INSIDE THIS EDITION
• Community input requested on 20-Year Facility Plan
• Board of Education Candidate Pro les
• Stringfest Elementary hosts Adaptive PE Takeover with e Ability Center
• Become What’s Next highlights state athletics, robotics, and educator honors
Dixon Elementary hosts Adaptive PE Takeover with e Ability Center
STRATEGIC REINVESTMENT
Many of our schools were built before 1970 and require strategic updates to meet today’s safety and educational standards. The proposed plan targets critical needs at four schools totaling $100 million. To remain proactive, the District is also prepared to invest an additional $71 million from the annual operating budget over the next decade to maintain all district buildings and avoid costly deferred maintenance.
PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE
YOUR INPUT NEEDED ON 20-YEAR FACILITY PLAN
The Elmbrook Board of Education has narrowed its 20-year facility roadmap to two primary options following extensive analysis with architecture and construction experts. Our goal is to protect the community’s greatest assets - our schools - while ensuring fiscal responsibility for every homeowner.
A UNIQUE TAX OPPORTUNITY
In 2028, the debt portion of the school tax rate is scheduled to expire. This creates a "reinvestment window" where the District could fund up to $85 million in facility improvements without increasing the debt-related tax rate above current levels.
Your feedback is essential. We invite all residents to participate in our upcoming community survey to help prioritize these solutions and funding strategies.
Please visit www.elmbrookschools.org/facilityplanning to learn more and expect your printed survey to arrive in mid-April.
BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATE PROFILES
SCOTT WHEELER AREA I
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the School District of Elmbrook’s Board of Education. Because Board members represent the entire District, all residents can select one candidate for each seat in the spring election on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
1. Community service is deeply important to me, and I believe Elmbrook benefits from steady, experienced leadership. As we plan for facilities needs, consider future improvements, hire administrators, and continue implementing a science-based reading curriculum, continuity matters. As a parent of five Elmbrook students and the current Board President, I am committed to continuing the work that keeps Elmbrook strong and moving forward.
2. During my 11 years on the Board, Elmbrook has remained one of the top districts in the state and nation. We have improved reading and math proficiency, completed more than $65 million in facility improvements, launched an academically focused 4K program, lowered the mill rate to a 30-year low, and maintained a responsible budget with strong reserves for future needs and taxpayer accountability. Learn more at: scott4elmbrook.com
District Resident: Since 2011
Education: Bachelors in Bio-chemistry from Brigham Young University, Masters of Education in Instructional Technology from Utah State
Profession: Middle school science teacher at Milwaukee Scholars
AREA III
BOB BURLAGE
AREA III
1. With a lifetime of experience in higher education, including administrative positions, I have a valuable perspective on what it takes for students to succeed. As a department chair, I know that teachers do best when they know they have the support and respect of the administration. Now it’s time to put that experience to good use for my neighbors in the Elmbrook School District.
2. My wife and I have raised our three children in Brookfield, all of whom graduated from Brookfield Central and all of whom are currently teachers. They live in the area, although do not work in Elmbrook schools. You could say that we have a family of educators. Learn more at: bobforelmbrook.com
KEVIN W. KLANDRUD AREA I
1. I want to provide support to our teachers and administrators so that they may continue providing the best education possible to our students. I also want to represent the district residents and taxpayers by making prudent fiscal choices. We moved into the Elmbrook School District so that our children could attend Elmbrook Schools. Like most residents, I valued education and wanted to ensure our children received the best education possible with appropriate fiscal oversite.
2. I bring a lifetime of experience being a teacher, leader and supervisor. I went from teaching in MPS to being deployed with the Army after 9/11. For years, I led fiscal matters, people (1000+ soldiers), and civilian support teams. I retired as senior leader (Lieutenant Colonel). Learn more at: kevinkforelmbrook.com
District Resident: Since 1987
Education: Teaching certificate from Carroll College. MBA from Touro University; Graduate of the Department of Defense War College, and the Arm; Command and General Sta course.
