Whitnall School Board (3 seats)

Michael Clarizio (inc.)

Age: 47

Employer/occupation: quality manager, American Signal Corp., Milwaukee

Education: B.S., industrial engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Years in community: 11

Family: married; four children

Related Experience: member, Whitnall School Board;

E-mail:mclarizio@whitnall.com

Why are you running for office?

I am running for office to continue efforts to produce high-quality graduates of our school district at an affordable cost to the taxpayers of the district.

What is the number one issue in this race and how would you address it?

The number one issue is the decline in state revenues to our district. I intend to do everything in my power to reverse that trend while seeking solutions to the current budget crisis.

Name one other key issue in this race.

One other key issue is communication between the school district and the community which funds it. The current board is seeking alternative means to communicate with all community members, not just those with students.

Why should residents vote for you this spring?

Because they can trust that I, first and foremost, represent them. I put the needs and interests of the community first, knowing that my primary responsibility is to provide for the best possible education at the best possible cost. The district is an asset to the community.

Jon D. Jones

Age: Did not respond

Employer/occupation: veterinarian; pilot, United States Air Force Reserve

Education: B.S., Iowa State University; D.V.M., Iowa State University

Years in community: 10

Family: married; one child

Related Experience: extensive leadership experience in the USAF Reserve (22 years), and in veterinary private practice; no previous attempts at public office

E-mail:jondjones@earthlink.net

Why are you running for office?

To contribute to our community and participate in the education system in which we have placed our son. Additionally, to bring a voice of an elementary school parent to help address the issues.

What is the number one issue in this race and how would you address it?

The budget will be the overriding issue for the district as a whole for the next few years. I would like to use my problem-solving skills to assist with this and other issues that arise.

Name one other key issue in this race.

Class sizes and teacher retention tends to be a focus on matters of budget. I would like to keep down class sizes and enhance teacher retention wherever possible.

Why should residents vote for you this spring?

My previous leadership experience and fresh outlook I feel will enhance the district residents as a whole.

Suzette Larson (inc.)

Age: 51

Employer/occupation: senior wellness consultant, Wellness Solutions, Inc.

Education: M.B.A., University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Years in community: 11

Family: married; two children

Related Experience: Whitnall School Board member since 2004.

E-mail:suzette.larson@yahoo.com

Why are you running for office?

I believe in the Whitnall School District and want to continue to use my experience to help the Whitnall School District maintain its reputation as a top school district.

What is the number one issue in this race and how would you address it?

Whitnall is facing massive budget cuts. For the district to remain successful, creative, rational, "big-picture" decision making must be applied when cuts are made. My experience, compassion and commitment will allow me to help make cuts that least impact students and allow Whitnall to continue to thrive.

Name one other key issue in this race.

Keeping classroom sizes low at our elementary schools is of utmost importance to the quality of education in our district. Since "just adding a teacher" may no longer be an option, I will work with the board and administration to explore all options.

Why should residents vote for you this spring?

I am committed to this district and will work diligently to ensure our students, parents and taxpayers have a school system that offers the highest quality eduction and produces graduates that are ready to be productive, contributing members of our community.

Stephanie A. Richter

Age: 37

Employer/occupation: office manager, Tadych Financial Services

Education: Graduate of Alverno College

Years in community: 25

Family: married; one child

Related Experience: active parent volunteer and member of the Hales Corners PTO

E-mail:sjrichter@sbcglobal.net

Why are you running for office?

Education is the one thing no one can take away from you. As members of the Whitnall district, it is our job to make sure that we provide the best education possible for our children. I want to take a more active part in the education of our children.

What is the number one issue in this race and how would you address it?

The number one issue in this race is the budget and funding of the budget. If elected, I would like to help build a better understanding of how schools are funded and how we as a community can work together to overcome the funding shortages.

Name one other key issue in this race.

Another issue is our sense of community. I believe that in order to make the changes necessary to meet our financial obligation as a district, we need to use all of our resources, whether a family has a student in the schools or not.

Why should residents vote for you this spring?

I would like residents to vote for me because I want to improve the education of our children and help improve the communication between the district and the residents.