Elk Mound Board of Education candidate: Patrick Rhude
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Pat Rhude
ELK MOUND — Four candidates are running for three positions on the Elk Mound Board of Education in the April 7 election.
The candidates are Mark Cedarblade, Michael Jenson Jr., Patrick Rhude and Tim Sivertson.
The Colfax Messenger sent out questionnaires to the candidates.
Here are Patrick Rhude’s answers to the questionnaire.
• What is your occupation?
Journeyman Lineman Dunn Energy Cooperative.
• Tell us about your family.
Married to Lani and have a current sophomore and two graduates of Elk Mound.
• What is your educational background?
Elk Mound graduate, Vocational Diploma in Electrical Power Distribution from Chippewa Valley Technical College.
• Why did you decide to run for the Elk Mound Board of Education?
Being on the school board for six years, I am even more passionate about our district and its future.
• What makes you suited to serve on the school board?
As an Elk Mound alumni myself, the community means a great deal to me and my family. Therefore, I keep an open mind on the opinions and values our community and district have been known for.
• Besides the budget, what do you believe to be the biggest challenges or issues facing the Elk Mound school district?
April 2020 referendum.
• How would you suggest addressing those challenges or issues for the Elk Mound school district?
There have been many items on the board’s radar that needed to be addressed. With our strategic plan and facilities assessment study, we decided this was the right timeframe to do it. Having community focus groups and School Perceptions survey was a great opportunity for the board and administration to hear the community’s questions and concerns about wants vs. needs. The board and administration have assessed that information and came up with this referendum.
• What other ideas do you have for improving the school district?
As we move into the future, keeping up on the changing needs for classroom sizes, courses offered, and the needs of staff to adequately perform their jobs and always keep the needs of the students at the forefront.
• Why are you the best candidate?
My first two terms allowed me to become thoroughly educated on the district’s needs, daily runnings and board responsibilities. I am passionate to continue to work toward the initiatives the board and administration have in place. I feel I do a great job at assessing what is best for the student body and school as a whole vs. individual needs.
