I am an engineer at heart, and am always trying to find solutions to problems. Would you like to receive our latest email news? An official with the Education Minnesota teachers' union told Waconia teachers earlier this month that they rank 196th in pay out of the state's nearly 350 districts. State funding accounts for about 80 percent of most public schools general expenses, and the Waconia school districts total budget for the current year amounts to about $64.2 million. The pandemic changed how I viewed school boards. I am a strong proponent of public education. The West Carver Email Newsletter is sent out every Friday with the past week's news from the Western Carver County area and the best part is it's FREE! Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. "This does not include sending them to their learning and social environment wearing a face covering for seven to eight hours a day.". Meetings of the School Board are open to the public. Number one is tax dollars. on I want to help take a fresh look at what we teach and how we prepare our students for the real world. Event starts on Monday, 20 June 2022 and happening at Waconia Senior High School, Waconia, MN. Waconia is growing and ISD 110 needs to grow with it. I believe we need to have a school board filled with people of different ideas, opinions, and perspectives to ensure that the needs of the entire community are met. I know how to work collaboratively, ask lots of questions, be flexible, and truly believe the best idea is often not presented initially by a single person. apeterson@heraldjournal.com Terms:Jan. 1, 2017Dec. A single gunshot fired "during an altercation or fight" struck both, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. In work and personal life, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are crucial. I view the seat as belonging to the parents and community members I have been engaging. "We have a strong union, and perhaps a union that is used to having its way.". An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. He said teachers have conceded to the district during the past few contracts, not pushing for higher pay increases because the district told them that it did not have the money. That increase is largely offset by a reduction in the districts debt service fund. Requests must be submitted by email to the following email address: jkilian@isd110.org, Guidelines for Public Comment participation: See tweets of Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau @WaconiaChamber on Twitter. They said that under the district's offer, wages for most teachers would not increase at all during the first year and by less than 1 percent during the second year. Chhoth noted that many factors can cause a tax bill to increase or decrease from year to year. An advisory council receives input from parents, community and school board members then brings curriculum recommendations to the board for further discussion, community comments, revisions and ultimately approval. My interests and experiences are broad and I bring that enthusiasm and energy for learning to the board. The school board for Waconia. Members are elected I have confidence they can figure it out. I intend to champion the opening of communication channels between teachers and the board. I am against mask mandates. Signup today! Number three is political correctness. Go-to place to discover events for more than 20M people globally. Today’s top 296 Sponsorship Visa jobs in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. With the hiring of Superintendent Brian Gersich and Director of Finance Ra Chhoth the district has acquired leadership with sound and proven financial literacy. In Loudoun County, Virginia the site of one of the fiercest fights against left-leaning school rules more than 150 people lined up to speak at a meeting to weigh in on a transgender policy. Individuals who want to speak during public comment must submit a written request to speak before 3:00 p.m. on the day of the School Board meeting. Minnesota statute requires school districts to review curriculum, and instruction. The scenes are likely to repeat at school board meetings nationwide as parents and teachers turn their attention back to education after a summer with declining COVID-19 cases fell before rising again and sparking new concerns about pandemic precautions in the classroom. racist or sexually-oriented language. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. People are seeking a school board that reflects the diverse values of our district, is transparent and sets a positive tone. I manage a sales team in my daily life, I have a wife and two kids in the district. My prior service on a public school board provided state-required training in board responsibilities, finance and employment. Blaine/Spring Lake Park/Columbia Heights/Fridley Life, Mille Lacs Messenger/Aitkin Independent Age, Food shelf mulled for Cologne as need grows, Cologne moves ahead with downtown redevelopment, Lutheran Social Services recognizes Watertown woman, Alumni reflect on time with band ahead of anniversary, Speakeasy, Italian eatery set to open soon. As a frontline medical worker during the pandemic I gained a new perspective on grit and perseverance. Signup today! I am impressed with our new superintendent and finance manager so I am hopeful. By "I believe the teacher's union honored that and the board side did not negotiate in good faith.". "In Arkansas, they already went back to school. "The fact that so many