Meet the 5 candidates running for Wisconsin Rapids School Board in the April 2 election
Incumbents John Benbow Jr. and Katie Bielski-Medina will face challengers Christopher Inda, Craig Manka and Elizabeth St.Myers for three seats on the Wisconsin Rapids School Board in the April 2 election. Current board member Larry Davis is not seeking reelection.
School Board members serve three-year terms. Three of the seven seats on the School Board are up for election this spring.
To learn more about registering to vote and to find your polling place, visit My Vote Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune asked each of the candidates to address important issues in the School District and why they are running for the position.
John Benbow Jr.
Age: 63
Residence: Town of Grand RapidsOccupation and education: Retired manager; bachelor's degree in business administration with minor in marketing
Relevant experience: Fifteen years on School Board and 50 years of retail, business and management experience
Katie Bielski-Medina
Residence: Wisconsin Rapids
Occupation and education: Retired English Language Learning instructor at Mid-State Technical College (28 years); bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, master's degree from UW-Stevens Point in human and community resources with a specialization in adult education
Relevant experience: 28 years in adult education, 22 years at Park Institute of Taekwondo as a black-belt instructor (currently Master 6th degree black belt), one year as a Spanish instructor at Lincoln High School
Christopher Inda
Age: 38
Residence: Wisconsin Rapids
Occupation and education: Real estate agent; Adams-Friendship High School graduate and Mid-State Technical College associate degree
Relevant experience: With eight years of public service as a Realtor, I understand the dynamics of our community intimately. My involvement in various educational programs, such as Rotary Student Scholarships and the Incourage Community Foundation's Teen Leadership Program, reflects my dedication to youth development. Additionally, serving on the Council for Instructional Improvement with WRPS and as a member of the Grant Elementary Parent Advisory Group, I've actively contributed to educational initiatives. Recognized as the Wisconsin Rapids Elks Lodge No. 693 Citizen of the Year in 2023, my commitment to community service and advocacy underscores my suitability for the School Board candidacy.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Christopher Inda for School Board on Facebook
Craig Manka
Age: 54
Residence: Wisconsin Rapids
Occupation and education: Credentialed regional property manager
Relevant experience: President of the Wood County Policy Council for Head Start. Licensed foster parent for Wood County; have taken numerous continuing educational courses to maintain my license focusing on mental health and special needs. Regional property manager for senior and family housing across central Wisconsin responsible for ensuring all municipal, HUD and WHEDA regulations are followed. Responsible for contracting all relevant facility services, creating and maintaining budgets exceeding the million-dollar range and reviewing the financials on a weekly basis to ensure we are meeting our fiduciary responsibility and staying on budget. Past board member of the Lake Camelot Property Owners Association in Rome; I was the key person in restructuring the governing documents for the 2000-plus member association after it was judicially dissolved.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Wrps Craig Manka on Facebook
Elizabeth St.Myers
Age: 39
Residence: Wisconsin Rapids
Occupation and education: Travel agent; Mid-State Technical College
Relevant experience: In 2009, when my oldest child started preschool, I started paying closer attention to the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools system to stay informed and to see how I could best support my children in their education. As a result, I became actively involved in both parent-teacher groups at the elementary schools my children attended. During my time on those PTCs, I planned various family-friendly events, coordinated fundraisers to support student needs, chaired the Scholastic Book Fair, and volunteered at many school functions and activities. Currently, I serve on the McMillan Memorial Library Board and the Boys and Girls Club Board.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Elizabeth St.Myers for WRPS School Board on Facebook
Why are you running for a seat on the School Board?
Benbow: I am running for the board to continue being an advocate for public education and WRPS. I was a graduate from Lincoln High School along with my wife and two children. I believe in public education and want to continue giving back to my hometown community. I want to continue to showcase all of the great things going on in our public schools.
Bielski-Medina: I am an incumbent, so I am running because I am willing to continue serving my community as a member of the WRPS School Board.
Inda: I'm running for the School Board because I'm deeply committed to ensuring the best education for all students. With a background in education advocacy and community involvement, I believe in addressing challenges like declining academic outcomes and promoting transparency. I'm dedicated to being a voice for positive change, working with parents, teachers, and the community to create a school system that prioritizes student success.
