Board Candidate Profiles
2025 MASD School Board candidates
all information below was provided by the candidates and is published as it was received.2025 MASD School Board candidates![]()
all information below was provided by the candidates and is published as it was received.
2025 MASD School Board candidates
West Region Candidates
Craig Vertz (incumbent)
Why have you chosen to seek election to the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education?
Kids are the reason why I am seeking re-election. Our future depends on them, and we have GREAT kids, parents and educators in the Mukwonago School District. Mukwonago has turned into a destination district for many, and for us to stay in the top 10% of schools in the state of Wisconsin is very important. Mukwonago is also fiscally responsible with the lowest Mill rate in the area, LOCAL CONTROL, and beautiful schools.
What background and experience do you have that will help you represent the Mukwonago community?
Current School Board Member, Member at St. James Catholic Church in Mukwonago, 33 years as President of the Mukwonago Braves Youth Football board & 42 years in the program, 54 years living in our awesome district, including proud 1983 Mukwonago High School Graduate. AAYFL Board member, part time volunteer scoreboard operator & announcer for MHS football & basketball programs.
Please give background information about yourself:
My family consists of my unbelievably tolerant wife Keri (North Fond Du Lac grad 1986, St. Norbert’s Green Bay, & Cardinal Stritch Masters degree 1990) who is currently supply chain manager at Bostik. My son Matthew, 2016 Mukwonago graduate and 2021 UW-Stout grad, working at Wisconsin Distributors in Appleton. Matt wrestled, ran track, and played football at MHS. Makenzie is a 2018 MHS grad and graduated from Concordia University with her RN degree. Makenzie played volleyball, basketball & track, and was a 4-year honor student at MHS.
I have been a district resident since 1968. My educational background includes 1983 MHS graduate and WCTC night school for sales & marketing. I was also in the record-breaking 1983 MHS musical, Godspell.
Jason Bennett (incumbent)
Why have you chosen to seek election to the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education?
I’m running for the Mukwonago Area School District School Board as a conservative Bible believing Christian who values faith, family, and the foundational role of education in shaping our children’s future. I believe in promoting academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and policies that reflect the values of our community. My goal is to ensure our schools provide a safe, respectful environment where every child can thrive, free from unnecessary political agendas. I’m committed to being a voice for parents, supporting our teachers, and making decisions that prepare students for success while honoring the principles that make our district strong.
What background and experience do you have that will help you represent the Mukwonago community?
I bring a strong background of leadership, community involvement, and a deep commitment to conservatism that will help me effectively represent the Mukwonago community. As a long-time resident and active member of the community, I understand the values and priorities of our district. I bring to the table two decades of executive leadership, equipping me with skills in decision-making, budgeting, and collaboration. I also bring experience working with youth in a local Scout group. Additionally, my dedication to supporting students, educators, and families drives my desire to ensure our schools provide a high-quality education while remaining fiscally responsible and maintaining a low mil rate.
Please give background information about yourself:
I have been a resident of Mukwonago for 15 years where my family and I have built strong roots in the community. I am happily married to my wife Heather; we have a son Elijah who went through the district and is now studying to be a Pastor at Baptist College of Ministry in Menomonee Falls. Our family are members at Mukwonago Baptist Church. I received my Bachelors in Pure/Applied Mathematics with graduate work in statistics. I’ve been an entrepreneur for over two decades, involved with small and medium sized companies. I am involved in a local Boy Scout Troop where I’ve been the Committee Chair for 6 years and am passionate about character development. I look forward to further serving our community as a member of the School Board.
Aaron Hackett
Why have you chosen to seek election to the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education?
I have long had a desire to become more involved in the Mukwonago Community and my children's education. Mukwonago and the MASD have been good to our family and I want to give back. I value a high level education balanced with the fiscal abilities of the taxpayers. I look forward to being an advocate for our district's children.
What background and experience do you have that will help you represent the Mukwonago community?
I have been a Police Officer for the past 15 years and a highlight of my career was serving as the School Resource Officer for the East Troy Community School District for 8 years. In that capacity I was able to not only be in the buildings for safety but get to know the students and be there as a mentor and counselor when needed. My focus was on school safety and worked diligently to support district staff and bring the district's buildings up to date by rewriting the district's safety plan and integrating the Standard Response Protocol, which is also used by MASD. I really enjoyed the opportunities to build relationships and facilitate a safe learning environment.
