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. SENIOR NATHAN KLITZKE ADVANCES TO STATE SCIENCE FAIR. A public school district serving students and families in early childhood through 12th grade Waconia Public Schools | Waconia MN 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. Signup today! Question 3: How involved should the board be with curriculum development? This is why my husband and I chose to live in Waconia. I would like to launch a Question and Answer Town Hall every 3 months. 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. As a child of a teacher, I know the passion they have for their vocation. A longtime Waconia School Board member and former City of Minnetonka employee is accused of stealing a city vehicle in an apparent attempt to retaliate against a former colleague who got him fired. Be Proactive. "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. I do feel we have an important role in monitoring what is being taught to our students once those decisions have been made. 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. 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. 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. My career has been focused on finding solutions and improving processes. We need to return to strong financial standing to ensure we can recruit and retain great teachers, and continue to have amazing facilities. The district is recovering from statutory operating debt. Choose wisely! 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. In Waconia, Minnesota, on Monday, the Waconia School Board voted to keep masks optional after parents flooded the meeting with opposition. 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. Would you like to receive our latest Sports News? "We're the biggest district in our conference and we're growing," Aeling said, referring to the Wright County athletic conference. "In Arkansas, they already went back to school. My interests and experiences are broad and I bring that enthusiasm and energy for learning to the board. Term:Jan. 1, 2023Dec. Kimberly Kelzer-Breeden - 4,061 - Elected. Aeling scoffs at that. Circumstances are different for all, but you are not a victim and life isnt fair. AART card - Amsterdam Forum - Tripadvisor 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. accounts, the history behind an article. And they're seeing extreme COVID breakouts," the parent said. Waconia, Watertown, Mayer, Norwood Young America, Cologne, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. "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. 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. 296 Sponsorship Visa jobs in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (5 new) / CBS Minnesota. 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. Later in the year they took another vote and decided not to listen to those very same people. In work and personal life, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are crucial. January 19, 2023. 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. 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. This community was very vocal when it came to certain issues during the pandemic and the board voted with those constituents. Right now millions of regular education dollars are diverted to pay for these underfunded mandates. School Board | Waconia Public Schools - ISD 110 "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. District Homepage | Waconia Public Schools - ISD 110 The board will work with them to provide a clear financial picture and build on the progress already made to build back reserves. "But people seem to understand that as the economy has slowed a bit, you need to take the time to do the right thing. I am an engineer at heart, and am always trying to find solutions to problems. When we were looking for a home in Minnesota people spoke of this district or that as the best for our children. There will be no rubber-stamping expenses on my watch. Signup today! Adult Education. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism I wish to promote effective communication and transparency from the board and administration to teachers and community members. The Wildcats fell to Hastings 21-38 in the semifinal round and 30-33 to Stillwater in the third place match. Let's go Wildcats!!!! They didn't require masks. My patient care experience has prepared me to work with people of diverse backgrounds and develop exceptional communication skills. 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 Two Childcare Stabilization Grant applications from Brian Julson. I have over 20 years of patient care experience as a Speech Pathologist in a vigorous medical environment. All interviews are being held in the media center of Waconia High School and are open to the public. Strong academics is the foundation for our schools, but not its only purpose. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The district should be transparent with the community and demonstrate fiscal responsibility to the extent that any subsequent funding requests are understood. Kelly Amott - 3,823 - Elected. Required fields are marked *. 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. I want the opportunity to play a part in this vision and help setup future school boards for success. 2024-25 At-a-Glance Calendar, KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT FOR FALL 2023 IS NOW OPEN. Adult Education - SouthWest Metro Intermediate District 288 We need to figure out how to get out of SOD first. 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. Create a password that only you will remember. Jan. 1, 2021-Dec. 31, 2024, Luke DeBoer, Vice Chair/Clerkldeboer@isd110.org I want to prioritize student achievement by instilling a strong work ethic and using data to measure progress and outcomes. