Senator Sheila Harsdorf visits Glenwood City School

By Kelsie Hoitomt

GLENWOOD CITY — Wisconsin State Senator Sheila Harsdorf took time out of her busy schedule to visit the Glenwood City School District on Monday, March 4.

Harsdorf arrived at the school at 1:30 p.m. and was escorted to Mrs. Tiberg’s fourth grade classroom by students Logan Bazille and Delanie Fayerweather. Mrs. Thorson’s fourth grade class was also present.

The class is just starting to learn about state government so Harsdorf took the time to answer questions and explain to the students the different branches of government and what her job as senator entails.

Harsdorf left the class with a handful of homemade signs that several students created for her.

Next, Harsdorf was escorted to the band room where a group of second graders sang “God Bless America” and then played a couple other songs with their instruments under Mr. Lamb’s instruction.

Seniors Elizabeth Nyhus and Eli Spielman then brought Harsdorf to Mr. Kieper’s Contemporary Social Issues class where 20 minutes of discussion took place as Harsdorf answered questions.

The course is just for seniors and they are currently working on a project so they asked questions about gun control, the changes in technology, wind turbines and food stamps.

Harsdorf made sure to emphasize the importance of high education and that whether it is a technical college or a university, is it crucial to further ones education.

Lastly, eighth graders, Spencer Peterson and Alyssa Jones brought Harsdorf to Mr. Gaustad’s American History class where she spoke more about her job as senator and addressed questions as well.

After touring the school and meeting with the administration staff, Harsdorf sat down with the Board of Education where she met each member personally and then answered questions.

She shared with the Board the budget process since the governor recently introduced the education budget. Harsdorf is a member of the finance committee and she will be one of the people looking at the budget and making sure it provides the best benefits for every school before it is passed.

She also spoke about the importance of small school districts and that she is aware of how big of an impact the education budget could make as well as the school voucher that is providing more money to private schools and home schools, which can hurt small districts like Glenwood City if students are taken out of the district.

Due to the upcoming winter storm, Harsdorf was able to meet with the Board for 30 minutes and then had to leave.