Grafton School Board Candidate Answers

Forward Ozaukee asked each candidate for the School Board to answer five questions. Here are the answers of those whom replied. April 4 is the election for the school board. YOU MAY VOTE FOR 3 CANDIDATES. The candidate information and answers have been listed in alphabetical order.  Joe Bichler provided his own biographical information and declined to answer any of our questions.

Joe Bichler
Personal information:
Family:  Spouse, Katherine Bichler   Children:  Torah (8), Josslyn (5), Briggs (3)
Number of years residing in the district:  Two years
Education: Bachelor of Science, Major:  Business Management
Profession:  Healthcare, Strategic Sourcing Director

Robert Mallon
Age: 39
Address: 1947 Valley Ct. Grafton
Previous Public Office: None
Community Involvement: Active volunteering through my Church, and at KES through PTG and available volunteer needs.
Contact Information: Robertamallon@gmail.com

Steve Nauta
Age - 50
Address 1650 South Pine St. Grafton, WI  53024
Previous Public Office - Grafton School board 2017-Present
Community Involvement - Grafton Lions board member, Grafton Leo's Advisor for Grafton High School, Grafton Park and Recreation Board Member, Active member at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton
Contact Information - (414) 791-7748 and Nauts79@gmail.com

Carrie Walls
Age: 46
Previous Public Office: Grafton School Board 9 years
Community Involvement: Leader in Boy Scout troop sponsored by American Legion, Board member of local church youth group, member Ozaukee women’s hockey league
Contact: cmwalls@live.com, (414)218-7701

1. Looking back, do you think our District handled COVID appropriately?  Please explain your reasoning.

Robert Mallon:  I am very happy with how the Grafton School District and the school board led through Covid. Given that there was no template or past decision making that could guide the district through the challenges they faced, their performance during the pandemic was exemplary. The district, as a whole, worked toward the development of a balanced policy and continually focused on the goal of returning to in-person learning as soon as safely possible.

Steve Nauta:  Yes.  Starting in March of 2020, Grafton was prepared to immediately transition to virtual learning for our students as we had previously committed to be a 1:1 district with chromebooks.  For the start of the 2020-21 school year, it was decided early that Grafton would have an in person 5 day a week option for our students.  Lastly, Grafton also made available on-site COVID testing to make it easy for students, staff, and family to be tested.

Carrie Walls:  Looking back on a situation like COVID, there are always things you wish you could change or do better. That being said, I am proud that Grafton was able to stay open during COVID, providing in-person learning to our students. This helped prevent learning loss and helped students continue to move forward and learn. I think the district generally tried to balance the needs of all students and provided options for families to make the right choice for their children. 

2. Statistics show educational achievement is on the decline in our country.  What do you think should be done to reverse this trend?

Robert Mallon:  I feel more advocacy for strong public schools needs to be addressed through clear involvement from the schools, parents, teachers, and the community. Sensible legislature that supports the equal voice of the parents, school administration, and community, that can drive positive change in academic performance, will be needed. Reemphasize how education and academic performance of the school district helps to reinforce community values. Finally, I believe that by providing educators with the tools, facilities, and professional development needed, within current and future budgets, we will see a positive outcome in academic achievement and outcomes.

Steve Nauta:  Grafton is providing teachers improved tools and data to better assist students and their needs, reviewing curriculum offerings at all levels, and incorporating new ways to engage and involve students to prepare them for success.  In addition, the district is committed to retaining and hiring the best staff available for our district.  Their is more work to be done but Grafton is proud of the growth that it has experienced.  This includes our Significantly Exceeds Expectations on the Wisconsin DPI school report card (83.4), being rated #12 in Wisconsin among all K-12 districts, and 97.7% of 2022 students taking one post-secondary experience at Grafton High School.

Carrie Walls:  Grafton schools are very focused on improving achievement. From the newly introduced English Language Arts curriculum in the elementary schools, to new classes and apprenticeships in the high school, Grafton is constantly striving to provide better instruction and opportunities. Data helps drive decisions and allows an objective way to monitor what is or is not working in helping students achieve.

3. Human Growth and Development curriculums are not required in Wisconsin.  Do you think our District should continue to have one and if so, what topics should it cover?

Robert Mallon: As a whole area of study, I believe that the curriculum needs to be re-assessed and structured in a fact-based biological, science supported approach. It should be upheld and administered with involvement from parents as well as teachers. In all areas of the curriculum, it should be administered to age-appropriate grade levels and in a manner that coincides with values and participation of parents and our community standards.

Steve Nauta:  I support the board approved curriculum which begins in 4th grade and continues into high school.  There is also an opt out option for families, if requested.  

Carrie Walls:  Human Growth and Development provides factual information for students in Grafton starting in the 4th grade. It covers subjects such as respecting yourself and others, how bodies change as a person grows, and basic anatomy. Parents always are given an opportunity to view lessons ahead of time and excuse their child from any or all portions. 

4. Do you think our District should inform and seek permission from parents to use names and/or pronouns contrary to a student’s biological sex?

Robert Mallon:  Yes, I feel that parents should be at the forefront of decision making in this matter. I feel that the district should strive to remain as neutral and respectful as possible toward the student body, while focusing on the task of educating of our children.

Steve Nauta:  I support our current process in which a student is referred to as what has been entered into Skyward.  The process to have this changed includes parent involvement.

Carrie Walls:  Grafton schools must follow the laws put forth by the state of Wisconsin and the federal government. Grafton employs a contractor (Neola) to help us keep our policies in step with current law. It is important for schools to work closely with individual families to ensure children are succeeding and having their socio-emotional needs met while at school

5. Do you support a paid position for a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our school district?  Please explain your reasoning.

Robert Mallon:  Currently, I do not believe this to be a necessary position for our district. I feel that as part of a commitment from our board, administrative staff and teachers, the principles of diversity and inclusion are well demonstrated and are already at the forefront of every current initiative and policy. If and when the community believes this to be a valuable addition to our FTE roles within the district, it should be brought into consideration. As our community grows and changes, and as budget will dictate, it may be an area of growing focus.

Steve Nauta:  Due to the current challenges in school funding, I would not recommend this additional administration add to the school budget.   

Carrie Walls:  I do not support a paid position for Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Grafton is a small school district with a small administration, including a Director of Pupil Services. This allows the most money possible to be used directly for the benefit of students.