Page 9 - The Edge - Fall 2017

TOM WOHLLEBER can be some bene ts, but in many cases it has gone beyond the
original intent to provide opportunities for families to move
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 their children from a school or district that is doing a poor job of

What needs do school business of cials have and what skills will educating its students. e impact that charter schools are having
they need in the next 5-10 years that ASBO should begin to focus on school districts in Arizona and the expansion of Empowerment
on? Scholarship Accounts is very concerning to me.”
“Undoubtedly new technology will have a signi cant impact He continued: “As we look at the current agenda at the national
on how the SBO will function in the future. Another skill that level, including appointments in the U.S. Department of Education
will become increasingly important is the ability to e ectively and budgeting proposals regarding funding for public education,
communicate and facilitate an understanding of complex there is a leaning toward the privatization of K-12 education and
information or issues. ASBO International must be poised to reduced funding for public education. It is important to become
support the development of these and other critical skills needed more involved and engaged in the legislative process to make sure
by SBOs in the future.” the voice for public education and for our students in the public
education system is heard.”
Knowing that education is the key to individual, national, and Wohlleber said ASBO International has become more involved
international development, what suggestions do you offer school in legislative and regulatory a airs at the national level – it is one
business of cials around the world relative to managing school of the organization’s strategic initiatives. ASBO works in close
nances? partnership with other national education organizations in “making
“ e most important suggestion I can make to school business sure that school districts are aware of legislative or regulatory
o cials throughout the world is to help their citizens, community/ initiatives being proposed at the national level and help school
business leaders and elected o cials leaders understand or assess the
view the allocation of resources for “The most important suggestion I potential impact of those proposals
education as an investment rather on their students, sta and school
than as a cost or expense.” can make to school business of cials district.”
According to Wohlleber,
The Trump Administration will throughout the world is to help “Another important focus of this
be placing increased emphasis strategic initiative is to empower
on charter schools, vouchers, their citizens, community/business ASBO members and state ASBO
and school choice. How would affiliates to have influence on
you suggest that school business leaders and elected of cials view legislative and regulatory issues.”
of cials prepare for the potential On teacher shortages and
loss of public school funding as the allocation of resources for salaries, Wohlleber said the lack
resources are concentrated in these of quali ed teachers is a national
other areas? education as an investment rather issue. On the other hand, salary
“It is extremely important to is a state-by-state problem. “Some
educate key stakeholders, school than as a cost or expense.” states have found creative ways to
boards, sta , parents, parent support address or begin to address the
organizations, community/business leaders, service organizations issue of teacher pay,” he said. “ ere are, however, more states
and elected officials regarding these policy changes and the than less that teacher pay is a legitimate issue. It has to do with
potential impact on your students and school district.” the overall funding level of public education on a state- by-state
Wohlleber said he decided to run for Vice President a er having basis.”
held numerous leadership positions in Wisconsin, including Whether Wohlleber is involved in education or sports, he’s
President of both the Wisconsin Association of School Business not reluctant to take a stand and make a decision. He has been
O cials and Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association. o ciating at various levels of football for 30 years. He was one of
He joined the Arizona Association of School Business O cials two the National Football League replacement o cials in 2012 during
years ago. a lockout by the league of its regular o cials. While he no longer
“ASBO International’s role is to supplement and provide o ciates college football or Arena Football, he still blows a whistle
resources and professional development opportunities that go for high school football and basketball games and even lacrosse
beyond what is provided at the state level,” he said. “I’ve been in matches.
ASBO International for 32 years, my entire school business career. Asked about the Arizona Cardinals recent win over the San
I’ve had the fortune of serving in numerous leadership capacities Francisco 49ers by scoring the only touchdown of the game near
at the state level, and it really challenged me to explore the the end of overtime, Wohlleber chuckled and said, “ at o ense
opportunity to play a leadership role in what ASBO International needs a little shot in the arm.”
can do to support school business o cials in the United States and Wohlleber and his wife Judy, a retired elementary school
internationally.” guidance counselor, have two daughters – a second grade teacher
Commenting on school choice, Wohlleber said, “If it is being in Wisconsin and the other is in a social work program at Arizona
done for the right reasons and on a level playing eld, there State University – and two grandchildren.

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