Two vie for spot on B-T school board

An incumbent who has been on the Blair-Taylor school board for six years will compete against a person who dropped out of high school in Tuesday’s election.

Incumbent David Thompson, a B-T graduate who is currently a dairy farmer will square off against Daniel Zawacki.

Zawacki said he is running to make sure teachers aren’t indoctrinating or grooming children. He said his goal is to prevent students form being shamed for the color of their skin and from being taught sexual orientation. 

The Blair resident accused the district of promoting COVID-19 vaccines to five-year-old children. He noted the side effects of the Pfizer vaccine and said the Times could “select what 50 side effects you want to print.”  

Zawacki dropped out of high school as a freshmen before returning to complete his education 27 years later. He said he continued his education and made the Western Technical College presidents list two years in a row. 

He said his only other previous community service was court-ordered. According to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website, Zawacki pleaded guilty to possession of amphetamine/LSD/Psilocin on July 12, 2018. 

Thompson has served on the board for the past six years. He noted the difficulty rural districts have recruiting and retaining staff member. 

“Many employers are searching for employees right now and it isn’t any different in the school systems,” Thompson said. 

Thompson also noted that the budget will continue to be a challenge going forward. 

“If I were re-elected, I would continue to work with the other board members, administration and the staff of the Blair-Taylor School District to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn and become successful, not only in school but in life during school and after they graduate,” Thompson said.

The B-T board member noted that with the recent addition of the B-T Child Care Center, children are starting in the district at a very young age and can continue through their high school careers in the same building. 

“If I am re-elected to the Blair-Taylor school board, I will continue to work to the best of my abilities to ensure that the Blair-Taylor United Campus is a safe, respected and successful school district not only today, but for many years to come,” Thompson said.

Whoever is elected will likely face a major decision in the coming months as the district looks to replace retiring superintendent Jeff Eide.