Oak Creek-Franklin School Board Election: A Primer

Election Day is Tuesday, and one of the biggest local races on the ballot is that for the Oak Creek-Franklin School Board.

Challenger Mark Verhalen took home . He faces incumbent Sheryl Cerniglia, who advanced with 28 percent of the vote.

Cerniglia

Cerniglia, a nine-year veteran of the School Board, has been a resident of the district since 1978 and has been heavily involved in the schools for years.

She has two children, age 28 and 30, and works as a nurse at Children's Hospital. 

Cerniglia touts her communication skills and says she is a "voice for everyone," always listening to both sides of an issue.

She said she feels good about the state of the district, both academically and financially. If re-elected, she wants to solicit as many cost-cutting ideas from district residents and employees as possible, as the district will likely face budget cuts.

Mark Verhalen

Verhalen served on the Oak Creek Common Council from 2008-09 and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2009. He currently sits on a committee examining the needs of school district facilities.

Verhalen has four children and owns a small business, Verhalen Excavating.

He said he considers the district well-run but wants to make sure it stays financially sound going forward.

That includes dealing with increasingly-cramped facilities. Verhalen said the district must take advantage of the opportunity and make good decisions for the future. 

Election basics

Polls are open for 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. To look up your voter information, visit the state's Voter Public Access site.

School Board members are elected to three-year terms and receive $420 per month.

Also on Oak Creek Patch: The candidates talk about why they have the experience to serve on the School Board.