Latest news with #AppletonCommonCouncil
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Appleton officials consider truancy ordinance to address student absenteeism
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The Appleton Common Council is considering implementing a truancy ordinance to help enforce state laws requiring students under 18 to attend school. Officials say the move comes as hundreds of students in the Appleton Area School District missed more than 50 days of school last year, increasing their risk of long-term struggles, including poverty. The proposed ordinance aims to provide support rather than punishment, according to district leaders. 'Celebrating Success': 90+ students in the Appleton School District recognized during Dunlap Awards 'We know what outcomes are for kids who don't have the literacy or numeracy skills to be successful as an adult,' said Appleton Area School District Superintendent Greg Hartjes. 'That's the bottom line. That's where the support is. That's where the help is, and so that's what we're looking to do. We aren't trying to be punitive in any way. We just simply want kids to come to school.' If passed, the ordinance would allow officials to issue tickets to students who repeatedly miss school, similar to a speeding ticket. No final decision has been made. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Appleton primary election: Three political newcomers compete for seat held by Kristin Alfheim
APPLETON — Voters in District 11 have the choice of three political newcomers as their next representative on the Appleton Common Council. The candidates for the nonpartisan office are Stuart Brehm, Adrian Stancil-Martin and Lesley Vogel. The top two finishers in the Feb. 18 primary election will advance to the April 1 general election. The winner of the April election will earn a two-year term on the council and will succeed Kristin Alfheim, who was elected state senator in November and didn't seek reelection to the council. As part of The Post-Crescent's election coverage, the candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire to explain why they're running for office, what makes them the better candidate and how they would address the most important issues facing the city. Their answers are published below. No other Appleton council seat is contested in the spring election. District 11 covers a south-central section of the city. It reaches College Avenue and Washington Street on the north, Meade, Lawe and Oneida streets on the east, State 441 on the south, and Carleton Avenue, Memorial Drive and Walnut Street on the west. The polling place is St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence St. For information about registering to vote, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at Appleton voters can cast an absentee ballot in person, known as early voting, at City Hall, 100 N. Appleton St., from Feb. 4 to 14. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 14. Address: 330 W. Prospect Ave. Age: 35 Occupation: Commercial alarm sales engineer at Martin Systems Highest education: Associate degree in criminal justice from Fox Valley Technical College Relevant experience: Lifelong Appleton resident, former member of Apple Growers Business Referral Group and past president of the Wisconsin Security Association Campaign website: None Address: 212 S. Durkee St. Age: 19 Occupation: Student at Lawrence University Highest education: Pursuing a bachelor's degree in government and philosophy at Lawrence University Relevant experience: I am a representative on the Lawrence University Community Council and a member of the Lawrence University Judicial Board. As a senior in high school, I partnered with nursing homes in New York City to develop a curriculum bringing music therapy to residents with Alzheimer's disease. I also interned for NYC immigration lawyers. Campaign websites: and Adrian_for_Appleton on Facebook Editor's note: Vogel didn't provide a photo of sufficient quality for publication. Address: 301 W. Prospect Ave. Age: 59 Occupation: Retired at-risk teacher/reading specialist in the Appleton Area School District, part-time swim coach at the Appleton YMCA and a barista at Starbucks Highest education: Bachelor's degree in education from Cardinal Stritch University Relevant experience: I've been a resident of District 11 for 23 years. My husband and I have raised our seven children in the Appleton community. Campaign website: None Brehm: I'm running for Appleton Common Council to help our community grow sustainably, create more opportunities for residents and address the issues that matter most. As a father, engaged citizen and midcareer professional, I believe in building a stronger, more connected city where everyone's experiences and voices are heard and valued. Stancil-Martin: I'm running to provide a fresh perspective to the community and advocate for younger voters who may feel disconnected from local government. Through collaboration and cooperation with all of the alderpersons and the broader district, I aim to build connections between Lawrence University students and Appleton as a community. Vogel: I'm thankful for everything this community has provided to my family. I would love to give back to our diverse neighborhood and community by representing all members of District 11 and working to ensure we can all enjoy a safe and inviting place to live, work and raise a family. Brehm: I'm a lifelong Appleton resident, which gives me a deep understanding of our community's values and needs. I bring a fresh perspective, a commitment to collaboration, and a record of problem-solving and community engagement. I'm dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most and ensuring a bright future for all. Stancil-Martin: I've talked with voters across Appleton who feel disaffected with city policies but don't feel like they can do anything about it. I chose this incredible community when deciding which college to attend and want to continue to develop this amazing city that I call home. Vogel: I believe I possess a deeper insight into what it will take to continue to improve on our wonderful community for residents of District 11. I'm ready to work collaboratively with our District 11 neighbors to ensure that we have a strong voice in deciding the future of our community. Brehm: Residents want greater accessibility to local government and a stronger voice in decision-making. To address this, I would work to create more transparent communication channels and ensure that every resident in District 11 has a seat at the table. Everyone deserves to be heard and have their concerns addressed. Stancil-Martin: Residents have told me that parking regulations are unclear and inconsistent and can lack accessibility. People also find that the city has a problem with a lack of fiscal efficiency and responsibility. Additionally, according to a 2020 study, Appleton needs 2,500 to 4,000 new housing units by 2030 to keep up with demand and ensure housing prices remain affordable to residents. I am committed to ensuring that parking regulations are clear, that we reach these housing goals, and that the city is doing the best it can with its limited budget. Vogel: Residents want to retain the beauty and uniqueness that make up District 11, including the Old Third Ward. A specific issue that comes up frequently is traffic flow and the need to ensure safe traffic routes for cars and pedestrians. By working collaboratively with our neighbors and our city engineers, we can figure out ways to improve traffic flow and safety for all residents of District 11. Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@ Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton's District 11 primary election features 3 political newcomers
