person will not be tolerated. I am running for this office because I am a concerned father who wants to help where help is clearly needed. Last Modified on October 28, 2020 PC is out of control and Id like to help lead us back to values and measurements like grit, determination, and kindness instead of color, gender, and sexual orientation. Waconia is a vibrant community with the 2nd largest lake in the metro. Board Meetings. We need to work diligently to get ISD 110 out of debt to reward and retain our exceptional teachers and build a foundation of fiscal responsibility. The school board does not and should not set the curriculum directly. Waconia is growing and ISD 110 needs to grow with it. Small town charm with unique shops & dining. Click hereto download our Kindergarten Guide, which is full of information for incoming Kindergarten families, including how to enroll your student on or after December 14, 2022. More than 125 teachers marched to a contentious school board meeting on Feb. 11 to voice their displeasure. I envision a district where everyone thrives. I believe some of the boards protocols kept kids from maximizing their in-person learning opportunities last year. Our district must advocate for increased education funding, especially fully funding special education. Ive been a father to three boys in this district for 20 years and Ive successfully built teams and cultures in my profession. More nursing assistants needed even after Minnesota training push, Robbinsdale police seek BCA review into man's drowning after he evaded officers, New Orono council member: It's time to end the yearlong chaos, Golden Valley turns to contractors to fill policing gaps, Worker falls four stories to his death at construction site in Edina, What it's like to drive a plow after a major snowstorm. WAUKEGAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. Chhoth noted that many factors can cause a tax bill to increase or decrease from year to year. This community was very vocal when it came to certain issues during the pandemic and the board voted with those constituents. I love learning, education and leadership and I hope to be a great listener and voice when representing our community. Keep it Clean. In Waconia, Minnesota, on Monday, the Waconia School Board voted to keep masks optional after parents flooded the meeting with opposition. I intend to champion the opening of communication channels between teachers and the board. "We need to stand up as a community and start making decisions that are evidence based and important for our children's safety and well-being," an anti-mask parent said. Adult Education. I think both sides are sort of cooling off. You must get in the Arena and get after it. We need to be a GREAT school providing our students multiple different paths to successful lives and careers after they graduate. Jesse Bergstrom - 4,024 - Elected. The Tuesday meeting dragged on for hours due to comments from parents, pushing the final vote to Wednesday. I want both the community and the district to be recognized and sought after for the strength of the schools and programs, the caliber of the teachers, and for a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all students and their families. In other business, the school board recently conducted a mid-year evaluation of new Superintendent Brian Gersich. Waconia, Watertown, Mayer, Norwood Young America, Cologne, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. I will help get us back on track. Committees: Finance, SEE I create productive working relationships and play well with others. Copyright 2015-2023. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Those are the values I want people to speak of, not the values that are whispered now which are nuanced with racism and conformity. The meeting will be held at the Center for Education Services, located at 10435 . I, along with many parents in this community, started to care! The school board recognizes that COVID-19 is an ever evolving situation. Let's go Wildcats!!!! In my current job, I manage the Quality budget which includes long term capital expenditures, monthly expenses, and operating costs. Below are the unedited responses from the candidates for Waconia School Board - Chad Almjeld, Kelly Amott, Jesse Bergstrom, Tyler Gangestad, Melanie Hagen, Kimberly Kelzer-Breeden, Steve Minor and Katherine Sodey. But the burst of activism aimed at school boards in multiple states is not limited to critical race theory parents are also passionately arguing against mask mandates and other areas they see as public schools as overreaching. 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. All students will be prepared for their unique futures if we educate the whole child encompassing academic, emotional and interpersonal skills. District 720 Shakopee, District 100 Waconia, District 717 Jordan, District 721 New Prague, District 112 Eastern Carver County, and District 719 . During the lengthy and emotional speaking period on Tuesday, a woman who said she was a Loudoun County teacher resigned over the proposed rule, which would compel school staff to use a students preferred pronouns and grant transgender students access to the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. I am running for school board to give back to our community. January 19, 2023. Committees: Policy, Liaison to City of Waconia Come on out! An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Should I be on the board I will hold them accountable and push for more transparency than they will likely be comfortable with. Invalid password or account does not exist. Financials is easily the number one issue for the community when it comes to the school district. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. 