Incumbent Mark Borchardt will face challengers Dominic Pernsteiner, Mason M. Gukenberger, Ben Will, Brandon Taylor, Mathew Samson and Faith Meyers for three seats on the Marshfield School Board in the Feb. 17 primary election. Current board members Mark Konrardy and Tara Tremelling filed declarations of noncandidacy in the race.
Three members of the nine-member School Board will be elected to three-year terms. The six candidates that receive the most votes in the primary will advance to the April 7 spring election.
To learn more about registering to vote and to find your polling place, visit My Vote Wisconsin.
The Marshfield News-Herald asked each of the candidates to address important issues in the district and why they are running for the position.
Mark Borchardt
Age: 68
Residence: Town of Lincoln
Occupation and education: Retired after a 42-year career in scientific research, 31 years as laboratory director; high school graduate in Appleton; Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Ph.D. from the University of Vermont; post-doctoral fellowship at the Stroud Water Research Center/The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia
Relevant experience: I currently serve on the Marshfield School Board, having filled a vacancy after a member resigned in early 2025. My career involved directing large, collaborative, multi-center research projects. It taught me how to plan and organize projects, manage personnel, stay within budget, resolve disputes, make decisions based on data and communicate different points of view. I have extensive experience on other types of boards, having served on numerous scientific advisory boards for state and federal agencies and on editorial boards for scientific journals. I currently serve on the leadership board of First Presbyterian Church in Marshfield.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Mark Borchardt for School Board on Facebook
Mason M. Gukenberger
Age: 26
Residence: Town of Marshfield
Occupation and education: I work in agricultural and construction technology, focusing on training, business development and data-driven decision-making. I help teams and customers adopt new tools, improve communication and make long-term choices that deliver measurable results. I also serve on multiple advisory boards, including one for a Fortune 500 company, reinforcing the importance of planning, collaboration and accountability. I am a proud Marshfield School District and Marshfield High School (Class of 2017) graduate. I earned my associate degree from UW–Stevens Point at Marshfield and am pursuing my bachelor’s degree online while working full time.
Relevant experience: My relevant experience comes from professional, community and leadership roles centered on communication, service and long-term problem solving. Professionally, I work in training, business development and data-driven decision-making, helping teams implement practical solutions with measurable results. In the community, I’ve served on local and state boards where collaboration, transparency and accountability are essential. I’ve worked with diverse groups, listened to different perspectives, and helped move projects forward respectfully and productively. As a Marshfield School District graduate, I’m committed to putting students first, supporting a positive district culture, and making fair, unbiased decisions for long-term success.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Gukenberger for Marshfield School Board on Facebook
Faith Meyers
Age: 37
Residence: City of Marshfield
Occupation and education: I am an attorney and the owner of Meyers Family Law. Before law school, I stayed home with my children for several years and later worked for the Marshfield School District as a special education aide and substitute teacher. I earned my law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law while working and raising a family, which required strong time management, critical thinking and a deep understanding of policy and process.
Relevant experience: I bring a unique perspective as a parent with three children across all levels of Marshfield schools, including hands-on experience navigating IEP and 504 plans. I’ve worked inside the district as a SPED aide and substitute teacher, served on the YES Committee during the recent referendum, and remain active in Grant Elementary PTO. I regularly attend School Board meetings and have spoken during public comment, giving me firsthand insight into district processes, policies and the concerns of families and the community.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Faith Meyers for School Board on Facebook
Dominic Pernsteiner
Age: 44
Residence: Town of Richfield
Occupation and education: With over 21 years at Roehl Transport, I serve as market manager overseeing our Northeast Van Division. I hold a business administration degree with a minor in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Relevant experience: In my role leading and directing our Northeast market team, I monitor market trends and analyze data to inform our strategic direction in a dynamic economy. I work with some of the largest Fortune 500 companies around the world. My strong leadership skills and practical knowledge will be a strong asset on our School Board. It takes leaders to lead, and all great leaders surround themselves with great people through accountability. It’s through accountability that we build and develop great teams that drive success. Accountability on our School Board is paramount for success in our district.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Dominic Pernsteiner for School Board on Facebook
Mathew Samson
The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
Brandon Taylor
Age: 30
Residence: City of Marshfield
Occupation and education: CNA/business owner; Associates of Science degree in health science
Relevant experience: Section sergeant leading and directing my soldiers
Campaign website/Facebook page: Brandon Taylor for School Board on Facebook
Ben Will
Age: 44
Residence: Village of Hewitt
Occupation and education: I am a lifelong Marshfield resident and spent 18 years as an award-winning technology education teacher in the School District of Marshfield. I have also taught evening classes at Mid-State Technical College for more than a decade. I currently work with my family’s business, Kohs Machine Shop, a fourth-generation fabrication shop in Marshfield. I hold a four-year degree from UW-Stout and a master’s degree in educational technology, and I have continued professional learning throughout my career in education and technical fields.
