Three candidates seek spot on L-C School Board

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor-in-chief

LUXEMBURG – Three candidates are seeking a spot on the Luxemburg-Casco School Board of Education during the April spring election, with two open seats on the ballot.

David Delain (Incumbent)

Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:

I am running for re-election to the Luxemburg-Casco School Board because I believe I have much to offer to the community, district and other board members. I have been on the board for 15 years and currently am the clerk. I was born and raised in the district, graduated from UW-Oshkosh, spent four years in the Navy, taught school in Denmark for 4 years, and own my insurance agency since 1982. I believe the role of the school board is to oversee the operations of the district and support the administration in their daily operations without micro-managing the administration. That does not mean being a rubber stamp and I have questioned the administration’s decisions and recommendations in the past. However, the Board is made up of seven members and no one member can act or speak for the Board.

What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:

Developments to achieve during the upcoming term would be to help get the district in a better financial position. Due to inflation outstripping the financial aid received from the state and state mandated spending limits, the only way the district can continue providing the quality education the district is known for is to pass an operating referendum. My background can help make good financial decisions for the district.

What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:

Getting the community involved in decision making processes can be difficult. One thing is to encourage the community to attend board meetings or to contact the school and the Board regarding concerns. I have been, and will continue to be, available to be reached by phone, texts and emails. It is important for the public and employees to be able to communicate with their representatives.

Thomas Giachino

Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:

I was born in Iron Mountain, MI, and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1981. My college degree, a double major of physical education/adaptive physical education/special education, was earned at Northern Michigan University from which I graduated in May of 1986. I was hired by the Luxemburg-Casco School District as a teacher of students with special needs in July of 1986. I remained in this position for 34 years, retiring in June of 2020. During my tenure at Luxemburg-Casco, I coached football, baseball, softball and was also a Key Club advisor. Throughout my educational career I was responsible for the organization of curriculum for the special needs students, distribution of budgeted money, and direct communication with fellow staff and student parents. I believe my experience working directly within the school system and the duties I performed therein are reasons which qualify me as a school board candidate.

What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:

I feel at the present time and beyond, our district needs to make informed, relevant and far reaching decisions regarding the funds available and services offered. I will focus on the district as a whole with my main emphasis being retaining and rewarding all individuals employed by the district who allow us to offer the stellar education and extracurriculars we do.

What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:

I currently and have always lived in the district. I am a physical presence in the district and the communities which make it up. I will be easily contacted and approached. I know all school board members have their contact information posted on the school website. I would welcome conversation conducted in a professional manner  from individuals in the district. I want to be a physical presence in our school buildings and to attend as many extracurricular activities as possible. This will give me the opportunity to talk to our communities and also the employees of the district.

Robin Richard

Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:

I am a Luxemburg-Casco graduate, I have a degree in aeronautic pilot training from Fox Valley Technical College and am on the advisory committee board for the Fox Valley Tech aviation training program. I am a captain for a large corporate flight department and a real estate development business owner. I have experience in both education and building construction and management.

What developments would you like to see the county make over the upcoming term:

I feel that the district is currently doing a great job with their education responsibilities. This is shown in several test and studies. I feel that they could do much better with their financial planning, building maintenance and budgeting and long term decision making.

What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:

You can follow my campaign or direct any questions to Robin Richard for LC School Board.