Special education teacher to join School Board

Mike Sells has his chance to give back to the community.

Sells, a 56-year-old special education teacher at Bayside Middle School in Fox Point with no political experience, won the Belgium seat on the Cedar Grove-Belgium School Board over Dan Derler in Tuesday’s general election. The term is for three years.

Sells received 388 votes in Ozaukee County and 317 in Sheboygan County for a total of 699, according to unofficial results from the Ozaukee and Sheboygan counties’ clerks offices.

Derler received 289 votes in Ozaukee County and 150 in Sheboygan County for a total of 439.

Sells has a bachelor’s degree in education from Taylor University in Indiana, a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a master’s degree in special education from Cardinal Stritch. He is married with four children, three adults and one in the district, and has lived in the district since 2003.

“I saw an opening and I thought I really appreciate what the board does. I thought I’d throw my hat in the ring,” Sells said. “I have no agenda or anything. I thought I’d give back to the community.”

Sells said he looks forward to the chance to be on the other side of a district from a teacher.

“The board that I’m with, I appreciate their support. The district I’m in has a good relationship with the teachers. That’s so important for morale. Keeping that open relationship and communication,” he said. “It’s important to be responsible and look for ways to be creative. The board makes some tough decisions.”

Sells said he wants to keep the district heading in the right direction.

“From my own kids’ experiences, I’m really pleased with the education and the teachers. Nothing is really a hot issue that I’m aware of. I think we’re in a great community and it’s just kind of maintaining it,” Sells said.

Derler, 43, works in project management for a medical manufacturer. 

Longtime incumbent Nancy Niebauer didn’t seek re-election due to increasing demands at work and an interest to spend more time with family.

Eric Meinnert won a second term for the Sheboygan County seat in an unopposed race. He received 608 votes in Ozaukee County and 507 in Sheboygan County for a total of 1,115.

In the Village of Belgium, Kevin Schueller got 416 votes and Chris Plier 390 to retain trustee seats. Forty-seven write-in votes were cast, with the winner having the option to join the board. Incumbent Sarah Heisler didn’t seek re-election.