CLINTONVILLE, WI – Before nominations began, School Board Clerk Klint Barkow delivered a candid message to fellow members, urging a renewed focus on unity and professionalism moving forward.
“It’s been downright, sometimes embarrassing,” Barkow said. “I hope we can all agree, starting here tonight, with this board, that we can end that.”
When votes were finalized, Ben Huber was elected Board President in a narrow 4-3 decision over Jason Moder. Kris Strauman was also elected Vice President by a 4-3 vote, while Laurie Vollrath was named Clerk without opposition. Barkow then secured the role of Treasurer with a 6-1 vote, rounding out the board’s leadership team.
Following the reorganization, the board quickly shifted its attention to operational changes, including a proposal to streamline meeting frequency. Huber introduced “Option 2,” which establishes a schedule of one meeting per month for most of the year, held in the high school library unless otherwise announced. The board will continue to hold two meetings in both June and August to accommodate hiring needs and budget preparation.
The proposal was approved unanimously, with board members noting the ability to revisit the schedule if adjustments are needed.
In addition to leadership roles and scheduling changes, the board also worked through committee and representative assignments, determining which members will attend CESA-8 meetings and represent the district at the annual Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) convention.
With new leadership in place and structural changes approved, the Clintonville School Board is aiming to move forward with a more unified approach as it begins the next phase of its work.
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