districts went right down to the wire this year is a symptom of a crisis that has been building for several years and has come to a head in 2008," Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher said in a statement last month. In my current job, I manage the Quality budget which includes long term capital expenditures, monthly expenses, and operating costs. Those are the values I want people to speak of, not the values that are whispered now which are nuanced with racism and conformity. My long-term vision would be seeing my grandchildren attending Waconia schools and receiving a great education, like I did and my children are currently getting. Story courtesy of Sun Patriot News - The Waconia School Board certified the school district's 2023 tax levy in the amount of just over $19.1 million at its Dec. 19 meeting. Be Proactive. The second thing I would advocate for as a school board member is to have the state fully fund special education to the level of service required by mandate. The school board is involved by maintaining this policy. Meanwhile, union officials say, the district's administrative pay has risen more than 10 percent in recent years, making Waconia administrators among the highest paid in their area. This is why my husband and I chose to live in Waconia. The Waconia School Board makes policy and oversees the districts budget, curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. I am dedicated to helping Waconias kids ignite that same passion for learning in themselves. Share with Us. I was asked by my family, by friends in the school system, and by others who I have worked with in the community. District 110 has a curriculum director who yearly reviews changes to the state mandates, works with teachers in the district, and recommends curriculum changes for approval by the board. flower shop killing, Two Harbors residents renew 20-year fight to block development on Lighthouse Point, Woman, 18, shot to death in Minneapolis home; boy, 13, wounded; mom arrested, City of Houston votes to dump motorized trail project approved by DNR for offroading, Gophers beat top-ranked Ohio State 3-1 to win WCHA Final Faceoff. Recorded Board Meetings School Administrative 30 Offices Superintendent Steve Tucker 39 Harvard Street Laconia, NH 03246 Phone: 603-524-5710 Fax: 603-528-8442 Amy Hinds - Title IX District Officer New Website September 1, 2020 School Board Meeting September 15, 2020 School Board Meeting September 29, 2020 Special School Board Meeting Question 5: What in your background/experience best qualifies you for office? They've got the funds to settle on a fair wage for the teachers.". Members are elected at large to serve four-year terms. Through these, I have had experience handling many different financial models as well as updating, maintaining, and implementing constitutions, bylaws, and long-term vision plans. Prepare for the future growth that we will no doubt be experiencing over the next few years. Waconia, MN 55387 School Board. Members are elected The seven-member Waconia School Board makes policy and oversees the district's budget, curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. Would you like to receive our breaking news? Signup today! The Loudoun County School Board implemented new rules for the fall after its final meeting of the previous school year in June, which devolved into chaos amid protests of the transgender rule and the schools embrace of curriculum that opponents describe as critical race theory. I am running for this office because I am a concerned father who wants to help where help is clearly needed. In Niches 2023 rankings, which were released on Monday, Sept. 26, Waconia Public Schools was ranked 19th on the platforms list of Best School Districts in Minnesota. The general fund is up about $403,000 due to a voter approved operating referendum that includes authority for an annual inflationary increase. I do feel we have an important role in monitoring what is being taught to our students once those decisions have been made. And they're seeing extreme COVID breakouts," the parent said. The school board should be involved in curriculum adoption and ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to do their job well. As a child of a teacher, I know the passion they have for their vocation. Submitted photo. The levy certification and truth in taxation public hearing is required annually by state statute to share information about school funding coming from district taxpayers for the next year. I would like to launch a Question and Answer Town Hall every 3 months. ISD 110 has sustained generally flat budgets the past few years as guided by the districts statutory operating debt (SOD) recovery plan, while benefitting from additional revenues authorized in a voter-approved operating levy in 2020. Core Values, and Daily Desired Experiences: WRESTLING TEAM PLACES 4TH AT STATE TOURNAMENT. Seven wrestlers will return to the Xcel Energy Center on Friday, March 3 to compete in the individual portion of the tournament. Park Board Members Present: Lacey Shaw, Carl Pierson, Matt Wessale, Thomas Adamini, I will help get us back on track. 31, 2026, Kimberly Kelzer-Breeden, Director kkelzerbreeden@isd110.org Transparency in curriculum is important for stakeholders to understand what specific types of reading and math proficiencies and methods are being taught. Free program enticed 2,000 people to become certified nursing assistants, but its impact on Minnesota's workforce shortage is unclear. I am running for school board to give back to our community. The school board recognizes that COVID-19 is an ever evolving situation. Davis said his side has offered the teachers 8.88 percent in increases to pay and benefits over two years, and that the teachers have countered with a request of more than 14 percent. Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions and Procedures for Public School Board Meetings and Public Comments, ISD 110 School Board Group Email:schoolboardmembers@isd110.org, Dana Geller, Chairdgeller@isd110.org You must get in the Arena and get after it. They have taught me that all children are unique, have potential and deserve the best education. public transport to Haarlem. I have volunteered as a leader in our community including Waconia ECFE Advisory Council, Waconia Moms Club President and Waconia Trinity Coordinator of Mothers of Preschoolers. Would you like to receive our latest Sports News? Flight or Eurostar from London to Amsterdam 10:28 am. The meeting will be held at the Center for Education Services, located at 10435 . We must support students emotional needs by teaching them to discuss and manage feelings, and support others. The parents that want a say in whether their kid is forced to do something they are not ok with. "They are sitting on a $2.28 million fund balance. SENIOR NATHAN KLITZKE ADVANCES TO STATE SCIENCE FAIR. Click here to read the full story. "We're the biggest district in our conference and we're growing," Aeling said, referring to the Wright County athletic conference. Attend, Share & Influence! With Whalen out, what's left behind for Gophers women's basketball? Hennepin County (/ h n p n / HEN--pin) is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota.Its county seat is Minneapolis, the state's most populous city. Keep it Clean. You are an elected place holder making decisions for your constituents. Want your business to be found here? CLICK HERE to find out how. Would parents (constituents) at home take issue with a certain topic/subject? Their value must be reflected in compensation and our interactions with them. "I've been on the board four years and been in the district for four years before that," Davis said. Choose wisely! I am a mom to three, including one with special needs. We need to figure out how to get out of SOD first. The Tuesday meeting dragged on for hours due to comments from parents, pushing the final vote to Wednesday. Our district must advocate for increased education funding, especially fully funding special education. Term:Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2026, Brian Gersich Superintendent One of the few parents actually wearing a mask at the meeting said the proof of why masks are needed can be seen across the country. As a high school math teacher with experience both in-person and online, I will keep students at the center of our decisions and support teachers. The end of the school year is in sight, but even that is not pushing teachers and administrators in the Waconia School District to reach agreement on a new two-year contract. Parents are more involved then ever in reviewing what is going on in schools. Waconia is a vibrant community with the 2nd largest lake in the metro. Committees: Finance,TLAC Adult Education. or anything. As I type I cant claim to know the answer to our long-term solution. Museums and cultural nonprofits are struggling to recover from the pandemic as the number of donations and visitors continues to drop. Get us out of SOD, create a standard in which our financials are transparent so that all community members have access to where their tax dollars are being spent. We won't share it with anyone else. Would you like to receive our latest news? I believe that that educators and curriculum director should lead decisions about what curriculum is chosen as they are the experts in the field and qualified to help make those decisions. Meet the Candidates: Waconia School Board Oct 10, 2022 0 As part of our Election 2022 coverage, the Waconia Patriot and Sun Patriot Newspapers reached out to candidates in contested races for local offices and asked them to respond to the same five questions for each office. Curriculum decisions dont begin with the board. Small town charm . In Waconia, Minnesota, on Monday, the Waconia School Board voted to keep masks optional after parents flooded the meeting with opposition. Wall to wall and down the hall families were overflowing from a typically sparse Waconia School Board meeting Monday with the topic of a potential mask mandate clearly causing the packed house. I am committed to strengthening education and giving back to our community through service. Waconia Choir Boosters - 2022/2023 Board Meeting, St. Patricks Day Events & Celebrations In USA 2023, Balam Pichkari: Holi Bollywood Party on March 10th @BelieveHall Atlanta, 2023 Dogtown St. Patrick's Day Irish Festival, 2023 Irish Channel St. Patricks Day Parade, SSHRA 2023 International Conference, 17-18 October, Dubai, Premier Bride Expo - Prime Osborn - Jacksonville, Off The Paddy Wagon: A Drinking Game Performance, Los Angeles, CA BDSM Event - Beginners Kink Play Intro - Dungeon Tour w/Mistress Victoria Hunter. I think both sides are sort of cooling off. The board will work with them to provide a clear financial picture and build on the progress already made to build back reserves. It makes the superintendent responsible for curriculum development, and allows for a district advisory committee to provide assistance. Signup today! Tags: