About Jean

I am pleased to announce my campaign for re-election to the Elmbrook Board of Education. I have served on the board since 2009 and during my tenure have actively participated in the ongoing development and success of our excellent school district.

My extensive board experience and private sector leadership experience enables me to bring significant know-how to the governance-level decisions that provide direction to these efforts. I have frequently been elected by my board peers to Board Officer roles and have served on all current Board Committees.

District resident: 49 years
Married to Roger Lambert
7 children: Byron, Stacie, Jodie, Martha, Gina, Alex & Emily
Martha, Gina, Alex & Emily all graduated from BCHS
All 7 children have graduated college
Elected to the Area VI seat 2009

MBA Marquette University
BSN MCW School of Nursing
RN Diploma Milwaukee County General School of Nursing
Employed part time Froedtert Health: Clinical/financial analytics
PMP Certification
Level II Recognition Wisconsin Association of School Boards

Re-election Priorities

While we have reached incredible heights and received many accolades, there’s still work to be done:

Reading and Math

Reading and math proficiencies can improve.

Healthcare Expenses

Increasing healthcare expenses demand ongoing attention.

Teachers

Declining applicant pool for teaching positions.

Facilities Decisions

Facilities decisions need to be made: Hillside Elementary, Fairview South, updates to other facilities

New Superintendent

A new superintendent will need to be chosen in the next several years.

School Safety

Assure optimal safety measures, equipment and staff are in place.

Proven Track Record

I have served on the board since 2009, and during those years have actively participated in the ongoing development and success of our excellent school district. I am most proud of the following accomplishments:

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

#1 Public School District in the State of Wisconsin for the 5th year in a row 2023 - Niche.com
#42 Public School District in the Nation (of 12,262 districts) 2023 – Niche.com
Implemented a science-based reading curriculum to improve student reading skills
Implemented a 4K program in 2021
Recent steadily increasing proficiency rates at all levels in reading & math
DPI State Report Card District ranking of Significantly Exceeds Expectations with all schools exceeding or significantly exceeding expectations
98% graduation rate
12th grade ACT ranked #2 in the state

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Aaa Bond rating – one of 3 in the State of Wisconsin; one of 100 in the nation
2024 mill rate is the lowest in 30 years at $6.50
Our recent school district equalized property tax history shows a steady decline in taxation: (on a typical $300K home)
2024: $1,950 | 2023: $2,241
2022: $2,700 | 2021: $2,790
Responsible fiscal management: annual balanced budget without program reductions
A funded Long Range Financial Plan (10 years) covering major maintenance & repairs and new projects WITHOUT seeking additional funding via referendum as is common in so many school districts
- $3.4M in capital projects in 2022
- $5.5M in capital projects in 2023

OTHER DISTRICT SUCCESSES

96% teacher retention rate (2023)
Steadily increasing enrollment – while the birth rate is declining, and other districts’ enrollments are falling
Significant increase in school safety procedures; School Resource Officers added at both high schools and middle schools
Brookfield East recognized as a 2023 Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education for its exemplary work in closing achievement gaps for all learners. One of 8 schools (the only high school) in Wisconsin to receive the award this year.
Brookfield East Principal Andy Farley recognized as the 2024 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals
Superintendent Dr. Mark Hansen recognized as the 2024 Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators

Non-Partisan Candidate

The title on all school board nomination papers reads ‘Nomination Paper for Nonpartisan Office’. I intend to run my campaign independently, free from party sponsorship. Decisions about our school district should be based on the needs of our students, not on a national agenda. Those that choose to bring partisan politics to the local level skirt the issue by calling for a candidate’s philosophy. Let me tell you my philosophy:

School Boards are about Governance – not micromanagement.

The board’s first role is to hire a top-notch superintendent (which we already have) who hires highly talented people (which we already have); then set strategy aligned to LOCAL community values, targets, and an accountability framework; provide a budget; and get out of the way. Of course, progress must be monitored and mid-course corrections may be necessary.

Trust Administrators/Teachers/Librarians

They’re professionals and as such should be trusted to accomplish their work according to the standards of their professions and within established district policy.

The Role of Parents

Parents of Elmbrook students decide for their children in the context of the curricular and extracurricular offerings and work with school staff and their student to ensure s/he is receiving the best education.