Incumbents cruise to wins in three-person School Board race

Grafton School Board’s two incumbents easily won new terms on the board in Tuesday’s election.

Shawn Taylor received 2,856 votes (41.89%) and Jerry Rossi received 2,803 votes (41.11%), according to unofficial results.

Challenger Gerry Staggenborg received 1,113 votes (16.32%) in a three-person race for two seats.

Turnout was 47.57%, with 4,980 of 10,468 people voting. Forty-six write-in votes were cast.

Taylor, 50, is a teacher at Bader Hillel Academy in Milwaukee. She holds a master’s degree in teaching and learning and has been on the board since being elected in 2021. Two of her children recently graduated from Grafton High School and a third attends the high school.

“My 15 years as a resident and parent in the Grafton School District, coupled with my experience as an educator, has given me a deep understanding of the diverse needs and perspectives in our community,” she said.

Rossi, 49, has been on the board since he was appointed in 2017. He has three children who attend district schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and is vice president of territory sales at American Century Investments.

He said he likes the position the district is in.

“We’ve got the lowest mill rate in at least 30 years, and metrics for achievement are the highest they’ve ever been,” he said.

School Board terms are for three years.