School Board Candidates Differ on Experience

Both candidates for the Oak Creek-Franklin School Board believe they have the experience necessary for the job.

What they disagree on, however, is whose experience is more valuable.

Sheryl Cerniglia, the incumbent in the race, believes the countless hours she has spent in the schools and nine years of service on the School Board sets her apart from challenger Mark Verhalen.

Verhalen referred to his time on the Common Council and various other city committees, and said dealing with issues such as budgeting and personnel will translate well to the School Board.

Who is right? That will be up to the voters to decide April 5.

In the interim, the candidates are making their final pitch to voters as Election Day draws near.

Cerniglia argues the board needs her experience in the school district now more than ever because of all the uncertainty over the state budget and .

There are times when an outside perspective can be helpful, she said, but becoming familiar with the inner workings of the School Board can take a couple of years. Cerniglia feels the issues facing the district are too pressing for that.

"My opponent understands the community, but actually being in the schools, and being on the board, and understanding all the ins and outs ... is huge," she said.

Verhalen disputed the notion his lack of school-board experience would hurt his ability to serve.

In addition to his time spent with city government, he believes his business background - he owns Verhalen Excavating and has owned other businesses - gives him a leg up on Cerniglia.

"As far as experience goes, anyone who has followed the name Mark Verhalen for any amount of time knows I've been very involved in the city for 10-12 years," Verhalen said. 

"Just to say that I don't have any experience is a misnomer." 

Editor's Note: For more on each candidate, see our School Board election primer.