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. Question 1: What prompted you to seek election (or re-election) to office? We need to hold the board accountable for expenses and I recognize that building a foundation of fiscal responsibility is essential to retain and reward our teachers. Your email address will not be published. I have two children in the district and as my kids continue to grow, I want to be more involved in decisions that affect them, their classmates, and the community as a whole. Board Chair Kyle Christensen wrote the draft policy, which the six-member board has discussed at several work sessions. Museums and cultural nonprofits are struggling to recover from the pandemic as the number of donations and visitors continues to drop. I am NOT a conservative, liberal, republican or democrat. Personally, this is also good timing as I will be finishing my masters degree in January, just as the new school boards activity will start. I understand firsthand that the decisions I make in my role can impact the lives of patients worldwide. 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. I have over 20 years of patient care experience as a Speech Pathologist in a vigorous medical environment. (link to meeting calendar) School Board Meeting Public Comment Participation: Public comments are accepted in person at regular school board meetings. The parents that want a say in whether their kid is forced to do something they are not ok with. 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. In work and personal life, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are crucial. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Committees: Finance, Negotiations I dont know what I dont know here, but I want to learn, participate, and help make school attractive to kids. Success! WACONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS NAMED A TOP-20 SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MINNESOTA BY NICHE. Seven wrestlers will return to the Xcel Energy Center on Friday, March 3 to compete in the individual portion of the tournament. Building relationships is what I do. My prior service on a public school board provided state-required training in board responsibilities, finance and employment. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. I dont like saying something cant be done or cant done better. Your email address will not be published. Term:Jan. 1, 2021Dec. Minnesota statute requires school districts to review curriculum, and instruction. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. Signup today! All interviews are being held in the media center of Waconia High School and are open to the public. Would you like to receive our latest Business News? Statewide, 147 local unions and districts requested state mediation, compared with 111 during the last round of bargaining. "They are sitting on a $2.28 million fund balance. Jan. 1, 2021-Dec. 31, 2024, Luke DeBoer, Vice Chair/Clerkldeboer@isd110.org Money 8:14 am. Sparq Data Solutions Inc. - All Rights Reserved. Waconia Public Schools has been named a top-20 public school district in the state of Minnesota by Niche, an online platform that annually ranks K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. "We're the biggest district in our conference and we're growing," Aeling said, referring to the Wright County athletic conference. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. DMCA NoticesNewspaper web site content management software and services. Would you like to receive our latest news? 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. As students prepare to return to classrooms in the fall, battles over critical race theory and mask mandates are resurfacing at school board meetings nationwide. The school board should be involved in curriculum adoption and ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to do their job well. I do know we have a great new Superintendent and new Business Administrator that really impressed me. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. SENIOR NATHAN KLITZKE ADVANCES TO STATE SCIENCE FAIR. I was asked by my family, by friends in the school system, and by others who I have worked with in the community. Multiple non-profits I have worked with are directly involved in helping kids learn and succeed. Hop on hop off bus 5:12 am. Threats of harming another There are multiple aspects to long-term financial stability. Spending oversight is a primary area of focus. I am a mom to three, including one with special needs. Members are elected at large to serve four-year terms. I am committed to balancing our budget while providing for the academic and emotional needs of our students. The board will work with them to provide a clear financial picture and build on the progress already made to build back reserves. Public comments are accepted in person at regular school board meetings. The Waconia School Board makes policy and oversees the districts budget, curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. Signup today! Ill help them in any way I can. "I urge you to vote to make masks optional," one parent said. There was an error processing your request. I am an experienced school board member, teacher, mom and Waconia native. 2024-25 At-a-Glance Calendar, KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT FOR FALL 2023 IS NOW OPEN. Members are elected The seven-member Waconia School Board makes policy and oversees the district's budget, curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. Waconia can be one of those districts, for teachers and students. The board did acknowledge that if the state decides to mandate masks in schools, it will follow suit. See tweets of Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau @WaconiaChamber on Twitter. Signup today! Term:Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2026, Jesse Bergstrom, Director jbergstrom@isd110.org My patient care experience has prepared me to work with people of diverse backgrounds and develop exceptional communication skills. Our teachers, administrators and Department of Teaching and Learning regularly review and revise all curriculum. Tyler Gangestad - 3,600. 