Mequon-Thiensville School Board

Mary Cyrier (i)

Age: 50

Employer/occupation: owner, Cyrier Consulting; administrator, Freedom Physical Therapy Services; previously senior executive for an international pharmaceutical company whose U.S. operations were based in Mequon

Education: bachelor's in Business from Marquette University; MBA University of Wisconsin

Contact: (262) 238-1757; mcyrier@wi.rr.com; marycyrier.com

How do you feel about the trimester schedule?

The trimester schedule has improved the delivery of education with no increase in cost. It was implemented after an extensive 2+ year evaluation. The initial feedback from students, parents and staff is positive. Once the evaluation is presented May 2013, I will advocate for changes based on data and feedback.

The School Board has been in discussion of what to do with the property that is currently unused by the school district. What do you think should be done with this property?

Any decisions regarding our facilities should be made within an overall strategy that considers configuring all facilities for the best educational delivery and access for our student population. The land has been undervalued for years due to the real estate market. I will use the data from the 2012 facilities study to drive future analysis and decisions.

What is a long-term solution to closing the district's budget gap?

We have made many difficult decisions to close past budget gaps including layoffs, increasing benefit costs, salary freezes, outsourcing services and refinancing debt. We have an annual budgeting process and a long term financial plan. We will continue to evaluate all options through this systematic process. We currently have a potential list of 40+ items that could provide $3.1 million in savings to the district. We need to continue to have the most efficient use of our largest expenses. In addition, we also need to consider how to attract new students.

Alex Leykin

Age: 45

Employer/occupation: executive with a local mortgage company

Education: information not provided

Contact: info@aleykin.com; aleykin.com

How do you feel about the trimester schedule?

We acknowledge the board's argument that "flex time" and fewer classes are a benefit to our students. I oppose the trimester system as it now stands. I will work to modify the current schedule at Homestead to include continuous study in core subjects through the entire school year.

The School Board has been in discussion of what to do with the property that is currently unused by the school district. What do you think should be done with this property?

Our school district has been shrinking for a decade now, there is no evidence this trend will change in the near future. If it's possible to secure long-term leases which create a positive cash flow, I can see myself supporting keeping the property. Otherwise, it is my belief we need to liquidate the properties. Furthermore, any profit realized should only be used for capital expenditures in our district and never to plug structural budget holes.

What is a long-term solution to closing the district's budget gap?

Our district is adequately funded. Our revenue will fluctuate based on enrollment and Madison's school funding formula. If we scale our needs to our resources correctly, no budget gap exists. As a successful small business founder and owner, I will bring the requisite skills to help the board restore this district to fiscal solvency. Unlike my opponents in this race, I am not connected to the current administration interested in maintaining the "status quo." It is my independence from special interest influence and strong business skills that will enable me to focus on improving educational excellence and protecting taxpayers.

Kathryn Houpt

Age: 48

Employer/occupation: financial manager for their small family business.

Education: UW-Stout, B.S. in retail merchandising and management with a minor in business administration

Contact: khoupt@wi.rr.com; vote4houpt.com

How do you feel about the trimester schedule?

As the first year of the trimester schedule closes, I look forward to evaluating the data and examining the schedule with a critical eye. Based on data results, I will move to implement changes at Homestead that improve programming and increase students' long-term mastery and retention.

The School Board has been in discussion of what to do with the property that is currently unused by the school district. What do you think should be done with this property?

The question of selling the currently unused school district property is complicated due to several changing variables. Before making a decision, I would consider current land values, zoning and land-use codes, current capacity of the elementary schools and projected population growth. I would also keep in mind that the sale of the property would produce a one-time financial gain for the school district.

What is a long-term solution to closing the district's budget gap?

The district's funding formula is tied closely to student enrollment which continued to decrease over the last 10 years. Many districts face declining enrollment which ultimately causes a budget gap. As a business person, I understand the need of a multiple approach to create a solution. We need to: further examine and adjust the compensation and benefits costs, continuing to make use of Act 10 tools; create an aggressive marketing program to attract families of existing school-age children who are weighing choices between public and private schools; prioritize existing programming, understanding that we cannot continue to fund all existing programs.