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. "Emotions were pretty high. The meeting drew hundreds of people chanting, No more masks, according to local news. Choose wisely! I am an engineer at heart, and am always trying to find solutions to problems. Waconia is growing and ISD 110 needs to grow with it. 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 > "I think this is more than economic," Aeling said. Your email address will not be published. That means building a process that works with the state requirements, the curriculum director, and teachers. Teachers deserve the time, training and trust to do their jobs. 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. Serving the cities of Waconia, St. Bonifacius, Minnetrista, Victoria, and New Germany, 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 am running for this office because I am a concerned father who wants to help where help is clearly needed. However, good isnt going to cut it in todays competitive job market. I want the opportunity to play a part in this vision and help setup future school boards for success. I have an interest in improving the quality of our school system and advocating for the education of all our children. 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. The board did acknowledge that if the state decides to mandate masks in schools, it will follow suit. Finally, the community wants to feel heard. I have always been passionately engaged in politics. I want to encourage exploration of educational, technical, and vocational fields to expand our students exposure to all types of workforce opportunities. The district still hasn't reached a contract after nearly three dozen meetings, two mediation sessions, a missed deadline and a fine. First, to protect itself and its teachers and employees, District 110 must maintain a net positive budget for the next few years to build up its reserves and eliminate its statutory operating debt. I create productive working relationships and play well with others. I, along with many parents in this community, started to care! I felt like the board forgot whos seat they were really sitting in. My 23 years in the software industry has provided experiences that I think will assist me on the school board. Use the 'Report' link on I am committed to balancing our budget while providing for the academic and emotional needs of our students. 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. Hop on hop off bus 5:12 am. Later in the year they took another vote and decided not to listen to those very same people. The Waconia School Board makes policy and oversees the districts budget, curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. I view the seat as belonging to the parents and community members I have been engaging. 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. 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. In work and personal life, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are crucial. They didn't require masks. This is why my husband and I chose to live in Waconia. Waconia Public Schools Meetings. 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. 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. The county's natural areas are covered with . 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. Republican Govs. The state sets tax policy and levy limits for local public schools. It would be irresponsible and, I believe, inappropriate for the board to act otherwise. About $52.7 million of that is in the general fund, the bulk of which goes to teacher salaries and benefits, also educational services, supplies and equipment. I am NOT a conservative, liberal, republican or democrat. 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. Public comments are not live-streamed and are not recorded. (link to meeting calendar) School Board Meeting Public Comment Participation: Public comments are accepted in person at regular school board meetings. Subscribed to personalized events updates! 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 believe some of the boards protocols kept kids from maximizing their in-person learning opportunities last year. "The last board meeting was pretty emotional," Davis said. We need to return to strong financial standing to ensure we can recruit and retain great teachers, and continue to have amazing facilities. The budget process for next school year will start in January 2023 and the budget is typically adopted in June. Members are elected The seven-member Waconia School Board makes policy and oversees the district's budget, curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. 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. Fulfilled, well compensated, and appreciated teachers. 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. Send this article to anyone, no subscription is necessary to view it, After pandemic hit, cultural groups hope for boost from state, One of state's richest families feuds over $1 billion estate, Innocence Project takes up case of man convicted in Mpls. There was an error processing your request. All students will be prepared for their unique futures if we educate the whole child encompassing academic, emotional and interpersonal skills. As involved as possible. 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. Share with Us. Question 4: How do you think the district should address long-term funding issues? I intend to champion the opening of communication channels between teachers and the board. | Pikagi. Signup today! Don't knowingly lie about anyone DMCA NoticesNewspaper web site content management software and services. Core Values, and Daily Desired Experiences: WRESTLING TEAM PLACES 4TH AT STATE TOURNAMENT. Please enter valid email address to continue. At a school board meeting in Williamson County, Tennessee, on Tuesday, parents shouted, waved signs and gathered in a crowd outside the building to protest a mask mandate in the county's. No one from the public was at the meeting. And they're seeing extreme COVID breakouts," the parent 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. Student success requires a stable, quality staff. Our new Business Administrator has the skill set to confidently lead us in the right direction. City of Waconia. 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 am running for school board to give back to our community. Our teachers, administrators and Department of Teaching and Learning regularly review and revise all curriculum. I am dedicated to helping Waconias kids ignite that same passion for learning in themselves. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Invalid password or account does not exist. I am a problem solver. I understand firsthand that the decisions I make in my role can impact the lives of patients worldwide. Everything we do at Waconia Public Schools, ISD 110, is focused on creating opportunities for students to explore their passions and create their success. Superintendent Gersich and I recently discussed this issue regarding long-term funding. Almost all of the additional money would go to pay higher benefit costs, they said. I love challenges, and believe I have ideas to help increase transparency, protect parents choices, and guide policy that helps set clear direction to assist our new superintendent in leading ISD 110 schools in a way the entire community can be proud of. The next public business meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Number two is curriculum. Would you like to receive our latest Business News? 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 won't share it with anyone else. "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. While the board does have the stated responsibility to prescribe textbooks and courses of study that is done as part of a larger committee comprised of board members, parents, a director, and staff who vet the curriculum and then make a recommendation for approval. Dooher said that inadequate state funding combined with soaring health care costs made bargaining extremely difficult. Go-to place to discover events for more than 20M people globally. Would parents (constituents) at home take issue with a certain topic/subject? 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.. Term:Jan. 1, 2021Dec. I believe we need to ensure people not on the advisory committee have a way to provide feedback into this process. Prepare for the future growth that we will no doubt be experiencing over the next few years. 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. 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 school board recognizes that COVID-19 is an ever evolving situation. See tweets of Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau @WaconiaChamber on Twitter. Waconia is a vibrant community with the 2nd largest lake in the metro. 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. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. The school board scheduled interviews for the semi-finalists Monday and Tuesday of this week. I am impressed with our new superintendent and finance manager so I am hopeful. Is it age appropriate? "I guess I'm surprised at the situation we're in," said David Aeling, the lead negotiator for the Waconia Education Association, which represents more than 185 teachers. Committees: Finance, Negotiations The meeting will be held at the Center for Education Services, located at 10435 . 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. Sparq Data Solutions Inc. - All Rights Reserved. Be Nice. Teacher negotiators said those figures are misleading. I am currently finishing a masters in writing. I am not looking for power, to push an agenda, or to pad my resume and I never thought Id be in a public facing role. Threats of harming another My patient care experience has prepared me to work with people of diverse backgrounds and develop exceptional communication skills. I am proud of my track record of being a people first servant leader that is focused on growing, empowering, and retaining talent. I believe we are a very good school district. During this period it is very important that the school board review and confirm priorities as spending will continue to be tight. But some families feel the decision puts their kids at risk of getting sick. Terms:Jan. 1, 2017Dec. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. How we get to that vision will be jointly determined by the new superintendent and the new school board that is elected this fall. As I stated earlier, I have worked on for-profit and not-for-profit boards, including my own electronic medical record software company, which I sold a few years ago. The county extends from Minneapolis to the suburbs and outlying cities in the western part of the county. 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. The forensic audit report provided great insight. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. I am excited to participate in that visioning process with the district over the next few years. Success! 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. I would like to launch a Question and Answer Town Hall every 3 months. This community was very vocal when it came to certain issues during the pandemic and the board voted with those constituents. By 2024-25 At-a-Glance Calendar, KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT FOR FALL 2023 IS NOW OPEN. The Waconia High School wrestling team took fourth place at the Class 3A State Tournament on Thursday, March 2, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. In Waconia, Minnesota, on Monday, the Waconia School Board voted to keep masks optional after parents flooded the meeting with opposition. 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. Create a password that only you will remember. Want your business to be found here? Signup today! 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. In other business, the school board recently conducted a mid-year evaluation of new Superintendent Brian Gersich. With Whalen out, what's left behind for Gophers women's basketball? The school board should be involved in curriculum adoption and ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to do their job well. Waconia, MN Meet the Candidates: Waconia School Board Sun Patriot 2022-10-10 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. "I think the breakdown came from the process," Aeling said. The two sides have met more than 35 times, including two mediation sessions, without a resolution. Be Truthful. 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. I am a leader that values integrity and transparency. I have significant ISD110 and people experience. Board members must ask questions to understand ROI on all spending and be responsible and strategic, to get out of SOD. Instead, they should be building the process for the district to keep its curriculum up to date. Would you like to receive our breaking news? The school board does not and should not set the curriculum directly. Two Childcare Stabilization Grant applications from Brian Julson. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. To ensure my team remains on track, we have monthly forecasting meetings where we review expenses and any overages. As a frontline medical worker during the pandemic I gained a new perspective on grit and perseverance. The county is named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. Term:Jan. 1, 2023Dec. The school board for Waconia Public Schools voted 6-0 in favor of its current policy, which will only make masks optional for students and staff. Would you like to receive ouradvertising news? I have over 20 years of patient care experience as a Speech Pathologist in a vigorous medical environment. Story courtesy of Sun Patriot News The Waconia School Board certified the school districts 2023 tax levy in the amount of just over $19.1 million at its Dec. 19 meeting. Ive been a father to three boys in this district for 20 years and Ive successfully built teams and cultures in my profession. 60, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS. 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. I dont know how involved the board should be in developing the curriculum. 201 South Vine Street Waconia, MN 55387 Phone: 952-442-2184 Please note updated City Hall hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. All interviews are being held in the media center of Waconia High School and are open to the public. The school board is involved by maintaining this policy. Term:Jan. 1, 2023Dec. They have taught me that all children are unique, have potential and deserve the best education. "We're the biggest district in our conference and we're growing," Aeling said, referring to the Wright County athletic conference. 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. 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 We need to figure out how to get out of SOD first. Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida have issued statewide prohibitions on mask mandates that local school districts are already attempting to challenge. I manage the Quality Assurance team at a medical device company. I dont like saying something cant be done or cant done better. 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. Term:Jan. 1, 2021- Dec. 31, 2024, Alycia Myers, Treasureramyers@isd110.org Our Hometown I want to help take a fresh look at what we teach and how we prepare our students for the real world. Committees: Negotiations, SW Metro #288 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. Waconia, Watertown, Mayer, Norwood Young America, Cologne, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Meetings of the School Board are open to the public. School Board. I think both sides are sort of cooling off. At the contentious school board meeting, Davis was called uncreative and teachers were angry because they felt the board was not respecting them and was making them beg for a pay increase. We have funding issues, but we also have spending issues. The board utilizes the expertise of the quality staff they have hired and doesnt micromanage. I am an experienced school board member, teacher, mom and Waconia native. The regular meetings of the School Board are conducted on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Waconia City Hall, 201 S. Vine Street, unless otherwise noted. "Their proposal would drop us to dead last in our conference.". "I couldn't tell you why it's taken so long, other than both sides being very strong-minded about getting what they consider the right contract.". Read more about our Mission, Vision, January 19, 2023. 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. 31, 2026, Kelly Amott, Directorkamott@isd110.org Spending oversight is a primary area of focus. Neither could a state-imposed deadline, which brought a hefty fine of almost $75,000 after it was missed. As a child of a teacher, I know the passion they have for their vocation. I oppose ideologies and the banning of books or curricula and dont want to see here what is happening around the country. 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. I am a strong proponent of public education. Seven wrestlers will return to the Xcel Energy Center on Friday, March 3 to compete in the individual portion of the tournament. Required fields are marked *. Jesse Bergstrom - 4,024 - Elected. We are excited for your student to join the Wildcat family in the Fall of 2023. 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 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. 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. Public comments are accepted in person at regular school board meetings. "This does not include sending them to their learning and social environment wearing a face covering for seven to eight hours a day.". At a school board meeting in Williamson County, Tennessee, on Tuesday, parents shouted, waved signs and gathered in a crowd outside the building to protest a mask mandate in the countys schools. "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. 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. "I've been on the board four years and been in the district for four years before that," Davis said. Board Minutes and Agendas; Board Policies; Bylaws; Records Retention Schedule; 2021-2022 Board Meeting Dates; SWMetro Joint Powers Agreement ; State Testing; Programs. Committees: Policy, Liaison to City of Waconia Would you like to receive our latest Sports News? The Farmington School Board voted 5-0 to approve an employee professional conduct policy during its Feb. 27 meeting after a portion that board members were split on was removed. Chhoth noted that many factors can cause a tax bill to increase or decrease from year to year. person will not be tolerated. accounts, the history behind an article. Nicole Skaro is one of those parents who will start her children at home, since they're immunocompromised. racist or sexually-oriented language. 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. Right now millions of regular education dollars are diverted to pay for these underfunded mandates. Rather than a full mandate, she feels there could be a middle ground. More ominously, there are no meetings scheduled anytime soon, negotiators said. The advisory committee whenever possible should comprise at least two-thirds of parents, teachers, students, community residents. "I guess we'll see where the ultimate contract ends up, but we have some work to do to bridge the gap between us.". Waconia is one of 15 districts in the state that have not reached a settlement on new two-year contracts. 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 constituents that want solutions to our financial mess and protect their tax dollars. 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.
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