April 3 Local School Board Elections: Big Budgets, Big Responsibilities

With contested School Board races in both Eau Claire and Altoona, the focus is heightened on the significant policy and fiscal responsibilities these bodies have in our community -- to ensure high-quality education for our children and manage large, multi-million-dollar public budgets (over $125 million for Eau Claire and nearly $25 million in Altoona). 

If you live in either one of these districts, you will have a choice when you cast your ballot in the local election on Tuesday, April 3.  In Eau Claire, there are seven candidates for four at-large positions, and in Altoona, two candidates for the one open board seat covering the entire district.

Want to know more about the candidates, their backgrounds, and how they stand on school-related issues? Here are a few resources you can check out:

Who's on your ballot: Go to MyVoteWi.gov and enter your voting address. You can also check for your polling place.

Eau Claire Area School District

• Chamber Good Government Council Questionnaire: The Chamber doesn't endorse candidates, but we do ask for their views on a few key questions so you can make your own judgment.  Click here to read the candidates' answers.
• Recorded Candidates Forum:  Sponsored by the Chamber, WQOW TV18 and Community Television/Valley Media Works. All seven candidates participated. Click here to view it. 
• Eau Claire school board candidates place top priority on careers for students: Leader-Telegram story based upon candidate interviews.
• Candidate Profiles: Compiled by the Leader-Telegram. 

School District of Altoona

• Chamber Good Government Council Questionnaire: The Chamber doesn't endorse candidates, but we do ask for their views on a few key questions so you can make your own judgment.  Click here to read the candidates' answers.
• Altoona school board candidates weigh in on superintendent controversy: Leader-Telegram story based upon candidate interviews.

Your one vote has even more impact in a Spring election, where the turnout is typically lower. Take a few minutes now to be sure you're informed, then make plans to vote on April 3. Polls are open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

​​Posted by: Scott Rogers, Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director
​rogers@eauclairechamber.org