Nine in race for school board seats

by Dennis Dalman

(Please note: Nine candidates are vying for seats on the Sartell-St. Stephen School Board. They are Amanda Byrd (incumbent), Nate Crowe, Ryan K. Dale, Katie Hilger, Emily Larson, Kris Lawrence, Molly McCann, Jen Smith and Scott Wenshau. Three candidates – Larson, Smith and Wenshau – have chosen to respond as a group. There are three school-board seats to be determined. These are responses to a questionnaire sent by the Newsleaders. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.)

School board candidate Amanda Byrd: New ideas are vital.

What are the best strengths/worst weaknesses of current public education in Sartell schools? How can they be made better?

Strengths: Amazing staff and long history of academic achievement. In test scores, we continue to achieve at a rate well above the state average. However, we cannot be content with that, and the focus of district leadership has really become the improvement of learning and teaching, Byrd said.

“We want our already incredible staff to grow and learn from each other to become even better teachers and leaders, and we want to be sure our students are getting the support or enrichment they need through personalized learning to achieve their full potential. Through these efforts I hope we can continue our tradition of excellence in education.”

Weakness: Resistance to change.

“I believe our greatest weakness goes hand-in-hand with that, and it is our resistance to change. We have a very strong and proud tradition in this community, but that sometimes means we want to continue doing things the same way they have been done for years, even if new or better ways have been discovered. Our students will be entering a world that is constantly changing, even our own community is changing, and we need to keep innovating and growing to keep up with those changes. Encouraging innovation and getting students, staff, administrators and the community to buy into new ideas will be key to continuing to improve as a district.”

How can schools be made more secure?

The district has worked very hard with law enforcement and security experts toward that goal, Byrd said. Building projects focus on safe and secure entrances at each of our buildings and safeguards to prevent a security breach. If ever there is a breach, the individual would be contained as much as possible and communication with law enforcement would be swift and effective, she added.

“The training our students and staff participate in also plays a huge role in our security plan.

“In response to heightened concerns after the incident in Texas this past year, district administrators did walk-throughs with the Sartell Police Department to identify and fix any weaknesses in our security plan and ensure local law enforcement is familiar with our buildings and plans, and we will continue to re-evaluate on a regular basis.

“Obviously it is best if we can identify a threat early, so we will continue to encourage anyone if they “see something, say something” and we have a tipline available online and on the app to anonymously report any safety concerns so they can be investigated as quickly as possible.”

There are so many controversies swirling around public education these days. They include the following: 1. Critical-race theory. It’s claimed it is not taught in schools. Is it, or is it not? 2. “Questionable” books made available to students. 3. Accusations that teachers are “grooming” students for gender distortions because of the LGTB movement. 4. The “shaming” of white students based on racial grounds. 5. A “plot” is afoot to corrupt public education by introducing socialist, communist, anti-American ideas into the minds of students. Would you please give your opinions on each of those hot-button issues?

“Political and personal agendas have absolutely NO place on a school board,” Byrd said. “The district mission statement is very clear. We are to “. . . develop well-rounded citizens capable of becoming successful and contributing members of society by providing outstanding education in a welcoming environment where every student is given the support needed to excel according to their own unique abilities, interests and aspirations.” That is my only mission as a school board member, and I believe my record (during) the past four years reflects that. I am proud I have been both liked and disliked by people all over the political spectrum because I am an ethical, independent thinker and have always made decisions I believe are best for our students and community, and will continue to do so if re-elected to the school board.”

Additional comments:

“The school board has always operated as a non-political elected body of individuals, and despite all of the talk of “depoliticizing” our classrooms, we are now in an election where we are seeing groups with similar beliefs align and organize to run against each other. Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, that should make you take pause as to where our schools are headed. Do you want a group of like-minded individuals making decisions about your child’s education? Will there still be a healthy debate over important decisions? Will our curriculum and policies change every two years if a different “group” takes over? I hope to be an independent alternative to those groups, and I hope the voters of ISD 748 take seriously their responsibility to make informed decisions when it comes to electing the next school-board members.”

Background

Byrd has lived in Sartell for 10 years. She and her husband Chris have four children, all in Sartell schools. Chris is the Benton County Public Works’ director/highway engineer.

Byrd has a degree in civil engineering but chose to be a stay-at-home parent for almost 18 years. She has done lots of volunteer work as well as working as a substitute teacher in the district, as a stage manager for GREAT Theatre and she currently runs her own travel agency.

Byrd was elected to a four-year term on the school board in 2018.

“I have really enjoyed serving the community in this capacity,” she said. “My experience sets me apart from the other candidates and I would love to continue this work for another four years.”

School board candidate Ryan K. Dale: Mend broken trust.

What are the best strengths/worst weaknesses of current public education in Sartell schools? How can they be made better?

The Sartell-St. Stephen school district is recognized as one of the best in the state, Dale said, and that is reflected in population growth in the two cities and with growing enrollment numbers.

“It’s my opinion the greatest strength of the district is the people. The administrators, educators and support staff take care of our children as if they were their own. They are the reason our students are successful in and out of the classroom.”

A weakness, Dale said, is a loss of some trust from those residents who did not agree with hiring a firm to administer the “equity survey” last year.

