If anyone is still out there to read this, there is still one more thing I want to say:
During the candidates forum I was asked: What could be done to attract families to Monona? I declined to answer, both because of the short time allowed and because I didn't think it was an appropriate part of the debate. I did say that there were many things that could be done. Here is my list - I don't take credit for these ideas, and I don't know how practical each is or how they might be implemented. But this is just a starting point for the discussion:
1) Market - design a brochure touting the city, distribute to:
Real estate agents, UW employement relocation services,
Major employer HR departments ...
Host annual tours/events for realtors & relocation services
2) Improve Housing stock:
Homeowners' TIF
loan programs for remodeling
expedited/relaxed building permits
Remodeled home tour
Subsidize professional architecture/design consulting with homeowners in some way.
Devise a tech program around design/architecture with the high school that focuses on home remodels. (something MGSD could do)
Establish a database of contractors that includes information on customer satisfaction.
3) Pick a spring flowering tree variety appropriate to our climate and encourage homeowners to plant it in their front yards, and integrate it into the Monona drive reconstruction landscaping- so that we become known as the city with the beautiful spring display
4) Improve the streets, improve the streets, improve the streets
5) Add sidewalks
6) Improve Code enforcement to prevent unsightly properties from detracting from the value of neighboring houses. (Don't let yokels like me leave old windows from the remodel leaning on the outside of the garage for a year!)
7) Establish bike/walking corridors that make better use of our parks and give better access to commercial areas.
8) Establish a Dog park as a destination, perhaps in Maywood park
9) Establish a unified design based on unique architectural elements for new development on Monona drive and in commercial districts.
10) Clean up the beaches - add sand and remove organic debris to make these attractive places for kids to swim. This means containing our stormwater outfall - perhaps by re-establishing small wetlands in some areas that border the lake.
11) Improve lake access/useability - establish kayak/canoe racks in lakefront parks - expanding access to the marina in stonebridge park - perhaps a public marina in the development at Lottes or Tonyawatha park.
12) Discourage the conversion of owner-occupied homes to rental properties.
13) The reconstructon of Monona drive leads to all kinds of possibilities for redevelopment. I would love to have a "downtown" area in town that is a destination for people from throughout the county - how can we encourage this?
What do YOU think?
Friday, April 6, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Election Results
Susan Manning 1,926 24%
Peter Sobol 1,615 19%
John Weinberger 1,540 18%
Nancy Allen 1,332 16%
Randy Parvin 1,108 13%
Sharon Henes 870 10%
For better or worse, the citizens of Monona and Cottage Grove have seen fit to elect me to the MGSD School Board, along with Susan Manning and returning John Weinberger. I thank each of you for the confidence you have placed in me and I hope and pray that we can all live up to your expectations!
Peter Sobol 1,615 19%
John Weinberger 1,540 18%
Nancy Allen 1,332 16%
Randy Parvin 1,108 13%
Sharon Henes 870 10%
For better or worse, the citizens of Monona and Cottage Grove have seen fit to elect me to the MGSD School Board, along with Susan Manning and returning John Weinberger. I thank each of you for the confidence you have placed in me and I hope and pray that we can all live up to your expectations!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Reading List
The issues facing the school board and the questions facing the candidates are complicated, and are not amenable to succinct answers. Try as I might, reducing answers to 20 words (WSJ) or even 100 words (H-I) - just doesn't leave me with results that I think can fairly express the issues, or my thoughts on them. Here is a list of links to items on this blog that hopefully will give the undecided voter a bit more to consider:
On the Issues
LWV Questionaire
What’s the Difference?
Candidates Forum
Letters of Endorsement
On the Issues
LWV Questionaire
What’s the Difference?
Candidates Forum
Letters of Endorsement
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Door-to-Door
It has been pointed out in the Herald Independant that some of the literature I use door-to-door in Monona and CG is different between the two communities. The first thing I have to say is that it’s nice to see someone is actually reading my literature! Yes this is a difference, but the reason is simple – that each piece tries to answer with limited resources the different questions I have received from each community.
Weeks ago (when it was still bitterly cold!), I started going door-to-door in both CG and Monona and talking with residents who didn’t yet know me. Many of you have taken the opportunity to ask me questions and discuss your concerns about the school district. But in each community I often get different questions – In addition to concerns about costs and achievement, CG voters frequently ask me why they should support someone from Monona. As a Monona resident I am asked to establish my credentials as someone who will look out for the interests of the district as a whole. The literature I hand out in CG responds directly to this question. Being better known in Monona, and as a resident, my resources are better used here by directly answering questions on other issues such as achievement, costs and leadership.
