Education for All
I’m running for the New Berlin School Board because I believe strong schools start with good communication and a focus on students. I want to help strengthen the connection between the school board and our community and make sure every student is getting the support they need to succeed—from 4K through graduation.
As a mom, I want my children to feel safe when they walk into school. I want them to be challenged academically. I want them surrounded by teachers who feel supported and valued. And I want transparency about how decisions are made and how our tax dollars are spent.
Learn more about my priorities below!
As a mom, I don’t just want my kids to simply pass their classes; I want them to thrive, and that's why I'm committed to open-ended communication and high-quality education for every student in New Berlin.
Priorities:
- Maintain high academic standards aligned with Wisconsin benchmarks.
- Support Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, and workforce certifications.
- STEM and innovation educational opportunities
- Data-driven decision making — transparent reporting to parents
- Local business partnerships, internships, and opportunities to learn from professionals in the community
Especially in this current economy, I understand that every dollar matters. New Berlin families are budgeting carefully, so it’s important that our schools are too. Before asking taxpayers for more, we should always look for efficiencies and smarter spending.
We can support our kids and respect taxpayers at the same time. Responsible leadership means doing both.
Priorities:
- Transparent budgeting with plain-language reporting
- Long-term financial planning to avoid surprise referendums
- Strategic investment in facilities and technology
- Explore efficiency improvements
To prepare our kids for the future, we need to educate the whole child — not just measure success by test scores. That means supporting mental health initiatives so students have access to help when they need it, teaching skills that will help them succeed as adults, and supporting clubs and extracurricular activities that foster community and belonging.
Our kids deserve an education that prepares them for life, not just graduation.
Priorities:
- Expand school-based mental health programming
- Crisis intervention training for staff
- Encourage extracurriculars that build belonging
- Financial literacy education
- Civics education focused on critical thinking and respectful debate
If our kids don’t feel safe, nothing else matters. Period.
Protecting the safety of our students must be a top priority. That means strong safety planning, proactive measures to reduce the risk of firearm violence, clear behavioral standards, and real accountability. It means supporting school resource officers, investing in prevention strategies, and making sure staff are trained and prepared.
Priorities:
- Zero tolerance for bullying and harassment.
- Clear behavioral standards and accountability.
- Support for school resource officers and safety planning.
- Proactive measures to reduce the chances of firearm violence in the schools.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about preparation. It’s about partnership. And it’s about making sure every parent can exhale after drop-off.
Supporting Teachers
Great teachers are the heart of our schools. To maintain academic excellence and trust that our kids are getting a comprehensive education, we need to ensure we are attracting and retaining exemplary educators in our schools.
When teachers feel respected and supported, our kids benefit.
Priorities:
- Competitive compensation to retain top talent.
- Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens.
- Professional development focused on academic outcomes.
- Clear performance expectations and accountability.
Community Partnership
Strong schools reflect strong communities. It’s not enough to just be in the New Berlin – we must be a pillar of the community.
To strengthen our role within the community at large, New Berlin schools can serve as neighborhood hubs to host public events and foster social cohesion. To bring in the business community, create partnerships that mutually benefit local entrepreneurs while creating hands-on opportunities for our students to learn. And to keep the community engaged with the priorities of our schools, I support town halls and listening sessions, parent advisory committees, and clear, consistent communication, especially during difficult moments.
Priorities:
- Community town halls and listening sessions
- Parent advisory committees
- Clear communication during controversies
- Build community partnerships
- Serve as a neighborhood hub to engage local families
"Mandy is so involved with Ronald Reagan, giving her time toward everything HSA and founded/is co-leader of my daughter's girl scout troop, so I can only imagine the impact she can make for our district."
Theresa Clapper
district parent