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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 the candidates ‘top priorities, how they would make the district better, levies, volunteer experience, equity, what sets candidates apart, and district strengths and weaknesses. This week we’re asking about money.
What do you think of the district’s budget and spending priorities?
We posed this question to all candidates. Here are their answers in random order:
Byron Schwab
First and foremost all budgets are built on meeting the needs of our students first. Keeping in mind class size, instructional materials, safety, health, experience, opportunity and environment. From there we have to consider employee support, facility maintenance, transportation, utilities and inflation. District 197 has an outstanding Director of Business who thoroughly understands State and Federal funding, monitors income and expenditures meticulously and reports to the board monthly. As Treasurer of the school board and my past experience in school finance I have full confidence in how money is managed in ISD 197. As in all areas of our economy and business, costs continue to increase and additional income is necessary to maintain, improve and strengthen services.
Rowen Elsmore
The most glaring financial prioritization problem that the district faces is in what we pay our teachers and staff. The districts around us are paying significantly more. This is about more than us valuing the people that we entrust with our children, as we have many open positions that we are unable to fill. If nothing changes, this will continue to get worse alongside the teacher shortage across the state. New teachers are not going to come to a district that does not have competitive pay. Staff cannot afford to take a job supporting our students when there are many job openings outside of education that are offering significantly more. By strengthening our contracts for our educators and other staff we can ensure that we can attract and retain the very best.
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Randi Walz
The district’s allocation of 83% of the general fund towards teachers and staff underscores a crucial budget priority. Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that the district’s total administrative expenses are lower than the metro area districts’ average.These strategic choices reflect the district’s commitment to preserving favorable staff-to-student ratios, achieving smaller class sizes whenever feasible, and delivering enriching programs and curriculum aimed at enhancing the academic achievement of all students. I look forward to more data that examines the allocation and utilization of our budget across all categories to address the diversity, inclusivity and equity challenges confronting our schools.
Tim Aune
Taking advantage of a favorable interest rate environment during the recent bond issuance deserves high marks.
I support the updates and renovations of our schools. To have a good learning environment you have to a good environment. For everyone in that building.
I would like to look at some of the state staffing mandates requiring a dedicated person and examine whether there is an opportunity for some of that staffing to be shared between districts.
Morgan Steele
I will be fully transparent in sharing that the budget portion will be a learning opportunity for me. I have a lot of questions about our spending and budget when it comes to personnel, specifically. The budget information for this school year is helpful in understanding priorities for the district. I would like to understand what prohibits us from paying our support staff better wages for the work they do.
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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