There is of course one more big thing driving the difference in literature. With no other contested elections in Cottage Grove candidates for other offices are not out to remind voters of the importance of the upcoming elections. The flyer I hand out in CG does stress the importance that a vote on April 3rd will have. In Monona, with a hotly contested city council race, that point is not necessary – and I use the space for other issues.
The literature in question I only use when going door-to-door myself, because it helps answer questions I get in person. With a very few exceptions, if you have received a piece before 3/22 – then it was because I personally stopped at your home to give you a chance to meet me and ask questions. My other pieces of literature – including my longer “On The Issues” document (also available at //petersobol.blogspot.com) and pieces distributed by the volunteers (to whom I am eternally grateful), are identical regardless of where they are distributed.
Lastly I stand behind all the statments I have made in all my pieces of literature - they represent me as truly as I can make them. Like my critics, I urge you to consider my actions before voting April 3rd.
Weeks ago (when it was still bitterly cold!), I started going door-to-door in both CG and Monona and talking with residents who didn’t yet know me. Many of you have taken the opportunity to ask me questions and discuss your concerns about the school district. But in each community I often get different questions – In addition to concerns about costs and achievement, CG voters frequently ask me why they should support someone from Monona. As a Monona resident I am asked to establish my credentials as someone who will look out for the interests of the district as a whole. The literature I hand out in CG responds directly to this question. Being better known in Monona, and as a resident, my resources are better used here by directly answering questions on other issues such as achievement, costs and leadership.
There is of course one more big thing driving the difference in literature. With no other contested elections in Cottage Grove candidates for other offices are not out to remind voters of the importance of the upcoming elections. The flyer I hand out in CG does stress the importance that a vote on April 3rd will have. In Monona, with a hotly contested city council race, that point is not necessary – and I use the space for other issues.
The literature in question I only use when going door-to-door myself, because it helps answer questions I get in person. With a very few exceptions, if you have received a piece before 3/22 – then it was because I personally stopped at your home to give you a chance to meet me and ask questions. My other pieces of literature – including my longer “On The Issues” document (also available at //petersobol.blogspot.com) and pieces distributed by the volunteers (to whom I am eternally grateful), are identical regardless of where they are distributed.
Lastly I stand behind all the statments I have made in all my pieces of literature - they represent me as truly as I can make them. Like my critics, I urge you to consider my actions before voting April 3rd.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Candidate Forum
Yesterday witnessed the Monona Grove School Board Candidate Forum hosted by the LWV, the PTO organization and Channel 12. Thanks to all that helped make this happen, and all those that tuned in.
The forum will be rebroadcast on Channel 12 in Monona and CG: Click here for Monona Schedule , Tune to channel 12 for the schedule in CG.
I have posted here my opening and closing statements for those who missed the broadcast:
Good evening, My name is Peter Sobol – I live with my wife Kristin and two children on Midwood avenue in Monona – My kids, Katherine and Will, attend Nichols elementary in the 3rd and 4th grades.
Several years ago we moved from California to Monona in large part driven by a desire to find better school options for our children. Our research convinced us that this area has some of the best public schools in the country, the tangible community support apparent in the Monona Grove schools convinced us that this would be an excellent place to educate our children. What we found here was more than great schools, but also a great community and great neighbors. There is a sense of community here that is missing in many places in this country, a sense of community that pulls you in and makes one want to be a part – to participate and give back.
I first got involved with the schools over the issue of the district split – my own analysis, backed up by the contracted studies, led me to see that this would be detrimental to the district and a threat to my investment in the community. Since then I have worked with members and leaders of both Monona and Cottage Grove in support of district unity and to meet the need for improved quality facilities in the district.
Friends and neighbors who got to know during this time convinced me that I had skills that would make me an asset to the school board, and that this would be a good way for me to take advantage of my talents to participate in the community. I am a scientist by training and profession who had moved up the corporate ladder to senior management of large successful organization. I have made a career of analysis – gathering information, assembling and analyzing it in creative ways in order to make informed decisions. More than anything else I bring to the school board the unbiased and independent analytical approach to problem solving that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
This district, compared to others, is in a great shape. Thanks to community support, we are NOT in the position where we have to make the tough decisions about cuts to services and programming that would degrade the educational experience of our students. The best way to maintain this community support is to carefully manage the resources of the district with an eye toward the future– so that it is clear that every dollar is BEST spent – and to regularly solicit and respond to feedback from all stakeholders.
