To the Editor: Phil Kroner Has Our Support for School Board

To the Editor:

We enthusiastically support Phil Kroner for re-election to Wauwatosa School Board Seat No. 1. As a school board member, he gives thoughtful consideration to the short and long-term ramifications of board decisions. He asks the tough questions of administration, educates himself in the relevant underlying research and evidence, and listens to parent concerns about equity for all segments of our student population. 

Phil Kroner's depth of knowledge comes from active involvement as a parent in the district for 15 years and his open-minded, intellectual approach to problem solving and innovation. From his position in post-secondary education, he has an added insight into what "college and career ready" really means. This is especially critical as the expectations for work force skills continue to climb in the twenty-first century.

Many of our economically-disadvantaged students, students of color, and students with disabilities do not achieve even the minimally necessary academic outcomes. In fact, the long-overdue elevation of Wisconsin proficiency standards to the level of the National Assessment of Educational Progress confirms that the majority of Wauwatosa's students are not as advanced as we wanted to believe. Phil Kronerdoes not shy away from this type of information, or try to downplay it. We can count on him to recognize that our results will not change without change in our instructional practices and professional support for teachers. 

We value Phil Kroner's independence and integrity, and consider him to be an essential voice on the board for  students, parents and educational excellence. He will be a key player in seeing that our district and our students achieve their full potential. Please join us in returning Phil Kroner to School Board Seat No. 1.

Mary Newton and Jim Sanger, Wauwatosa

Kroner has needed problem-solving skills

Over the last six years as a school board member, and longer than that as an active volunteer, Dr. Phil Kroner has made major contributions to the much-needed advancement of our district, beginning at an unstable time when it was difficult to do. Through his actions, he has proven his commitment to acting in the best interest of our students and community is without compromise. 

As a research scientist and educator, he brings to the board unique talent in analyzing, synthesizing and proposing solutions for the many complex issues facing the district. Dr. Kroner has demonstrated agility in contributing to the entire scope of the work of the board. He gives studied consideration to every issue that comes before him, always working with a great deal of intensity and rigor.

Dr. Kroner listens. He is effective while simultaneously strengthening relationships between all stakeholders. He is a thought leader and a team player, with a clearly articulated vision for our students. He holds the district accountable in a productive manner, asking key questions to spur action toward continuous improvement and excellence. 

Dr. Kroner delivers what he promises, is a person of high integrity and sincerity, and can be counted on as an unwavering advocate for our children. 

Mary Schmidt, Ph.D., Wauwatosa

Judy McClutchy, Wauwatosa

James McClutchy, Wauwatosa