Letter: Raabe’s qualifications make him right for school board

To the Editor-

On Tuesday, April 5h I will be voting for Dennis Raabe for Stevens Point School Board.

Here is why he has my vote.

Dennis has experience.

Dennis has had a long career in education, much of it has been as a leader of a school or a school district. Most of his leadership roles have been within the Stevens Point School District. Several years ago, I had the privilege of getting to know Dennis when he came out of retirement to become the district administrator for a neighboring school district where I work. Dennis has done a few other interim district administrator jobs around the state since leaving our district. Dennis’s extensive experience in the Stevens Point School District will give him a head start as a School Board member. Plus, he now brings with him the experiences he’s had from the other districts he has been in, giving him a well-rounded perspective of education.

Dennis is present.

There were many things that I admired and appreciated about Dennis as the leader of our school district. The thing that I admired and appreciated the most was that he was present. Dennis is a people person. He knew all 100+ personnel of our school by name not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Dennis was regularly visible in our hallways. Many students and families knew him as well. As an educator and parent of the district, it felt good to be seen by our leader. It is now more important than ever for our school leaders, including school board members, to be present within our schools. I know that Dennis will be present and get to know as many district students, staff members, and families as possible.

Dennis is approachable and he listens.

Because Dennis is so present, he is extremely approachable. As an educator working in his district, I felt that his door was always open and that I could go to him with a problem or concern. Before making district decisions, Dennis would often seek out knowledge and opinions. He listened to anyone willing to share. I feel this is an important attribute for school board members. I know that as a school board member, Dennis will continue to be an eager and active listener to any student, teacher, or parent wishing to share an opinion or concern.

Dennis isn’t afraid to make hard decisions.

As our school district leader, Dennis was responsible for making many decisions that affected our students, their families, and our staff members. Dennis didn’t take those decisions lightly. He did his own research. He talked to staff members. He formed committees when necessary, involving all parties that would be affected by the decision. He didn’t make any decisions until he was well informed. In the end, he kept the best interests of our students, their families, and the staff members in mind. Sometimes those decisions were not the most popular, but Dennis wasn’t afraid to make hard decisions if they were the right decisions. The Stevens Point school board needs someone who is willing to take the time and do the research before making hard decisions. Dennis Raabe is this person.

Dennis believes in community.

Dennis is a firm believer in community. While in my district, Dennis made building our school community a top priority, and staff morale soared. Low morale has been affecting everyone everywhere these last few years. Dennis has a way of bringing people together. He will continue to be an advocate for community-building across the district.

Dennis Raabe is exactly the kind of person we need as a school board member. Please join me April 5 and vote Dennis Raabe for Stevens Point School Board.

Sarah Scheunemann
Stevens Point

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