MARSHFIELD — Longtime educator and Marshfield native Ben Will is seeking a seat on the Marshfield School Board, emphasizing experience inside the district, fiscal responsibility, and a renewed focus on trust and communication between school leadership and the community. Will, who spent 18 years teaching technology education in the Marshfield School District and has taught evening courses at Mid-State Technical College for more than a decade, said his decision to run was shaped by both professional experience and deep family ties to the area “This community has shaped nearly every part of my life,” Will said during a recent interview on Get to Know, a local candidate information program. “I’ve seen what works. I’ve seen what doesn’t. And I believe we’re at a point where we need thoughtful, experienced leadership that listens and focuses on what’s best for all students” Will said his background gives him a broad perspective on how school board decisions affect classrooms, staff, and students. In addition to his teaching career, he comes from a small-business family; his family has owned a Marshfield machine shop since 1937, an experience he said shaped his views on accountability, budgeting, and long-term planning As a parent, Will said he has seen the district from multiple angles. One child followed a technical and dual-credit pathway and is now attending technical college, while another is preparing for a four-year university after taking advanced placement courses. That, he said, underscores the importance of supporting both college-prep and career-focused pathways equally Rather than citing a single event that pushed him to run, Will described a growing concern about a disconnect between decision-makers and those most affected by school policies. “Over time, I saw increasing disconnect between the decision makers and the students, teachers, and families,” he said. “I felt my experience and understanding of this district could help bridge gaps and improve trust” Will said he views the school board’s primary role as governance, not management. According to him, board members should focus on setting vision and policy, approving budgets, and holding leadership accountable, while avoiding micromanagement of daily operations. “When the board starts micromanaging or when administrators operate without accountability, that’s when problems arise,” Will said, adding that clearly defined roles and respectful collaboration are essential If elected, Will said his top priorities would include rebuilding communication and trust, ensuring strong and flexible educational pathways for all students, and supporting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff. “Great schools are built by great people,” he said. “They need to feel respected, supported, and heard” Will said Marshfield already offers a wide range of opportunities, including advanced placement courses, dual credit, technical education, and extracurricular activities. However, he believes the district can improve alignment and follow-through when new initiatives are introduced. “Too often, good initiatives lose momentum because expectations, resources, and communication aren’t fully aligned,” he said On issues of student well-being, Will said academic achievement, mental health, and extracurricular involvement should not be treated as separate priorities. “Students perform better academically when they feel supported emotionally and connected through activities,” he said, adding that balance is key to long-term success Will also stressed fiscal responsibility, particularly as budget decisions and tax impacts remain a major concern for voters. He said spending decisions should be data-driven, transparent, and focused on long-term sustainability. “Every dollar should answer the question, ‘How does this help students, and is this sustainable long-term?’” he said When disagreements arise, Will said he would prioritize listening and respectful dialogue, even when opinions differ. “Disagreement doesn’t mean disrespect,” he said. “People deserve to be heard, even when we don’t agree” Asked why voters should trust him with the district’s schools, Will pointed to his long-standing involvement in the community and his experience as an educator, parent, and small-business partner. “I don’t come with an agenda,” he said. “I come with experience, relationships, and a genuine desire to make Marshfield schools even stronger” The Marshfield School Board race includes a primary election in February, followed by the spring general election in April. The Get to Know program is part of an ongoing effort to provide voters with information about local candidates and does not endorse any individual.