Three Candidates Vying for Two Positions on Nicolet School Board

Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Nicolet School Board in Tuesday's election.

Andrew Cegielski, Joe Kasle and Morton Grodsky are vying to replace Kelly Herda and Laurel Bear, who decided not to seek re-election.

With more budget cuts on the way and state-imposed revenue caps limiting how much schools can tax residents, Nicolet has a $10 million referendum question on Tuesday's ballot, and that's a hot and divisive  topic among the three candidates.

"I support it wholeheartedly," Grodsky said. "It is absolutely essential to maintain the quality of this school. There will be a major shortfall if we don’t."

Kasle feels similarly. "I do support it," he said. "I would have liked to have seen a longer term in a long-term fix, but I support this referendum and passing it."

However, Cegielksi opposes the referendum, which calls for raising the district's revenue cap by $2.15 million in each of the next five years.

"I have publicly said that I am against the referendum," he said. "One (reason) is timing; one is amount."

But the referendum isn't the only issue the candidates see facing the district. Nicolet has had six years of budget cuts and declining enrollment, so as parents and residents are concerned about the prospect of larger class sizes and programs being cut, candidates said they will make those decisions carefully if elected. 

"We’ve got to start thinking outside the box," Grodsky said. "We’ve had cuts for years. We have a number of clubs and organizations, increase them so we can keep up sports, music, arts and keep those going. There’s not going to be a school left if we have to cut."

While Grodsky would like to see the non-core subjects expanded, Cegielski wants to focus on the core classes, like math and science and technology.

"I have said that I do want to see some science and technology, I would like to see it maybe become a four-year requirement," he said. "The jobs of the future are going to require that are children are technically skilled and proficient in math and science and those things. So if anything, I’d like to add that to our curriculum."

Kasle agreed with Cegielski's ideas, but at a , he wondered how Cegielski would pay for additions to the curriculum since he opposed the referendum.

"Where’s the money going to come from to pay those teachers?" Kasle asked. "If we don’t pass the referendum, how are you going to sustain what we have today, let alone, implement some of these ideas, which are good ideas?"

Grodsky said there have been plenty of cuts, and Nicolet doesn't need any more.

"We’ve had enough cuts," Grodsky said. "This school has cut approximately 25 teachers, approximately 44 staff people. Let's see if we can do something else. No cuts academic whatsoever, no cuts in AP programs whatsoever."

Cegielski disagreed.

"I’d like to assure everyone that our class sizes aren’t out of hand," he said. "While they have gone up, there’s no dire situation here. We’ve got about 24 to 28 students per class. The administration is dedicated to having a good classroom experience."

The Nicolet School Board terms are for three years, and members are paid $1,000 annually.

Andrew Cegielski

Key quote: "If elected to the board, I look forward and consider it an honor to represent the people in this district and focus on the things we care about, education and the future of this community."
Professional/educational background: Online associate degree from Moraine Park Technical College in water treatment. Currently a water tester for the North Shore Water Treatment Plant.
Political background: Never held an elected position
Family: Single; no children
Age: 27
Address: 1600 W. Good Hope Rd., Glendale

Morton Grodsky

Key quote: "This community means a great deal to me; the teachers in this school mean a great deal to me. I’m a staunch believer in public education. It’s imperative we maintain the quality of Nicolet High School."
Professional/educational background: Bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Political background: Never held an elected position
Family: Married; three children
Age: 65
Address: 559 W. Luebbe Ln., Glendale

Joe Kasle

Key quote: "I believe that I can add something to what goes on here and bring that expertise to the table, and give to the community. It’s not an easy job, but it’s one that somebody has to do."
Professional/educational background: Vice President at Robertson Ryan and Associates.  Bachelor's degree in management from the University of Cincinnati College of Business
Political backround: WFormer president of Maple Dale-Indian Hill School Board; member of audit committee at the Jewish Community Center
Family: Married; three children.
Age: 52
Address: 2510 W. Dean Ct., River Hills