Hi, my name is Mallory Schneider Birschbach.

I'm running for a seat on the Board of Education for the Oshkosh Area School District.

Keep scrolling to learn more about my campaign!

I am a district parent and strong advocate and supporter for all things that make the Oshkosh area great, and I strive to make it even better. I was born and raised in Oshkosh. My public education helped make it possible to secure a full-time job before I even graduated Oshkosh West High School. I later graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in environmental studies. Currently, I live on the south side with my husband, Ryan, and son, Nolan. I love science, music, nature, and photography. It's not uncommon to find me in the woods looking for birds and other wildlife to observe and enjoy.

My work experience is strong in customer service. Listening is something I am used to doing, and it will be no different while serving on the board. I don't claim to have all of the answers, I am willing to learn, and I am humble. I have served several years as the board president for a parent-teacher organization, Shapiro Whirlwinds PTO. I also keep current with local politics and government. I've dedicated many hours in the last few years attending school board meetings, along with attending or watching other city and county government meetings. I believe it's important to be informed and involved in the community. I’m also big on serving and giving back to those in the community. I am passionate about public education and seeing our students succeed. If you want to learn more about my qualifications and work history, visit malloryschneider.com.

Transparency

You will get 100-percent me, 100-percent of the time. This is tied closely to my second point of nonpartisan governance. I have no reason to hide (physically or otherwise) as I am running with no ties to any local, state, or national parties. No favors, no agendas. Our community deserves transparency from the board and the district, as a whole. This helps build confidence amongst all stakeholders.

I commit to:

• Attend board meetings, assigned committee meetings, and other events/obligations that fulfill the duties of a board member

• Honesty

Nonpartisan Governance

I am running a NONPARTISAN campaign for a NONPARTISAN position. I believe strongly in this. I am not receiving any type of support from any political party or partisan groups. My campaign is supported by individuals in this community. Candidates should be transparent in the support they receive. Especially in a time of heightened political polarization, we need to be honest with those in our community. I am here to make decisions that are best for the public interest and not for partisan players. Simply put, I'll focus on the things that actually matter, not culture wars or manufactured issues meant to distract us from important work.

I commit to:

• Knowing current issues affecting our school district, but not politicizing them

• Advocating for all: every student, staff member, and taxpayer

Student Outcomes

In the last few years, there has been a lot of talk about standardized test scores. And while I believe we need to help our students achieve their best, I also believe that these test scores only tell part of a student's story. Behind every test score is a real human, a child, in our district. Each child has their own unique story, and we must remember that they have their own sets of challenges and strengths. I will closely monitor test scores for not only proficiency, but also for growth, which needs to be highlighted for its own importance. Learning and growth also happen beyond math and literacy courses, and we need to continue to offer electives that engage our students. I will also encourage staff and student feedback to evaluate learning and outcomes. Communication with all stakeholders is essential for better outcomes.

I commit to:

• Ensuring our district implements and utilizes a new strategic framework with community input and feedback, and include key performance indicators (KPI's) that contain easily accessible and understandable information for public viewing

Financial Sensibility

Tied closely with student outcomes, I will work with our local state legislators in advocating for improved school funding that supports students, staff, and taxpayers. While I aim to be mindful of budgets and spending, we cannot continue to expect more out of staff and students, while not providing sufficient funding on the state level to support our student's needs and compensate staff fairly.

I commit to:

• Finding ways the board and administration can make the budgeting process more open, digestible, and community involved

Community Connections

You won't find me on social media. My campaign runs on in-person conversations, knocking on doors, phone calls, and attending events and meetings. I believe these modes of communication provide better, more productive, and more meaningful conversations. If you’re not much for talking face-to-face, email or text works, too! I am open to discussions with folks, even if we don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue. Of course, feel free to discuss my campaign and share this website with folks on social media! I'm happy to attend local organization meetings or chat over coffee. Contact me with a date and time!

I commit to:

• Being an involved and present board member at meetings and in the community

• Being available to discuss concerns and feedback