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Your email address will not be published. Their value must be reflected in compensation and our interactions with them. The budget process for next school year will start in January 2023 and the budget is typically adopted in June. Committees: Finance,TLAC We are excited for your student to join the Wildcat family in the Fall of 2023. This would help funding for all MN districts. In other business, the school board recently conducted a mid-year evaluation of new Superintendent Brian Gersich. My previous school board experience and my understanding of school finance will benefit the district. Finally, the community wants to feel heard. The school board scheduled interviews for the semi-finalists Monday and Tuesday of this week. Our teachers, administrators and Department of Teaching and Learning regularly review and revise all curriculum. This will help us retain talented teachers and grow our schools as our community grows. 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. "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. City of Waconia. With the hiring of Superintendent Brian Gersich and Director of Finance Ra Chhoth the district has acquired leadership with sound and proven financial literacy. I believe we are a very good school district. 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 impressed with our new superintendent and finance manager so I am hopeful. June 28, 2021 at 9:00 PM - Special Meeting RE: SY 2020-2021 Revised Budget and 2021-2022 Preliminary Budget Approval and School Board Salary for 2021-2022. I am NOT a conservative, liberal, republican or democrat. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. WACONIA SCHOOL BOARD - 4 elected. 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! 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. Question 5: What in your background/experience best qualifies you for office? Explore your passions. Park Board Meeting Agenda February 20 2020 6:30 p.m. City - Waconia ISD 110 School Board - Vimeo School boards can have an effect positive or negative on student outcomes. As a Waconia graduate, with kids in our district. Almost all of the additional money would go to pay higher benefit costs, they said. The meeting drew hundreds of people chanting, No more masks, according to local news. (link to meeting calendar), School Board Meeting Public Comment Participation: How we get to that vision will be jointly determined by the new superintendent and the new school board that is elected this fall. My prior service on a public school board provided state-required training in board responsibilities, finance and employment. "The last board meeting was pretty emotional," Davis said. Teacher negotiators said those figures are misleading. Waconia school board sets tax levy for 2023 | Community Waconia Public Schools Public View - BoardBook Premier See tweets of Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau @WaconiaChamber on Twitter. I am an experienced school board member, teacher, mom and Waconia native. As a school board member, I would spend time gaining a more thorough understanding of the district finances and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure sound decision making occurs. . Park Board Members Present: Lacey Shaw, Carl Pierson, Matt Wessale, Thomas Adamini, Stay tuned with the most relevant events happening around you. Finally, we need to evaluate our priorities to make the best use of our limited resources. While the board can ask for changes and information, they should not be directly setting the curriculum as they do not have the expertise. "Their proposal would drop us to dead last in our conference.". Free program enticed 2,000 people to become certified nursing assistants, but its impact on Minnesota's workforce shortage is unclear. I have significant ISD110 and people experience. 3.A. Invalid password or account does not exist. More than 125 teachers marched to a contentious school board meeting on Feb. 11 to voice their displeasure. The school board does not and should not set the curriculum directly. "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. "We're always optimistic," said Brent Davis, chairman of the Waconia School Board and the lead district negotiator. The Wildcats defeated Rochester Mayo 43-26 in the quarterfinal round behind victories by Gabe Witschorik, Carter Katherman, Maverick Mueller, Lincoln Vick, Alex Torres, Levi Mueller, Max McEnelly, Alex Riley and Vincent Halliday. Want your business to be found here? Committees: Finance, Negotiations 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. WACONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS NAMED A TOP-20 SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MINNESOTA BY NICHE. Board Minutes and Agendas; Board Policies; Bylaws; Records Retention Schedule; 2021-2022 Board Meeting Dates; SWMetro Joint Powers Agreement ; State Testing; Programs. Number three is political correctness. Core Values, and Daily Desired Experiences: WRESTLING TEAM PLACES 4TH AT STATE TOURNAMENT. I am passionate about public education and parental involvement in our childrens academic endeavors. (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. Copyright 2015-2023. 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. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Public comments are not live-streamed and are not recorded. Multiple non-profits I have worked with are directly involved in helping kids learn and succeed. We must support students emotional needs by teaching them to discuss and manage feelings, and support others. Small town charm . I, along with many parents in this community, started to care! Designs are in place for townhouses to be built on privately owned land on the point between Agate and Burlington bays. There are multiple aspects to long-term financial stability. It is paramount along the way that we teach kids that life is hard and imperfect. 