Elk Mound School Board Members visit the capitol to advocate for public education

ELK MOUND School Board members Tim Sivertson (left) and Holly Sweeney (right) met with state representative Clint Moses (center) during the Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ Day at the Capitol held Wednesday, March 12 in Madison. —photo submitted

Madison, WI – Elk Mound school board members Tim Sivertson and Holly Sweeney joined more than 200 public education advocates in Madison on March 12, for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ Day at the Capitol. The event, held at the Monona Terrace and Wisconsin State Capitol, provided an invaluable opportunity for local leaders to directly engage with state legislators and advocate for the needs of students and schools in their district.

“We’re proud to share the story of Elk Mound Schools, and of all public education advocates in Wisconsin,”Elk Mound school board President Tim Sivertson said. “The Day at the Capitol allows us to directly communicate with our state lawmakers and advocate for the resources our students and educators need to succeed.”

The event saw participation from 97 of Wisconsin’s 421 school districts. The 229 advocates spread out across the Capitol Building, meeting with more than 80 legislators’ offices to discuss their legislative priorities, particularly around special education aid and spendable resources for schools.

“With many interests competing for available state budget dollars, it is as important as ever that school leaders’ voices are heard,” WASB Director of Government Relations Chris Kulow said.

The event also included presentations on the proposed 2025-27 state budget, as well as a panel discussion featuring key legislative leaders from both parties: Senator Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood), Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee), Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Rep. Joe Sheehan (D-Sheboygan).

Elk Mound continues to prioritize collaboration with state legislators to ensure that the needs of students and schools are heard.

“The ongoing support of public education is essential for the success of our community,” Holly Sweeney said.

The Wisconsin Association of School Boards is a nonprofit that provides information and services to Wisconsin school boards in the areas of school law and policymaking, bargaining, legislation and leadership development