Lastly, I am the challenger who has consistently supported and worked toward the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of what I honestly believe is the best interest of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, an investment I want very much to protect, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, and be guided by the principle that from the point of view of the student, there should be, as much as possible, equal access to equivalent education and quality resources. By doing so the needs of both communities are served best.
Closing Statement
I want to thank the League of Women Voters, The PTO organizations and channel 12 for organizing and hosting this forum. I want to thank the other candidates for their concern for and willingness to serve the schools and the communities in which we reside. I want to thank the audience and viewers who have taken this time to become informed about the candidates. And I want to thank the community for building this quality district that drew us here – you have accomplished much to be proud of.
At the end of the day I have a vision where Dane County residents can compare school districts and conclude that the Monona Grove school district is the best place to educate their children. Parents will be able to see that this school district provides the best education, programs, opportunities and outcomes in a safe, nurturing environment. It is ambitious, but when I consider our community support, leadership focused on achievement and excellent teaching staff, I know it is within our reach. Our communities pay a lot for these schools and they have a right to demand excellence.
The forum will be rebroadcast on Channel 12 in Monona and CG: Click here for Monona Schedule , Tune to channel 12 for the schedule in CG.
I have posted here my opening and closing statements for those who missed the broadcast:
Good evening, My name is Peter Sobol – I live with my wife Kristin and two children on Midwood avenue in Monona – My kids, Katherine and Will, attend Nichols elementary in the 3rd and 4th grades.
Several years ago we moved from California to Monona in large part driven by a desire to find better school options for our children. Our research convinced us that this area has some of the best public schools in the country, the tangible community support apparent in the Monona Grove schools convinced us that this would be an excellent place to educate our children. What we found here was more than great schools, but also a great community and great neighbors. There is a sense of community here that is missing in many places in this country, a sense of community that pulls you in and makes one want to be a part – to participate and give back.
I first got involved with the schools over the issue of the district split – my own analysis, backed up by the contracted studies, led me to see that this would be detrimental to the district and a threat to my investment in the community. Since then I have worked with members and leaders of both Monona and Cottage Grove in support of district unity and to meet the need for improved quality facilities in the district.
Friends and neighbors who got to know during this time convinced me that I had skills that would make me an asset to the school board, and that this would be a good way for me to take advantage of my talents to participate in the community. I am a scientist by training and profession who had moved up the corporate ladder to senior management of large successful organization. I have made a career of analysis – gathering information, assembling and analyzing it in creative ways in order to make informed decisions. More than anything else I bring to the school board the unbiased and independent analytical approach to problem solving that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
This district, compared to others, is in a great shape. Thanks to community support, we are NOT in the position where we have to make the tough decisions about cuts to services and programming that would degrade the educational experience of our students. The best way to maintain this community support is to carefully manage the resources of the district with an eye toward the future– so that it is clear that every dollar is BEST spent – and to regularly solicit and respond to feedback from all stakeholders.
Lastly, I am the challenger who has consistently supported and worked toward the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of what I honestly believe is the best interest of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, an investment I want very much to protect, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, and be guided by the principle that from the point of view of the student, there should be, as much as possible, equal access to equivalent education and quality resources. By doing so the needs of both communities are served best.
Closing Statement
I want to thank the League of Women Voters, The PTO organizations and channel 12 for organizing and hosting this forum. I want to thank the other candidates for their concern for and willingness to serve the schools and the communities in which we reside. I want to thank the audience and viewers who have taken this time to become informed about the candidates. And I want to thank the community for building this quality district that drew us here – you have accomplished much to be proud of.
At the end of the day I have a vision where Dane County residents can compare school districts and conclude that the Monona Grove school district is the best place to educate their children. Parents will be able to see that this school district provides the best education, programs, opportunities and outcomes in a safe, nurturing environment. It is ambitious, but when I consider our community support, leadership focused on achievement and excellent teaching staff, I know it is within our reach. Our communities pay a lot for these schools and they have a right to demand excellence.
Friday, February 16, 2007
What's the difference?
One of the questions I have received is: What differentiates you from the current school board members, and what differentiates you from the other candidates?