Manka: We live in a great community, and I want to be part of helping it continue to grow and be a place that families are proud to call home while ensuring that our kids get a great education and learn the necessary life skills to become successful as adults. I have two young sons in the district so this is extremely important to me too. I have always been a champion and strong advocate for children and firmly believe in my motto of "Kids First."
St.Myers: WRPS requires dedicated advocates for public education. Even though my children have transitioned to the middle and high schools, I have remained committed to staying involved in the Wisconsin Rapids Public School System. I keep myself updated by watching School Board meetings, attending curriculum viewings, and supporting my children in their academic pursuits. I strongly believe that it is time for me to take the next step and bring my experience and perspective to the board.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Benbow: I believe in public education and fully support fair funding for WRPS from the state. I have 15 years of board experience and have attended multiple seminars to increase knowledge of public education. I have coached youth sports and I am a WIAA official.
Bielski-Medina: I have been involved in education my whole life. I have extensive experience having served on the School Board for the past 16 years. I currently serve as the chairperson of the Educational Services Committee. I am also a member of the Business Services Committee, the District Council for Instructional Improvement, the District Wellness Committee, and the Alumni Wall of Fame selection committee. My fellow board members have elected me to serve as the treasurer of the board for the past several years.
Inda: I am the better candidate because of my deep commitment to education, extensive community involvement, and passion for positive change. With a background in education advocacy, volunteer work with various programs, and a strong understanding of the issues facing our schools, I am dedicated to improving academic outcomes, promoting transparency, and advocating for the needs of students, teachers, and families. My unique perspective as a parent with children in the School District sets me apart, ensuring that I fully understand the challenges and priorities of our students and families, a perspective currently absent among the board members.
Manka: My entire career has revolved around families with children. Having been in the senior and family housing industry as long as I have, I have learned that it is important to listen to all sides of an issue in order to make an informed decision. I bring to the board experience working with children, the ability to properly read financial statements and create accurate budgets. I have a strong background in facility management and creating requests for proposals to make sure that WRPS is getting the most accurate information and pricing on contracts.
St.Myers: I have had the privilege of being a parent at Howe Elementary, Washington Elementary, Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School, Central Oaks, and currently at Lincoln High School. Additionally, I have worked as a special education aide for three years. Given my diverse experience as a parent of two current WRPS students and a community volunteer, I am confident that I can bring a well-rounded perspective to the WRPS Board of Education.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Benbow: Property taxes and school safety are the topics most asked about. WRPS as been on top of school safety and every building has a secured entrance. Taxpayers need to know that they are paying over $3.5 million to support the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, or vouchers. Yes, WRPS taxpayers are paying this $3.5 million on their local property tax bill. The district has to levy this amount before the district budget is added in. We are paying for tuition at private schools.
Bielski-Medina: Residents have not recently contacted me much, but I personally have a concern about taxpayer dollars being spent to promote and support parochial/private education. It’s not that I don’t believe in private education, but I believe taxpayer money should be used for public education. We need to continue to hold our Wisconsin legislators accountable for the damage they are doing to the students who rely on us to provide the best education we can. At the very least, private schools should be held to the same rigor of accountability as the public schools.
Inda: Residents have expressed concerns about the need for more focus on curriculum and academics, as well as ensuring fiscal responsibility. As a candidate, I am committed to addressing these issues by advocating for initiatives that prioritize academic excellence and transparency. I will work to strengthen curriculum standards, provide resources for student success, and promote accountability in spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. By listening to the concerns of residents and collaborating with stakeholders, I will strive to implement solutions that benefit our students, support our educators, and uphold the trust of taxpayers.
Manka: The most important recurring issue I am hearing is that we need to make sure that our kids have a safe environment so that they can focus on learning. Communication is key and most problems can be resolved by making sure that everyone is communicating effectively. I have had individuals tell me that they do not feel heard when they have a concern. It's one thing to discuss a matter, but we need to make sure that we are truly listening to what the issue is and coming up with viable solutions to the problem.
St.Myers: A concern I hear is that we must equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their future. The elementary and middle schools are laying the foundation for students to be successful in high school and beyond, regardless of whether they choose to enter the workforce, attend a technical college or enroll in a four-year university. WRPS offers advanced standing and dual-credit classes, as well as job shadowing and workforce opportunities. I am committed to ensuring that we provide current and relevant courses and curriculum that will best prepare our students for their future endeavors.
