Two incumbents are up for re-election and two newcomers are in the race for Cashton School District Board of Education.
Current board members Sara Cook, president, and Amanda Schultz, clerk, are looking to hold onto their positions, while Cathrina Dunnum and registered write-in candidate Dan Frederick bid for the spots.
Voters in the 10 different municipalities that make up the district will cast ballots April 7.
Each candidate was provided four questions and a total word limit of 400 words. Every answer is printed in their entirety. Candidates are in order as they appear on the ballot.
CATHRINA DUNNUM
Occupation: Social Worker
1. Why are you running for school board?
I chose to run for the school board because I want to be a voice for families whose children are still attending school, and ensure there voices are heard and they feel supported.
2. If elected, what issue would you like to see addressed during your time on the school board?
If elected, I hope to strengthen collaboration between our schools and the broader community to better support our youth. Our schools play a vital role in shaping not only academic success but also students’ social and emotional well-being.
3. What specific skills or experience would you bring to the board?
I bring 11 years of experience as a Certified Social Worker. I have spent my career helping children and families navigate complex challenges and behaviors while helping them prepare for the future. In 2016, I helped establish the Vernon County Trauma Task Force, where I served as treasurer from 2016–2023. In this role, I organized committee meetings and managed funds to provide children with access to enrichment activities like sports, camps, and driver’s education.
Additionally, I have held leadership roles with the Wisconsin Juvenile Court Intake Association, serving as co-chair of the planning committee since 2022 and being elected secretary in 2024. These roles have equipped me with strong organizational skills and experience in professional advocacy.
4. Anything else you would like the public to know?
Known for my honesty, hard work, and family-oriented values, I believe every child deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. With my professional experience, perspective as a parent, and dedication to trauma-informed practices, I would bring thoughtful, transparent leadership to the school board, focused on ensuring all students have the resources and support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
I grew up in Central Wisconsin and moved to the Coulee Region 14 years ago. Cashton is now home, where I live with my husband and our three children on his family's farm. I also work part-time at The Ridge, which allows me to connect with the local community.
As a parent with children currently in elementary and high school, and another starting school soon, I will be an active and invested member of this district for many years to come.
SARA COOK
Occupation: Chief Development Officer at Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers. Previous: Vice President of Academics at Viterbo University
1. Why are you running for school board?
I’m running because I care deeply about both education and this community, and I believe the strength of our school is closely tied to the future of our town. In rural areas like ours, maintaining a strong, thriving school is key to the identity and opportunities that make this place special. I grew up in Cashton, and my husband and I chose to live here so our children could attend Cashton schools. Through my 18 years on the school board, service on the CESA board, and my professional work in management strategy, education, and leadership, I’ve developed a strong understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing schools today. With ongoing changes in education, I feel a responsibility to continue contributing in a thoughtful, steady, and informed way.
2. If elected, what issue would you like to see addressed during your time on the school board?
We will soon need to focus on shaping a clear, longer-term vision for our school and our town. Our district has strong leadership and has worked hard to navigate ongoing challenges, including a difficult state funding model, increasing special education needs, and workforce pressures. At the same time, we need to balance those realities with the tax burden on our residents. Our school will need to continue building on hands-on, applied learning approaches that prepare students for a variety of paths, while also supporting our teachers and staff as they adapt to changing needs. Thoughtful planning around facilities, programming, and finances will be key to sustaining a strong school system into the future.
3. What specific skills or experience would you bring to the board?
In addition to my 18 years of experience on the Cashton School Board and service on the CESA board, I bring decades of professional experience in leadership, strategic planning, budget planning, and organizational management. In my career, I have worked with educational institutions and other organizations to navigate complex challenges, manage resources responsibly, and plan for the future. I am comfortable working through difficult issues, asking questions, and weighing different perspectives. Most importantly, I value listening and working collaboratively with others to make decisions that are thoughtful and grounded in what is best for students.
4. Anything else you would like the public to know?
I approach this role with respect for the responsibility it carries and for the people it serves. I believe school board service is about listening carefully, staying informed, and making decisions that support students, families, and the long-term health of our town. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the trust the community has placed in me over the years, and I would be honored to continue that work.
AMANDA SCHULTZ
Occupation: Pastor of Cashton-area Lutheran churches
1. Why are you running for school board?
I am running for my second term for the School Board. In my last three years, I have served our community and district well by supporting our administration and teachers, broadening our partnerships for kids in extra-curriculars that attend Sacred Heart, and encouraging new initiatives.
2. If elected, what issue would you like to see addressed during your time on the school board?
In the next term, we will need to focus our attention on funding for our staff at school. We have excellent teachers who are committed to quality education, and we must support them. In the competitive market for educators, we need to ensure that our school is attracting and retaining qualified teachers, compassionate para-professionals, and staff members so that ALL students to have an excellent place to learn and grow.
3. What specific skills or experience would you bring to the board?
Naturally a team player, I would bring a commitment to consensus and thoughtful and professional decision making. In my family, both my mother and grandma were teachers, and I worked in higher education as well. With a master’s degree in educational leadership, I can bring theoretical knowledge, and as an enthusiastic and involved parent, I will also be committed to doing what is best for our students in order to foster a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and responsible.
4. Anything else you would like the public to know?
I have lived in the Cashton School District for nearly 13 years. We moved here in June of 2013 when I was called to be the pastor of the Cashton Lutheran Churches. I have one son, Carter, who is in 7th grade in the Cashton School District. This community has become our home. The support, spirit, and pride in our community is commendable, and I am so fortunate that we get to be a part of it.
It is an honor to serve you as a School Board member, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve with integrity, creativity, and a heart and a vision for the future of Cashton. Thank you!
DAN FREDERICK
Occupation: Self-employed carpenter/organic crop farmer
1. Why are you running for school board?
I decided to run for the Cashton School Board so that I can contribute back to the school and community that has shaped my education (and life) through its great teachers, coaches, and extra-curricular advisers.
2. If elected, what issue would you like to see addressed during your time on the school board?
If elected, I intend to carry this mindset onto the school board. In addition, I would also like to have listening sessions/discussions with the teachers and paraprofessionals to make sure they are maintaining and getting the support and tools they need to help educate students. I am a firm believer that the people carrying out the physical work often know best what works and inversely what doesn’t work.
Lastly, I believe it is important to recruit and retain quality teachers and staff that take pride in their professions through fair compensation, thus making a better learning environment for our schools. I believe in higher education but also know that a CHS education on its own can set students up for success after high school. If elected, I will do everything in my power to make sure the shop, FFA, and life skill classes continue to be supported, improved, and/or expanded upon.
3. What specific skills or experience would you bring to the board?
With a foundation of growing up on a small dairy farm, and now owning and operating a small business, I am very familiar with tight budgets and making tough decisions on a regular basis to strengthen the dollar to achieve the most good, while trying to protect the bottom line.
4. Anything else you would like the public to know?
I am a proud father of two sons that attend the Cashton School District and also very proud to say that I am a 2003 graduate from CHS. I have lived in the district my entire life where I have started and currently operate Frederick Construction, LLC (a carpentry/contracting company) for the past 20 years. I also own and operate an organic crop farm.
I would appreciate your write-in vote of Dan Frederick for the Cashton School Board election on April 7.
