District 88 candidates meet in forum

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- With two weeks remaining until the Tuesday, Nov. 7 general election, 10 of the 11 candidates vying for the four open seats on the District 88 School Board faced the issues Monday during a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Because of illness, incumbent Don Potter was not able to attend the forum.Candidates are incumbents Brian Wieland and Gene Forstner and challengers Bruce Schreckenberg, Deborah Hertling, Sheldon Rieke, Barbara Becker, Susan Nierengarten, Renee Otis, Duane Hauser and Rick Berg.

Candidates were asked how they voted in the last spring's failed excess levy referendum that will result in budget reductions for District 88. Hauser and Berg voted against it. Hertling and Becker did not vote, but said they would have voted yes, and would vote yes if faced with the same issue again. The others voted yes.

All candidates were queried about whether or not they had a criminal record. Their responses indicated that none has been convicted of any serious crime; however, three admitted they had been charged with driving while intoxicated in the past, which they felt was not an issue in their seeking office now.

In regards to streamlining administration in the midst of budget cuts, most of the candidates said they did not have enough information to answer the question. Others felt administration was not a huge expense for the district.

Questions put to the candidates included.

What goals do you have as a board member?

Becker: I am concerned that we have a well-rounded curriculum for students in the district.

Nierengarten: One goal is to improve the quality of education we provide our students. We need to effectively utilize all district buildings and facilities. We need to do what we can to manage our finances. I will work toward changing the funding system, and will promote good public relations between the board and the community.

Berg: I would like to see better budget control of things. The district should be fun. I see it like a board game. If it's not fun, children don't play.

Hertling: We need to promote an environment that our students can be proud of.

Rieke: We have a good staff. My first goal is to help us get through the budget problems with as little damage as possible.

Wieland: We need to keep parents informed and involved. The retention of our staff is crucial.

Otis: We need teamwork and communication. We need to develop a balance so we can make this district resemble now what we want it to look like in the future.

Schreckenberg: We need to educate our children in the best environment possible. We need better marketing for our district.

Hauser: We all seem to have the same goals in mind. An academic focus is important.

Forstner: Finances are important. We are going to have to pass a referendum in the future. We need to use common sense when making cuts.

Are you for or against reinstating busing for all students?

Wieland: We gave two opportunities for busing to the voters. I would love to reinstate it, but we also need to develop a balanced budget.

Hauser: I am for it. I don't have all information available on the budget portion, and I don't really see how any money was saved.

Schreckenberg: In-town busing has gotten us where we are now. We need to look at what options give our children the best education.

Rieke: Busing is great, but we had a Cadillac system in place. If it gets re-instated, we will need to develop a more practical system.

Hertling: It would be nice to re-instate it, but the funds are not there. We need to look at the reasonableness of the situation. I am in favor of busing.

Otis: Funding does not pay head-to-head for busing. I would like to see us bus all our students, but we can't spend more money than we have.

Forstner: I would like to see it done as soon as possible.

Nierengarten: Busing is one area where we were above average in this district. We need to look at areas as priorities, because they are areas where we are below average in spending.

Berg: Busing is one of the biggest reasons I am here. Where is the money going? The bottom line is that the citizens don't want another referendum. We need to look elsewhere for cuts.

Becker: I am all for reinstating busing. Maybe there are options if it cannot be made available for all children.

State your position on cutting extracurricular activities.

Nierengarten: The activity budget is about 1 percent of the overall budget. Cutting it would not create a huge savings. It is an area that will have to be looked at when cuts are made.

Becker: We could look at private funds. Volunteers are a vital part of programs. All students need an opportunity. It isn't just about sports.

Otis: I am in favor of a balanced education.

Berg: Activities are very important, but I won't narrow it down. Cuts need be found somewhere and we need to look at all areas.

Schreckenberg: It is important. Activities build character in students.

Rieke: Children need these activities. Involvement is important for students wanting to go on to college.

Wieland: We will have to look at this during budget talks. All areas will be addressed.

Hertling: Activities help children get a sense of involvement. There are other opportunities besides sports.

Forstner: Need to be fair and balanced in cuts. This is an important part of the education process. We would lose students.

Hauser: I believe in athletics.

Where do you put vocational training courses?

Berg: At the bottom of the list of priorities. That is an added plus.

Otis: They are part of academics, which is the first priority.

Hertling: Part of the educational process.

Hauser: Believe it is a crucial part of education so students can survive in outside world.

Rieke: No different than speciality classes. Part of education.

Nierengarten: Serve a real need for our students. We shouldn't oversell vocational training opportunities, though.

Schreckenberg: Offers a reason for students to attend school. Positive learning experience.

Wieland: Part of educational system. We need these people in our community.

Becker: Should not be a prioritized area. Should speak to a variety of needs.

Forstner: Very important part of the education process.