HI, I’M SEAN
Elmbrook School Board At-Large Candidate
Nearly 16 years ago, my wife, a decorated USMC Combat Theater Veteran, and I relocated from Milwaukee to Brookfield when our daughter was born. We wanted her to attend a great school district which was also close to the law firm at which I worked. In asking advice from many other parents, the district most commonly lauded was Elmbrook. In the end, we purchased a modest home in a gorgeous neighborhood behind St. Dominic Parish in Brookfield and have lived there ever since.
I am the proud Dad of a daughter who started as a Burleigh Viking (yes, we still lament the retirement of Kitty Janas), grew to become a Pilgrim Park Panther, and is now a Brookfield East Spartan. Upon completion of my career in the legal world, I began a new venture in remodeling and home improvement. Working with my stepfather, a General Contractor, I developed a skillset that has allowed me to serve a large number of my fellow Elmbrook residents. I have built a solid reputation in this community by offering creative and cost-effective solutions to a wide variety of remodeling, home improvement, mechanical, audio/visual, and networking issues.
When I meet new people and am inevitably asked what I do for a living, I always give the same answer. “I solve people’s problems.” If you ask around, I have probably helped someone you know. I would very much like to be a problem-solver for you, as well. Please allow me to do so by electing me to the At-Large seat on the Elmbrook School Board. Every School Board needs a member who excels at creating, proposing, drafting, and implementing common sense solutions to problems that affect the community. I give you my word, I will be that Board member… A Board member working for YOU.
Please vote for me, Sean A. Firmiss, to the AT-LARGE seat. I will help to keep the Board's FOCUS on the BASICS.
LET’S FOCUS on the BASICS
ACADEMICS
“To each according to their need.”
GOAL: Ensure that each Elmbrook student receives the highest quality education possible.
OBSTACLE: Our School Board is currently facing challenges regarding the status of Fairview South. I believe that Parents of our special needs children should remain free to choose a specialized educational environment for their kids, like Fairview South, which caters to their individual needs.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
“We treasure high quality of life.”
GOAL: Protect the financial health of the district and respect the residents’ expectations of responsible spending.
OBSTACLE: The Elmbrook School District has been permitted to spend $129,805,365 during this school year. In the last three years, failure to plan properly has resulted in the Board's approval of BORROWING as much as $6,300,00.00 annually for “cash flow purposes.” (Spoiler: “Cash flow purposes” can easily include PAYROLL).
OPPORTUNITY
“Pass on the means to attain high quality of life to our children.”
GOAL: We must pass our high quality of life to our students through an equally high-quality education. Regardless of where you came from or where you go, students are truly enriched, having received the benefit of the Elmbrook education experience.
OBSTACLE: Not every student is destined to attend an Ivy League institution upon graduation. The Board must increase and improve opportunities for students who might not feel a traditional 4-year university is a logical next step.
1
Demand that the Board refocus its actions and resources on the classical education of its students.
2
Prioritize instructional benefit in all School Board decision making processes.
3
Fortify the resolve of the board to fulfill its commitment to students and parents, not special interest groups.
4
Ensure parents are the primary educators of children regarding their moral and societal development.
My Promises
“I will always...”
-
Receive community feedback by holding weekly, two-hour public listening sessions. If you, or someone you know has an issue needing the attention of a Board member, I am here for YOU. Weekly session locations will be posted via social media.
-
Research upcoming topics independently to supplement information supplied by District Administration.
-
Close the communication loop and offer transparent accountability. To listen and respond to all inquiries from students, teachers, parents, and community members. Share what assistance I can (or cannot) provide, and when necessary, offer guidance toward District resources which might be of use.
-
Inspire Board discussion and debate to formulate the best solutions for our students, rather than “rubber-stamping” the recommendations of the administration.
-
Comment publicly on the reasons behind each of my School Board votes.
