Douglas County voters elect mix of newcomers, incumbents to school boards

Apr. 4—SUPERIOR — In contested school board races Tuesday, April 2, Laura Gapske, Sara Shubert McKone and Nicholas Olson were elected to the Superior School Board in a six-candidate race, and voters in the Maple School District elected Steve Probst and incumbent Adam Landwehr to serve on the school board.

For Olson and Gapske, it's a return to the board. Olson was appointed to the board in September to serve the remainder of Steve Stupak's term following his resignation. One of the big things he would like to accomplish is to create a more proactive environment.

"It seems the last few years, we are always reacting to situations and being put in crisis mode," Olson said. "I know that some of these things were unavoidable, but I believe that we can take a more strategic approach and play offense rather than always playing defense."

He also wants to tackle standards-based grading.

"It simply is not working and something needs to change," Olson said.

Gapske served for six years on the Superior board, from 2017-2023. Her top goals include meeting with administrative staff to learn more about the fiscal situation and working with current board members.

"As a returning board member, it will be a priority to learn how to best interact with the other board members to collaborate on solutions. I'd like to hear what their ideas are to preserve our students' education and the district's future," Gapske said.

She also plans to organize tangible ways for folks to take action.

"We need to rally together as supporters of public schools. I am looking forward to focusing on being a part of the solution to stop detrimental cuts in education," Gapske said.

Schubert McKone posted a thank-you to voters and those involved in the campaign on her Facebook page. She congratulated Gapske and Olson, and recognized the three other candidates.

"We all ran successful campaigns without hate or drama and kept our focus where it mattered," Schubert McKone said in her post.

In the Maple School District, newcomer Probst will join the board. He plans to be all ears.

"I'm just out to do the right thing for the school district," Probst said. "I want to hear from the people, listen to the teachers, listen to the administration. I'll be doing a lot of listening in the next six months."

Also returning will be Landwehr, who has served two terms on the board and currently serves as treasurer. He thanked voters in a post on his Facebook page.

"I appreciate your support if you gave it, and look forward to the next three years of continuing to do the best for our kids and the communities in our district," Landwehr wrote.

In the School District of Solon Springs, incumbents Bradford Hunter and Jason Clifton were reelected to the board. Clifton received 309 votes and Hunter received 303. There were three write-ins.

According to unofficial results in contested local races, voters cast their ballots as follows:

Maple School Board (2)

Chris Schultz, 789

Steve Probst, 969

Adam Landwehr, 901

Superior School Board (3)

Laura Gapske, 3,368

Emma Sventek, 1,852

Nicholas Olson, 2,572

Sara Snow White, 1,183

Sara Schubert McKone, 2,579

Shelly Moen, 2,269

Solon Springs School Board (2)

Bradford Hunter, 303

Jason Clifton, 309