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?
Friday, February 16, 2007
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.
Monday, January 2, 2006
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
____________________________________________________________________
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
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
____________________________________________________________________
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
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