Letter: Raabe is a proven leader
To the Editor —
I would like to express my support for the candidacy of Dennis Raabe for the Stevens Point School Board.
I have lived in Stevens Point for 20 years and have had two children graduate from the public school system, and am myself an educator. I believe that Mr. Raabe is an excellent choice to lead our school district in these difficult, fractured, and divisive times. In challenging times, it is critical to have strong, effective leadership, and Mr. Raabe is and has proven himself to be a leader that people can rely on.
Mr. Raabe has four decades of experience in public education, and in all of his positions, has shown himself to be a district leader who, remarkably, is student, staff, and community-centered. Mr. Raabe considers all sides of a story and has experience making difficult decisions that he knows not everyone will agree with.
When he was the administrator in my district, he was engaging and showed genuine interest in each and every person that he worked with. Staff and students in the building believed that Mr. Raabe cared about them as a person. I believe that this quality of seeing the good in people and situations will serve Mr. Raabe well. He does not give up and has the dedication to be a leader that the Stevens Point School District can rely on for years to come.
He is able to connect with community members in a very real way, and when I would see him at school and community events in my district, I saw a leader who would speak with anyone who would listen in an honest, genuine, and considerate way. He listened to all positions and never dismissed anyone’s opinion just because it may have been different from his. People felt listened to and felt that their opinions mattered.
It is critical that we elect leaders that will serve the public good without being beholden to outside agendas. It is critical that we elect leaders who will not approach every situation from one viewpoint or platform lens. Mr. Raabe will be an impartial, experienced, engaging, and thoughtful leader for the Stevens Point School District.
I encourage you to join me in voting for Mr. Dennis Raabe for Stevens Point School Board on April 5.
Nick Katzmarek
Stevens Point