I am a scientist by profession, what has made me successful in that career is the realization that the thorough analytical approaches to problem solving one develops as a scientist are applicable to all areas of decision making. What I do best is gather information, break it down and analyze it in creative ways, and use it to provide answers and make the right decisions. I have developed an unbiased analytical approach that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
Furthermore I hear from teachers, administrators and parents that one of the areas for improvement in our district is in the math and science curriculum, especially at the high school level. My educational and professional background means that I can bring a perspective to our math and science curriculum that is otherwise lacking on the school board.
Lastly, I am a candidate who has consistently supported the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of the best interests of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, regardless of where they come from, but by doing so both communities are served best.
Next question?
I am a scientist by profession, what has made me successful in that career is the realization that the thorough analytical approaches to problem solving one develops as a scientist are applicable to all areas of decision making. What I do best is gather information, break it down and analyze it in creative ways, and use it to provide answers and make the right decisions. I have developed an unbiased analytical approach that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
Furthermore I hear from teachers, administrators and parents that one of the areas for improvement in our district is in the math and science curriculum, especially at the high school level. My educational and professional background means that I can bring a perspective to our math and science curriculum that is otherwise lacking on the school board.
Lastly, I am a candidate who has consistently supported the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of the best interests of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, regardless of where they come from, but by doing so both communities are served best.
Next question?
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Questions!
Over the past few months I have been interviewing Residents, Teachers and Administrators in our School district, and asking lots of questions to try and understand all points of view. The experience has been illuminating.
Now you can help me by asking questions: about me, my vision for our Schools and what I would do for our communities. Please email them to: sobol_p@yahoo.com. I will try to give considered answers in this space!
Now you can help me by asking questions: about me, my vision for our Schools and what I would do for our communities. Please email them to: sobol_p@yahoo.com. I will try to give considered answers in this space!
Thanks
Thanks again to everyone who turned out to make our fundraising events a success! Especially the wonderful people from Monona and Cottage Grove who braved Sunday's bitter cold. For those who couldn't make it contributions are still very much appreciated - send your checks to: Sobol for School Board, 6005 Midwood Ave, Monona, WI, 53716
Another pair of fundraising events will be held for John Wienberger and Nancy Allen around the end of this month. Stay tuned for information.
Another pair of fundraising events will be held for John Wienberger and Nancy Allen around the end of this month. Stay tuned for information.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
On the Issues:
Community Support:
Quality schools can only be maintained when there is substantial community support. The school district must be responsive to the needs of the district, soliciting feedback from stakeholders and parents. Regular evaluations should be solicited from student’s families as well as recent graduates to determine how well the MGSD is serving them, in addition to the planned district-wide survey. Careful fiscal management of district resources is an important factor in maintaining community support.
Achievement:
The MGSD has made important steps in improving the achievement, particularly at the elementary levels, but we need to go well beyond the dictates of NCLB to meet the needs of every student. This includes providing remedial help for some, tailoring programs to the different learning styles of others, and just as importantly finding ways to challenge the most talented students. This includes expanded gifted and talented programs at the elementary and middle level and advanced programs in the high school.
Instructional Support:
This district has many well-trained, talented and dedicated teachers. Our teachers should never be lacking the resources to fully utilize their abilities in the classroom. The district should make every effort to maintain competitive compensation in order to continue to make this district attractive to talented teachers.
Cost Savings and Energy:
Analysis of Wisconsin school finance data shows that MGSD spends 30% more per pupil on energy than the state average. That would amount to $300,000 saved per year if we can just reach average – and this is and area we should be better than average. Energy use is just one area of the non-instructional budget where we should look for savings. Well-run businesses use many techniques to control costs, including extensive cost-benefit analysis, aggressive supplier management and externalizing costs. Many of these techniques are applicable to the operation of well-run school districts.
Programming:
The broad range of programming the MGSD offers, including extensive music, arts and sports programs, have substantial community support. More importantly they enhance the intellectual development of our students and better prepare them for successful lives. It is important to find ways to maintain these programs in an era of tight budgets.
District Unity:
The partnership between Monona and Cottage Grove has served both communities well for more than 40 years; together this community has accomplished much to be proud of. But nothing can be accomplished if we pit one community against the other in a competition for resources. Both communities will be better off if a co-operative environment is maintained where the resources of each can be used to solve problems in the simplest most cost-effective manner – this is the best way to ensure that all students have the best resources at their disposal. Meeting the needs of the students first is the best way to meet the needs of Monona and Cottage Grove.
