WF School Board

As the April 1, 2025, election approaches, Weyauwega-Fremont voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of their school district. Candidates running for the school board have shared their backgrounds, motivations, and plans to address the district’s challenges.

Meet the Weyauwega-Fremont School Board Candidates

Brad Gerrits – Town of Bloomfield

A fifth-generation dairyman, Brad Gerrits has been involved in the Fremont Elementary PTO and served on the school board since 2023. Inspired by his grandfather’s service on a school board, Gerrits aims to ensure the district remains financially responsible while maintaining quality education. He highlights the importance of balancing rising costs with careful planning and credits dedicated teachers and community volunteers as the district’s biggest strength.

Joanie Buss – Towns of Lind, Saxeville, and Waupaca

A business owner and active community member, Buss has been involved in local fundraisers and the Fremont Chamber Board. Inspired by her high school English teacher, she is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students. Her goals include ensuring teachers have the resources they need and addressing declining proficiency levels from elementary to high school.

Trisha Loehrke – Towns of Lind, Saxeville, and Waupaca

A lifelong resident and Weyauwega-Fremont graduate, Loehrke has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She was motivated to run after noticing a lack of academic challenges for students, including her own daughter. Loehrke has supported curriculum improvements, including adding two new Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Her primary focus remains on academic performance and financial responsibility, ensuring taxpayer funds are used effectively to benefit students.

Doug Ehrenberg – Village of Fremont

Ehrenberg, a Fremont resident and small business owner, for 25 years, has served on the school board for 11 years, including eight as president. He is seeking re-election with a continued focus on making student-centered decisions.

Ben Selsing – Village of Fremont

A dedicated volunteer and parent, Selsing has been active in youth programs and the Weyauwega-Fremont baseball board. His priorities include improving communication between parents, the community, and the school district. He also emphasizes challenging students academically while fostering a supportive learning environment.

Key Issues Facing the District

Candidates identified financial management, academic performance, and community engagement as major challenges. While some, like Buss and Loehrke, have focused on improving curriculum, others, like Selsing, stress the importance of transparency and open communication between families and school leadership.

With committed candidates offering diverse perspectives, Weyauwega-Fremont voters have important choices to make in this election. Their decision will help shape the district’s future, ensuring that students receive the best possible education while maintaining fiscal responsibility. See below the questions and answers from the candidates

1. Tell us a little about yourself

Brad Gerrits- Originally from Freedom, WI, I grew up as a fifth-generation dairyman just outside town on our family dairy farm. My wife and I moved to the Fremont area in 2010, as the result of growth of our family business, and now farm in five different areas in the state of Wisconsin. Our two boys, Charlie (10) and Leo (7), both attend Fremont Elementary and enjoy sports, hunting, fishing, and the summer water fun. I have served on the Fremont Elementary PTO for four years before and joined the Weyauwega Fremont School Board in 2023.

Joanie Buss- I have been in the Weyauwega/Fremont area since 2001. My husband and I own a small business in the Village of Fremont. I have been a member of the Fremont Chamber Board for the past 5 years. I have 2 children that are currently attending the high school in Weyauwega, one a senior and one a sophomore. I have been active in community fundraisers which benefit our school children.

Trisha Loehrke- I am a graduate of Weyauwega-Fremont School District and have been a lifelong resident of the area. My daughter is a junior at WFSD. I have over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, my career has included roles as a state surveyor and, more recently, as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have been a part of the WFSD board of education for the past three years.

Doug Ehrenberg- I have lived in Fremont for 25 years and have been apart of the board of education for the W-F School district for 11 years, president of the board 8 of those years.

Ben Selsing- My name is Ben Selsing. My wife and I moved to Fremont eight years ago and are currently raising two children that attend Fremont Elementary. I have been involved in my children's youth programs for the last four years as a volunteer coach and currently hold a position on the Weyauwega-Fremont baseball board.

2. What inspired you to run for the W-F School Board?

Brad Gerrits- My Grandfather served as President of the Freedom School Board for many years so serving has always been on my mind, especially when my kids reached school-age. I also felt that I could offer certain perspectives and expertise that would benefit the school district.

Joanie Buss- I was inspired by a quote from my high school English teacher: "I am an educator because I like young people. Secondly, I am an educator because the destiny and future of our nation and the world lies in the hands of youth. It is an educator's responsibility to improve our youth's capabilities for the task which lies ahead." Mrs. Florence Byers. This quote led me to ask the question of myself as to what I can do beyond simply being a parent.

Trisha Loehrke- My decision to run for the school board was inspired by my experience when my daughter was in middle school. During that time, I observed that she and her classmates were not academically challenged. This experience motivated me to become more involved in shaping educational opportunities within our district.