Residents often talk about academic challenges in the School District. If elected, how will you work to improve academic performance in Wisconsin Rapids schools?
Benbow: Academic challenges have many issues − state and federal mandates, state and federal laws and DPI standards and, most importantly, funding. WRPS has been doing what is in the best interest of students since before I was on the board. Public schools take in all students and their needs are dynamic. Voucher schools get public money yet they do not have to follow mandates and testing, and they toss low-performing students back to public schools. WRPS applies for many grants for funding. I would work with Madison to get the necessary funding for programs needed to improve performance.
Bielski-Medina: There was a lot of ground to be made up after the pandemic because of the lack of contact between educators and students. Our district received funding which allowed us to focus on the needs of all students. Besides obtaining software and other programs designed to help students, most importantly, we were able to hire extra staff to reduce class sizes. Although we still have work to do, our students continue to improve. I am very proud of our district administrators who so diligently came up with ways to best use the money we were allocated to improve student performance.
Inda: If elected, I will prioritize improving academic performance by implementing targeted interventions, enhancing curriculum standards, and providing additional support for teachers and students. I will collaborate with educators, parents, and community stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based strategies to address them. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, I am dedicated to ensuring that all students in Wisconsin Rapids schools have the resources and support they need to succeed academically.
Manka: I would focus on ensuring that our kids have the resources available to help them when they struggle in specific areas. In my experience working with children, I find that many times kids are too embarrassed to reach out for help due to peer pressure or other outside influences causing a downward spiral making it difficult for them to catch up. Giving staff the tools they need to help identify deficiencies is key. We need to make sure that systems are in place to help correct these issues so that kids get the education they need to be successful.
St.Myers: When looking at the DPI report cards, we can see that WRPS shows measured growth. Our students are progressing in their learning. As a school district, we must provide quality curriculum and instruction in the classroom. Parents can also support their children's learning at home through various activities, including reading with them, practicing fractions by baking together, reviewing math facts, listening to audiobooks, and quizzing them before tests. By working together, we can continue to see academic growth in our students.
The School District is seeking a new superintendent. What characteristics and qualities do you think are most important in a candidate to fill this position?
Benbow: The characteristics and qualities will be similar to what were used in the hiring of Mr. Broeren: dynamic, involved in the community, visible in the community, the spokesperson of the district, advocate for public education and WRPS. I was on the board when Mr. Broeren was hired and we have a very good superintendent interview process that we conduct in-house using Wisconsin Association of School Boards information. The board is saving taxpayers the cost of hiring a consultant in the range of $12,000 to $20,000 to conduct the new superintendent search.
Bielski-Medina: We will be hosting focus group sessions to obtain feedback from community stakeholders who wish their opinions to be heard in reference to the superintendent search. The School Board will review the data obtained and consider it when interviewing potential candidates. I am hoping to find a candidate who is already or will be dedicated to become an integral part of our community. Our superintendent must be focused on doing what is best for students. This person must have the character and integrity to make difficult decisions and stand by them. Willingness to be available to our community is extremely important.
Inda: The most crucial qualities for a new superintendent include strong collaboration skills to navigate differing opinions and create consensus. They must foster an environment where all voices are heard and respected, making others feel comfortable to express their views openly. A candidate who prioritizes inclusivity, empathy, and effective communication will promote a positive and productive work environment, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to the district's success. With a strong belief in the importance of curriculum focus, they will drive initiatives to enhance academic standards and student achievement.
Manka: Open-minded and willing to listen in order to make informed decisions. The ability to communicate effectively is extremely important.
St.Myers: Our new superintendent will not only lead WRPS but also represent it in our community. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills, be a strong advocate for our schools, approachable, and capable of listening to staff, parent, and community concerns. They should also be able to share relevant information with the community. It is critical to select the best candidate who can continue to take WRPS forward, build strong relationships with the community, and provide advocacy for public education.
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Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Reach him at epfantz@gannett.com or connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) @ErikPfantz.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: April 2024 election: Wisconsin Rapids School Board candidates
