Muskego Norway school board candidates outline priorities on mental health, budgets and Title IX at city forum

Three candidates for two at-large seats on the Muskego Norway School District school board — incumbent Laurie Cottony, Patty Morales and Christopher Saliga — spoke to voters at a public forum held at Muskego City Hall moderated by Kristen Lisman of the Muskego Women's Club. The candidates outlined positions on mental health services, district budgeting and compliance with federal guidance on sex discrimination in schools.

The forum is part of the campaign for two at-large seats that, if won, begin three-year terms on April 28. Candidates were asked the same set of questions in timed responses and discussed district priorities including special education, teacher retention, use of technology and how the district should respond to recent federal and state policy changes.

All three candidates said they support expanding school-based mental health supports but differed on emphasis and strategy. Patty Morales, an instructional technology coordinator and parent, said providing “a high quality education and being fiscally responsible are not opposing goals” and called for sustainable funding, partnerships and expanded school-based counseling, including teletherapy. Laurie Cottony, an incumbent school board member who serves as treasurer and chair of the educational services committee, said money alone does not fix every problem and emphasized community partnerships, outdoor learning and programs to support social-emotional health. Christopher Saliga, director of external relations and community engagement at Carthage College, pointed to local innovations such as therapy animals at test times and extracurricular programs as examples of low-cost supports while urging training for teachers and student services staff.

On school funding and referendums, candidates said long-term planning and transparency are vital. Morales urged data-driven budgeting, pursuit of grants and partnerships to reduce pressure on local taxpayers. Cottony described the district’s planning practices for capital needs and said board members must distinguish “needs and wants” when setting priorities. Saliga highlighted the district’s recent successful referendums and argued continued community engagement and local partnerships can reduce repeat asks to taxpayers.

When asked about Title IX and recent federal guidance and an executive order referenced at the forum, candidates diverged. Cottony said the district has removed gender identity language from some policies and stated that “biological males should not be participating in girls sports,” arguing the district must protect girls’ opportunities and safety. Morales said the district must ensure all students feel safe and warned that removing gender-identity protections could leave some students without clear legal recourse; she favored clear anti-bullying policy and supports aligning district practice with state and federal requirements. Saliga emphasized the need to stay compliant with changing federal rules while balancing student safety.

Candidates also addressed teacher recruitment and retention. All three praised the district’s workplace environment and existing supports: Cottony noted the district has been recognized as a top workplace in recent years; Morales emphasized competitive salaries, professional development and growth pathways; Saliga cited community reputation and teacher pipelines from local colleges.

On college- and career-readiness questions, candidates said high graduation rates are a positive indicator but not the only measure of readiness. They recommended expanding hands-on learning, career and technical education, dual-credit and community partnerships so graduates have multiple post‑graduation pathways.

The forum closed with two-minute remarks from each candidate calling for voter support; moderators and candidates urged voters to participate in the upcoming election.

The forum was run by the Muskego Women's Club and held in the council chambers at Muskego City Hall; candidates followed timed responses and answered eight questions covering district vision, budgets, mental health, Title IX, staff recruitment and student readiness.