David Braeger Will Apply for Open School Board Seat

The parent who led a recall effort against three Fox Point-Bayside School Board members is now seeking an open seat on the board.

Milwaukee-area financial sector CEO David Braeger announced Wednesday that he is seeking the board's appointment to the seat that will soon be left empty by School Board President Debbie Friberg.

Braeger, a parent of two children, filed paperwork May 8 to launch recall efforts against Friberg, Vice President Tim Melchert and member Alice Lawton. He later dropped the recall effort because he did not want to damage the school district's reputation.

Braeger said he believes he is well-suited for the position because he is willing to take risks, ask hard questions, hold regular meetings with residents and teachers and be a watchdog for wasteful spending. 

Residents who apply for the position will have to be appointed by the current board members. Although Braeger has created some waves in the community with his outspoken comments and the recall effort, he said his efforts have always been driven by his passion for the schools and the community.

“If the board wants to hold a grudge for the vocal actions I took to preserve our schools, I don’t have a chance," he said in a news release. "If the board has respect for my qualifications and passion for our community, teachers and children, they will give me a close look.” 

“Bottom line, because of the aggressive stance I have taken over the last few months, I will probably need a tremendous amount of support from the teachers, who I have worked so hard to protect.”