James Congdon, Past Board of Education President and 32-year member, is running for Zone 3 South.

Name: James Carl Congdon

Office Sought: School District of Mayville Board of Education, Zone 3 (Southern Area)

Occupation: Retired biologist/supervisor from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Family Information: Cheryl and I have three daughters who graduated from Mayville High School. Laura, Christine and Sarah hold professional-level positions. Cheryl worked many years as a substitute in Mayville School District administrative offices and classrooms, and volunteers at sixth grade camp.

Community Involvement: Cheryl and I have lived in the Town of Williamstown for 46 years. We have been active participants in our township and the cities of Mayville and Horicon. I have been a member of the School District of Mayville Board of Education  for 32 years.

Also, volunteer educator at Mayville sixth grade camp for 34 years, member/volunteer at the Mayville White Limestone School Museum, member of Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Marsh Haven Nature Center, Rock River Coalition, Wisconsin Chapter of Sierra Club and Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.

During my working years as fishery biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, I interacted with nearly every fishing club and lake organization in an eight county area. In partnership with WDNR staff, I conducted management plans, working with many lake organizations, to restore fishing quality on area lakes. As Upper Rock River Basin Water Leader, I participated in development of water quality plans for the Rock River Basin, involving area communities in the planning process.

Why are you running for candidacy? We are at the beginning of a new era in education in Mayville, ready to meet the needs of future graduates, with the addition, remodeling and renovation of our 55-year-old Mayville High School building, and  renovation and updating of Mayville Middle School and Parkview School. I am concerned about our school district being able to continue to maintain our excellent education program in today’s challenging financial and political climate.

I am a retired senior citizen who understands that cost of education cannot exceed the ability of our community to support it, but I also know that we must invest in our schools to provide a safe, modern learning environment that nurtures all learners. Our school system must be competitive with neighboring school districts and comparable in cost for our community to grow and prosper. Our schools must provide the education our children will need to be successful citizens, prepare our graduates for higher education, and prepare/train graduates entering the workforce to meet the needs of industry in our community. I would like to continue to play a role in the decision-making process on the Mayville Board of Education.

What are your qualifications? I have served on the School District of Mayville Board of
Education for 32 years. I have held the office of President, Vice-president, Treasurer and Secretary and have been a member of every board committee during my tenure.

My personal background: I hold a BS degree from UW-Stevens Point, and a MS degree from South Dakota State University. Throughout my working career, I’ve supervised technical and professional staff, while myself being a working fishery biologist
and water quality team leader. I have had extensive training and experience in public communication and public participation.

I have an understanding of government procedure and operation. I understand the operation and finances of our school district. I know from my career and work experience the importance of being a lifetime learner to be able to adapt to the rapidly changing knowledge base, work and social world that our future graduates will face.

Why should people vote for you? I am an experienced school board member. I will continue to be a strong advocate for a school system that provides the education our community’s present and future children need to be successful citizens. It has been an honor to serve the Mayville School District and Mayville community and to have worked with so many people who are dedicated to providing quality education for our Mayville children. I would like your vote to allow me to continue to serve the Mayville School District and Mayville community.

Make sure you make it to the polls on Tuesday, April 3rd, to show your support in moving Mayville forward!