The School District of Howards Grove will be holding a primary election for two school board seats on Tuesday, February 20th to narrow the declared candidate field from 6 candidates to 4 candidates. The general election is then held on Tuesday, April 2nd, to select 2 final candidates to serve on the School Board.
This is the first time since 1995 that the district has been required to hold a primary election. To help our residents make their choices, I have asked each candidate to provide a brief introduction of themselves and their reasons for running for the School Board.
Here are the names and introductions of the declared candidates in the order they will appear on the ballot, which was randomly selected earlier this month, by Board Clerk, Al Meyer.
Debbie Knoener
“I am the Little Guy… FOR YOUR VOICE” and I am seeking Your Vote Of Confidence in the School Board Primary Election on February 20th and the General Elections on April 2nd. I believe in transparency, problem solving and The School District and Community of Howards Grove! Let me introduce myself…
I am a Born Again, Baptized Christian at Word Of Grace who Proudly Proclaims that GOD IS GOOD! My Husband Steve and I are both graduates of Howards Grove in the class of 1974. We have raised Our Children, Craig, wife Lana (1994) and Shannon, Husband Mike (1995) in this District and Steve and I are also the Proud Grandparents of Maddie (2020), Mya (2026) and Shawn (2027) plus Sommer and Auggie being raised in Kaukauna. We had owned and operated So Big Preschool and Children’s House, Inc. for just under 30 years in Howards Grove with a vested interest in The Friends we had the honor of also helping to raise knowing that Honor and Respect are necessary in Raising Responsible Future Adults.
I am dyslexic and understand the needs of “Children of Special Abilities” as I have been academically challenged throughout life… so Your Concerns Will Be My Concerns. I hold an Administrator’s Credential In Early Childhood and I am proud of the fact that I have received that hard earned education, which I feel, would help me in a position on the School Board. Being recently retired and becoming a Volunteer with the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in their program called N.O.D.A. (No One Dies Alone) I treasure life. Our newest member of the Family, Itty Bitty (pictured) is being raised to be a Service Dog in Our Community and Theirs. Again, THANK YOU and I will proudly Represent You on the School Board when I’m elected… Debbie
Nicole Schumacher
My name is Nicole Schumacher, and I am excited to be running for a position on the school board in spring 2024. I have lived in the Howards Grove area since 2005, and have two children (one graduated, one currently a senior in the district). I have been an advisory board member the last six months, which has given me insight into the way the board functions. I enjoy attending events in the district, and would like to bring my background and experience as an educator to increase the diversity and effectiveness of the board.
This district has much to offer, and can continue to build on the great work already done. In addition to assisting and supporting the district in being financially responsible throughout the process from the referendum, my priorities are the following:
I would make sure enough support is in place to allow students to achieve to the best of their abilities.
Attract and retain quality staff
In order for the Howards Grove School District to be a destination district for families, it needs to attract and retain quality staff members at all levels. Currently in Wisconsin there are more vacancies than candidates, so anything the district can do to set itself apart from and above other districts would be beneficial.
Make sure all students are college and career ready and build relationships with area businesses to encourage partnerships with the district
By combining school support and qualified staff, and adding the component of community support, our students will be prepared for whatever their future holds-1, 2, or 4 years or more college, the military, or the workforce.
Brandon Suemnicht
My name is Brandon Suemnicht, and I would like to introduce myself as a candidate for the Howards Grove School District School Board. Although my family and I are newer to the community, having moved here with my wife, Brittany in the fall of 2021, I have been involved in coaching the students of Howards Grove, both as a youth football coach, and a JV2/JV Boys Basketball Coach at the high school since 2020. Professionally, I have been employed in the banking and financial industries for 15 years, and currently work as an Account Director for an Accounting Firm in Northeastern WI. I have also dedicated myself to causes I am passionate about, including being on the board for the Sheboygan Falls and Sheboygan County YMCA for the past 10 years, a member of the Lion’s Club, and a member of the Howards Grove Athletic Club.
Through my experience to date coaching at the youth and high school level, I am passionate about student well-being in and out of the classroom and want to ensure there are programs instilled within the district that address mental health and a zero tolerance initiative for bullying as all students should be treated as equals amongst their peers.