Quality schools can only be maintained when there is substantial community support. The school district must be responsive to the needs of the district, soliciting feedback from stakeholders and parents. Regular evaluations should be solicited from student’s families as well as recent graduates to determine how well the MGSD is serving them, in addition to the planned district-wide survey. Careful fiscal management of district resources is an important factor in maintaining community support.
Achievement:
The MGSD has made important steps in improving the achievement, particularly at the elementary levels, but we need to go well beyond the dictates of NCLB to meet the needs of every student. This includes providing remedial help for some, tailoring programs to the different learning styles of others, and just as importantly finding ways to challenge the most talented students. This includes expanded gifted and talented programs at the elementary and middle level and advanced programs in the high school.
Instructional Support:
This district has many well-trained, talented and dedicated teachers. Our teachers should never be lacking the resources to fully utilize their abilities in the classroom. The district should make every effort to maintain competitive compensation in order to continue to make this district attractive to talented teachers.
Cost Savings and Energy:
Analysis of Wisconsin school finance data shows that MGSD spends 30% more per pupil on energy than the state average. That would amount to $300,000 saved per year if we can just reach average – and this is and area we should be better than average. Energy use is just one area of the non-instructional budget where we should look for savings. Well-run businesses use many techniques to control costs, including extensive cost-benefit analysis, aggressive supplier management and externalizing costs. Many of these techniques are applicable to the operation of well-run school districts.
Programming:
The broad range of programming the MGSD offers, including extensive music, arts and sports programs, have substantial community support. More importantly they enhance the intellectual development of our students and better prepare them for successful lives. It is important to find ways to maintain these programs in an era of tight budgets.
District Unity:
The partnership between Monona and Cottage Grove has served both communities well for more than 40 years; together this community has accomplished much to be proud of. But nothing can be accomplished if we pit one community against the other in a competition for resources. Both communities will be better off if a co-operative environment is maintained where the resources of each can be used to solve problems in the simplest most cost-effective manner – this is the best way to ensure that all students have the best resources at their disposal. Meeting the needs of the students first is the best way to meet the needs of Monona and Cottage Grove.
Monday, January 22, 2007
League of Women Voter's Questionnaire
The Dane County LWV sent questionnaires to all candidates in the Spring elections. For school board candidates they asked three questions and allowed 100 word answers. Here are the questions and my responses, bear in mind that 100 words are barely enough to clear your throat and the answers are necessarily incomplete:
What educational, occupational, civic and community experience have you that you believe qualifies you for this office?
A few years ago we chose as a family to move to this community in part because of the clear local support for its quality schools. I am committed to maintaining and improving the quality educational system that brought us here and the unified school district that continues to make our communities attractive places to live. I will bring to the job an unbiased and professional analytical problem solving approach, developed through several years of senior corporate management experience. My professional experience has helped me develop techniques to gather and evaluate information in order to find the best and most cost-effective solutions.
How would you encourage schools in your district to increase energy conservation and the use of energy efficiencies and renewables as a fuel source? How would you support the integration of these district efforts into the curriculum and into special projects to provide a continuing learning experience fo students, staff and the community?
The district now budgets $1.1 million for gas and electricity, or 3.7% of total spending (which is 30% above state average), and this is only expected to increase. For savings there are two approaches: Find and implement practices by staff and students that may lower energy use today, and audit equipment and facilities to find self-funding efficiency improvements to reduce future expense. The geothermal heating/cooling at the new middle school shows how smart choices may result in future savings. Energy efficiency is an area where the schools can certainly teach by example, but integrating students into these efforts would certainly provide opportunities in science and consumer education.
What role should staff such as guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, librarians and school nurses play in supporting teachers and students?
When properly utilized support staff can make important contributions to student achievement. If our schools are expected to maximize achievement of all, they must meet the increasingly diverse needs of individual students. This includes providing remedial help for some, tailoring programs to the different learning styles of others, and just as importantly finding ways to challenge the most talented students. Support staff can provide critical support to this process by applying their specialized expertise to ease teacher’s burden of identifying individual student needs, and play a crucial role in finding resources and customizing programs to meet those needs.
What educational, occupational, civic and community experience have you that you believe qualifies you for this office?
