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Southern Door School District

Three candidates are running for two seats. One of those candidates, Josh Jeanquart, did not respond to our invitation to submit answers.

Christopher D. Jackson, 41, of Forestville, is a member of the clergy. He served as a school board member from 2017 to 2020, and as board treasurer and board president during that term. He and his wife, Mary, have three children. 

Peninsula Pulse (PP): What is your primary motivation for running for office?

Christopher Jackson (CJ): My primary motivation is to help provide an excellent education that is oriented “For the Students” of Southern Door. I approach every decision with the question, “What course of action will benefit the frontline, classroom education of students?”

PP: Do you agree with how the school district has operated during the pandemic? Please explain specifically what you supported and what you did not, and what you would have done differently.

CJ: On the whole, I approve of the way Southern Door has responded to the pandemic, utilizing appropriate mitigation measures and offering alternatives for families that desire them, while maintaining a comparatively normal educational experience for those who desire it. The district faces hard decisions going forward regarding when and how to pull back on COVID responses. I hope that as the most vulnerable in the community are vaccinated, we will be able to return to greater normalcy sooner rather than later.

PP: What’s the district’s most important challenge, and what are your ideas for solving it?

CJ: I don’t say this as a “dodge,” but the district’s most important challenge is the one inherent in its mission: providing an excellent education to students. This is a high and challenging mission, especially in a district with students that have such diverse ambitions, from entering into the trades to pursuing professional careers. Staying resolute in this singular, educational mission and maintaining and pursuing high

standards are the best way to meet this challenge.

PP: What are your strengths, and how will those benefit the school district?

CJ: My experience on the board, my time as a classroom teacher and my knowledge as an educational scholar make me well suited to serve the students as a board member. As a proud Southern Door dad of three students, I am invested in the success of the school district. Finally, I am committed to all curricular and co-curricular areas. Solid academics are crucial, but I also have great respect for tech ed. Art and music are vital for student development, but also sports and clubs.

Janel Veeser, 40, is a higher education teacher. She is currently finishing her first term as a Southern Door School District board member. She and her husband, Justin, have two children.

Peninsula Pulse (PP): What is your primary motivation for running for office?

Janel Veeser (JV): I believe I can continue to be an asset on our school board. I have learned so much about our district over the past year, and I believe we have accomplished great things. I want to continue to learn, grow and support the Southern Door School District as a board member.

PP: Do you agree with how the school district has operated during the pandemic? Please explain specifically what you supported and what you did not, and what you would have done differently.

JV: Yes, I fully support how the school district has operated under the pandemic. I supported our students being in person, and also our parents having the option of virtual learning. I am fully in support of our students playing sports and participating safely in other extracurricular activities. 

PP: What’s the district’s most important challenge, and what are your ideas for solving it?

JV: I think we have three main challenges: a new superintendent, the budget and a pandemic. An important challenge for the board is the orientation of a new superintendent. The board and superintendent will

need to foster a new relationship to lead the district. The budget is always a challenge. We need to continue to balance the needs versus the wants. And hopefully very soon, we will be talking about life post-

pandemic. The board will need to focus some energy towards what school will look like in the 2021-22 school year, and what limitations will still be required.

PP: What are your strengths, and how will those benefit the school district?

JV: As an educator in higher education, I understand the level of commitment needed to embrace learners. I also understand a teacher’s need for support from leadership to implement new practices and the

process of continuous improvement. As a parent, I understand the importance of, and level of involvement and support for, student extracurricular activities. These strengths provide me with the

necessary skills to be a great board member.

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