As a new parent, welcoming our first child in December of 2022, I am excited to raise our son in Howards Grove. A couple of things that drew us to the community are the tight-knit, wholesome family feel and high-quality curriculum that is presented throughout the district. With our son starting school in just a few short years, it was important to be in a district that makes education the highest priority for its students.
My goal is to bring a fresh perspective and innovative, fiscally responsible ideas to our district. I believe having some new eyes and ears on our school board is crucial, as we have some incredible changes coming soon to our district. If elected I will continue to keep a student first mindset for overall well-being and work amongst my peers to bring world class education opportunities to those students within the district. I appreciate your consideration and welcome any feedback or conversation with my fellow community members.
Courtney Athorp
Hello, my name is Courtney Athorp and I would love for you to cast your vote for me in the upcoming School Board Primary election on February 20, 2024. It would be a great honor and a privilege to continue serving the Howards Grove community as a school board member. Not only has it been a wonderful place to live, but a blessed place to raise a family. Howards Grove has given both my daughter, Mary Athorp (2023) and my son, John Athorp (2026), a wonderful and caring place to grow-up and opportunities to stretch their minds, talents, and aspirations.
I have been part of the education field for almost 25 years (teacher, coach, administrator, advisor) because I believe that the time invested in our youth helps develop a stronger future for all. I deeply enjoyed my time in the district as an eighth grade teacher (6 yrs), coach (10 yrs) and summer school coordinator (3 yrs). While my professional aspirations took me to another district, the opportunity to be on the school board would allow me to continue to help my hometown district grow and prosper.
It takes a village to create a culture for positive student growth, and the school district and the school board play a large role in developing that culture, particularly in creating knowledgeable and informed citizens. I don’t come to this position with a personal agenda, but rather an open mind and a listening ear to the community of Howards Grove, so that we can work together to create strong and successful people that will make a difference in this world. I have held this belief as a teacher and coach, and I would continue to do this as a Howards Grove School Board member.
My current role as a Data and Instructional Coach in the Sheboygan Area School District has trained me to evaluate and improve school data outcomes, curriculum implementation and instructional practices. These three components are the heart of quality schools. Unfortunately, the budget and size of the Howards Grove School District do not allow for such a position to exist, and yet it is vital to improving student success. Therefore, as a board member, I would enjoy offering those insights to help the Howards Grove School District grow in its ability to offer students the best possible academic experience and success.
I believe that I am the most qualified candidate for this position, but more importantly, my years as a teacher have taught me that the education of a child is a result of the collaboration and cooperation of the student, the parents, the school and the community. I would be honored to work on this collaborative team as a Howards Grove School Board member.
Dave Loomis
Hello! My name is Dave Loomis. My family and I moved to the area in 2015, and were immediately attracted to Howards Grove due to the people we met, the safety of the community and the quality education available to our three children. I have been a part of the school board since September of 2019. During my tenure on the board we have increased communication, continued to maintain a high quality of education, navigated a pandemic and changes in district leadership, and are currently in the midst of the Middle School referendum project.
I have chosen to seek another term in order to continue the work I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. With your support, I am looking forward to completing the referendum projects, continuing our work around solidifying Howards Grove as a destination district and expanding the programs that will enable our graduates to transition to the next stage of life whether that is to continue their formal education or heading directly into the workforce.
Thank you for your continued support of the work we do as the Board of Education.
Janina Siemers
Hello, my name is Janina Siemers, and I formally announce my re-election campaign for a third term on the Board of Education for the School District of Howards Grove. The last 5 1/2 years have gone by quickly and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve our students, families, staff, and community.
I am not running out of personal ambition but out of deep commitment to our community and the educational future of our district. My husband and I are invested in the community that we live in. We are proud of the education that our children received, and the current students are receiving in the SDHG. We know that our children have had unique, and individualized opportunities simply because they were students in the SDHG.
I have been able to participate in our schools from many different levels and believe I am uniquely qualified to serve our community now and in the future. I am committed to our students and continuing to build the excellence that is the foundation of our district. I am dedicated to collaborating with you as we pursue an even brighter future for all the students in our community and have the opportunity to see the exciting Middle School Referendum Building come to life.