A few years ago we chose as a family to move to this community in part because of the clear local support for its quality schools. I am committed to maintaining and improving the quality educational system that brought us here and the unified school district that continues to make our communities attractive places to live. I will bring to the job an unbiased and professional analytical problem solving approach, developed through several years of senior corporate management experience. My professional experience has helped me develop techniques to gather and evaluate information in order to find the best and most cost-effective solutions.
How would you encourage schools in your district to increase energy conservation and the use of energy efficiencies and renewables as a fuel source? How would you support the integration of these district efforts into the curriculum and into special projects to provide a continuing learning experience fo students, staff and the community?
The district now budgets $1.1 million for gas and electricity, or 3.7% of total spending (which is 30% above state average), and this is only expected to increase. For savings there are two approaches: Find and implement practices by staff and students that may lower energy use today, and audit equipment and facilities to find self-funding efficiency improvements to reduce future expense. The geothermal heating/cooling at the new middle school shows how smart choices may result in future savings. Energy efficiency is an area where the schools can certainly teach by example, but integrating students into these efforts would certainly provide opportunities in science and consumer education.
What role should staff such as guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, librarians and school nurses play in supporting teachers and students?
When properly utilized support staff can make important contributions to student achievement. If our schools are expected to maximize achievement of all, they must meet the increasingly diverse needs of individual students. This includes providing remedial help for some, tailoring programs to the different learning styles of others, and just as importantly finding ways to challenge the most talented students. Support staff can provide critical support to this process by applying their specialized expertise to ease teacher’s burden of identifying individual student needs, and play a crucial role in finding resources and customizing programs to meet those needs.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Fundraisers
I can't thank the Aswegan's and List's enough for hosting the upcoming fundraising events. In keeping with my desire to fairly represent the interests of both Monona and Cottage Grove, two events, one in each community, are planned.
Not sure about your support? This is an excellent opportunity to get to know the candidate and exchange views!
Tuesday January 23rd, 6-8 pm
At the home of
Ann & Craig Aswegan
6008 Winnequah Road
Monona
Sunday February 4th, 2-4 pm
At the home of
Tom and Jill List
4370 Citation Court
Cottage Grove
Please join us at these informal events for appetizers, refreshments, good company and discussions with the candidate.
If you can't make it, but would still like to contribute, please mail to:
Sobol for School Board
6005 Midwood Ave
Monona, WI 53716
Not sure about your support? This is an excellent opportunity to get to know the candidate and exchange views!
Tuesday January 23rd, 6-8 pm
At the home of
Ann & Craig Aswegan
6008 Winnequah Road
Monona
Sunday February 4th, 2-4 pm
At the home of
Tom and Jill List
4370 Citation Court
Cottage Grove
Please join us at these informal events for appetizers, refreshments, good company and discussions with the candidate.
If you can't make it, but would still like to contribute, please mail to:
Sobol for School Board
6005 Midwood Ave
Monona, WI 53716
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Press release
Sobol to run for Monona Grove School Board
Press Release December 11, 2007
Peter Sobol announces candidacy for the Monona Grove School Board.
“A few years ago Kristin and I brought our family to Monona from California, driven in part by a desire to find better school options for our children. Our research convinced us that this area has some of the best public schools in the country. The tangible community support and pride for the Monona Grove schools convinced us that this would be an excellent place to educate our children.”
Sobol will seek to maintain the range of programs and improve the quality of education that brought his family here, and believes it will continue to attract other young families. “I consider this successful school district as the most important asset of our communities, and a continued quality public education as key to its future.”
Sobol consistently supports the continued unity of the school district, “The partnership between Monona and Cottage Grove has been successful for more than 50 years, and we have every reason to believe that it will be successful for the next 50. On the other hand we see that school districts much smaller than ours have trouble offering the full range of program options that this community has deemed important.”
Sobol has also supported the construction of the new middle school approved by voters in last spring’s referendum as the best option. “I believe the new school is, in the long term, the best and most cost effective way to meet the district’s need for improved middle school facilities. I look forward to my children attending what will be a fine facility”
Sobol believes that the Monona Grove school district needs to find ways to meet the needs of every student, through expanded Gifted and Talented programs at the elementary level and AP programs in the high school. “Our teachers need to have the support and resources to service the unique talents of all students, and challenge and develop the abilities of even the brightest. I can see how the World Languages at the elementary level and International Baccalaureate programs that are being evaluated by the district may be important steps toward meeting these needs.”
