Lisa Pugh for Stoughton School Board

ern for me. The 2021 Dane County Youth Assessment reported a 5% increase in depression and 14% increase in anxiety for youth. Unfortunately, Stoughton Area School District report cards demonstrate a growing achievement gap, particularly for students of color and those with disabilities. Our staff need ongoing training and we must do all we can to advocate for increased funding for public schools.

2. How should your district address disparities in student achievement? High quality teachers and curriculum show some of the strongest evidence toward increasing achievement. Stoughton has made strides in these areas yet has work to do. There are concerning discrepancies in performance levels for students of color and children with disabilities. The gap has grown wider. The state offers a variety of resources, supports, training and grants for districts to take advantage of evidence-based practices and coaching. Staff need the time, including planning time, and professional development support to adopt and master these methods where needed.

3. What should your district do to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff? We are living in unprecedented times that require our children to be concerned about their safety while in school. We also must do all we can to address the inequities for traditionally marginalized groups to ensure everyone feels as if they belong. Safety is about trust at is core. Comprehensive planning is the best way to ensure overall safety, but at the same time, District leadership must be transparent in communication and intentional in developing stronger relationships with staff and community partners, including families who are not traditionally at the table.

4. Tell us your priorities for your term in office and your specific qualifications to address those issues effectively. I am the parent of two children who have attended Stoughton schools. My youngest is an honor roll student athlete and my middle child required special education supports. In 2009 I received a fellowship to work in Congress and at the U.S. Department of Education. This experience helped me to comprehend education policy as well as the evidence behind what makes certain schools great. We moved to Stoughton because of it’s reputation in quality special education. My priorities include ensuring the hiring and retention of the highest quality leadership in our buildings and administration; putting targeted focus on our achievement gap and support for staff to implement evidence-based practices with fidelity; improving transparent communication with staff, families and the community.