Doug Ehrenberg-- My name is Doug Ehrenberg, I have lived in Fremont for 25 years. I have been apart of the board of education for the W-F School district for 11 years and president of the board for 8 out those years. If reelected I will continue to base my decisions on what is best for the students of the W-F School district. Thank you

Ben Selsing - The future and success of my children and other children in this district is what inspired me. I believe that if you want to make a difference and have a say in the future of our kids education you have to be willing to get involved. The best way that I saw to make that happen was to be a part of the school board.

3. What are some challenges facing our district, and how do you plan to address them?

Brad Gerrits- We have seen a period of rapid inflation and school state funding has not kept pace. Careful spending and proper planning need to be a priority to combat rising costs and to ensure facility maintenance and student needs are met.

Joanie Buss- As a parent, my concern is that my child is getting the best education that the school can provide. As a taxpayer, I am concerned the students are getting the best education without breaking the bank. This includes employing quality teachers and providing them, and their students, with the tools necessary to provide the best learning environment possible.

Trisha Loehrke- A key challenge facing the district is academic performance. Over the past six months, the district has focused on improving the curriculum and ensuring alignment with state standards. Additionally, two Advanced Placement (AP) courses have been added for the 2025-2026 school year. To address this challenge, I would continue to support the staff involved in the implementation of the updated curriculum, ensuring it continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students.

Another significant challenge is the district's financial standing. Given the current economic state, it is crucial for the district to remain fiscally responsible. While financial constraints are a challenge, the primary goal must remain providing a high-quality education to our students, and we must balance this objective with prudent financial management.

Ben Selsing - One challenge I would like to address would be more open communication between parents, community, and the school district. Parents and community need to feel like they are being heard while still supporting our educators and ultimately providing our students with the skills and opportunities to be successful. Another issue would be to challenge our students and provide them with the proper education throughout our entire district for higher learning and academic excellence.

4. What do you see as the strengths of the W-F School District?

Brad Gerrits- One of the greatest strengths I have seen are the people, who are the backbone of are district . Our schools are fortunate to have so many great teachers and staff members who care about the success of our students and strive to bring out their best. It also great to see the district having an abundant number of volunteers and community supporters who provide time and resources to enhance a wide variety of programs and initiative.

Joanie Buss- The biggest strength of our school district is the many teachers and volunteers that make up the network of support for our students. There never seems to be a lack of volunteers, ranging from the staff, to parents, extended family and other community members. Recently, the Weyauwega-Fremont high school wrestling team competed, both individually and as a team, at the state wrestling tournament. The outpouring of support from the community and school was absolutely amazing.

Trisha Loehrke- One of the key strengths of our school district is the exceptional staff who are deeply committed to the success of our students. Our educators consistently go above and beyond, dedicating countless hours beyond the regular school day to ensure that students receive a high-quality learning experience. Additionally, the WFSD offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports to the school musical, which provide students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build a strong sense of community.

Ben Selsing - A huge strength this district has is an unbelievable support system within our community. If utilized properly this support system could provide many opportunities for students and educators to achieve greater learning and higher academic achievements. I also feel that the small-town family feel of this school system provides a safe environment for our educators to educate and our children to learn.

5. What is one goal you hope to accomplish if elected?

Brad Gerrits- My main priority is to end my term with having the district in a better position than it was when I started.

Joanie Buss- One goal that I hope to accomplish if elected, is to concentrate on providing the best curriculum possible for our students. Where are we failing as a district? Why is there such a falloff of proficiency from elementary test scores to high school scores?

Trisha Loehrke- My primary objective remains consistent with the goal I have pursued over the past three years: to improve the curriculum within our district. We have been facing several challenges, including underperformance on state assessments, the need to provide advanced coursework that enables students to earn college credit, and the integration of apprenticeship programs that prepare students for their future careers.

The district must navigate budgetary constraints, balancing the need for academic advancement with fiscal responsibility to ensure proper use of taxpayer funds. As a member of the school board, it is essential to recognize that the resources managed are derived from the taxpayers in our community.

Ben Selsing - My biggest goal as a school board member would be to support and challenge the students and provide them with the best environment to grow and learn for future opportunities. Another thing I hope to achieve is to listen and collect as much information as possible from our school board, educators, parents, and community members to make the most rational decisions to support our children's needs.

Conclusion

The Weyauwega-Fremont School Board election is a crucial opportunity for residents to shape the future of education in our community. With candidates sharing their vision on everything from fiscal responsibility to student success, voters have the chance to choose leaders who will guide the district forward. Be sure to review their responses, consider what matters most to you, and make your voice heard on April 1, 2025. Every vote counts in building a stronger, brighter future for our schools! Thank you to all the candidates for taking the time to answer the Weyauwega Fremont News questions.