Candidate Profile: Jessica Willis For Wauwatosa School Board

WAUWATOSA, WI — The 2023 spring election is heating up in Wisconsin with several key local and statewide races on the April 4 ballot.

Among the races in Wauwatosa, people will be choosing new members for their local district's school board. Seven people are running for four seats on the board; just one is running unopposed. Those who are elected will serve a three-year term.

Patch asked all seven school board candidates to answer questions about their campaigns. We will be publishing profiles as soon as we receive answers from the candidates.

Here is what Jessica Willis told Patch about why she should be re-elected to the Wauwatosa School Board:

Age as of election day:

39

Position sought:

Wauwatosa School Board Seat 7

Party affiliation:

Non-Partisan

What is your educational background:

Bachelors in Consumer Affairs, The Ohio State University; Intervention Specialist (Special Education) (BSE), Dayton University.

What is your current occupation and work background?

Licensed Special Education Teacher-Cross-Categorical K-12, Transition Specialist. I have worked in public education for the past 16 years.

What previous elected or appointed offices have you held?

Current Wauwatosa School Board Member. I was also appointed by the Mayor of my former community to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative.

What is your campaign website?

willis4wauwatosa.com, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088102703774

Why are you seeking office?

Since my appointment to the Wauwatosa School Board, I have actively sought out opportunities to engage with community members, to attend conferences and trainings, and to use other resources to expand my understanding of public education and the district’s needs.

I am proud of the work the school board has accomplished in these past 8 months, including the recently approved 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. It is my hope to get elected to serve a full term to see the plan come to fruition. I am focused on improving outcomes for all students, while strengthening the district as a whole. I am seeking a full term on the school board to continue this good work.

What is the most pressing issue facing your office, and how do you plan on addressing it?

Disproportionality in academic achievement for our historically marginalized groups is
something the district needs to continue to evaluate and address. We have data that suggests
students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low socio-economic status are
not reaching their full potential. The district needs to ensure we have the supports in place to
meet the unique needs of all students. Another pressing issue that we are facing is teacher
shortage. The amount of teachers leaving the profession is unprecedented and to make it even
more challenging, fewer and fewer college students are entering an education major. Our
district needs to prioritize increasing teacher salaries and creating positive, supportive learning
environments.

What are the critical differences between yourself and the other candidates seeking this office?

One of the unique perspectives that I bring that the other candidates do not is a
fresh, independent perspective. My family moved to Wauwatosa in 2021, and having worked in
other thriving public school districts, I understand what it takes to be a top achieving district.
Unlike any of the other candidates, I come with a background in K-12 public education with a
focus on special education. I was a teacher before the pandemic, during the pandemic and
after the pandemic. I understand that it will take thoughtful, evidence-based solutions to
address the issues that public education is currently facing.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My campaign platform is centered around working towards creating safe, inclusive learning
environments where ALL students can thrive and reach their full potential.

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

Having served on the board for these past 8 months has given me a strong foundational
understanding of a board governance role. Beyond having a deep understanding of
public education, I take great pride in the collaboration I have accomplished and my
ability to serve as a resource for special education. Working in a team atmosphere is
something I will continue to bring to this board.

What is the best advice ever shared with you?

The best advice I have gotten since serving on the school board is to keep my focus on
the children. My commitment is that all children can and will learn. It is advice that I use
to govern my behavior as a school board member.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I know the Wauwatosa School District can be a lighthouse district for prospective families and
educators. I will continue to prioritize forward-thinking initiatives that set our district apart from
the rest.

If you are running for a seat on a school board, do you have any children in the
district?

My husband and I have 2 sons in the district. One is in senior kindergarten and the
other is in 5th grade.