The votes have been recounted and Arlene is victorious!

Since my campaign began back at the end of last year, scores of active volunteers, contributors, and endorsers have come forward to support my candidacy. These supporters include business people, parents, teachers, students, staff and consumers of community organizations, and a myriad of activists who give their energies to a range of causes and efforts. We're distributing literature in all parts of the district and intend to go back to those same voters with even more information as the campaign progresses.

I am grateful for this grass roots energy, and I am energized by the realization that so many people care enough about our schools to help me connect with voters. They show up on Saturday and Sunday mornings to distribute literature or put together yard signs. In the past 3 weeks alone, over 100 volunteers have dropped 9,350 pieces of literature in many parts of Madison, in Fitchburg, and throughout Shorewood, saving the campaign $2,000 in what would otherwise have been mailing costs. Many more have signed up to help over the next two weeks. (If you'd like to help, click here.)

People I've never met write letters to the editor. Others email me with helpful suggestions or clarifying questions (if you'd like to do that, contact me).

I've attended numerous forums, written answers to dozens of questions requested by the media, and happily participated in a lot of community events. I am humbled by the good work being done by many communities that make up the Madison Metropolitan School district because this work benefits our children and their families. I have learned much as I traverse the district and promise to continue to learn and listen, even as I also bring my expertise to the district in my role as a School Board member.

Arlene