By Kim McDarison

Tomorrow could be considered the official kickoff of the campaign season as hopefuls looking to run in the upcoming spring general election will have an opportunity to begin circulating and submitting nomination papers.

According to the Whitewater Unified School District’s website, two seats, held by incumbents Larry Kachel and Maryann Zimmerman, will come due for reelection on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

The Whitewater Unified School District is governed by a seven-member board, with each member serving a three-year, at-large term.

According to the district’s website, additional deadlines regarding the upcoming election include Friday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m., which is the deadline by which the incumbents must file a notification of non-candidacy if they choose not to run.

Additionally, the website notes, candidates for the school board seats must file ballot access documents by Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, by 5 p.m., at the school district’s office, 419 S. Elizabeth St., Whitewater.  

Those interested in running for the school board seats are required to fill out a Declaration of Candidacy School Board Candidates form (EL-162sd), and a Campaign Finance Registration Statement form (CF-1L), both of which can be obtained through the district’s office.

A candidate who wishes to have their name placed on the ballot must complete both forms and return them to School Board Secretary Jaclyn Tueting, by the Jan. 2 deadline.

Those looking for additional information about forms and the submittal process can contact Tueting by phone: 262-472-8702, or email: jtueting@wwusd.org.  

A link to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Guide for Candidates 2024 Spring Election Edition is here: https://wasb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Guide_for_Candidates.pdf. 

Additional resources provided to candidates by the WASB are here: https://wasb.org/legal-human-resources-services/school-board-elections-resources/.  

A primary election becomes necessary when more than four candidates come forward for the two at-large seats. 

If a primary election becomes necessary, it will be held on Feb. 20, 2024.  

Following the April 2, 2024 General Spring Election, the successful candidates will take the official oath of office on Monday, April 22, 2024, the website notes.

Information provided on the school district’s website is here: https://www.wwusd.org/page/school-board-election.

Information provided by the Wisconsin Elections Commission for candidates is here: https://elections.wi.gov/candidates.