Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education has appointed Molly Smiltneek to fill the vacancy created by Liz Szilagyi's resignation in June.

Smiltneek was selected from a pool of four candidates who interviewed during a Special Board Meeting in open session on Thursday, August 8. Her term will run through April 2025, and she will have the option to run for a full term in the April 2025 election.

Beth Wyman, OASD Board of Education president, stated, "Molly Smiltneek's commitment to education, focus on literacy, and experience in community engagement make her an excellent addition to our board. Her analytical approach and fresh perspective will enhance our decision-making process. We're confident Molly's contributions will help us continue improving educational outcomes for all students in the Oshkosh Area School District."

Smiltneek, a parent in the district, currently serves as a Contracted Immigration Attorney and Afghan Legal Services Coordinator for World Relief Wisconsin. Her career has consistently focused on immigration law, advocacy for minority communities, and providing legal services to underserved populations. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and community engagement through leadership roles in local organizations such as Oshkosh Allies in Literacy, Emmeline Cook Elementary School PTO, and the OASD Literacy Committee.

Regarding her appointment, Smiltneek said, "My vision for the Oshkosh Area School District is rooted in the belief that every student has the right to a quality education and they have a right to learn. As a board member, I recognize our duty to students, employees, and taxpayers. I am committed to engaging in constructive dialogue and making informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of our district, starting with our students and staff. By fostering open dialogue and truly hearing all voices, we can create an educational environment where literacy flourishes; every child has the opportunity to succeed; and we uphold our commitment to partnering with and serving our community.”

The board vacancy was filled following state law and board policy 0142.5. Applications were accepted from July 3 - August 2, 2024.

Board President Wyman concluded: “On behalf of the school board, I want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who stepped forward offering their time and expertise to serve our district. Their willingness to engage in this process reflects the deep care our community has for public education in Oshkosh.”