The Time for Change is Now

Welcome to the “No Politics Zone”

Following the most recent school board meeting, I’ve observed discourse online – both from my opponent and from concerned community members – and I believe there’s an opportunity to reiterate my vision for Wauwatosa schools. Our district is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will shape the future of our schools and students for years to come.

That’s why I’m introducing a No Politics Zone to this campaign. Every time you engage with me – whether at an event, in a conversation, or online – I want you to feel like you’ve entered a space where we focus on real solutions, not political distractions.

Unlike my opponent, who seems intent on politicizing education, I’m here to ensure our schools are strong, our students are thriving, and our community has the transparency and accountability it deserves. There are three key areas I want to highlight:

1. Zero Politics in Education. Period.

Parents and people in our district are concerned about school funding, academic performance, and ensuring every child has the resources they need to thrive. Yet, instead of addressing these pressing issues, some want to turn our classrooms into battlegrounds for national political debates. That’s not what Wauwatosa families want or need.

I believe in education, not indoctrination – and that means making sure our schools remain focused on critical thinking, academic excellence, and preparing students for their future. Politics has no place in our classrooms – zero. We should be equipping students to think for themselves, not limiting what they’re allowed to learn. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring our curriculum reflects the best educational standards, guided by educators and parents, not political agendas.

This is what the No Politics Zone is all about: cutting through the noise, focusing on what matters, and keeping our district on track for long-term success.

2. Experience Matters. My Opponent Represents the Status Quo.

Related to the board’s decision on WSTEM, my opponent recently shared a response that embodies exactly what concerns so many voters – deflecting, sidestepping, and making excuses instead of offering real solutions. While he has spent five months on the board, his own words suggest he feels he may need more time just to learn the job.

I don’t need six months of onboarding – I bring years of experience in finance, governance, and education that will allow me to make an immediate impact. Our district can’t afford uncertainty and inaction – we need leadership that’s ready on day one.

Furthermore, my opponent has made it clear that he represents the status quo – the very approach that has led us to budget mismanagement, declining academic performance, and a lack of transparency. Instead of challenging the board’s failures, he has worked to justify them.

If we want better outcomes for our students, we cannot continue down the same path. We need bold leadership that is accountable, decisive, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

3. I’m Fully Invested in This - For Our Community and For My Family

Wauwatosa families deserve leadership that is fully invested in our schools, our students, and our future. This is personal for me – I am a parent with two daughters attending Wauwatosa public schools: a 6th grader at Longfellow and a 4th grader at McKinley.

How can we trust that decisions are being made in the best interest of our kids when those making them don’t have a personal stake in the outcomes? My opponent does not have children in the district – he can walk away from the consequences of his decisions. I cannot.

The Choice is Clear: A Focus on Solutions, Not Politics

I believe Wauwatosa deserves better. I am committed to:

• Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely

• Academic Excellence: Prioritizing real education over political distractions

• Transparency & Accountability: Giving parents and teachers a real voice in our district

The future of our schools is too important to entrust to someone who is passively engaged, defends failed policies, and relies on political rhetoric rather than real solutions.

Join me in the No Politics Zone a place where we focus on solutions, students, and the success of Wauwatosa’s schools. If you agree that it’s time for change, I invite you to get involved and support the movement for a stronger Wauwatosa.

Sincerely,

Christopher K. Merker, Ph.D., CFA
Candidate for Wauwatosa School District Board, Seat 7