Meet the School Board Candidate: Sheri Bickmeyer

 candidate Sheri Bickmeyer is running for one of two open slots on the board because she wants to represent parents with children in the district. 

The people who are currently serving on the board of education are graduates of the district, or former teachers or have family members who are currently employed by the district—but none have children who are enrolled, although some have grandchildren who attend district schools. 

Bickmeyer, 45, has raised concerns on her campaign Facebook page about the district's use of standards-based grading, expressing frustration at the inconsistencies in grading among her son's teachers.

She said her boys don't know how to achieve the highest grade, a "4" rating, and many parents are unclear as well. 

Bickmeyer will face incumbent Tim Bekebrede and newcomer Marita Malone. Read Bekebrede's profile . Read Malone's profile . 

PERSONAL INFORMATION             

Age: 45

Family: Husband Ed, chiropractor and owner of , five children ages 18, 14, 11, 11, 11. 

Education: BS Business Administration

Occupation: Homemaker, former CPA, government auditor and manager

Party affiliation: none                

Previous elected offices: None                

Applicable experience: As a parent, I have worked with school officials at the building and administrative level. As an auditor, I conducted not just financial audits, but also operational audits which required me to quickly come up to speed on a variety of business practices, collect evidence and ask questions to determine if programs were run efficiently and effectively. As an upper level manager, I have experience in arbitration and conflict resolution by determining needs and looking for win-win solutions. 

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS: 

What is the primary reason you are running for School Board? I believe that parents with children in the schools need to be represented on the school board.  

Tell us one goal you have if you get elected? To work towards a solution on the grading system that gives 1) every child an opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and know what is required to do so 2) assessments that accurately determine which children are below and above proficient, utilizing teaching teams to work with students at both ends of the spectrum 3) the necessary training and support for teachers to implement grading 4) accurate measures when compared to standardized test scores and 5) grading which allows students to fairly compete for college placement and financial aid. If these objectives cannot be met, a return to traditional grading.

What sets you apart from the other candidates, if contested? I believe all board members and candidates desire to serve the district and make decisions that are best for children; however, since I have children that currently attend the schools, I have a unique perspective on how board decisions affect students and families.

As enrollment has declined in the district, at what point does it make sense to consider closing a high school? When high school enrollment is at 1,300? 1,500? Should there be a threshold? A decision to close a high school must be based not only on current enrollment, but also sound projections of future enrollment. We cannot afford a repeat of the situation at Blackhurst. 

What's the biggest challenge facing the school district? Funding is the number one challenge facing the school district, followed by the increasing number of students requiring specialized services. The combination of the two present an even bigger challenge and if elected, I will examine costs at the detailed level to determine if funds can be used more effectively.