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Elkhorn elects two to school board posts

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Terry J. ONeill

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Ellyn Kehoe

ELKHORN — Elkhorn Area School Board incumbent David Ketchpaw captured the most votes in the spring election Tuesday, giving him a fourth full term in office.

David Stebnitz was the second vote getter and re-enters public service.

“I hope I can live up to everybody’s expectations,” Stebnitz said. “I’ll try to keep the school district at the levels that it’s at. I’ll try to maintain the teachers and the programs.

“I’m just grateful for everyone who has confidence in me,” Stebnitz said.

Stebnitz was referring to the deep budget cuts that are expected in the pending two-year budget from Gov. Scott Walker.

Ketchpaw, a veteran school board member, said the uncertainty of how Walker’s budget and budget repair bill will affect education makes planning for the future difficult.

“Now the real challenge is going to begin as far as working our budget,” Ketchpaw said. “I’m still at a loss as far as what’s going to happen with the budget repair bill because that’s going to determine what direction we go.”

The victors will serve three-year terms. Board members are paid $50 for each meeting attended. Board officers collect $60 and the president gets $80.

Ketchpaw campaigned on the notion that the board will struggle with determining where to make large reductions.

Stebnitz pledged to not allow the district to slip in stature.

Ketchpaw’s motivation for running was that he has empathy for district employees because he was a county employee. He is a retired sheriff’s deputy and feels it’s important to show district employees that they’re appreciated.

Stebnitz said he has five grandchildren in Elkhorn schools and his experience as a teacher, a business owner and as a former elected official will help the board.