LETTER: M-T School Board’s good work proves that experience counts

To Ozaukee Press:

During the 2020-2021 school year, we were fortunate to have experienced Meqon-Thiensville School Board members who kept our schools open and our children safe. Our district was part of only 54% of K-12 school districts in Wisconsin that offered in-person school five days per week. Families were given the option to have their children participate in high quality distance learning if they so desired.  Approximately 75% of MTSD students participated in in-person education.

The MTSD followed health department regulations to keep our children safe while in school. Due to the outstanding mitigation efforts employed by our district, there was no significant spread of Covid-19 in our schools.

Navigating the pandemic has been hard on everyone, but our district deserves an award for its Responsible Return Plan and its implementation. As we hopefully progress out of the pandemic, it is important to retain these experienced board members who have been working so hard for the sake of our students. Research shows that experience matters as does governing in partnership with the superintendent.  

The most prominent guidelines for effective school board governance aimed at increasing student achievement are the National School Boards Association’s Key Work of School Boards. MTSD School Board members use these guidelines. Research has found that when school board members who have served for at least five years indicate follow those guidelines, student achievement increases. Experienced leadership matters.

Jennifer Mackinnon
Mequon