News & Updates

Dr. Hall has received the endorsement of the Franklin Professional Educators Association

1. Why are you running as a candidate for the Franklin School Board?

I believe that that having a quality education is paramount to having a successful future, and providing education is one of the most important responsibilities of our community. I am running for school board to ensure the Franklin Public Schools continue to provide superior education in a safe and inclusive environment for the children of Franklin. 

2. What in your background qualifies you for this leadership position in education?

As a lifelong learner, I certainly understand the importance of education. I have held several professional positions throughout my career, including several student government positions while attending medical school, Chief resident my final year of residency and most recently (and currently) I serve as the chairman of podiatry at Advocate Aurora West Allis Medical Center. I am also an active faculty member for a local podiatric residency program teaching medicine and surgery. 

3. What do you believe to be the biggest challenges facing the District at this time?  

As I write this, the biggest challenges the district face continue to revolve around COVID-19. The difficulty of navigating the pandemic, continuing to provide quality education (both in person and virtual), and simultaneously keeping staff and students safe and healthy, is immense. 

4. Many school board members become completely dependent on the school district administration for their information and views. Are you committed to being an open minded and independent board member? Other than administration, what sources of information would you seek to understand what is happening in the schools and make decisions on behalf of the community?

As a board member I pledge to take a multifaceted approach to governance. I certainly am independent and consider myself quite open minded. I also am not afraid to “Go against the grain” if that is the right thing to do. In addition to administration, I will rely on information obtained from individual parents, teachers, local parent teacher organizations, The Franklin Professional Education Assocation, as well as state and federal government agencies such as The Wisconsin Association of School Boards, The National School Boards Association, and The Center for Public Education

5. How can the School District strengthen its partnership with families in helping their children reach their full potential?

The district must maintain open lines of communication with families in regard to student progress and needs. They also should provide transparency in regard to benchmarks and how students are being judged academically. Additional at home learning tools would be helpful.  I feel a second optional parent teacher conference later in the school year would be helpful to assess a student’s progress, as current conferences are extremely early in the school year. Parents could be provided an opportunity for parents to provide feedback (Surveys etc.) at the end of the school year. 

6. What do you perceive as the skills and knowledge needed by Franklin students/graduates to make them good citizens and economic successes?  Where do the linguistic, literary, musical, and visual arts fit in?

I believe education should reach beyond simple reading, writing and arithmetic. I believe it is important that students/graduates have a comprehensive understanding of the world we live in. Education and discussion regarding current events should be strongly encouraged. I believe that the most successful people tend to be the most well rounded, therefore, I am strongly in favor of a diverse curriculum including linguistic, literary, musical, and visual arts. Whether a student’s future includes seeking a college education, advanced degree or working in a trade,  with a well-rounded education, our graduates should will be provided the resources to become successful in their future.  

7. FPS created it’s 20-21 “Reopening Doors” plan, 21-22 reopening plan, and other Covid-19 protocols without the input of any of its educators. If you were a part of the decision-making process, what would you have done similarly or differently?

As I have stated previously, I believe that a multifaceted approach should be taken when making any decision affecting the school district. Covid-19 continues to be the most significant issue facing FPS, and the country for that matter. I believe that the board should consider the opinions of the parents, students, educators, and the medical/scientific community when making these policies. I have the utmost respect for our educators and believe their position in the classroom provides a unique perspective. I strongly feel that input of educators should be sought out and taken into consideration when drafting policies affecting the health and wellbeing of the community and FPS staff and students. If I were on the board I would have advocated for more input from the educators of or district.   

8. In 2018, a petition signed by 240 of the district’s 280 teachers was delivered to the school board requesting that the district establish a legitimate system for career salary advancement. There is significant evidence that Franklin is lagging other area districts and losing high quality teachers as a result. Administration had agreed to convene a salary committee in the 19-20 school year, then postponed it in spring 2020, and is now refusing to reconvene a salary committee. Do you support establishing a new system for career salary advancement? In general, what are your views on salary for professional educators and support staff?

I am in favor of a formal salary advancement system for professional educators and support staff. In my experience, educators, much like the physician/patient relationship, have a great deal of loyalty and love for their students and would prefer to remain in their current positions to watch their student grow. At the same time, they need to look out for the financial wellbeing of their families. In order to retain quality educators we have to provide competitive compensation and benefits packages that meet or exceed surrounding communities. 

9. How would you like to see the Board address concerns of employees regarding education issues, working conditions, and compensation?  Should the District recognize that teacher and support staff are organized and have local associations that represent their interests and values? Should the District agree to regularly meet and confer with the employees’ associations on these issues?

I believe the board should look at the policies, conditions, and compensation of FPS as well as surrounding communities to ensure that FPS meets or exceeds expectations of the Students, parents, community at large and the employees.  I absolutely believe that the board should recognize that teachers and support staff are organized and recognize local associations. The board should welcome input from local organizations to help better understand the needs of teachers and staff. It seems perfectly reasonable for the board to meet with representatives of the local associations regularly.

10. As a school board member, you will be asked to make many important school finance decisions.  Provide us with some general thoughts on your approach to school budgets.  Would you, for example, advocate for an operating referendum to avoid cuts in school services or programs?

I believe in education and feel that education is imperative to ensure the successful future of our students and our community. I am also a taxpayer who understands the current tax burden of Franklin residents and the desire of many community members to avoid tax increases. I would advocate for a balanced budget, if feasible, without cutting school services or programs. In general, I support expansion or addition of programs such as language, music, art, PE, vocational training, and alternative learning methods (i.e. Inroads). If deemed necessary, I would support an operating referendum.