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. 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. City of Waconia. The next public business meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. 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. The board is responsible for creating the right conditions for excellence to flourish and set high expectations for success. 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. Downloadable and printable one-page versions of both calendars are posted on the District website atisd110.org/district-calendarsand can also be downloaded using the following links: 2023-24 At-a-Glance Calendar Curriculum decisions dont begin with the board. I have experience managing budgets and making hard decisions around priorities. The state sets tax policy and levy limits for local public schools. My previous school board experience has provided me with a strong background in school finance. I believe we need to ensure people not on the advisory committee have a way to provide feedback into this process. I want to encourage exploration of educational, technical, and vocational fields to expand our students exposure to all types of workforce opportunities. 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. Now, Aeling said, the district is sitting on more than $2 million in its coffers and the teachers would like some of that to be used to make up for past sacrifices on their behalf. The school board in Broward County, Florida, which includes some of the Miami area, voted on Monday to require all students and teachers to wear masks in the classroom in a rebuke of DeSantiss ban. Waconia Public Schools Meetings. We need to return to strong financial standing to ensure we can recruit and retain great teachers, and continue to have amazing facilities. For an individual or family with a home value of $400,000 the total estimated school tax from the 2023 tax levy is projected to be $1,776. The county is named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. Everything we do at Waconia Public Schools, ISD 110, is focused on creating opportunities for students to explore their passions and create their success. 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. 60, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS. Instead, they should be building the process for the district to keep its curriculum up to date. Would you like to receive ouradvertising news? Would you like to receive our daily news? | Pikagi. Question 5: What in your background/experience best qualifies you for office? Parents are more involved then ever in reviewing what is going on in schools. They've got the funds to settle on a fair wage for the teachers.". This will help us retain talented teachers and grow our schools as our community grows. I believe we are a very good school district. public transport to Haarlem. SHOP, PLAY, DINE, STAY! While the board can ask for changes and information, they should not be directly setting the curriculum as they do not have the expertise. The local tax levy is based on many state-determined formulas, plus voter approved referendums. Error! There are a few activities that the district should take to help remain fiscally sound: creating and maintaining balanced budgets, adhering to long term financial plans, and negotiating with service providers. that is degrading to another person. Some of the focus areas include a comprehensive budget plan initiative to move ISD 110 out of SOD, an audit of current facilities, and transparent communication with all stakeholders. New Sponsorship Visa jobs added daily. No one from the public was at the meeting. Later in the year they took another vote and decided not to listen to those very same people. "If we have either a part of a building, a building, a floor that has a mask mandate, then they can return to school right now," she said. My interests and experiences are broad and I bring that enthusiasm and energy for learning to the board. Davis also angered many teachers when he said this month that teachers are only obligated to work 1,288 hours a year, which means their hourly wage is pretty good. Waconia Public Schools has been named a top-20 public school district in the state of Minnesota by Niche, an online platform that annually ranks K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. One of those is changes in property value. Term:Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2026, Brian Gersich Superintendent 31, 2020 I was also motivated by Waconias growth; I will help ensure that our schools are ready for the future. accounts, the history behind an article. 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. In-Person WHS B107 (limited to 20) To attend In-person please sign-up before March 22 by email to: jkilian@isd110.org or, call 952-442-0600 / Virtual Meeting . The dispute has left the community divided as it awaits the outcome, especially as the end of school nears and the possibility of a strike increases. Board Meeting Dates 23 March 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Regular School Board Meeting 27 April 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Regular School Board Meeting View Calendar Board Meeting Information If you're having trouble viewing BoardBook within the Waco ISD website, please click here to open BoardBook in its own window/tab. We need to figure out how to get out of SOD first. The district and the school board should be striving to create an environment where students can bring their authentic selves, have a sense of belonging, and realize their potential