Keep Taxes Low and Spend Resources Wisely

Seven years ago, our school district faced school consolidation and a proposed $15 million operating referendum that would have raised taxes for all residents of our city. More recently, our city considered a Wheel Tax and a potential operating referendum for Police and Fire services, despite spending more than $24 million on two new recreation centers. Even in conservative communities, financial strain can result from overspending, excessive borrowing, and a lack of long-term planning. When budgets are mismanaged, residents are forced into divisive debates over drastic measures just to maintain basic services.

The school district referendum ultimately failed, and voters elected new Board members who promised to take a hard look at district finances. That promise was kept. Through responsible budgeting and disciplined planning, the district lowered taxes, produced annual budget surpluses instead of deficits, paid off millions of dollars in debt ahead of schedule, and fully funded the SDNB Long-Range Facilities Plan. Matthew Arend and Joseph Greenhagen are committed to staying this course, ensuring essential operations are funded today while responsibly planning for future growth.

While the city’s proposed Wheel Tax was rejected by residents, New Berlin still faces a projected $3.7 million budget deficit driven by overspending and poor long-term planning. A Public Safety Referendum remains under consideration to fund Police and Fire operations, even as residents learned—with little notice—of a large, tax-exempt addiction rehabilitation facility nearing approval that would place additional strain on public safety services. Once again, a lack of transparency and planning has left our community divided and uncertain, and Scott La Fever is determined to right the ship.

New Berlin deserves leadership that respects taxpayers, communicates openly, and plans responsibly for the future. By electing School Board and Common Council members committed to fiscal discipline, transparency, and common-sense decision-making, we can protect essential services, keep taxes low, and secure a strong financial future for our community.

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Parents are the most important people in a child's life

While SDNB is fortunate to have dedicated teachers and staff who care deeply about students, no one is more invested in a child’s safety, well-being, and future than their parents. New Berlin is a community built on strong family values, and our schools benefit from high levels of parent engagement. Parents and residents elect School Board members to represent their interests and provide oversight of the district’s direction.

Matthew Arend and Joseph Greenhagen believe in the fundamental liberty of parents to make informed decisions for their children. During the Covid pandemic, debates over masking, vaccination requirements, school closures, and curriculum transparency highlighted the importance of parental involvement. These deeply personal decisions should be made by families based on their own circumstances and values. It is not the role of the School Board or district administrators to impose one-size-fits-all mandates that override parental choice.

Classrooms are for learning, not indoctrination

Protecting parental rights also means keeping political agendas out of classroom instruction through full curriculum transparency. Schools exist to educate students, not to advance political or ideological agendas. Families instill values and beliefs at home, while schools are entrusted with providing a strong academic foundation that prepares students for future success. Parents deserve full visibility into what is being taught and confidence that instruction remains age-appropriate and unbiased.

In response to concerns raised since Covid, the School Board adopted a policy on Controversial Issues in the classroom. This policy recognizes that difficult topics may be discussed when they align with course objectives and are appropriate for students’ maturity levels. It also requires transparent communication with parents and prohibits instruction that persuades or indoctrinates students toward a particular viewpoint.



Matthew Arend and Joseph Greenhagen strongly support this policy and are committed to ensuring it is consistently followed. They will actively participate in curriculum review, promote open communication with families, and hold the district accountable for maintaining classrooms that are focused on learning, respect parental rights, and reflect the values of the New Berlin community.

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Preparing our students for a bright future

New Berlin has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, and our community takes pride in schools that prepare students to succeed at the highest levels. Maintaining that standard requires more than simply preserving what has worked in the past. It means continually raising expectations, offering rigorous and competitive coursework, and expanding opportunities that challenge students to reach their full potential. From advanced academic pathways to robust extracurricular programs in the arts, athletics, and career-focused learning, our schools must provide well-rounded experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

Academic excellence also depends on attracting and retaining outstanding teachers. Great educators inspire curiosity, set high standards, and help students grow both academically and personally. Matthew Arend and Joseph Greenhagen support policies that value strong instruction, professional development, and a culture that allows teachers to focus on teaching rather than bureaucracy. By fostering a respectful and supportive environment, New Berlin can continue to recruit and retain top-tier educators who are committed to student success.

Matthew and Joseph will be active participants in the district’s curriculum review process to ensure the instructional materials used in our classrooms are high quality, academically rigorous, and aligned with best practices. They believe curriculum decisions should be data-driven, transparent, and focused on measurable outcomes. By combining high standards, strong teachers, and thoughtful curriculum choices, New Berlin can continue to raise the bar and ensure every student receives an education that truly prepares them for the future.

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Every Resident Deserves to Feel Safe

Keeping New Berlin safe for families and children starts with strong support for law enforcement, first responders, and common-sense public safety policies. Our Police and Fire Departments play a critical role in protecting residents, responding to emergencies, and maintaining the quality of life our community expects. Public safety is not an optional service. It must be a top priority, properly funded, thoughtfully planned, and supported by elected leaders who value proactive policing, emergency readiness, and active community involvement.

At the same time, residents deserve honesty and transparency about decisions that directly impact public safety. While voters rejected the proposed Wheel Tax, the city still faces a projected $3.7 million budget deficit, leaving Police and Fire Departments under growing financial pressure. Concerns have been heightened by the recent revelation of a large, tax-exempt addiction rehabilitation facility nearing approval in New Berlin with little advance notice to residents. Developments of this scale can place additional strain on public safety resources and may contribute to increased crime, drug activity, and homelessness if not carefully planned and fully supported. Families have a right to ask questions, understand the impacts, and be part of the conversation before decisions are made.

Scott La Fever believes public safety decisions must be guided by transparency, planning, and respect for the community. City leadership must communicate openly, provide clear information, and engage in two-way dialogue with residents, not spring major developments on them after the fact. By supporting law enforcement, prioritizing responsible funding of Police and Fire services, and insisting on clear communication and community input, Scott is committed to keeping New Berlin a safe, secure, and welcoming place for families to live, work, and raise their children.

Matthew Arend and Joseph Greenhagen know that student safety must be a top priority in our school buildings. They are huge supporters of the recent addition of security guards at every elementary school, in addition to the New Berlin Police Department's Resource Officers at Ike and West. SDBN must continue to implement school safety plans and partner with NBPD to keep preventative measures and safety protocols up to date.

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You can learn more and hear directly from the candidates about the issues that matter to you on their Facebook pages.