APPLETON SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE
Andrea Klitzke
Personal Statement
I am 31 years old and a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful boys- ages 2 and 6 (I also work part time). I have a bachelor’s degree in English from Marian University in Fond du Lac and have an almost complete middle to secondary Education degree (I took a break to pursue a job opportunity). I’ve been an Appleton resident since 2012.
Do you support using COVID precautions such as wearing masks in school and requiring vaccinations of eligible students and staff? Explain
No, I don’t. I did believe in masks at first, but it didn’t seem to make a difference in reducing spread, so I changed my mind. Several area schools were mask optional and had little to no disruption to student learning. To date, Appleton is one of only two districts still requiring masks. We know a lot more about COVID than we once did, and what has always remained unchanged is that it doesn’t affect children severely. We also have a variety of medications and treatments that have proven to be beneficial in aiding people to a full recovery. I have seen an increase in anxiety in our children, and my own son has been suffering from headaches from consistent mask wearing at school. I just don’t feel there is any significant benefit, personally. I have no opinion about whether people choose to vaccinate or mask, but feel it should be each person’s choice. I support everyone’s right to choose and will continue to urge the district to allow an option, but I also prioritize protecting the right for everyone to follow their beliefs in this- whether they agree with me or not. I don’t think it’s my place to make a choice for someone else’s child.
Do you support teaching fact-based and accurate history of events that have and continue to shape our nation? Explain
Yes, I do. I think it’s important to teach ALL of the facts, and nothing but the facts and unbiasedly, through several perspectives. I don’t support teaching theories, speculations, and opinions, however. I like to stay rooted in fact. Through an open records request, I learned the district has students read the 1619 project and Howard Zinn, both of which I don’t regard as credible and are very controversial. I’ve taught my children about the brutalities of slavery both in America and around the world, as well as how we’ve progressed to current day. America is a beautiful, diverse nation; we are the largest melting pot of the world- which is why everyone wants to live here! In my home, we teach kindness, love, and compassion. I teach my children the wise words of Martin Luther King Jr.; we judge others not by the color of our skin, but the content of their character. In the face of injustice, I have taught my children to always step up to advocate for others and help people every chance they can. I do not support teaching children that America is inherently racist, or that everyone possesses an implicit bias towards racism, however.
What are your thoughts about the AASD referendum that is proposed for November 2022?
I’m excited! Lowering class sizes means we will have happier teachers and happier children, as there are less disruptions and more one-on-one learning opportunities. Between lowering class sizes and implementing STEM, our curriculum will hopefully become stronger and close the achievement gaps we are seeing. This should also address the enrollment concerns, as families will appreciate the smaller classes and increased emphasis on STEM. I agree with moving 6th grade to the middle schools, as it only makes sense on a social emotional level. Building additions to middle schools is necessary to accommodate the added capacity of students. I hope the district is transparent on where money is being spent and before athletic facilities are built, I hope our schools and classrooms have the renovations they need. Often, I find teachers do not have the aides or resources they need to make their jobs less stressful. The district shared that they would be sending a survey to the community in March. I suggested maybe sending some mailers first so tax payers receive the full picture- they may be more likely to support it, if they see all the benefits beyond just the structural changes. Overall, yes, I do support it.