Hughes And Kobleska Take Lead In Race For Greendale School Board

GREENDALE, WI — Tassia Hughes and Robert Kobleska took the lead in Tuesday's election in the race for the Greendale School Board, the latest unofficial results showed.

Other races in the village include county positions, plus Village Board and other municipal seats. Polls closed at 8 p.m., but if you got in line before that be sure to stay in line as you can still cast your ballot.

Defining issues school board candidates spoke about ahead of the election included how to improve academic achievement, plus how to navigate school safety measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also at play were how social issues are confronted.

The race went up for a primary election on Feb. 15. The results of that close race booted incumbent Thor Misko out of the running by a slim margin, leaving the race to newcomers Tony Novinska, Tassia Hughes, Robert Kobleska and Brian Bock.

Greendale School Board Results

Unofficial results will be updated as they come in. Updated 8:26 p.m.

Tassia Hughes: 1613

Tony Novinska: 1491

Robert Kobleska: 1515

Brian Bock: 1501

Candidates Offer Perspective On Academic Achievement, Social Issues, Staffing

Candidate Tony Novinska told Patch an "uptick in dealing with social issues has overshadowed the decline in academic achievement." He said his top priority is raising the bar on academics while maintaining fiscal responsibility, adding that he's seen a decline in math, language and reading achievement.

Novinska also spoke on standardized testing. "There are a ton of kids that don't want to go to College, so why put them through ACT testing?"

Candidate Brian Bock said one pressing issue is a need for more effective dialogue between the community and the board, as well as within the board.

"As a healthcare worker, it is essential I listen to the patient and help guide their therapy for the best outcome," Bock said. "Listening to and coordinating with others is a skill I will bring to the board. I guarantee to listen to all members of the community and make a decision for the best outcome for the students of Greendale."

"The biggest difference between me and all other candidates is my drive to fully understand an issue from all sides," Bock said.

Candidate Robert Kobleska addressed academics, plus transparency and stability.

"Too often I have heard from parents and residents (who had or never had kids in the district) that they have reached out to the School Board and never heard back from them," Kobleska said. "If elected, I view the parents/residents of Greendale as my boss. I serve them and I owe it to them to get back to them and explain my reasoning or the boards reasoning on issues."

Candidate Tassia Hughes shared with Patch a desire to be an advocate for students. One of the most pressing issues for Hughes was maintaining quality staff. Hughes said she would develop partnerships to hire new teachers, and that she would look into better ways to make substitute teaching more accessible to Greendale parents.

"Children need to feel safe emotionally, physically and socially in order to thrive in a learning environment," Hughes said. "When outside stressors are removed, we all learn better. I also believe that the board must advocate for the teachers so they have the best possible environment to work in."

Here are more responses and insights from each candidate in profiles we published ahead of the primary:

Brian Bock

Tassia Hughes

Tony Novinska

Robert Kobleska