Candidate Profile: Greg Deets For Waukesha School Board

WAUKESHA, WI — The 2022 election is heating up in Wisconsin and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Voters will also decide the outcome of state representative, senate seats and local government and school boards.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Name

Greg Deets

Age (as of Election Day)

61

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Waukesha School Board member

Party Affiliation

nonpartisan

Family

My wife and I have lived in Waukesha for 32 years. Both of our sons went through the Waukesha School District where they received an excellent education.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None of my relatives work in politics or in government.

Education

Bachelor's degree: double major in elementary education and special education Master's degree: educational administration

Occupation

I am a former elementary education teacher, special education teacher and elementary principal for a combined 38 years. Currently I am working fulltime at Lutheran Social Services assisting 50 participants.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I was elected to the Waukesha School Board in 2016 and reelected in 2019.

Campaign website

Facebook: Greg Deets for Waukesha School Board

Why are you seeking elective office?

I really care about the academic success and the social and emotional needs of all of our students. I also want to continue to give back to the community that I have been so proud to live in for the past 32 years. I am the only member on our current Board with a varied background in the field of education; 38 years total. Finally, I will continue to be a cheerleader for public education and remain committed to improving it at all levels.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Politics need to be kept out of the actions of the Board. I will work tirelessly to help elect candidates that share this belief and that believe that the role of a board member should be nonpartisan. If this can be accomplished, then the Board would actually have the time it needs to address what should actually be its top priority; high student achievement for all of our students.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

A school board member is supposed to be nonpartisan, which I am. A school board member should represent all residents of a community and not be in debt to a political party. Three of my opponents, Marquell Moore, Karrie Kowlowski and Mark Borowski, are publicly funded and supported by the Republican Party of Waukesha County. Check out the party's website to see for yourself. A year ago two of our current school board members were elected with the same backing. If my three opponents that I reference above, win this election, a minimum of 5 out of 9 school board members would have a direct connection to the Republican Party of Waukesha County.

I have been a proud product of and a supporter of public education throughout my life. The first time candidates, except for Sarah Harrison, are on their campaign trails constantly spreading misinformation (ex. that CRT is being taught in our schools) about our school district. Plain and simple, they are not supporters of public education!

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Besides the issues that I have already stated, we need to continue to do more regarding student attendance, engagement, accountability and achievement. Early intervention and mental health must continue to be addressed asap. Attracting and retaining high quality staff at every level is another priority of mine. Currently staff morale is low due to their workload (Our substitute fill rate has been 60% in the district for over the last month.), COVID (Our district has had no mitigation efforts in place since a 5-4 Board vote last May.) and the recent dismantling of the district's diversity progress that developed over the last few years.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My commitment and dedication to public education, especially the School District of Waukesha, throughout my life speaks for itself. I was the first member of my family to receive a bachelor's degree and later a master's degree. I have served as a school board member during ups and downs of dealing with a world pandemic and yet I seek reelection with more passion, energy, hope and excitement than ever before.

I have lived and worked in Waukesha for the past 32 years. I spent a total of 21 years as an elementary principal here in our school district at Hawthorne, Meadowbrook and Heyer. Likewise, I enjoyed 15 rewarding years as an elementary teacher in general education and special education classrooms in other districts. The last six years I have been an active member of the Waukesha Board of Education and I have been proud to represent and serve our community. I have been the chair of the Teaching and Learning committee for the last three years and I also serve on the Finance and Facility and Policy committees. Currently I am working for Lutheran Social Services where my main responsibility is to assist 50 individuals with disabilities and the elderly to remain in their homes and to live purposeful and productive lives.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

What you permit you promote!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was a strong supporter of our 2018 $60 million referendum that was overwhelmingly approved by 66% of our voters. This referendum impacted all of our schools in terms of needed upgrades and school safety, especially our three middle schools. The majority of our schools are at least 50 years old. Delayed maintenance and improvements were not the answer. The referendum was also designed to be paid off in 10 years but through committed fiscal responsibility it is now on target to be paid off in 6-7 years.

I have consistently voted to keep our partnership with the city of Waukesha to hire school resource officers for each of our middle schools and high schools. These SROs provide essential safety and security at each of these sites.

I am not afraid to challenge or question the status quo, administration or other Board members. If I don’t know the necessary background knowledge to make an informed decision, I willingly do my research and seek out experts.

I have had the privilege of serving the students, parents, community members and staff of this district for the last six years. I pride myself on listening to and working with my constituents. I come to my monthly committee and Board meetings prepared, ready to collaborate and committed to excellence. As a Board member I likewise understand, unlike others, that this is a non-political/nonpartisan position. The COVID pandemic has been difficult for all of us including myself. Daily I have been tried and tested as never before in my life. Despite all of this I look forward to the next three years of representing you as we continue to work together to address our needs and to produce the desired measurable results rooted in high expectations.

This is a very high stakes election, of which the results will undoubtedly impact the School District of Waukesha for many years to come! The Board of Education should consist of a balance of viewpoints and backgrounds and not a platform for personal political agendas. That is exactly why it is so important that you actively join my campaign and vote for me on Tuesday, February 15th, and Tuesday, April 5th, 2022. Please also encourage others to do the same.