Lomira School Board Candidates

Lomira School Board Candidates
All candidate responses have been unedited except for minor grammatical errors to help with readability.
Zone 4
Name: Jim Todl
Occupation: 2nd Grade School Teacher, Addison Elementary, Slinger School District. Community Involvement: My family and I have been coaching, subbing at Sunday School, teaching summer school, coaching since mid 2000’s in the Lomira community (when I moved in, I began coaching my nephew along with my brother-in-law and his friend, Friday night Bonfire, and Fireworks, attending as many events as possible, etc.).

Why am I running: I would like Lomira to be a community where my children will have a difficult time taking my grandbabies (if they choose to have them) away from.
Qualifications: Teaching, Heading Educational Groups, Coaching multiple age levels, Working with the Slinger School Board to begin an in-school daycare as part of my Master’s Degree.
Experience: See Above.
Biggest Issue: Erasing the narrative/belief that improving our school and community MUST ALWAYS affect your taxes to the highest level.
How to Address it: Spread the Word. We can draw people in from other communities to help with costs. When a student open enrolls to a school, the HOME school loses money and STILL has to operate the same way WITH LESS! MORE OPEN ENROLLMENT = MORE $ SO…you bake cookies to sell your house. To sell a community, you start with the school and make it look impressive. Build anything (new elementaries (Theresa NEEDS one) and they will come!
Why Vote for Me: I plan on being here a while. I’ll do my best to make it better, and if I can’t, I know I can ask for help with any issue I may have.
Zone 6
Name: Ashley Billings
Occupation: I currently serve as a Human Resources Coordinator, specializing in compliance, policy implementation, employee relations, and organizational support. My role requires integrity, attention to detail, collaboration, and strong decision-making skills that directly translate to effective school board leadership.
Community Involvement: I have been connected to this school district for more than 19 years as a parent and engaged community member. I am proud to have students who are alumni of the district, as well as a current student enrolled. Over the years, I have remained actively involved in school-related activities, supported district initiatives, and stayed informed on issues impacting students, families, and staff. My long-term connection to the district has given me a strong understanding of our schools, their strength, and the opportunities ahead.
Why are you running for candidacy: I am running for the Lomira School Board because I care deeply about the success, stability, and future of our district. As both a parent and a long-standing member of this community, I understand the importance of strong leadership, transparent governance, and policies that prioritize student achievement. I want to help ensure our schools continue to provide high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment.
What are your qualifications: With extensive experience in Human Resources, I bring knowledge of employment law, compliance, policy development, and strategic decision-making. I regularly work with leadership teams, manage complex issues, and ensure accountability and fairness in organizational practices. These experiences equip me to thoughtfully review policies, oversee district leadership, and make fiscally responsible decisions. Additionally, my 19+ years connected to this district provide a valuable perspective and long-term insight into our schools’ strengths and opportunities for growth.
What experiences have best prepared you to serve as [position running for]: My HR career has prepared me to evaluate policies objectively, analyze data, navigate sensitive matters,
and make decisions grounded in fairness and compliance. I understand the importance of balancing stakeholder perspectives while keeping organizational goals at the forefront.
As a parent with children who have grown through this district, and one still attending, I also bring firsthand understanding of the student and family experience. I recognize the impact board decisions have in the classroom and at home.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the community during the next year, and what do you plan to do to address it: The most important priority for the coming year is ensuring that every student in the Lomira School District feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. School safety today includes both physical security and student mental health. The district has a strong foundation, but we must remain proactive by regularly reviewing safety procedures, supporting staff training, and maintaining strong community partnerships. Just as importantly, we need to prioritize student well-being through mental health resources and a culture of respect and accountability. As a parent with a current student in the district, I am committed to leadership that keeps our students’ safety and well-being at the center of every decision.
Why should people vote for you: Voters should choose me because I bring both professional expertise and personal commitment to this role. I understand governance, policy, and compliance, and I am also a parent deeply invested in the success of our school. I will listen thoughtfully, act with integrity, and work collaboratively to ensure our district continues to thrive for current students and future generations.
Name: Michele Vogelman
Occupation: Senior Finance Specialist at Kohl’s Inc.
Why are you running for candidacy: I am running for School Board because our schools should reflect the values of the families they serve. I want to ensure every child receives a strong, high-quality education in a safe and respectful environment while supporting parents and educators. My focus is on putting students first and carrying family values — accountability, respect, hard work, and opportunity — into our classrooms.
What are your qualifications: I bring a deep commitment to education and community service, along with a strong understanding of the needs of families and students. I am experienced in listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, and taxpayers and translating those concerns into meaningful action. My dedication to advocacy, teamwork, and problem-solving equips me to serve effectively on the School Board.
What experiences have best prepared you to serve as [position running for]: Working closely with families, educators, and community organizations has given me insight into the challenges and opportunities in our schools. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, clear communication, and thoughtful decision-making — all critical skills for leading initiatives that benefit students, staff, and the broader community.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the community during the next year, and what do you plan to do to address it: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that every student receives a quality education while also supporting the well-being of families and staff. I plan to address this by listening to families and educators, advocating for resources where they are most needed, and supporting policies that strengthen student learning and school culture. By fostering open communication and acting on community input, we can make thoughtful decisions that benefit everyone.
Why should people vote for you: I am not afraid to speak up for what is right, and I will be a strong voice for our community — and an even stronger listener. My leadership philosophy is simple: “Listening to Families. Leading for Students.”Together, we can strengthen our schools, support our educators, and build a future we are proud to pass on to the next generation. I would be honored to earn your vote.