Relevant experience: My experience spans education, workforce development and small business. In the classroom, I built inclusive, hands-on programs that connected students with local employers, veterans and community organizations. I helped create mentorship programs, community welding events, elementary outreach projects and cross-disciplinary classes that blended technical education with the arts. As a parent, I have children pursuing both technical college and four-year university paths, which gives me a broad perspective on preparing students for many futures. Through Mid-State and our family business, I work closely with local employers and understand what skills today’s workforce demands.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Ben Will 4 School Board on Facebook
Why are you running for office?
Borchardt: Career-building, child-rearing, home-establishing, these phases of my life are completed. I am now turning my energies toward serving others and serving my community. My wife and I are grateful for the quality education our three sons received from the Marshfield school system. I can repay the favor by serving the students, parents and taxpayers of the Marshfield School District. I believe strongly that education is one of the foundational pillars of our American society. Excellent education is crucial to our country’s success. Moreover, communities with excellent schools attract young families who contribute to vibrant communities.
Gukenberger: My motive for running for School Board is to give back to the people and the district that helped shape who I am today including the teachers, staff, coaches, advisors, mentors and community members who invested in me as a student. I will serve and lead with a students-first mindset while also supporting the educators and staff who make student success possible every day. I’m committed to being a fair, unbiased and steady voice, and to helping strengthen trust through transparency, communication and collaboration.
Meyers: I’m running because I care deeply about public education and want to rebuild trust between the district and the community. My experience with the referendum and attending School Board meetings showed me how easily misinformation spreads when communication isn’t clear or accessible. I want to help the Board do better — ensuring decisions are shared in ways families and residents can understand, fostering transparency and keeping students at the center of every choice. Clear, honest communication builds confidence, supports teachers and strengthens our schools for the long term.
Pernsteiner: My child’s struggles led me to perform a data analysis on our district. This analysis highlighted the decisions made by our leadership and the negative outcomes for our teachers, students and community. Our enrollment is in decline, with more families choosing to enroll out of our district while neighboring schools remain steady or are growing. I believe my analytical skills and insights can guide us toward effective solutions. We need leadership focused on the success of our students, teachers and community.
Samson: The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
Taylor: I believe our school needs strong leadership to help guide the future of our students.
Will: I care deeply about this district and this community. Marshfield schools shaped me. I was a student here, I taught here for nearly two decades, and my children have been educated here. I believe every student deserves to be supported, challenged and prepared for life after graduation, whether that path is a technical career, military service, a four-year university or going straight into the workforce. I’m running because I want to bring a practical, student-centered voice to the board and help ensure decisions are grounded in what’s best for kids, educators and families.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Borchardt: My first few months on the School Board I quickly learned that personal politics do not matter. What matters are personal skills such as the ability to listen, collaborate, change one’s mind, and importantly, the ability to learn in preparation for decision making. I gained these skills during my career by abiding by the servant-leadership model. I emphasized collaboration, shared workload, consensus decisions, staff development and focusing on team members’ strengths. I bring this same mindset to the School Board, which I believe has contributed to the productivity and esprit de corp of the current Board.
Gukenberger: What makes me the better candidate is my commitment to fair, unbiased leadership and keeping students at the center of every decision. I believe School Board members should always ask: Does this help students learn, grow and succeed? As a Marshfield School District alumnus, I deeply respect the educators who shaped me and the responsibility our schools carry. I will bring a steady, non-partisan, no-agenda approach through listening first, asking questions and making fact-based decisions focused on long-term outcomes. I also bring youthful energy, real-world leadership experience and a strong connection to students and the community.
Meyers: I am the only candidate who combines current real-time parenting experience across all levels of the district, firsthand experience working inside Marshfield schools and professional expertise in policy, budgeting and accountability. I understand how decisions affect classrooms, teachers, families and taxpayers because I’ve been on all sides of those decisions. I am focused on strengthening public education through steady, fact-based leadership — not ideology, nostalgia or reactionary politics. My goal is to support teachers, protect academic rigor and strengthen communication and trust between the district and the community it serves.
Pernsteiner: My business administration degree and background in economics allows for vital insights and perspectives for Board discussions. My skills in leading teams and analyzing data are vital for developing effective action plans that yield results. I recognize the significant economic impact our schools have on our communities, which emphasizes the importance of community support. This relationship is essential for both schools and communities to thrive together, ensuring a successful partnership that benefits everyone. Strong collaboration will reinforce our shared goals and foster sustainable growth within our communities.
Samson: The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
Taylor: I have leadership skills which I use regularly at my unit guiding and mentoring my younger enlisted soldiers.
Will: I bring firsthand classroom experience, deep community roots and strong connections to local industry and higher education. I understand the challenges educators face because I lived them, and I understand workforce needs because I work with employers every day. I’m also committed to listening. I’m not running to push an agenda. I’m running to represent families, taxpayers and staff with honesty, independence and respect.
What is the most pressing issue facing Marshfield School Board, and how would you address it?
