School board candidate responds to questionnaire

By Kim McDarison 

A General Spring Election will be held April 6. Residents within the School District of Fort Atkinson, including the city of Fort Atkinson, will find one candidate running for a single School District of Fort Atkinson Board of Eduction at-large seat on the general election ballot. 

Rhona Buchta described herself recently as a longtime educator and a newcomer to local politics. 

The Board of Education is a five-member board. Members serve for three-year terms. 

This year, a single seat, held by board member Rachel Snethen, is up for reelection. Buchta is running for the seat unopposed. Snethen earlier announced that she will not be seeking another term. 

Fort Atkinson Online recently asked the single candidate to provide some biographical information and fill out a short questionnaire, with instructions to keep responses to a total of between 700 and 1,000 words.

The electorate will have an opportunity to meet Buchta when she appears as a guest on What’s Up? With Michael Clish. 

The video-taped YouTube platform show will be released later this month. 

Responses from Buchta follow.

Rhona Buchta

Age: 44

Address: 501 Nikki Ln, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Occupation: Literature/Language Arts Middle School Teacher

Number of years resided in city/district: 40 years

Education: UW-Whitewater: Major: Education and General Business Minor: Psychology

Civic and other organizational membership:

   • St. Joseph School Art Enrichment Committee (10-plus years)

   • Diocese of Madison Star360 Advisory/Core Team (3 years) 

   • St. Joseph Student Council Co-Mentor (3 Years)

Political experience:  None

Questions: 

What are your reasons for seeking this position?  I have been part of the Fort Atkinson committee for many years. I have grown up here and have raised and continue to raise my own children in this community. In seeking this position, I hope to contribute ideas and a voice as a strong advocate for the progression of all schools. I fully understand how important it is to support our teachers and staff and believe it is important to collaborate as a community in support of our youth’s education.

What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek?  I believe a pressing issue that my position faces is continuing to build our community’s trust and continuing to find ways to move the district further to support both the mental health and academics of our youth and families.  

What unique perspective do you bring?  I believe that my background and experience as an educator will offer a perspective that understands intimately the roles of both teachers and students. I have a vested interest to give back to my community which has served my family well and want to gain an understanding of how I can serve my community in support of Education. 

Any additional comments?  None at the time. 

Rhona Buchta

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