Five seek Wilmot board seats

VoteButtonFlag webIncumbents face opposition from two challengers

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Wilmot Union High School’s string of recent successes are one of the main reasons three board seats have brought two challengers against three incumbents in the April 5 election.

But, funding is a concern, and all five candidates are hoping it does not hinder the school’s success in the future.

The three incumbents – Board President Wayne Trongeau, Clerk Marcie Badtke and recent appointee Steve Turner will face two Silver Lake challengers – Roger Johnson and Sue Gerber.

The candidates, listed in alphabetical order, provided the following information regarding their platforms and intentions at the request of the Report.

Marcie Badtke (Inc.)
Address: 30732 114th St., Wilmot.
Age: 59
Resident of town: 34 years.
Occupation: IT Specialists.
Education: technical college.
Political experience: Served 15 years on Wilmot Grade/Trevor Grade School Boards. Current Wilmot Union High School Board Clerk.
Family: Husband, Tom; daughter, Genesee Albers; son, Marshall.

Badtke is seeking re-election for another term, to ensure continuity of the school’s success, but has noted other areas to improve upon.

“I would like to see the integration of technology expand in our school,” she said. “It is important to me that our school be in a state of growth, expanding and changing our selections to meet the needs of the future.”

While she hopes to see continued success, she said that funding is a focal point in the future.

“The key area in my opinion is maintaining or increasing funding to be able to continue to provide all the programs we currently have as well as allowing for expanding into new programs.”

However, the school’s success extends beyond the classroom, she said.

“We offer a very safe, clean, modern location with great staff and wide range of offerings for our students,” Badtke said. “It is very exciting as a board member to have our students present to us, and have us interact and try out their programs.”

Sue Gerber
Address: 604 S. 2nd Street, Silver Lake.
Age: 56.
Resident of town: 56 years.
Occupation: Postmaster.
Education: Wilmot Union High School graduate.
Political experience: Village of Silver Lake, 2008-2013; Village President, 2013-15.
Family: Married with two children, one grandson.

Gerber is seeking a position on the board, noting the school’s success in such programs as Project Lead the Way, ProStart and the Academic Decathlon, and wants to be part of the future at the school.

“There are some great programs at the school and (I) want to make sure there are no budgetary constraints so they can stay the same,” Gerber said. “We have some great community programs that I’d like to see continue.”

Gerber, who has served on the Silver Lake Village Board, believes there are little to no areas of concern other than the budget.

“Right now there aren’t any particular issues at the school, but one stands out, the Wilmot Sports Path,” Gerber said, citing the recent property dispute with a private landowner.

“I think there should be more thorough research and investigating into the subject so people can make a more informed decision.”

Roger Johnson
Address: 201 W. Depot St., Silver Lake.
Age: 62.
Occupation: Current Sales Representative at Palmen Buick, GMC Cadillac in Kenosha.
Education: Kenosha Tremper High School graduate.
Political experience: Silver Lake Village Trustee since 2014, Village President 2007-2011, Kenosha County Board 2006-2010.
Organizations: Crimestoppers and Highway Safety Committee.

Johnson is seeking election, noting he has been impressed with the school’s commitment to the future.

“I am running for School Board, because I feel strongly about the importance of education and the role Wilmot Union High School plays in shaping young lives,” Johnson said.

While he has been impressed with the school, he said the budget is a primary concern, and promises to maintain the high standards the school has possessed.

“Wilmot is an exceptional school that has received state and national recognition,” he said. “I honestly do not see any major issues or glaring deficiencies.”

While the school has produced a string of successes, he hopes to increase technology in the classroom, and provide insight into budgeting.

“I think properly preparing students for the changes/advancements in technology, an ever-changing curriculum, is one issue,” he said.

Johnson plans to use experience acquired as a member of the Silver Lake Village Board and the Kenosha County Board in providing financial guidance.

“My experience in budget committees on a variety of boards can really help out on the School Board,” he said.

“I do believe that the majority of issues that arise will be budgetary in nature,” he added.

Wayne Trongeau (Inc.)
Address: 401 County Highway F, Twin Lakes.
Age: 66.
Resident of town: 50 years.
Occupation: Retired Twin Lakes Police Officer.
Education: Wilmot Union High School, 1968.
Political experience: Member of the Wilmot Union High School Board since 2004. Current Board President.
Organizations: 42 years with the Twin Lakes Fire Department and Rescue Squad (nine years as chief), 32 years as licensed EMT-IV Tech, Vice President – Twin Lakes Area Chamber and Business Association, Libertyfest volunteer the last 19 years, Court Officer at Twin Lakes Municipal Court since retiring from police department in 2010.
Family: Divorced with four adult children and three grandchildren.

Trongeau is seeking re-election, citing the board’s ability to work together as a cohesive unit without personal agendas.

The current president emphasized academic excellence as a primary driving force in the school’s recent success.

“The type of classes offered, block days, and the number of Advanced Placement courses to name a few (are strengths),” he said. “Special times are set up for students that need extra help along with a system where parents can see how their students are progressing during grading period.”

His mission is to maintain the same route of success, stressing the importance of a quality education and prepare students for life after high school.

However, the passage of Act 10 has hindered some board efforts, he said.

“I think that our main concern at this time is what the state will do to public education,” he said. “Act 10 was a tough one to handle, but fortunately we have a very good district administrator and business manager.”

Steve Turner (Inc.)
Address: 805 Hickory Road, Twin Lakes.
Age: 46.
Resident of town: 8 years.
Occupation: Current Executive Vice President-Operations, Yunker Industries. Previously – 20 years concluding as Senior Vice President-North America. Recognized for leading multiple business segments toward operational excellence. Oversight of overall business performance including all financial aspects, human resources, learning and development strategy and execution.
Education: Bachelor of arts, business administration, psychology and human resource management, Simpson University.
Political experience: Current Wilmot Union High School Board member.
Organizations: Active basketball and baseball coach in the community since 2008, current coach of Wilmot Junior Panthers fourth grade basketball.
Family: Wife, Marcy for 23 years; son, Trey, 19, attends Stanford University; daughter, Ellie, WUHS senior; sons Cy and Dane, attend Lakewood.

Turner, who was appointed fill a vacancy last year, is seeking election to advance the school’s vision.

“I have been impressed with how they have been handling challenging issues,” Turner said, noting the budget and staff turnover.

Despite funding concerns, he said that his experience in corporate America can be instrumental.

“I can use my experience and leverage it as a member of the Finance Committee,” Turner said. “The school continues to face budgetary constraints.”

However, he attributed the school’s success to the administration creating a plan for the future.

“There are plenty of talented kids that need to find their path and passion and it is a big part to get a quality education,” Turner said.

He credited a well-rounded staff for instilling academic success.

“It is about finding a good well-balanced staff of teachers that are centered on the kids,” said Turner. “It is about building on the new staff and administration and current board has made that happen.”


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