Friends of JoAnne Ruch, candidate for School Board of Beloit

Seeing my name on the ballot was surreal - probably the first time since fifth grade, and I suspect my teacher had something to do with that!

Congratulations to Megan and Juan on their election, and a sincere thank you to Gregg, Kenda, and Bill for stepping up to run. It takes real courage and commitment to put yourself out there, and I admire each of you for doing so. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who encouraged and supported me throughout this journey.

With the referendum failing, we face difficult decisions ahead. Now is the time to come together, roll up our sleeves, and find creative solutions that minimize the negative impact on our children. Thankfully, I’m an eternal optimist (life has shaped me that way) and I believe we will find a way forward. I’m honored to be part of the ad-hoc budget committee, led by the dedicated Carol Fox, who works tirelessly behind the scenes as a volunteer. She sets an example of leadership and service that we can all follow.

But we can’t do this alone. I urge you to join the conversation. Talk to board members, find the courage to speak at a Tuesday night board meeting, stay informed about what’s happening in public education at every level, and volunteer to support students and teachers. There should never be a disconnect between the school board and the community it serves. I only wish I had worked with others sooner. Perhaps I would still be a teacher in the district if I had done so. Now, I am thankful to once again be a part of the School District of Beloit.

At the heart of all this is a simple truth: Every child in Beloit deserves a high-quality education. Every teacher deserves a safe and supportive workplace. And our schools must prepare students for success. Public education is a lifeline, giving children the tools to rise beyond their circumstances and build bright futures. When we work together to lift each other up, we strengthen not just our schools, but our entire community. Let’s keep pushing forward. Our kids deserve nothing less.

“The number of disciplinary incidents fell to 1,702 in 2022-2023.” Numbers do not tell the story. That was my last year in the Beloit schools. Disciplinary actions I sent in were changed to lesser offenses, and other students were not written up at all. If you ignore a teacher’s call for help, then you do not have to document anything as long as the teacher does not. Teachers solved this problem by working together but then it affected multiple rooms. If the number of incidents actually decreased in 23-24, why did so many teachers leave that year? Not for a pay raise. I took a pay cut. Not for better benefits. My insurance is not as good as it was in Beloit. When searching for a new school to teach in, my research focused on the leadership. What did the student services team do when a child’s behavior interfered with the learning process? I chose a school where academics are paramount and students unable to participate in the classroom for any reason are helped in a way that helps the child want to return to the classroom. If the activities in the office are ones that are highly desirable and impossible to replicate in classrooms(cookies and chips when I only offer fresh fruits, veggies, and cheese sticks; play dough there while we are tackling decoding words in kindergarten; one-on-one attention vs. an entire room of students, and of course tablets) some students will choose behaviors that makes an office visit necessary. This happened daily in my room, and many other former educators who now teach in other districts, and BSD numbers do not match our experiences or data.

New discipline figures for Beloit schools show good and bad numbers The number of student disciplinary incidents in the School District of Beloit in the 2023-2024 school year increased.

Pastor David Clark,my friend and pastor for over 30 years, shared this analogy one weekend when I was a young teacher, and it profoundly shaped my approach to designing and managing expectations in my classroom, as well as how I raised and taught my four children at home.

LETTERS: Safe schools for staff and students Imagine a beautiful bridge stretching over a vast, breathtaking landscape. The bridge allows us to cross safely while taking in the view. But what makes it safe? The railings. Without

When I was ten, I had a dream that would shape my life. I woke up and told my mom that I dreamed of playing guitar for children from all over the world. Inspired by this, my parents enrolled me in guitar lessons, and for the next 15 years, I searched for my purpose—exploring paths like the Peace Corps and missionary work, but nothing felt quite right.

Then, I became a teacher. In my first year, while playing guitar for my students, I looked around and saw the incredible diversity in my classroom, much like the city of Beloit itself. I truly appreciated how each student brought their unique background and experiences, including a refugee from Africa, a Native American girl, and a student whose mother was from the Philippines. That’s when I realized my childhood dream had come to life. After spending so much time searching for a place far from home to plant my roots, I recognized that I was already exactly where I was meant to be.

