March 25, 2022 – Washington County, WI – While driving US 41 from Highway 60 to Highway 144 there’s a large sign that touts, “Slinger: Natural Beauty, Business Friendly, Great Schools.”
Slinger is well known for its trees and farmland, its ski hill and racetrack, and its schools. Slinger has a rich history of helping to grow strong, successful students, and our School and District Report Cards prove that we “Exceed Expectations,” often “Significantly.”
When I was blessed enough to start in the district, almost 25 years ago, I asked about the special, secret ingredient that made the district so successful. It was clear to many that our success was not a secret. It stemmed from the partnership among families, staff, administration, and the school board. Talking to friends who are educational professionals in other districts, it’s clear that not every district has experienced the awesome collaboration we’ve seen in Slinger.
Our current board, including Joe Havey, Roman Wenninger, and Gary Feltz, knows that we have talented, professional teachers and administrators who encourage critical thinking and use best-practice strategies to help our students grow, all while considering the needs and desires of the community. The specific connection between the board and the staff is not based on blind faith but on earned trust.
There are others who flippantly toss out the word “team” when promoting their agenda; however, this group’s messaging seems more focused on unfounded accusations than true collaboration. Rather than celebrate what we’ve collectively accomplished, this group (which is led by the challenger in the school board race) chooses to peddle the fear that the district is somehow about to squander our good name and the community connections we’ve constructed with care over the last 100 years. I urge you to reject that misguided notion.
Joe Havey, Roman Wenninger, and Gary Feltz are true teammates of district families and of the school district. They’ve been good stewards of tax money, they’ve overseen the growth and improvement of district facilities, and they’ve treated all stakeholders with respect. The incumbents have helped the district guide and grow students who are kind and intelligent flexible thinkers who have been wildly successful in college, in their careers, and in the community.
One of our most successful recent graduates, a proudly conservative student, ends an open letter to the current school board with a quote from a favorite teacher: “I’m here to teach you how to think, not what to think.” He concludes, “Rest assured, our schools reflect the values of our community.” I couldn’t agree more, and that is why I endorse the incumbents for the upcoming school board election on April 5. Borrowing from another sign, found on street lamps along Kettle Moraine Drive, Joe Havey, Roman Wenninger, and Gary Feltz respect our district’s “rich history,” and they’re ready to help us realize our “abundant future”!
Paul Walter
Slinger, WI
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