KIMBERLY – Those vying for a seat on the Kimberly Area School District Board of Education each have their own reasons for running and ideas about what they’d address if elected.
Four candidates are running to fill two three-year terms. The candidates in the nonpartisan race are incumbents Penny Hoh and Debbie Roberts and challengers James Boots and Brian Regal.
The Post-Crescent asked candidates to fill out a questionnaire explaining their relevant experience, why they wanted to run and what community members are telling them are the most important issues.
Some responses were lightly edited to meet The Post-Crescent’s word limits. Candidates are ordered alphabetically by last name.
For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.
Here’s a closer look at those running for the 2022 Kimberly school board.
James Boots
- Address: Declined to answer
- Age: 59
- Occupation: Doctor of chiropractic
- Highest level of education: Doctor of chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa
Why are you running for office?
I was asked to run by parents and teachers concerned that their rights to influence the health and education of their children and students have been removed. Parents deserve the right to make health decisions for their children and to have a voice in our educational system.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
As a new board member, I would bring new ideas, a fresh perspective and common sense to the challenges facing our educational system today. My decisions will be based on what is best for the students’ education and well-being.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Residents’ concerns are health issues, curriculum, basic skills, American history and preparing students for future employment. Student health decisions belong to parents. In-person education is important for social interaction. Teaching basic skills like English, math, science, reading, writing in cursive, technology, American history and the Constitution are vital. We must include common sense, critical thinking, problem solving, scientific method and outside-the-box thinking in our educational system. Workforce prep should include exposing students to businesses via job shadowing and entrepreneurship through mentorship programs, as well as benefits of college, technical college, trade schools, apprenticeships and military service.
Penny Hoh
- Address: N105 Brux Road, Appleton
- Age: 61
- Occupation: Patient care coordinator
- Highest level of education: Graduate of Kimberly High School
- Facebook page: Penny Hoh for Kimberly School Board
Relevant experience:
- 18 years on the Kimberly Area School District Board of Education
- Volunteer in our schools and community
- All three of my children graduated from KHS
- Two of my grandchildren attend Kimberly schools
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for reelection because I’m a loyal supporter of public schools and plan to help make KASD an even better district. I’m committed to finding ways to provide a high-quality education to every child by striving to give them “what they need, when they need it.”
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
It’s been my privilege to be elected to serve our community on the board for 18 years. The learning curve is steep, so my reelection would provide stability and much-needed knowledge to navigate the current challenges we face. Our experienced school board has earned the community’s trust.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Our COVID-19 mitigation strategies are the main issue we have heard from residents. My responsibility is to listen, read and make decisions based on my values and the available information.
An issue we all need to be concerned about is the lack of funding for public education. Some difficult decisions face us in the next couple of years as we strive to improve as a district and determine how to attract and keep our best and brightest teachers.
While not as exciting as hot-button issues of the day, our main board work includes important and necessary budgeting, planning and policymaking.
Brian Regal
- Address: W2593 Colonial Court, Appleton
- Age: 41
- Occupation: Communications/electronics technician and EMT
- Highest level of education: Master’s of business administration in progress; bachelor’s of applied science in fire and emergency response management/leadership and organizational management from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- Facebook page:Brian Regal for the People
Why are you running for office?
It’s become increasingly apparent there’s been a shift away from traditional values and concepts. We need to ensure the Kimberly school district doesn’t drift too far and run aground from those values. I believe a Christian, conservative board voice is needed with servant leadership for our families and staff alike.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
As the only one in the picture with students enrolled in the district, I have a first-hand daily role and interest in the success of our students. As a veteran who has lived around the world, I have a unique perspective to view issues at a global reaching level.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
There have been a number of community members I’ve spoken to who are disenfranchised by 425 Washington St. and some school board members. We owe it to our community to resolve this.
I’d like to be that bastion students, staff and parents come to, devoid of reprisal or prejudice. We need to recognize there is more than one path after high school and coach them through the next steps appropriately.
We need to ensure that a traditional education, free from ideological biases, is what Kimberly is delivering to its customers. If customers aren’t pleased, ultimately they’ll vote with their feet.
Debbie Roberts
- Address: 313 Hidden Ridges Court, Combined Locks
- Age: 62
- Occupation: Local business owner – Floors by Roberts and real estate family partnerships
- Highest level of education: Accounting, real estate and finance from Fox Valley Technical College
- Facebook page: Debbie Roberts for Kimberly School Board
Relevant experience
- KASD Board of Education — 27 years of experience
- WASB Association — Board Development Level 5 Award
- Nine national and 20 state school board conferences
- Previous KASD committees: referendum, staff development, graduation requirements, long-term planning, teacher negotiation and finance
Why are you running for office?
I care about kids. I’ve enjoyed my time on the board and am proud of this district and its accomplishments. I want to be part of our continued efforts to move Kimberly from a good district to a great one. I welcome and appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
I have learned a great deal while serving on the board. This knowledge and experience qualifies me as an effective school board member. My background in accounting, finance and real estate is beneficial in my ability to serve. I believe that I can continue to make a difference.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Student needs are more complex than ever. We need to educate the whole child — inspire curiosity, foster communication, teach life skills, recognize and nurture talent — to set the foundation for learning. These skills empower students to be creative problem solvers prepared to achieve during uncertain and unpredictable times.
We need to recruit and retain innovative staff and provide them with the time, tools, professional development and comprehensive support as best we can.
While rising health care costs and declining enrollment are difficult to predict and control, we need to be good stewards of taxpayer money during times of budget uncertainty.
Reach AnnMarie Hilton at ahilton@gannett.com or 920-370-8045. Follow her on Twitter at @hilton_annmarie.
Leave a Reply