Ted Kowalski
School Board Candidate for Stevens Point
ABOUT
I have been a Citizen Volunteer on the Business
Services/Human Resources Committee of the School Board since October of 2019. This participation has provided me with the experience and knowledge necessary to feel confident to be a member of the Schoo Board. Prior to my retirement, I worked at Bushmans’ Inc in Rosholt as Transportation Manager. In 2018 I attended Mid-State Technical College and then worked for Mid-State Accounting, LLC as a Tax Associate until I retired in July of 2022. I believe in life-long learning and continue to be a part-time student at MSTC.
Email tpkowalski@gmail.com
Address Plover, WI
LIFE EXPERIENCES
I have been married for over 49 years and my 3
children graduated from SPASH and UW Stevens Point. When my children were in school, I was PTO Treasurer at Roosevelt school and a PCYS (Portage County Youth Soccer) coach for 16 years. I am a member of Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church and past Deacon and Elder. I have been a Toastmaster for over 34 years and been involved in leadership, training, mentoring and have earned the award of Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest level of educational achievement in the organization. I am also a tax preparer volunteer at the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center - Lincoln Center) and with TCE(Taxpayer Counseling for the Elderly).
THE WHY
I look forward to more actively participating in
this innovative school district, helping each student to be successful. As a member of the school board, I would help provide leadership in a team atmosphere, looking to do what is right for the parents, students, community, teachers, other staff, and administration. I view this work as an oversight position, and look for fiscal efficiency, effectiveness and responsibility balanced by the needs of the district.
TOP ISSUES
Why are you running for office?
I am running for re-election to continue providing steady, experienced leadership for our students and community. I believe in strong academics, safe and respectful schools, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Our district must prepare students for life and careers while remaining financially sustainable. I am committed to thoughtful, fact-based decision-making that prioritizes students and maintains the community’s trust.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
I bring proven leadership, governance training, and financial oversight. As Board Treasurer last year and current Vice President, I understand our budget in detail and the long-term impact of our decisions. Through ongoing WASB training and Level 2 recognition, I stay informed on best practices in school governance. I focus on long-term stability, protect classroom instruction, and approach decisions calmly and objectively.
Why are you running for office?
Declining enrollment is our most pressing challenge because it reduces revenue while many costs remain largely fixed. We must respond with disciplined long-range planning, careful staffing alignment, and thoughtful review of facilities and programs. My priority is protecting core academic instruction and essential student services while ensuring financial sustainability through transparency and proactive planning.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Residents consistently raise concerns about academic quality, student safety, and affordability. They want strong reading and math outcomes, safe learning environments, and responsible budgeting. I support data-driven academic improvement, clear safety policies, and careful financial oversight. Open communication and transparency will remain central so families understand both our challenges and our progress.
How will you balance providing essential services with rising concerns of affordability and cost of living?
Balancing services and affordability requires discipline and prioritization. With enrollment declining, revenue pressures increase while many costs remain fixed. We must focus on core academic programs and essential student supports, evaluate efficiencies, and plan conservatively. My goal is to maintain educational quality while respecting the financial realities facing families in our community.
How will you work to balance budgets for student services with budgets for academic needs?
Student services and academics are interconnected; students cannot succeed academically without appropriate support. My approach is data-driven and outcome-focused. We must evaluate programs carefully, prioritize evidence-based strategies, and allocate resources where they produce measurable results. Protecting classroom instruction while delivering necessary supports efficiently will ensure long-term stability and student success.
Support the Campaign:
To donate to Ted Kowalski, Stevens Point School Board candidate, please contact Ted directly by phone or email.
Phone: 608-220-8314
Email: tpkowalski@gmail.com
