- Rigorous Academic Programming
- Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency
- School Safety
- Focused Learning
A Proven Leader...
About Cheryl Milnes
As a resident of the Elmbrook School District for 27 years, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the exceptional education it has provided to my four children. I am truly grateful for the dedicated educators who inspired them to achieve their best. Now, as my grandchildren begin their journey in Elmbrook schools, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that every child today receives a world-class education that equips them to become critical thinkers and problem solvers in the future.
I was born in rural Pennsylvania into a family of educators, where I learned early on the vital importance of public schools and the essential role they play in shaping our communities. Despite the challenges posed by limited resources, I graduated with honors from Penn State University and earned my CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation.
When my husband and I relocated our family to Wisconsin in 1997, we focused solely on homes within the Elmbrook School District. Like many of you, a top-performing public school district was our highest priority for our children’s education.
Professional Experience
After earning my CPA and working at one of the Big Four accounting firms, I chose to become a stay-at-home mother when my first child was born. Once my children were grown, I launched my own accounting business to serve local businesses, which eventually led to me being tapped as Global Controller for an international company. Today, I continue to serve as a fractional CFO (Chief Financial Officer) for several clients through Lauber Business Partners and sit on the boards of nonprofits across the country.
With 37 years of cumulative board-level experience, I bring expertise in governance, strategic decision-making, and a mindset of accountability that I will apply to the Elmbrook School Board. I understand that our community is diverse, and while school board decisions can be polarizing, my experience navigating complex dynamics at the board level has well-prepared me for this role. During the pandemic, I helped lead a large local institution through challenging times, where boardroom disagreements were common. We worked together respectfully, always keeping our mission front and center.
I am committed to representing all members of the Elmbrook community and balancing the needs of every stakeholder. My financial background ensures that taxpayer dollars will be spent wisely, with transparency and accountability. With a focus on both thoughtful financial stewardship and sound governance, I will work to make decisions that serve the best interests of our students, families, and the broader community.
Community Investment
For me, public service has always been about more than leadership—it’s about making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of others. I recall countless hours spent volunteering in my children’s classrooms while they were in Elmbrook Schools. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the parent’s perspective as a stakeholder in our public school community.
One of my most rewarding experiences was founding and leading the Odyssey of the Mind program at Wisconsin Hills Middle School. There, students developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, culminating in a first-place finish at the state competition. Later, I served as State Director of Odyssey of the Mind, deepening my commitment to fostering creativity and teamwork among Wisconsin students.
I’ve also had the privilege of leading our district in several capacities, including as PTO President at Brookfield Central High School, a board member of the Elmbrook Education Foundation, and as a participant on various board committees, such as the Weighted Grades Committee. At the outset of this committee, I was in the minority, advocating for weighted grades in our district. Through respectful governance and data-driven advocacy, I was able to persuade the committee and board to adopt weighted grades, which led to a significant increase in Advanced Placement (AP) offerings—ensuring our students are better prepared to enter top universities across the country.
Through all my years of service and community investment, I’ve remained committed to accountability, collaboration, and strategic planning. I firmly believe that Elmbrook’s brightest days lie ahead, and I am committed to ensuring that our schools continue to provide a world-class education for my grandchildren’s generation and beyond.