News, Critical Race Theory, Public Schools, School Reopenings, Virginia, Ron DeSantis, Greg Abbott, Original Location: School board activism returns as Loudoun County advances controversial transgender rules, School board activism returns as Loudoun County advances controversial transgender rules. Laconia School Board School Administrative 30 Offices Superintendent Steve Tucker 39 Harvard Street Laconia, NH 03246 Phone: 603-524-5710 Fax: 603-528-8442 Amy Hinds - Title IX District Officer Laconia School District SAU 30 Administrative Office For Students and Families > District Goals > The School Board approved academic calendars for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years at its November 28 Regular Meeting. Our new Business Administrator has the skill set to confidently lead us in the right direction. In accordance with action taken at the Board of Education meeting of April 28, 2021, the regular meetings of the Board of Education of Community Unit District No. I wish to promote effective communication and transparency from the board and administration to teachers and community members. (952) 442-0600, Serving the cities of Waconia, St. Bonifacius, Minnetrista, Victoria, and New Germany, Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions and Procedures for Public School Board Meetings and Public Comments, Minnesota Report Card - Bayview Elementary, Minnesota Report Card - Laketown Elementary, Minnesota Report Card - Southview Elementary, District 110 Strategic Plan and Annual Goals, Reconsideration of Instructional Materials, Kids' Company/Summer Verge Registration Information. I manage the Quality Assurance team at a medical device company. Finally, the community wants to feel heard. I understand firsthand that the decisions I make in my role can impact the lives of patients worldwide. I oppose ideologies and the banning of books or curricula and dont want to see here what is happening around the country. Sparq Data Solutions Inc. - All Rights Reserved. We have funding issues, but we also have spending issues. Parents packed into auditoriums and parking lots for meetings this week to protest various school policies as the first day of classes quickly approaches, reviving the chaotic scenes that closed out the spring semester earlier this year. School boards can have an effect positive or negative on student outcomes. Curriculum development ensures that all students meet standards; it allows students to see themselves reflected in and connected to their learning. In other business, the school board recently conducted a mid-year evaluation of new Superintendent Brian Gersich. Ill help them in any way I can. When we were looking for a home in Minnesota people spoke of this district or that as the best for our children. Our Hometown The board will hold a special meeting May 9 at 4 p.m. to conduct a second round of interviews and select one finalist. WACONIA, Minn. (WCCO) -- Parents passionate against forcing their kids to wear a mask in school had their voices heard Monday night in the southwest metro. Create your success. Applause regularly followed those speaking against a mandate, as parents cited concerns about their children struggling to communicate and dealing with mental health issues from wearing masks over the previous school year. Meet the Candidates: Waconia School Board. I have experience managing budgets and making hard decisions around priorities. District 110 was financially stable for decades; I believe we can be again. Local government is critical and I want a chance to represent and serve my community. Transparency is so crucial and the recommendation to include specific budget decisions in meeting and board packets will help the public hold the board accountable. WACONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS NAMED A TOP-20 SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MINNESOTA BY NICHE. The board voted to impose a mask mandate for elementary schools despite the opposition. Waconia is a vibrant community with the 2nd largest lake in the metro. Upcoming Meetings: April 26 School Board Listening Hour w/WEA 5:30PM (virtual) April 26 School Board Work Session 7:00PM @ WHS B107 May 3 Finance & Facilities Committee 6:00PM (virtual) May 10 Policy Committee 6:00PM @ Waconia City Hall May 10 Regular Board Meeting 7:00PM @ Waconia City Hall May 24 School Board Work Session 7:00PM @ WHS B107 I have worked on for-profit and not-for-profit boards, and I have made a reputation for quickly learning, understanding, and helping to resolve conflict, be it financial, organizational, or interpersonal. "For those parents who think it's in their child's best interest to wear a mask, despite the very low transmission rate, online learning is their best option," another parent said. I am a problem solver. Kindergarten is an exciting and important time in a student's life as they will develop and grow many academic, social, and emotional skills that will lay the foundation for their K-12 journey. That means building a process that works with the state requirements, the curriculum director, and teachers. To be honest, Im running because I was asked to run. Question 4: How do you think the district should address long-term funding issues? The budget process for next school year will start in January 2023 and the budget is typically adopted in June. Ill generally advocate for more trade and arts options, more experiences, more physical activity, a focus on fun first in k-8, and personalized career mapping in high school.