Meet the candidate

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For more than 33 years, I have proudly called the West De Pere School District home. My wife Jodi and I have raised our four children - Erica, Anthony, Cory, and Seth - at our home in De Pere, watching each of them graduate from West De Pere High School. As a parent, homeowner, and longtime resident, I understand firsthand how strong schools shape families, strengthen neighborhoods, and protect the future of the entire community.

My dedication to service has defined my professional life. I retired after a 30-year career with Procter & Gamble, where accountability, efficiency, and long-term planning were essential to success. In addition, I proudly served 23 years in the United States Naval Reserve, completing more than three years of electrical and electronic repair training along with extensive leadership, instructional, and career-counseling education. My military service reinforced the values of teamwork, preparation, and servant leadership—principles that continue to guide my work on behalf of students and taxpayers alike. I attended the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and have consistently built my skills through both professional and military education.

My commitment to West De Pere schools is not theoretical, it is proven by long-term service. I have served on the West De Pere School Board for 15 years, holding every officer position, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. For 14 years, I also represented the district as its legislative liaison to the Wisconsin School Boards Association, advocating for local schools while keeping the community informed about state-level education issues.

Throughout my tenure, I have focused on responsible governance and thoughtful planning. As a member of multiple district facilities committees, I helped guide cost-efficient improvements supported by the community. These efforts resulted in the construction of the West De Pere Intermediate School, Hemlock Creek Elementary, and the renovation of the district’s five existing school buildings, projects designed to serve families well into the future while respecting taxpayers and maintaining fiscal discipline. I believe that careful stewardship today ensures strong schools tomorrow.

Beyond the board table, I have remained deeply involved in the community I serve. I am one of the founders and past president of the West De Pere Fast Break Club and have been an active member of a local Christian fraternal organization for more than 20 years. Through youth programs, athletic activities, and charitable events such as coaching, free-throw contests, Punt, Pass & Kick competitions, and Christmas tree sales for charity, I have consistently invested my time in supporting local families and students.

As a school board candidate, I, Joseph Bergner, remain committed to empowering educators, engaging parents, and fostering an inclusive environment where every student can succeed. My desire is to ensure that West De Pere schools not only meet or exceed academic standards, but also encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. I believe in transparency, open communication, and partnership between schools and the community. With decades of leadership experience and a deep understanding of the district, I am ready to continue listening, leading, and working collaboratively to strengthen West De Pere schools for generations to come.