Borchardt: There are numerous issues, for example, student mental health, student safety, reading proficiency and teacher retention, to name a few. The most pressing, in my opinion, is school funding. State aid for schools is not keeping up with inflation, especially the cost of health care. State legislators are unlikely to fix school funding without pressure from constituents, and constituents are unlikely to apply pressure because the formulas for funding are mind-numbing and excessively complicated. The Board could do a better job of explaining to taxpayers how school funding works, and I would be happy to take that lead.
Gukenberger: Marshfield School District’s biggest challenge is protecting and strengthening a positive culture while navigating increasing expectations, staffing pressures and limited resources. Culture impacts everything including student success, staff retention and community trust. Like many districts, Marshfield faces challenges in recruiting and retaining high-quality faculty and that affects consistency for student development and the overall culture of our schools. At the same time, schools are being asked to meet a wider range of student needs. Maintaining a culture where students feel safe and supported, and where educators feel respected, heard and empowered to put students first, is essential to long-term success.
Meyers: One of the most pressing issues facing the Marshfield School Board is strengthening community trust. While the Board’s work is largely transparent, information does not always reach the public in clear or accessible ways, which can lead to confusion and misinformation. Addressing this means not only sharing information, but clearly explaining the Board’s role, authority and limits so residents understand how decisions are made and who is responsible for what. I would focus on improving how decisions and reasoning are communicated so discussions are grounded in facts and lead to more productive community engagement.
Pernsteiner: The declining academic performance and budget constraints impacted by our handling of COVID and COVID funding. I will focus on strengthening our foundation in our elementary schools. Eliminate iPads in K-3rd grade and reduced use in remaining grade levels. Early education is critical for brain development, and we have not provided the necessary support for our students, teachers and community post-COVID. Our reactive measures reflect a failure to prioritize proactive solutions. The bond between schools and the community has suffered as a result.
Samson: The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
Taylor: There is a lack of transparency and accountability (not passing outrageous referendums without knowing ALL of the facts). I will ensure all meetings will be not only live streamed but also recorded for the ability to view at a later date.
Will: One of the most pressing issues facing the district is making sure we are using taxpayer dollars wisely while still giving students and staff the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. I would approach that by asking hard questions, planning for the long term, and being open with the community about where money is going and why. Decisions should be driven by what helps students learn and keeps teachers supported, not by short-term reactions or policies made without input from the people closest to our schools.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Borchardt: Representing residents of the Marshfield School District is an honor, and I value the input I’ve received. The majority of my conversations fall into the category of communication. Residents often don’t know what actions the district is undertaking, the pitfalls, tradeoffs, state mandates and even successes. After nine months on the School Board, I am impressed how well this district is managed. Yes, there is room for improvement, especially with communication to all district residents. The School Board should consider an ad hoc working group of students, parents, teachers and community members to find communication solutions.
Gukenberger: Residents continue to tell me they want two key things from the School Board: more transparency and unbiased leaders not driven by personal agendas. They want confidence that decisions are based on facts and what’s best for students and not outside pressure, trends or special interests. I also hear a desire for new energy and a next-generation mindset that understands today’s students and prepares them for the real world. I would address these concerns through transparent communication, listening before reacting and keeping every decision centered on one question: Does this help students learn, grow and succeed?
Meyers: In conversations with community members, I hear concerns raised about communication, budgeting, academic standards and staff retention. Addressing these issues requires setting clear expectations, making transparent, thoughtful decisions and respecting the expertise of educators who work directly with students. The Board’s role is to set strategic priorities through policy and budgets, support teachers and ensure resources are used effectively to meet all students’ needs. By communicating clearly about how and why decisions are made, the district can build trust, foster constructive engagement and focus on solutions that benefit every student.
Pernsteiner: Impact of technology on our classrooms and rising taxes. To strengthen our education, we must prioritize foundational skills through traditional teaching methods before integrating technology. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also makes it easier for parents to engage in their children’s learning. Currently, our district faces a troubling enrollment gap, we have 328 fewer K-3 students compared to current high school enrollment. To maintain operational effectiveness without raising taxes, we must explore consolidation or redistricting options. By planning for the future, we can ensure a strong educational foundation, while keeping our community resources aligned and sustainable.
Samson: The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
Taylor: Everyone I talk to believes the lack of transparency and accountability is alarming and needs to be addressed. I will be asking those hard questions and ensuring all of the information is laid out prior to taking a vote.
Will: Residents consistently talk about maintaining high academic standards, supporting teachers and staff, fiscal responsibility, student behavior and safety, and ensuring all students, including those who need additional support, have opportunities to succeed. They also want reassurance that the district values every post-graduation pathway. I would address these concerns by emphasizing open communication, careful budgeting, strong partnerships with families and local businesses, and policies that keep students engaged and prepared for real-world success.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Marshfield News-Herald: Meet the 7 candidates running for Marshfield School Board in primary
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Marshfield News-Herald / Marshfield News-Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