to the fullest. Some Republican governors have set up possible showdowns with local school boards over mask mandates and critical race theory by attempting to ban both at the state level. "I am on a board that is saying, given the current economic situation, we like our teachers, but a reasonable salary is a reasonable salary," Davis said. Almost all of the additional money would go to pay higher benefit costs, they said. I am excited to participate in that visioning process with the district over the next few years. In an evaluation summary shared at the Dec. 19 meeting, Board Chair Dana Geller stated, Superintendent Gersich has proven himself to be a successful leader for ISD 110 thus far All goals are actively in progress and the school board notes that Superintendent Gersich is making great strides in all areas.. Core Values, and Daily Desired Experiences: WRESTLING TEAM PLACES 4TH AT STATE TOURNAMENT. The school districts fiscal year coincides with the school year, running July 1 through June 30, so 2023 taxes wont provide additional revenue until the 2023-2024 school budget year. I do feel we have an important role in monitoring what is being taught to our students once those decisions have been made. I am proud of my track record of being a people first servant leader that is focused on growing, empowering, and retaining talent. Terms:Jan. 1, 2017Dec. 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! The board needs to provide regular oversight of district finances. Signup today! 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. HR Recommendations for Board Agenda 4.12.2021, Termination and Non-Renewal of Probationary Teachers 4.12.2021, Resolution Relating to the Termination and Non-Renewal of Certain Probationary Teachers 4.12.2021, Year To Date Expense Report - 2020-2021 - 3-29-2021 (1), 3 4 21 Waconia 110 SOD commissioner letter FY 2020 (1), 616 School District System Accountability with edits, Board Policy No. 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. They saw that my skillset matched the needs of ISD 110. March 8-14, 2023 Trip to Amsterdam 1:49 pm. Waconia School Board election 2022. or anything. Waconia is in statutory operating debt due to poor leadership and a lack of checks and balances. Jack is first name and Mandanka is last name. Melanie Hagen- 4,299 - Elected. To ensure my team remains on track, we have monthly forecasting meetings where we review expenses and any overages. Greetings parents and guardians of future members of the Waconia Public Schools Class of 2036! Their value must be reflected in compensation and our interactions with them. Our Hometown The forensic audit report provided great insight. Requests must be submitted by email to the following email address: jkilian@isd110.org, Guidelines for Public Comment participation: Be Truthful. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. I am against mask mandates. 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. Term:Jan. 1, 2023Dec. Please enter valid email address to continue. My vision for the district is to embrace learning and inspire students; enabling them to grow their potential and prepare them to be productive and responsible members of society. By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy. 786 were here. The four outgoing members were presented with a lifetime pass to Waconia activities as a show of appreciation for their years of service and a way for them to stay active and engaged in our school community. 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. We'd love to hear eyewitness The county extends from Minneapolis to the suburbs and outlying cities in the western part of the county. I am dedicated to helping Waconias kids ignite that same passion for learning in themselves. The district still hasn't reached a contract after nearly three dozen meetings, two mediation sessions, a missed deadline and a fine. Required fields are marked *. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In this role, one of my major responsibilities is working through issues with cross functional teams and finding the solution that works best for all stakeholders. Number three is political correctness. "This does not include sending them to their learning and social environment wearing a face covering for seven to eight hours a day.". Board Minutes and Agendas; Board Policies; Bylaws; Records Retention Schedule; 2021-2022 Board Meeting Dates; SWMetro Joint Powers Agreement ; State Testing; Programs. Copyright 2015-2023. First published on August 10, 2021 / 7:33 AM. With Whalen out, what's left behind for Gophers women's basketball? The responsibility of educating children falls largely on the tone set by parents, but teachers are on the front lines leading and making an impression daily. "You need some sort of mask policy to reintegrate special needs at the end of the day," Skaro said. 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. Road Trip from London to Holland for Tulips. The pandemic changed how I viewed school boards. The two sides have met more than 35 times, including two mediation sessions, without a resolution. I am committed to strengthening education and giving back to our community through service. Number two is curriculum. West Metro 15905652 As contract talks drag on, Waconia teachers, board appear far apart The district still hasn't reached a contract after nearly three dozen meetings, two mediation sessions, a. With the start of the 2022-2023 school year, the Washington County Board of Education is currently following standard procedures for public business meetings. Sparq Data Solutions Inc. - All Rights Reserved. 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. We must have a very high standard for the teachers we entrust and in order to attract and retain the best teachers, we must have a teacher friendly culture.