Profession: I am currently retired
District Resident: Since 2001
Education: B.A. Rutgers University; M.S. Duquesne University; M. Phil. Columbia University; Ph.D. University of Tennessee
Profession: Professor and Department Chair, School of Pharmacy, Concordia University – Wisconsin
JENNIFER ROSKOPF
AREA
III
1. As an engaged Elmbrook parent, volunteer, and taxpayer, I seek to serve on the Board of Education to continue the district’s tradition of excellence. I will prioritize academic achievement, adapt to evolving student needs, and ensure fiscally responsible governance.
2. I served on the Elmbrook School Board from 2020–2023, navigating a period of unprecedented uncertainty. I served on all four board committees and chaired the Teaching and Learning Committee for two years, addressing school reopening, COVID response, 4K expansion, curriculum, library policy, cybersecurity, and capital spending. These experiences, along with my career in consulting and healthcare, provide a strong foundation to analyze complex issues, engage stakeholders, and make sound, informed decisions. As a current Elmbrook parent, I bring a, firsthand perspective on our school community. Learn more at: jenforelmbrook.com
District Resident: Since 2001
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Master of Business Administration, Northwestern University
Profession: Parent, Community Volunteer
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following two questions and their answers are posted here, unedited, as they were submitted to the District.
1. Why have you chosen to seek election to the Elmbrook Board of Education?
2. What experience do you have that will help you best represent the Elmbrook electorate?
AT-LARGE
SAM HUGHES AT-LARGE
1. Elmbrook needs board members who will represent our community’s values as we navigate the upcoming school tax referendum. Additionally, screen-based digital media use in elementary schools merits exploration as we seek to ensure the best outcomes for our youngest children. I bring to the board problem-solving, team-building, and project-leading skills from years of building a successful homegrown business. I will work respectfully and productively with all community members.
2. Elmbrook is a premier district deserving highly qualified, experienced leaders passionate about education. My executive leadership experience and my strong educational foundation, along with three years of experience serving on the board, have demonstrated strong decision-making skills, a unifying approach, and a fiscally conservative voting record. Learn more at: SamForElmbrook.com
District Resident: Since 2009, 16 years
Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Olivet University - 2000; MBA in International Business, Marquette University’s Executive MBA Program – 2010
Profession: President of Bluegreen, LLC
ELIZABETH THEIS AT-LARGE
1. I care about the student experience and the long-term stability of our school district. I want to maintain a focus on continuous academic improvement. My priority is good fiscal stewardship especially with rising costs. Partisan politics do not belong in our school board room. I want to ensure our school district is dedicated to data-driven decision making and community input.
2. As an Elmbrook parent and volunteer, I have firsthand experience in our schools. As a civil engineer, I oversee large capital projects and will help the district successfully navigate its 20-yr facility plan. I bring my knowledge from managing HR, benefits, insurance, contracts, accounting, and more. With my experience working on boards, I come prepared to work respectfully with all stakeholders. Learn more at: ElizabethforElmbrook.com
District Resident: Since 2021
Education: BS in Civil Engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Masters of Engineering Management from University of Wisconsin-Madison
Profession: Railroad Bridge Engineer at V3 Companies; O ce Manager at Agrowtek Inc.
The views and opinions expressed in these profiles are those of the candidates and do not reflect the o cial position of the School District of Elmbrook.
FOOD SERVICE HOSTS HYDROPONIC LETTUCE TOURS & WORKSHOPS
The Elmbrook Food Service Department recently welcomed all seventh-grade students from Pilgrim Park Middle School and Wisconsin Hills Middle School for an educational tour and hands-on workshop focused on the district’s hydroponic lettuce operation. Students learned how fresh lettuce is grown without soil, from seeding through harvest, and saw how the produce is served in their school cafeterias.
During the workshop, students participated in pH testing and learned how maintaining proper nutrient levels supports healthy plant growth. The experience connected classroom science to real-world agricultural technology while highlighting the district’s innovative approach to sustainable, locally grown food.
3555 North Calhoun Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
262.781.3030
