Post Messenger Recorder -

Marian Viney

Age: 58

Occupation: Public Relations Coordinator, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

Years lived in district: 29

Incumbent? Yes.

Have you been on the school board or held any other public offices before? If so please describe: Yes. I have served on the school board and as clerk since 2013. I have served on many district committees and currently serve on the compensation, communications, Wall of Fame, and policy committees.

I also serve on the CESA 2 Board of Control, served as treasurer and on the personnel, finance, and policy committees; and as the CESA 2 delegate.

Member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, preschool-kindergarten teacher, 30+ years, one term on church council; WASB Resolutions Committee, two years; member of the KIWANIS Club of Belleville; Belleville Parent-Teacher Organization; Key Communicators; Belleville Community Health Improvement Project, board member; deliver meals for the RSVP Program at the Sugar River Senior Center; interim president/board member of the Friends of the Belleville Public Library; volunteer judge for the FFA Food for America Program; reviewer for Herb Kohl Scholarships; member of Dane County Dairy Promotion Committee; member of the Relay for Life of Green County; organizer and former leader of Toddler Time; former member of 4-H Belleville Busy Beavers; former Cub Scout leader; former co-organizer of kids' games for Belleville Community Picnic and UFO Day; freelance writer/editor/photographer for local publications.

Why are you running for school board? It takes a village! Great schools make a great community! Due to growth in Belleville, the school district will have to address student population and space needs and because of the pandemic, the district needs to address student learning gaps and mental health needs. School funding is always a challenge and the board and administrators need to address staff retention and recruitment, building and property maintenance while working with budget constraints. With a constructive exchange of ideas, district leadership can focus on providing a safe place for quality education that offers students educational opportunities, activities, and athletics. With nine years of School Board, CESA 2 Board, career experience and knowledge of the district and community, I can provide a knowledge-based and historic perspective.

What issues do you find most important to the school board? How would you handle these issues? One of the school board's collective commitments and district goal focuses on academic achievement. District leadership have set goals and targets to: increase achievements and promote excellence; promote student well-being; evaluate teaching practices to ensure students' needs are met and align with staff professional development; use of evidence, evaluation to monitor achievements; build relationships with educational entities and businesses to increase opportunities for student learning and success; continue to build on the 'exceeds expectations' ranking; celebrate our successes, for example, Level 1 Pacesetter status; LifeSmarts, Academic Bowl, Science Olympiad, and math team successes; athletic teams successes; donations from businesses and district residents; and other recognitions. The district's other two goals include communication and community engagement and fiscal responsibility. The administrative team has created a key communicators group to increase and improve communication with stakeholders and to gather feedback and help in the decision-making and planning processes. Board members also welcome stakeholders to discuss topics prior to board meetings. As far as fiscal responsibility, the district is working to reduce expenses and maximize resources while working to find sustainable revenue sources. We will need to continue working collaboratively.

Any additional comments? Serving on the school board has been a privilege and an honor. As a school district, we have accomplished remarkable things while working and building relationships with the businesses and the community. I'm excited to continue working on behalf of our students, families, staff, administrators, and the community, to fulfil our mission of providing all student with quality, personalized learning that prepares students and their families to meet challenges and opportunities.