Please note: The candidates are listed below in the order they appear on the ballot. The responses provided have not been edited or fact-checked and are presented exactly as submitted by each candidate.
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Rachel Scherrer
Rachelscherrer6@gmail.com
Why are you seeking election to the Whitnall School Board?
After three successful years on the Whitnall School Board, I am seeking re-election to continue contributing to a district that prioritizes students, supports educators, and values thoughtful leadership. I am proud of the progress made and remain committed to helping Whitnall to continue moving forward as a great place to learn and to work.
What experience do you have that you believe will make you an effective board member?
My experience as a current board member, combined with my professional background in public education and leadership, positions me to be an effective, informed, and experienced board member for the district. During my time on the board, I have gained firsthand experience with district governance, budgeting, policy development, and long-term planning. Professionally, I bring a broad understanding of curriculum, literacy, and continuous improvement, which helps me thoughtfully consider how board decisions impact classrooms and staff. I approach board work with a focus on collaboration, transparency, and listening carefully to multiple perspectives, always keeping students at the center of decision-making.
What personal connection/history do you have with the Whitnall School District?
I have a strong personal connection to the Whitnall School District as both a resident and a parent. I have lived in the district for over nine years, and my family has been deeply involved in the schools. One daughter graduated last year, another will graduate this year, and I currently have a child attending the middle school. My children have been active in academics, the arts, athletics, and dance, which has given me a well-rounded and very personal view of the student experience in Whitnall. I also previously worked in the district as an instructional and literacy coach, which provided valuable insight into the district’s instructional strengths and culture. Together, these experiences give me a deep appreciation for the Whitnall community and a strong commitment to its continued success.
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Don Geiger
Don.geiger6426@gmail.com
Why are you seeking election to the Whitnall School Board?
My entire 34 year professional career was in the the field of education. Now that I'm retired, I would like to share my relevant experiences with a school district in which I reside.
What experience do you have that you believe will make you an effective board member?
As stated in the previous question, I spent my entire professional career in education. Initially, I taught high school special education for 3 years before accepting a position with the Wisconsin Technical College System-specifically with Lakeshore Technical College. During my 30+ years with LTC I held numerous positions with the majority of those years spent as a counselor/advisor working directly with new and returning students to help them achieve their educational goals. I also was involved in contract negotiations both from the employee side as well as the employer side (I served as Student Services Director for 3.5 years) during my tenure at the college. I have a younger brother who is currently a principal at a public elementary school in southern Wisconsin as well as my stepdaughter who is currently working as a full day kindergarten teacher at a local public elementary school. I have always tried to keep informed of current state and local educational issues through direct discussions with both of them as well as keeping up with local press coverage of educational topics.
What personal connection/history do you have with the Whitnall School District?
I moved to the Franklin area over 10 years ago and had the opportunity to see both my stepson and stepdaughter finish their elementary, middle, and high school education through the Whitnall School District. I was impressed by both the educational and extra-curricular experiences they both had during their time at all three Whitnall schools.
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Jesse Stachowiak
Jstachowiak32@gmail.com
Why are you seeking election to the Whitnall School Board?
My initial reason has always been to have a greater involvement in shaping my children’s educational future. I am also seeking re-election to continue working on the initiatives the district has in place. Oversight is needed to make sure the Referendum we have in place stays on time and on budget. I would also like to ensure the Strategic plan that was just implemented, keeps a strong trajectory heading into the next 4 ½ years.
What experience do you have that you believe will make you an effective board member?
I have been an active board member for the past 6 years. I am the current Board President and have previously held the role of Treasurer. I have comprehensive knowledge of the district’s budget and operations. I avoid personal bias when making decisions and make sure to weigh all the information before deciding what I feel is in the best interest for the areas it affects.
What personal connection/history do you have with the Whitnall School District?
I am a Whitnall Graduate. I enjoyed the opportunities afforded to me during my time, which ultimately led to me moving back to the district with my wife and children as they approached school age. I also actively participate in the WMS PTO, have coached youth sports and enjoy volunteering my time for these groups.
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Cassie Rainer
Rainerforwhitnall@gmail.com
Why are you seeking election to the Whitnall School Board?
I am seeking re-election to the Whitnall School Board because I am highly invested in Whitnall’s success and proud of the work of my first term. I bring a laser-focused commitment to offering high-quality educational opportunities that lead to excellent results and close achievement gaps. I am proud of Whitnall’s legacy of responsible financial stewardship and will continue to deliver a return-on-investment to the community. In my first term on the Whitnall School Board, the school district has seen tangible growth and progress, and I want to continue to serve my community by building on that growth. Community trust in the board is renewed and stronger than ever, staff satisfaction continues to rise, and our district’s student growth score surpasses that of 90% of other districts statewide. I am proud of Whitnall and proud of my record.
What experience do you have that you believe will make you an effective board member?
I am a proven and highly qualified leader, educator, and collaborator. In my time on the board, I have served as Board President, Board Vice President, and Board Treasurer. As Board President, I prioritized board development and collaboration and steadied the board during a time of transition, leading the successful onboarding of Whitnall’s new superintendent. As Board Treasurer, I am proud of Whitnall’s legacy of responsible fiscal stewardship. I bring experience in public education and business leadership, and I will continue to lead with visionary thinking and strategic mindset. In my current “day job” I am a Global Leader for a Fortune 500 corporation, leading the leadership and professional development strategy for 90,000 employees worldwide; in this role I am accountable every day for results, budget, and culture, and I bring this same accountability to my role on the Whitnall School Board. I am a volunteer and extremely involved parent and community member, providing me a network and insights to ensure that I am representing a wide range of perspectives as I serve this community. Cassie Rainer gets results for Whitnall!
What personal connection/history do you have with the Whitnall School District?
I am a Hales Corners homeowner and Mom of two Whitnall students. I am an active member of the Hales Corners Elementary PTO, a volunteer in our schools and throughout our community. We have our very energetic boys involved in many local youth clubs, including Whitnall Youth Football, Whitnall Youth Basketball, Whitnall Youth Baseball, and instrumental music through our schools. I was even the head lifeguard at Hales Corners Pool once upon a time! We have firmly planted our roots here and are involved, engaged stakeholders in this community. I will continue to work hard to make sure Whitnall is the most attractive district in our area, and beyond. Re-elect Cassie Rainer to Whitnall School Board!
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Joseph D. Hurkman
Hurkman23@gmail.com
Why are you seeking election to the Whitnall School Board?
I am seeking election because I believe I would be an asset to the board. I'm also running to focus on policies that make the children feel safe in their learning environment and that they get the best education we can provide at all levels. Were we help kids that may be struggling and we opportunities for the kids that aren't sufficiently challenged by the regular curriculum.
What experience do you have that you believe will make you an effective board member?
As a maintenance manager for several years dealing with capital projects, project management, and planning I believe I would be an asset to the board in regards to the continuing work of the referendum.
What personal connection/history do you have with the Whitnall School District?
My wife and I moved to the district to start a family in part because of the reputation of the Whitnall School District
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