Menomonee Falls Education Association
"Recommended Candidate"
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Elevating Education
in the Menomonee Falls School District
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Community Engagement
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Access & Belonging
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Career & College Readiness
VOTE APRIL 1, 2025
Thank you for visiting my website! I'm excited to share more about myself and my vision for elevating the School District of Menomonee Falls. Together, with your support, we can have a positive impact on our students’ education.
My Priorities
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Community Engagement
I believe being a school board member is a community service. To perform that service well you need to be actively participating in the community. This means seeking parent, student, and community perspectives to learn about concerns and opportunities for enhanced educational success. When my oldest was attending Ben Franklin, I would see school board members at events. I knew their names, faces, and they knew mine. We have lost that in our community.
When elected, I pledge to bring board member engagement back to the Menomonee Falls School district.
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Access & Belonging
Educational access is the ability for all students to get an education and obtain the resources and support they require to learn and achieve success. This includes supporting students who may have educational barriers as well as those seeking advanced learning opportunities to challenge their minds. Access also means lowering financial barriers throughout our district which inhibit some students from participating in programs such as sports or music. Learning through experiences like these aids youth development and promotes growth alongside academics.
Belonging builds on access. To promote deep learning, all students need to feel welcome and connected to their schools. Having a sense of belonging enhances a student's relationship with their teachers and peers. This improves overall student outcomes across the board and positively impacts their mental health.
When elected, I pledge to work toward an increased access mission in our schools and to promote belonging throughout the Menomonee Falls School district.
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Career & College Readiness
A great educational experience grounded in rigorous academics, supportive social development, and experiential learning helps lay a foundation that provides students with the key skills and competencies they need to be prepared for higher education or a skilled profession in the workplace. Career readiness education is critical in schools because it prepares students for life after high school as they become adults and productive citizens of our community. Supporting our students’ growth holistically from 4k – through graduation helps them develop the critical thinking skills necessary to be successful in life. Students may choose college, technical school, or to enter the workforce immediately. Whatever they decide, the School District of Menomonee Falls should have options and opportunities for them to grow and be ready for that next step.
The Menomonee Falls community has been a destination location for many families, in part because of our schools.
When elected, I pledge to continue to explore educational opportunities for our students which ensure they remain top candidates for college or job placement after graduation.
About
Derek
Get to Know Derek
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Derek Blemberg is a dedicated father, experienced educator, and a staunch supporter of student educational access and success. He believes strongly in curriculum and program offerings that foster belonging for all and academic offerings which ultimately lead to career readiness.
Derek has been a proud member of the Menomonee Falls community for more than 20 years. Originally from Marquette, Michigan, Derek and his wife, Nicole, relocated to Wisconsin in 2004. Both Derek and Nicole were raised in blue-collar families and were the first in their family to graduate from college. Although it was never their intent to stay in Wisconsin, Derek and Nicole fell in love with the Menomonee Falls community and ultimately chose to put down roots and raise their family in the Falls – largely because of its amazing schools. Derek’s oldest son graduated from Menomonee Falls High School last year and currently attends Marquette University. His youngest is a Freshman at the High School who is participating in several honors and AP courses as well as being involved with the Menomonee Falls Robotics’ team, the jazz band, and Gaming Club.
Education & Professional Experience
Both in and out of the classroom, Derek has supported students in their educational pursuits for over two decades.
Education
Doctorate of Education
Alverno College
Degree focused in: Retention, Persistence, & Historically Underserved Students
Master of Arts
Northern Michigan University
Degree focused in: English Literature & Pedagogy
Bachelor of Science
Northern Michigan University
Degree focused in: English
20+ Years In the Classroom
For over two decades, Derek has supported students in their educational pursuits. He has an extensive background in teaching and student support services as well as administration for diverse and underserved student populations. He has demonstrated success in building and maintaining internal and external collaborative partnerships which foster student growth.
Student Program Support
Currently, Derek is serving as the Program Director of TRIO Student Support Services at UWM-Waukesha.
What is TRIO?
The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.
Community Service
My family believes in community service:
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I served for 10 years on the board of a Recreational Soccer league in Menomonee Falls with 8 years as Registrar.
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During that time, I coached my son and many of his peers.
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My wife has served on the board of Junior Phoenix basketball and was a volunteer coach for many years.
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My son and I encouraged North Middle School to establish a Gaming Club so students would have a space to play board games, card games, and socialize.
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I am currently serving as the President of the Band and Orchestra Bunch which is the booster organization for all the music programs at North and the High School.
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VOTE on or before Tuesday, April 1, 2025!
For Derek Blemberg
For the School District of Menomonee Falls School Board elections:
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I am in the 3rd slot on the ballot.
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Vote for up to three (3) people.
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To figure out your voting location, go to: myvote.wi.gov
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Click “Where Do I Vote?”
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Enter your Address, City, & Zip; Search
