Endorsements

Peter Sobol For MGSD Board

I am writing in support of Peter Sobol, candidate for Monona Grove School District Board. I first met Peter during the intense “split / no-split” debates the school district faced prior to last year’s successful district-wide referendum. Early on, the debates were segregated by communities, except for a few residents of both communities who always believed a unified district was best. Peter Sobol was one of the few. I was struck by something that distinguished Peter from the rest of the unified district supporters. Peter was incredibly calm during intensely emotional debates. When he offered his points, they were well thought out; he clearly and objectively analyzed the issues and presented them without emotion, yet with passion. Few from either side could do so—something I admit to failing at. As the debate continued and the process moved towards referendum, I began to understand and respect Peter’s character and leadership more and more, as I began to learn more about Peter himself.

Peter’s a scientist, and he approached the district-wide issues in an objective and analytical manner that was true to his education and profession. This was similar to how he approached selecting a school district for his family’s impending relocation to the Madison area some three plus years earlier. He investigated… he researched… and he gained an historical perspective of the district. The research indicated an excellent academic tradition, incredible community support of academic, athletic, and cultural programs, and as we know, historical community divide. But even more, Peter Sobol saw the future potential of the district and he committed his family to it. And now, Peter personally commits himself to ensuring the potential of the unified district by stepping up to become a leader within in it. A leader for ONE COMMUNITY – The COMMUNITY OF THE MONONA GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

As a Monona Grove School District Board member, Peter Sobol will bring the same approach he did when making the most important educational decision for his family. As a district resident, I trust him with my family’s education decisions, and I ask you to do so as well. But, do so in the manner that Peter himself would … research …discussions… analysis. Become committed to the future of the district and share Peter Sobol’s vision and passion for it. Visit his website at http://petersobol.blogspot.com/

Randy Margenau
Resident of Cottage Grove & The Monona Grove School District

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Dear Editor,

With the upcoming election for Monona Grove School Board members, voters will be given the opportunity to fill 3 seats. I would encourage you to vote for the three candidates who diligently supported a unified Monona Grove School District and the successful referendum to build the new middle school in Cottage Grove. These three candidates are John Weinberger, Nancy Allen, and Peter Sobol.

The incumbents, John Weinberger and Nancy Allen, have both served on the school board well for 12 years and have worked diligently to understand the issues, variables, and concerns of our joint communities which add complexity to the decisions facing our school board. Through the most difficult times, they remained focused on what is in the best interest of all children in the school district. They have openly addressed the concerns of community members, supported a study of the effects of a possible split, shared the information with the community, and then brought forth a referendum which represented the interests of students and communities in the most fiscally responsible manner. Electing both Nancy and John will provide stability and continuity to the school board. Nancy brings strength in curriculum and negotiating, and John provides an unparalleled wealth of background and experience in finance and construction.

Although Peter Sobol is relatively new to our school district, he has already shown his dedication through his work during the referendum. The excellence of the Monona Grove School District is the reason he chose to move to Monona. He has two children attending Nichols Elementary and will bring the parent’s perspective to the school board. He strongly supports working cooperatively with both communities to solve problems in the simplest most cost-effective manner to provide quality resources for all students. The new board still faces many decisions in building the new school and in promoting and developing outstanding programs at all grade levels. His unbiased analytical problem solving skills will help the board gather and evaluate information in order to find the best and most cost-effective solutions.

John Weinberger, Nancy Allen, and Peter Sobol will represent the interests of our unified school district well and work hard to meet the coming challenges facing the board. Their commitment and dedication have been demonstrated through not just words, but action. Please be sure to cast your vote either through absentee ballot or in person on April 3.

Margaret Williams


We are fortunate. The Monona Grove School District has dedicated, experienced board members seeking reelection and fine first time candidates who have my respect and appreciation for running this year.

I’m supporting Peter Sobol for the open seat. After attending the forum at the High School last Sunday and reading campaign materials, it is clear to me he has the expertise and background that will broaden the current board’s perspective.

Peter’s a scientist with an unbiased analytical problem-solving background developed through several years of senior corporate management experience for a Fortune 500 company in Silicon Valley. This professional experience developed his technique of gathering and evaluating information in order to find the best and most cost effective solution.

At the forum he noted MG budgets 3.7% of total spending for gas and electricity—30% above the state average. Peter suggested studying the usage and reducing it to the state average—or below—would save $300,000 per year. This is a tangible suggestion for reducing spending without cutting programs or staff—the only one I recall hearing at the forum!

Peter’s perspective as a parent of elementary school children is an asset that is currently under-represented on the board.

Peter and his wife, Kristin, chose a move to Wisconsin after studying many school communities. They left California for Monona Grove because they value our academic programs and commitment to excellent music, arts and sports.

I met Peter last year while working for passage of the successful middle school referendum. He impressed me with his research on our district and unbiased analytical skills developing materials promoting passage of the referendum. Peter is the only challenger that worked for passage of last year’s middle school referendum. He’s committed to preserving quality and advancing excellence in our schools.

Please join me in electing Peter Sobol to the MG School Board on April 3.

Sincerely,
Kristi Williams