Please give background information about yourself:
My wife, Michelle and I have lived in Mukwonago for the past 15 years. We both grew up in central WI. I graduated from Michigan Tech in 2004 with a Civil Engineering degree and then served in the Army till 2009. I served as an Infantry soldier and completed two tours in Iraq. We then moved to Mukwonago and I'm currently a Police Officer for the Village of East Troy. My son, Soren is in 7th grade in PVMS, active in Grizzly Wrestling and Braves Football. My daughter, Evelyn, is in 4th grade at Eagleville and loves Orchestra and Drama.
Chris Nowak
Why have you chosen to seek election to the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education?
I am seeking election to the Mukwonago Area School Board because I am committed to ensuring our schools reflect the values of our community while delivering the highest quality education. I am appreciative of the board's recent work, yet I believe we must do more to improve academic outcomes and remain competitive with neighboring districts. Our high school’s recent ranking near the bottom of the county, despite a significant referendum investment, is not the return on investment our community deserves. By increasing academic rigor, prioritizing student safety, focusing on early learning, empowering parents, and remaining fiscally responsible, we can build a stronger foundation for success and ensure long-term achievement for all students.
What background and experience do you have that will help you represent the Mukwonago community?
As an educator with nearly 15 years of experience in public education and school leadership, I bring a strong background in analyzing data to drive decisions that prioritize student achievement. I believe an educational board should reflect diverse perspectives—business, law, and educational expertise—while upholding the values of our community. With recent vacancies on the board, I feel called to share my professional experience to guide decision-making, ensuring growth for all students, from those who struggle to those who excel. As a Mukwonago resident and parent, I am deeply invested in promoting evidence-based practices, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring decisions prioritize our students' needs—not to serve as a rubber stamp.
Please give background information about yourself:
At-Large Candidates
Carolyn Simon (incumbent)
Why have you chosen to seek election to the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education?
I have loved my time on the board of MASD. We are blessed with an incredible group of principals and an administration team that gives tirelessly to the kids in Mukwonago. Over the last 3 years we have added a wonderful superintendent and our leadership team is stronger than ever. We have increased instruction time, improved bus and building security, upped our teacher retention, increased our high school test scores, continued to pay off high school debt ahead of time saving millions in interest, and have maintained one of the lowest mill rates in Waukesha County. There's no one tougher than me and no one will work harder than me to keep Mukwonago a strong conservative district. Keeping kids first and American Values in MASD is my #1 goal.
What background and experience do you have that will help you represent the Mukwonago community?
I come to this role with strong background. I'm a former high school teacher with a passion for education and excellence. My last 3 years on the MASD school board I spent learning, growing and connecting with our community. I'm strong in my convictions, and I believe that our Mukwonago District needs strong leaders who can't be scared or intimidated. I am also a local business owner that is passionate about being involved.
Please give background information about yourself:
I'm proudly married to Todd Simon and we have 3 daughters: 7th, 4th and 1st grade. Our girls are actively involved in Vernon Rec sports and have taken after me and ride horses. Our family has lived in Vernon for the last 9 years and never plan to leave! My husband and I own a mortgage branch, The Simon Loan Team, where we help families in Wisconsin purchase the home of their dreams! We especially love when families want to purchase homes in our wonderful school district. I'm excited to continue to represent the families in the Mukwonago Area School District.
Kyle Schmidt
Why have you chosen to seek election to the Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education?
As a committed member of our community and a passionate advocate for education, I am excited to have this opportunity to be a part of our children’s future. I believe every child in our community deserves access to a high-quality education that provides the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in life. I will be advocating for policies that support diverse learning needs, fostering strong partnerships between teachers, parents, and students, along with welcoming parental engagement.
What background and experience do you have that will help you represent the Mukwonago community?
I believe my past experiences as the Mayor of Norway, Iowa and School Board Director at Benton Community School District will provide valuable insights on which to grow upon while serving on the Mukwonago School Board.
Please give background information about yourself:
I currently reside in the village of Big Bend with my wife and son, who attends Big Bend Elementary. Graduated from Iowa State University and am an I.T. Professional working in the Food Manufacturing industry.
