Linda Stoll, candidate for Dupo 196 School Board

Name: Linda Stoll

Political party (if applicable): N/A

Age as of April 6, 2021: 63

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Dupo CUSD#196 school board member

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Previous offices sought: Yes, I am currently a school board member in the Dupo School District.

Occupation: Retired public school educator

Education: I have a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in teacher leadership.

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: As a citizen, my civic involvement in the simplest form is to vote in regional, state and federal elections. When I have questions or comments I contact the elected people that represent me. In April 2013 I was elected to the school board in the Dupo Community School District #196 to serve the community. As a school board member my collaboration with other board members and stakeholders prepare our student learners in Dupo for a successful/productive life in the 21st century.

Why are you running? I am running for the school board in Dupo because I believe my experiences as a parent, taxpayer, alumna of Dupo and retired educator will bring a unique perspective to our school board. As a school board member, I will be able to serve my community and share the decision making process to include educational programs so the students in Dupo will be prepared to live successful/productive adult lives.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue in Dupo and around the country is getting all of our students physically back in our schools and classrooms. Students learn best with in-person instruction from their classroom teachers. Here in Dupo, the collaboration of the school board, administration, teachers and parents have allowed our board to approve the elementary school to be in the classroom five days a week - full class days for families making the decision to send their children back to school. Currently our junior high and high school students can choose to attend a hybrid schedule four days a week with a shortened day. Our current board members and other stakeholders continue to explore ways to bring junior high and high school students back to our buildings full time. The best education for all students is in-person instruction five days a week - full class days.

Why should people vote for you? I have 35 years of experience as a public school educator and eight years as a school board member. I chose to live in Dupo, I am a Dupo alumna, parent of two children who are Dupo alumni, and therefore a stakeholder in our school district. It is important to me that all students have the opportunity to learn in a positive learning community. My leadership skills will be used to collaborate with all community stakeholders (parents, school employees, community members and taxpayers) for a high performing Dupo School District. My concern is for our entire school district. My decisions are made in thinking, “Is this best for all the students in Dupo schools?” I do not have a specific interest or agenda. I believe every program we offer our students has value and meets the needs of our students. I would appreciate your vote on April 6, 2021, to continue the journey to a high performing school district in Dupo. Proud to be a Dupo Tiger!

This story was originally published February 25, 2021 at 3:26 PM.