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. Norwood Young America Hamburg Business Directory. 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. Sparq Data Solutions Inc. - All Rights Reserved. Statewide, 147 local unions and districts requested state mediation, compared with 111 during the last round of bargaining. The overview of the Financial Audit was essential to move forward with transparency and attention to detail. I am a strong proponent of public education. I will help get us back on track. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is it age appropriate? We'd love to hear eyewitness The district still hasn't reached a contract after nearly three dozen meetings, two mediation sessions, a missed deadline and a fine. The board needs to provide regular oversight of district finances. To ensure my team remains on track, we have monthly forecasting meetings where we review expenses and any overages. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. Board members must ask questions to understand ROI on all spending and be responsible and strategic, to get out of SOD. 522 with MSBA and ISD 110 Edits & Additions FINAL (Jan 2021), 415 Mandated REporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults (Dec 2019), 414 Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse (Dec 2019), 410 Family and Medical Leave Policy (Dec 2019), << Back to the Public Page for Waconia Public Schools, 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, No MSBA changes since last review for both policy and form. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The Tuesday meeting dragged on for hours due to comments from parents, pushing the final vote to Wednesday. Today&rsquo;s top 296 Sponsorship Visa jobs in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands. Dooher said that inadequate state funding combined with soaring health care costs made bargaining extremely difficult. 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.. As contract talks drag on, Waconia teachers, board appear far apart No one from the public was at the meeting. The board will hold a special meeting May 9 at 4 p.m. to conduct a second round of interviews and select one finalist. 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. Term:Jan. 1, 2021Dec. Flight or Eurostar from London to Amsterdam 10:28 am. | Pikagi. I am excited to participate in that visioning process with the district over the next few years. As involved as possible. 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. The parents I talk with want us to focus on education and NOT indoctrination. Requests must be submitted by email to the following email address: jkilian@isd110.org, Guidelines for Public Comment participation: I am a mother of three children in the district. Ive been a father to three boys in this district for 20 years and Ive successfully built teams and cultures in my profession. However, Monday night's vote ensures students won't have to wear a mask on the first day. 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. 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. Rather than a full mandate, she feels there could be a middle ground. | That group included Waconia, which had a second mediation session in St. Paul earlier this month. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Nathan also qualified to advance to the State Science Fair in St. Paul next month! It makes the superintendent responsible for curriculum development, and allows for a district advisory committee to provide assistance. New Sponsorship Visa jobs added daily. The board utilizes the expertise of the quality staff they have hired and doesnt micromanage. That drew a rebuke from the union, which said teachers work many more hours checking homework, drawing up lesson plans and preparing for each day in class. What's the story behind Minneapolis' smaller houses with huge front yards? Members are elected I view the seat as belonging to the parents and community members I have been engaging. 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. I dont like saying something cant be done or cant done better. Submitted photo. My 23 years in the software industry has provided experiences that I think will assist me on the school board. No major construction projects are planned this year. Although there was optimism that the mediation might lead to a settlement, that didn't happen. Nicole Skaro is one of those parents who will start her children at home, since they're immunocompromised. Neither could a state-imposed deadline, which brought a hefty fine of almost $75,000 after it was missed. Waconia is in statutory operating debt due to poor leadership and a lack of checks and balances. Would you like to receive our daily news? Small town charm with unique shops & dining. I do know we have a great new Superintendent and new Business Administrator that really impressed me. Minnesota statute requires school districts to review curriculum, and instruction. I am a mom to three, including one with special needs. Waconia school board sets tax levy for 2023 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 . 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. Term:Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2026, Jesse Bergstrom, Director jbergstrom@isd110.org 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. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. E.g. I have experience managing budgets and making hard decisions around priorities. That was the moment I decided to run.