Getting to Know the School Board Candidates

One of the things I’ve always loved about Greendale is the small town feel and how “everybody seems to know your name” - to borrow an old cliché’. So it was no surprise when recently I was approached by a friend of mine, who happens to be running for a position on the Greendale school board, about putting up one of their yard signs. I politely declined, not because I wasn’t comfortable endorsing my friend‘s candidacy, but because I happen to also be good friends with the one (and only) other candidate for the same position.

Rather than choosing sides, I thought it would be fair to offer my column as a way to introduce readers to both candidates. So here are their answers to a few questions I asked them.

Please give a brief profile of yourself:

Amy Ali - “Our family moved to the Greendale community over 10 years ago. We have a child in each of the Greendale schools: High School, Middle School and Highland View. I hold a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from UWM.”

Jim Schutte - “I was elected to the Greendale Board of Education in April 2005. I am currently serving my second term. I have resided in Greendale for over ten years and have been actively involved in the schools during that time. I am the parent of two boys Nick in tenth grade and Matthew in eighth grade and am the current president of the Greendale Lions Club.”

Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the position?

Amy Ali - “I am the most qualified candidate because I am able to look at the community from several different views. Besides being a parent of three school age children and a volunteer in the community, I am a homeowner and a tax payer who has to balance a tightening budget. Like most homeowners, we worry about the taxes but want to balance that with the positive impact our exemplary schools have on our homes’ values, our sense of community, and our children’s education.”

Jim Schutte - “I have six years of experience on the board as well as being a business owner experienced in Fiscal Management, Employee Relations, Budgeting and dedication to Community Service and committed to keeping GSD a destination district.”

What do you think are the top three issues facing the Greendale School Board today?

Amy Ali - “The top three issues facing the board today are the budget and reduction of state aid, appropriate introduction of the right technology in the district and the food program and assuring quality within our budgetary constraints.”

Jim Schutte - “All three issues are the same, unprecedented fiscal challenges as outlined in the proposed state budget and Budget Repair Bill.”

Regarding the proposed state budget, how do you see it impacting Greendale schools?

Amy Ali - “I have been a member of the Citizen’s Budget Committee for the past few years. Serving on that committee I know that we worked hard to assure that we keep top quality education while meeting budget targets. The additional budget constraints will force us to continue being as efficient as possible to continue providing quality education to our children. We will need to find ways to make our resources go farther.”

Jim Schutte “During the past six years our district and board have maintained fiscal responsibility and must continue to carry us through the next few years. Budgets will have to be looked at closely and budget cuts will still have to be made.”

Spring elections do not always generate a large voter turn-out.  Why do you feel it is important that every parent of a Greendale student votes in this election?

Amy Ali - “I think that this year there will be a large turnout because of the election for the (Milwaukee) County Executive. Voting is a right and responsibility of every American citizen. With the importance of our children’s education in shaping their future, it is important that we choose the person best qualified to make the difficult decisions necessary to facilitate a good education. During these times of significant change, the importance of making the right decision is amplified even further.”

Jim Schutte - “  Every parent should be actively involved in the children’s education and part of that responsibility is to ensure the right people are representing their children and vote.”

Any other thoughts you might want to share with voters regarding this race or yourself?

Amy Ali - “I come from a family that puts education as a priority. We need to look at education as our way to the future economically for us all and we need someone in a position that will take that to new heights. I feel I am that person.”

Jim Schutte - “My job is not finished and I ask for your continued support and vote for the opportunity to serve our children and community as I have for the past six years.”

So now you know a little more about the candidates (who also happen to be my friends). If you’d like to learn even more, there will be a candidate forum sponsored by the Greendale Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County on Wednesday, March 23rd. It will take place from 6:30-8:30pm at the Greendale Safety Center. You can also learn more about the candidates at www.amy4greendale.com or by contacting Jim Schutte at 339-1070.  Perhaps if you feel so inclined, you might even want to pick up a yard sign.

Oh, and don’t forget to vote on April 5th!