Theis for the at-large position.

Legal Challenges and Board Dynamics

In a notable development, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled in February 2025 that Wheeler and fellow board member Jean Lambert breached open meetings law by utilizing emails for voting on a board vacancy. The court imposed fines of $50 for Wheeler and $25 for Lambert. Wheeler maintains that the situation, stemming from his early experiences as board president during the pandemic, should not overshadow his candidacy. He emphasized that the voting process was intended to be transparent and aligned with the procedural norms of the board.

“The process of emailing during the meeting caused confusion about which candidate board members wanted to fill the board vacancy,” Wheeler explained. “A mistake from six years ago does not diminish the value of my experience and leadership on the board in Elmbrook.”

Facility Needs and Potential Referendum

Candidates are increasingly focused on the potential for a referendum to address the school district’s facility needs. According to Chris Thompson, the district’s chief strategy officer, approximately $100 million in facility needs have been identified, with some projects likely requiring additional funding beyond the current operating budget. The district is prioritizing renovations at four schools and is conducting a community survey to gauge taxpayer support for a potential referendum.

Responses from the candidates reflect a consensus on the urgency of addressing these facility concerns. Burlage noted, “A referendum is currently being prepared, and candidates have toured the four facilities that would be affected.” He emphasized the need for a wise solution given the scale of the financial requirements.

Hughes highlighted the importance of transparency in financial matters, stating, “Before asking families for that level of investment, we must demonstrate full transparency on how current dollars are spent.” He also raised issues related to school start times and the impact of technology use on students’ focus and academic performance.

Klandrud expressed concerns about existing policies, particularly regarding cell phone usage in schools, while Roskopf underlined the need for significant investments to enhance learning environments and community spaces. Each candidate underscores the importance of clear communication regarding potential tax implications associated with any referendum.

Discussions surrounding school start times also play a crucial role in the candidates’ platforms. The current middle school start time of 7:18 a.m. has sparked debate, with many advocating for changes based on research highlighting the negative effects of early start times on adolescent health and academic success.

Burlage acknowledged the early start time as problematic, while Hughes proposed shifting start times to 8:15 a.m. for middle school students. Klandrud noted the logistical challenges this change could impose on families, particularly those with children in private schools that rely on district transportation.

Roskopf supported adjustments to start times, citing pediatric research that suggests later start times can positively affect student health and academic outcomes. Theis concurred, advocating for a plan that maintains congruence between elementary and middle/high school schedules while accommodating extracurricular activities and family commitments.

Wheeler expressed a willingness to explore a two-tier bus system to facilitate the proposed changes, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the financial implications.

As the election date approaches, the candidates’ positions on these critical issues will likely shape the future of the Elmbrook School District. With the potential for a referendum and changes to school start times on the table, the upcoming vote represents a pivotal moment for the community’s educational landscape.

For more information, contact Alec Johnson at 262-875-9469 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.