Learn About the Candidates

| Posted February 27, 2017
by Superintendent Luke Francois
The February Primary is over, and the candidates for State Superintendent are now known.  Challenger Lowell Holtz, former Beloit and Whitnall Superintendent, faces incumbent Tony Evers in the April 4th general election.  Evers is seeking a third term as State Superintendent. Local Dodgeville School District Administrator John Humphries was eliminated as a candidate through the primary election.In Mineral Point four candidates are running for school board in the April 4th election.  Challengers Kelly Gundlach and Mike Thousand will face incumbents Glenn Kinch and Jeff Basting.  Kinch and Basting are seeking a second term following a respite from the school board.  

I applaud people at both the state and local levels willing to declare their candidacy to shape and direct the future of education.  The job of the State Superintendent and school board member is most challenging.  Politically, there are differing points of view on matters such as Common Core State Standards, transgender use of restrooms, school vouchers, and the prioritization of limited financial resources.  Locally, challenges are facing Mineral Point to maintain small class sizes, invest in aging facilities, and deliver more diversified services for all students.  Despite varying viewpoints, each candidate is grounded by doing what is best for schools across the state and students in Mineral Point.

The month of March is a time to educate yourself about the candidates and their positions on a variety of educational topics.  The Mineral Point School District presents an opportunity to be informed about local candidates running for school board during a candidate forum hosted by School District Communications Director Joelle Doye.  Doye will moderate the meeting Wednesday, March 15 at 7 pm in the high school library.  Free childcare will be available by the MPHS Key Club.

Thank you, members Kinch and Basting and candidates Gundlach and Thousand, for participating in this year’s meeting.  Please show your appreciation and support for all candidates by attending the forum.