Sobol also seeks to improve the communication between the school district and families by soliciting input from parents through systematic surveys and evaluations. “The families of our students are the school district’s “customers”, and their evaluation is a key measure of school performance. I have yet to meet a parent in the district who did not have unique and useful insights into the education of their child”.
As a homeowner in Monona in the MGSD, Sobol appreciates the need for careful fiscal management of the schools. “I came here from a hi-tech manufacturing company in a very competitive market. As a department director I was constantly working to find ways to achieve goals most efficiently and made choices that would be both less costly and most effective in the long run. Just as it is crucial that every decision that School Board makes be examined for long-term cost effectiveness. Our experience in California shows that the broad educational programs we value here (including music, arts and sports programs) can be lost without careful management of resources.”
Currently Sobol works with a partner developing scientific instrumentation under federal contract, and as a consultant in analytical chemistry. Previously Sobol was for several years a technical manager and department director for a Fortune 500 company in Silicon Valley. Born and educated in the Midwest with a Master’s degree in Physics, he has worked in Minnesota and California as an analytical chemist and in scientific instrument and software design. He has co-authored several scientific papers and one reference book on Photo-electron Spectroscopy. “I believe my background as a scientist and corporate management experience will bring useful skills and unique perspectives to the school board.”
Sobol and his wife, Kristin, an artist and free-lance illustrator, live in Monona with their two children Katherine and Will. Both children are students at Nichols Elementary.
Press Release December 11, 2007
Peter Sobol announces candidacy for the Monona Grove School Board.
“A few years ago Kristin and I brought our family to Monona from California, driven in part by a desire to find better school options for our children. Our research convinced us that this area has some of the best public schools in the country. The tangible community support and pride for the Monona Grove schools convinced us that this would be an excellent place to educate our children.”
Sobol will seek to maintain the range of programs and improve the quality of education that brought his family here, and believes it will continue to attract other young families. “I consider this successful school district as the most important asset of our communities, and a continued quality public education as key to its future.”
Sobol consistently supports the continued unity of the school district, “The partnership between Monona and Cottage Grove has been successful for more than 50 years, and we have every reason to believe that it will be successful for the next 50. On the other hand we see that school districts much smaller than ours have trouble offering the full range of program options that this community has deemed important.”
Sobol has also supported the construction of the new middle school approved by voters in last spring’s referendum as the best option. “I believe the new school is, in the long term, the best and most cost effective way to meet the district’s need for improved middle school facilities. I look forward to my children attending what will be a fine facility”
Sobol believes that the Monona Grove school district needs to find ways to meet the needs of every student, through expanded Gifted and Talented programs at the elementary level and AP programs in the high school. “Our teachers need to have the support and resources to service the unique talents of all students, and challenge and develop the abilities of even the brightest. I can see how the World Languages at the elementary level and International Baccalaureate programs that are being evaluated by the district may be important steps toward meeting these needs.”
Sobol also seeks to improve the communication between the school district and families by soliciting input from parents through systematic surveys and evaluations. “The families of our students are the school district’s “customers”, and their evaluation is a key measure of school performance. I have yet to meet a parent in the district who did not have unique and useful insights into the education of their child”.
As a homeowner in Monona in the MGSD, Sobol appreciates the need for careful fiscal management of the schools. “I came here from a hi-tech manufacturing company in a very competitive market. As a department director I was constantly working to find ways to achieve goals most efficiently and made choices that would be both less costly and most effective in the long run. Just as it is crucial that every decision that School Board makes be examined for long-term cost effectiveness. Our experience in California shows that the broad educational programs we value here (including music, arts and sports programs) can be lost without careful management of resources.”
Currently Sobol works with a partner developing scientific instrumentation under federal contract, and as a consultant in analytical chemistry. Previously Sobol was for several years a technical manager and department director for a Fortune 500 company in Silicon Valley. Born and educated in the Midwest with a Master’s degree in Physics, he has worked in Minnesota and California as an analytical chemist and in scientific instrument and software design. He has co-authored several scientific papers and one reference book on Photo-electron Spectroscopy. “I believe my background as a scientist and corporate management experience will bring useful skills and unique perspectives to the school board.”
Sobol and his wife, Kristin, an artist and free-lance illustrator, live in Monona with their two children Katherine and Will. Both children are students at Nichols Elementary.
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