March 26, 2026
See below questions asked by the Chamber, and the following "responses" from the listed candidate.
Candidate: Hillarie Roth
Running for: Incumbent for Eau Claire School Board
What motivated you to run for the school board, and what experiences have
prepared you for this role?
Response: "I chose to run for the Altoona School Board because I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student receives a high‐quality education. Our students are the future of our community, and they deserve strong opportunities, supportive environments, and a school system that believes in their potential. I have served on the Altoona School Board for the past six years, and my commitment to this community extends far beyond the boardroom. Over the past 25 years in the Chippewa Valley, I have organized blood drives, volunteered at community events, served as a City of Altoona poll worker, and acted as a Police and Fire Commissioner. Within the school district, I have been an active volunteer—chairing Locopalooza, serving on the Color Run planning committee, chaperoning field trips, participating in DPI educator book studies, and supporting classrooms in hands‐on ways. My professional and advocacy experience also strengthens my service. As a former board member of the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted, I advocated for educational services and funding at both the state and national levels. My work as a substitute teacher in grades K–12 and as a nutrition educator serving low‐income families has given me firsthand insight into the diverse needs of students and the challenges educators face. I strive to live by my family’s motto: “I can’t change the world, but I can work hard to make my corner of it a better place.” Serving on the School Board is one of the ways I work to do just that."
What do you see as the most important challenges facing the School District of
Altoona over the next five to ten years? How will you govern for these challenges?
Response: "Over the next decade, Altoona will face two major challenges: long‐term facility needs and declining enrollment, both of which require thoughtful, student‐centered governance. First, our main campus has significant structural, mechanical, and space needs. The district’s long‐range, four‐phase facility plan—supported by community survey data— provides a responsible roadmap for addressing these issues over time. With only 21% of residents supporting large‐scale solutions like a brand‐new high school, and 64%
supporting a modest, phased‐in approach, it is clear that we must move forward in a way
that is fiscally responsible and aligned with community expectations. As a board member, I
will continue to prioritize transparency, long‐term planning, and solutions that protect both
student learning environments and taxpayer resources. Second, like districts across the state and nation, Altoona is beginning to experience declining enrollment due to lower birthrates. This will require careful financial stewardship, strategic staffing decisions, and a continued focus on maintaining high‐quality educational opportunities despite funding constraints. To govern effectively through these challenges, I will continue to keep students at the forefront of every decision, while also prioritizing the needs of our teachers, who are essential to student success. When teachers feel supported, valued, and equipped, students thrive. Strong schools depend on strong educators, and I believe the Board must work collaboratively with staff, listen to their expertise, and ensure they have the resources and stability they need to do their best work. Finaly, I will strive to communicate openly with the community, and work collaboratively with district leadership to ensure stability, sustainability, and strong academic outcomes as we navigate the years ahead."
How should the school district work with local businesses and community organizations to prepare students for life after graduation?
Response: "Preparing students for life after graduation requires strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions. Workforce development begins in our schools, and Altoona has an opportunity to expand pathways
that connect students directly to high‐demand careers. Students in the Altoona School district have access to valuable dual‐credit and career‐focused coursework through the Wisconsin University system as well as through CVTC. Opportunities such as CNA certification, pre‐nursing courses, and other technical and industry‐aligned classes give students early exposure to career fields and help them build skills that translate directly into the workforce. I would like to see these opportunities continue to grow—along with an expansion of apprenticeships, job‐shadowing, school‐to‐work programs, and partnerships that allow students to learn directly from local employers. These experiences help students explore career interests, gain hands‐on experience, and transition smoothly into employment or further education. These opportunities already exist in Altoona, and during my six years on the Board, we have seen them expand significantly. While I am not directly responsible for creating these programs, I have consistently advocated for them, supported the staff who make them possible, and championed efforts to broaden career‐connected learning for all students. I want to see this momentum continue so that every student has access to meaningful pathways that prepare them for life after graduation.
Through my work with the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted, I have also
collaborated with state leaders on proposals to study talent development in K–12 schools.
These experiences reinforce my belief that strong community partnerships are essential to
preparing tomorrow‐ready citizens."
How do you approach balancing strong educational opportunities for students with responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources?
Response: " Balancing educational excellence with fiscal responsibility is one of the Board’s most important responsibilities. My approach is grounded in transparency, long‐term planning, and a commitment to keeping students at the center of every decision.
The district’s phased facility plan is a good example of this balance. Rather than pursuing
large, high‐cost projects that lack community support, the Board is proposing a modest
first phase that addresses the most urgent needs while minimizing tax impact. This
approach allows us to maintain safe, functional learning environments without placing
undue burden on residents. At the same time, we must continue to protect high‐quality educational opportunities— retaining staff, supporting effective programs, and ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Responsible stewardship means making thoughtful, data‐informed decisions that honor both our students and our taxpayers."
What does success look like for the School District of Altoona, and how should the school board measure whether you are achieving it?
Response: "Success in the School District of Altoona means that every student is growing
academically, developing essential life skills, and graduating prepared for their next steps— whether that is college, career, military service, or another pathway. It also means that
families trust the district, staff feel supported, and the community sees the schools as a
source of pride. The Board’s accountability model—monthly reviews of student outcome data and indicators of compliance with policy expectations—is a strong foundation for measuring progress. Success should be evaluated through:
• Academic growth and achievement, not just proficiency
• Career‐readiness indicators, such as dual‐credit participation, certifications, and
post‐secondary enrollment
• Student well‐being and engagement, including attendance and belonging
• Staff retention and satisfaction, which directly impact student learning
• Fiscal stability and responsible resource management
• Community trust and transparency, especially during periods of change
When we see students thriving, staff supported, and the community engaged, we know we
are moving in the right direction."
Click here for additional candidate responses!