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There are five candidates running for four seats on the ISD 197 school board this year. We’ve asked the candidates a series of questions to see where they stand on the issues. We’ll share one question and the responses at a time leading up to the election on November 7. See our ISD 197 voter’s guide for more.
We already asked about levies, how they would make the district better, money, volunteer experience, equity, what sets candidates apart, and district strengths and weaknesses. This week we’re asking about candidates’ top priorities.
What are the top two to three issues for ISD 197 to address in the next four years and how should the school board address those issues?
We posed this question to all candidates. Here are their answers in random order:
Randi Walz
Accelerating academic achievement and building communities where all students feel they belong are the top, interconnected challenges currently within our district.
The primary concern of enhancing student achievement must go beyond measuring success through increased MCA scores, for example; it should involve putting this data and assessments into context. Our goal is to empower our students with the skills and mindset of lifelong learners, nurturing their academic growth and preparing them for future challenges. However, this cannot be accomplished in isolation. As a school board, our focus should extend beyond data analysis; we must also actively identify and confront educational obstacles and potential challenges that impede our students’ learning experiences.
This leads to other critical issues that ISD 197 must continually address: Equity/Inclusion and Social/Emotional Learning. Mental health is inextricably linked to student learning. If students don’t feel ok, healthy and safe it’s not possible for them to learn. Cultivating an environment grounded in equitable and inclusive systems is essential in ensuring that students feel welcomed and empowered to thrive. By focusing on the accessibility of programs, activities, and engagement opportunities, we can create a secure space for students to succeed academically and strive to achieve the high standards that all are capable of attaining. As an effective school board, it is our duty to help create conditions in which our district can effectively address and overcome the challenges posed by these issues.
Morgan Steele
One area of improvement that I continue to identify for ISD 197 is in transparent communication with all stakeholder groups (families, community, educators, students). A more recent example is the change that will occur in schedules for 5th and 6th graders at our middle schools starting next school year. While I can understand the why behind the decision now, I think that there was a missed opportunity in engaging current elementary families (who will be affected by the change) rather than current middle school families.
One of our biggest issues is our pay compared to surrounding districts: it is one of our biggest issues because it affects both retention of our incredible staff and our ability to attract new staff. One way to address this is to ask for an operating levy like the district is doing now and another is to advocate for fully funding education statewide at the legislature.
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Byron Schwab
Top issues for the ISD 197 board to address in the next four years would be first and foremost passing our 2 levy referendum questions on the ballot this November (our board needs to know the value of passing and the repercussions of failure, articulate and communicate this in our community and support our Superintendent in his efforts to also communicate clearly with all residents in ISD 197). Next would be to understand the financial and policy impact from legislation passed this year in areas such as the Reading Act, Unemployment, Family Leave, Student Resource Officers, and Free Lunch so our board can make decisions in the best interest and future of students and staff in ISD 197.
Rowen Elsmore
The biggest issues the school board will be addressing in the next four years include the budget and our equity policy.
Decisions about our budget will depend heavily on if the levy is passed. Whether the levy passes or not, contract negotiations among several different groups will be a major focus. A passed levy means board oversight of new spending priorities, while a failed levy would mean oversight of any necessary cuts or reprioritization. Our district has fallen behind our neighbors in pay for our teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff. In order to attract and retain the people we need to best serve our students we need to find ways to strengthen our contracts.
Another major issue in the next four years is our equity policy. This policy is going into effect soon and is a great starting point. Going forward, it will be critical to review the policy, identify where it is working for our students and where it is falling short. All students need to feel protected and like they belong in our schools. We need strong policies to ensure that this is happening for all of our students, and need to evaluate our policies with particular populations in mind.
Tim Aune
First, striking a solid balance between teacher and staff attraction and retention, and sound long term fiscal planning. With contracts coming up it is critical they reward teachers and staff, attractive future teachers, and fit withing a sustainable budget framework.
Second, in my opinion there are regrettable misconceptions regarding what is being “taught” in our schools. I support an evolving curriculum that incorporates new ideas, new information, and new discoveries. A curriculum based on a wide range of perspectives that reflect our community. I think it very important the board engage the community so there is a clear understanding regarding the “what and how”, all while showing respect for parental perspective and concern.
Note:
Barbara Kessler dropped out of the race in August, though her name will still appear on the ballot.
Vote on November 7
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The ISD 197 website has details on where and how to vote. Voting options also include absentee voting, either by mail or in person, which starts September 22.
We’ll share more candidate responses as we get closer to the 2023 election. You can also see our ISD 197 voter’s guide for more.
Thank you to the candidates for taking the time to respond.
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