Board members Kim Shirek (left) and Jeff Ebel at the July 21 School Board. (City-Times photo)

By Sara Marls

School Board Member Jeff Ebel has resigned from his role as Board Liaison to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB), pointing to newly- appointed Board Member Meg Erler to take over the role.

Ebel remains a regular School Board Member through the end of his term in 2016.

Ebel told the Board on Monday his last meeting with WASB focused on Gov. Scott Walker’s call to repeal Common Core. While Ebel didn’t specifically indicate the Common Core issue had anything to do with his stepping down, he did say that the WASB legislative committee had already “overwhelmingly” voted in favor of the federal education standards.

Board Members agreed Erler would fill the volunteer position as Board Liaison to WASB. (City-Times photo)

Walker announced his intentions to seek repeal of the standards last week.

“There were 321 delegates that voted, and 298 voted in favor of the Common Core standards. So far and away, WASB and its delegates, and all the school districts in the State of Wisconsin are largely in support of Common Core Standards,” said Ebel, adding he discussed the intentions behind the governor’s repeal with fellow Board Member Meg Erler, who was recently appointed to the Board to fill a seat left vacant by former Member Renae Sheibley.

Ebel said he and Erler discussed the unlikelihood of Walker’s request for repeal becoming reality, with Erler suggesting it was a move to realign the governor for reelection. During their conversation, Ebel said Erler expressed interest in participating with WASB.

“He called and asked if I’d volunteer, and yes, I’d be very interested in it,” Erler said. “I’m actually meeting with State Senator Julie Lassa on Wednesday on another matter, so if there’s anything to superintendent or board members would like me to relay to her, please let me know.”

Board President Angel Faxon thanked Ebel for having served in the position, calling his service in the spot “thorough and enjoyable.”