My purpose became clear: to empower my students to be critical thinkers, curious learners, and compassionate individuals while supporting them on their journey to success. And through this, I’ve learned how we grow together as a community.

Leaving the School District of Beloit two years ago was incredibly difficult, but my love for our students, educators, and the Beloit community has never wavered. Now, I’m running for a seat on the school board to continue supporting our schools and students in a new capacity.

✅ Support Teachers & Students for Success
✅ Enhance School Safety & Well-Being
✅ Strengthen Communication Between the School Board & Community
✅ Advocate for Responsible Budgeting & Transparency

We can reignite pride in our schools. Beloit shaped me into who I am today, and I’m ready to give back. I hope to earn your support on this journey!

Beloit is a community with immense potential. Like many cities that have faced economic challenges due to industry shifts and high poverty rates, Beloit is at a turning point. We have a dedicated and diverse community, a growing downtown, new industries moving into the area, and a college filled with students eager to contribute. These are the building blocks of a city poised for transformation.

Despite the challenges our schools face, we know that success is possible because other districts with similar obstacles have achieved it. For example, a district in Ohio—facing economic hardship and lacking some of the assets we have in Beloit—has consistently ensured that all students are reading at grade level, maintained strong attendance, and enrolled 80% of children in preschool. Their success is not the result of luck but of intentional investment in proven programs and community collaboration. Beloit has even more strengths to build upon, and by following the lead of districts that have already demonstrated what works, we can create real change for our students.

Dr. Tom Johnson introduced me to the idea of turnaround schools during his time as principal at Hackett. Beloit can be a turnaround district. Imagine what it could be with our school district being featured in headlines for incredible growth! Achieving this vision will require collaboration from our community, parents, staff, and students, but it is absolutely possible. There are effective, research-backed programs available that could accelerate student success. For example, one initiative could provide every kindergarten through second-grade teacher in Beloit with essential resources to teach foundational skills in reading for less than $6,000—a small investment with the potential for significant impact.

Sustainable change requires long-term funding. A referendum could provide the financial foundation needed to implement proven strategies, improve early literacy, and support educators with the tools they need. Without it, progress will be slower, and critical programs may remain out of reach. I understand the concerns some in our community have about trust and fiscal responsibility, especially in an area facing economic hardship. That is why transparency and accountability must be central to any investment we make.

Beloit is at a crossroads. We can choose to invest in our students, creating a thriving school system that lifts the entire community, or we can continue to struggle with limitations and further cuts. I believe in our city, our schools, and our ability to work together to build a stronger future. With the right support, Beloit can lead the way in educational transformation. Check out more about a district with all readers meeting expectations:

Most school districts have lots of kids who struggle with reading. This one is different. The third graders in Steubenville, Ohio, are among the best little readers in the nation. For nearly 20 years, 93% or more of them have scored proficient on state reading tests. In fact, the elementary schools in this economically depressed area are producing better readers than some of the wealthie...

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School Board - JoAnne Ruch.docx Your support is essential to building a stronger future for our students and community. Together, we can make a positive difference in the School District of Beloit! Thank You for Your Time and Consideration! I would be honored to earn your vote. Safety & Comfort Consistent R...

I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Beloit Education Association. During my years teaching in Beloit, I had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated educators, staff, and families. I look forward to building strong relationships in a new capacity and working together to create positive change for our district!

Beloit has always been my heart and my home. It’s where I grew up, where my family has lived for generations, and where I’ve devoted most of my career as a teacher. While I now teach in another district, my passion for education and my love for this community have never wavered. I deeply believe in Beloit—its strength, its resilience, and our ability to face challenges head-on with hope and determination.

I never imagined myself running for public office. I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes kind of girl, working quietly to make a difference. But this moment feels right. I am ready to step forward because I believe in Beloit’s future, and I want to be part of the effort to ensure our schools and our children thrive.

In the words of President Jimmy Carter, “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. I’m free to choose that something … my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can.”

That sentiment captures exactly how I feel. I am committed to serving our students, families, and educators with integrity, passion, and purpose. Together, I believe we can achieve great things for Beloit.

I’m hopeful for our future—and I hope to earn your support.

Thank you,
JoAnne Ruch

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