“Without trust in a school board and superintendent, it creates a roadblock to aligning on the direction of the district,” he said.

How can schools be made more secure?

Dale said safety of students and employees must be a top priority.

“We have all seen the horrible instances of school shootings throughout the country, including right here in Stearns County back in 2003 at (Cold Spring) Rocori High School. It’s not only an external issue, but an internal issue with bullying and threatening behavior that needs to be a concern to parents.”

Good safeguards, Dale noted, are school resource officers, video-surveillance monitoring and locked entrances, as well as a strong ongoing relationship with the Sartell Police Department.

“When our kids get there in the morning and the staff members pull into the school parking lot, no one should have to worry about if they will come home safe that evening.”

“Critical Race Theory has been introduced throughout the country since the late 1980s and much controversy surrounds it, including the perception of white shaming.

“I don’t pretend to be an expert on this form of curriculum. I can only listen to both sides of the issue and have an open mind to make an educated constructive decision on what is in the best interest of our district. ‘Another topic of conversation in the news media is which historical books are made available to the current students and what was available 10, 20, 30 and even 50 years ago. It has always been my opinion that it’s not logical to hide from history. No one can go back in a time machine and change what our ancestors did and what their ancestors did. What we can do is learn from their decisions in history and use it as an educational opportunity to study the past and in some cases learn from their mistakes.”

Additional comments:

“Lastly, I appreciate the opportunity to share my views and why I’m running for Sartell-St. Stephen School Board. As stated above, I do not pretend to be an expert on all issues facing the district, but I want to be more involved in the community and feel I owe it to the school district to serve and give my time to an organization that has been supportive to our family. This district is why our children are successful in and out of the classroom. I come in with a fresh set of eyes and ideas and an open mind.”

Background

Dale grew up in the Twin Cities and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a minor in sociology.

He met his now wife, Jenny, at SCSU, and they and their three boys have lived in Sartell since 2010. The boys, all enrolled in the school district, are Robert, 13; Rory, 9; and Rocco, 8.

Dale is employed as a director of vending for Bernick’s. He’s also a volunteer with the Sartell Baseball Association and will serve in 2023 as district chair for the Boy Scouts for Central Minnesota Scouting.

School board candidate Nathan Crowe: Work collaboratively

What are the best strengths and the worst weaknesses of current public education in Sartell schools? How can they be made better?

Greatest strengths are the outstanding teachers and staff, the expertise of educators who are highly educated and trained and a school system that provides a great education.

“Driving past the middle school and seeing the teachers in front of the school enthusiastically welcoming new sixth-graders was a wonderful reminder of the staff’s enthusiasm and kindness,” Crowe said.

Greatest weakness? Communication.

“Our district has grown substantially in the last several years which has made communication more challenging,” he said. “While it’s clear attempts are being made to improve communication, it remains an area where continued improvements are needed to help clear up confusion and misunderstandings. The district can improve by developing better methods to clearly communicate policies and decisions made within the district and the reasons for those decisions.”

How can schools be made more secure?

“The first step is to take care of the kids in the schools, Crowe said. “The teachers, staff and administrators must work to ensure students feel valued and safe. If a student needs help, we need to make sure there are enough counselors and mental-health support to provide what the student needs. Sartell-St. Stephen schools need to ensure the students are seen as a whole person.

“The second step is to ensure the actual physical structure of our schools follows best practices for security and safety. Finally, as new school safety research comes out, our district should study that information, identify the interventions needed to improve our school buildings and create an action plan to make those changes happen.

“As evidenced by this question, politics is consuming and dividing our country right now,” he said. “Unfortunately, this ongoing focus on many of these controversies takes attention away from the real challenges facing our community and meeting the needs of our students. If elected to the school board, I will listen to specific concerns impacting our students, gather information from stakeholders and make my decision based on that information.

“Including LGBTQ issues on a list of controversies diminishes their real human experience and turns their identity into an “issue.” LGBTQ students are not issues for people to debate. They are individuals who deserve to feel safe and supported in our schools.

“Concerning the issue of books made available to children, one of the primary missions of a public school is to help students develop critical-thinking skills. To achieve this, I believe students need to be exposed to age-appropriate ideas and learn how to evaluate them to make good decisions. That is essential to prepare students to be well-rounded, open-minded citizens who can evaluate concepts and ideas to make their own decisions. I trust our educators to select appropriate books and course materials to meet the education standards set by the Minnesota Department of Education.”

Additional comments:

“Together We Are Better: I will work to ensure all students in the Sartell-St. Stephen school district get the educational opportunities and support they need. I am committed to supporting that mission by listening to concerns, carefully considering the needs and opinions of others, and then working collaboratively to support and improve our schools.

“The diversity in our schools is a reflection of our ever-growing diverse community. I value and believe that supporting all students and making our schools a welcoming and psychologically safe environment for all makes for a stronger community. I also believe a district that values the uniqueness of each individual creates an environment that allows families and our community as a whole to thrive.”

Background

Crowe, who has lived in Sartell since 2007, is an attorney. He and his wife have three children attending three schools in the Sartell-St. Stephen School District.

He briefly worked as a substitute teacher in Pella and Knoxville, Iowa, and thus experienced the difficult work teachers do every day, he noted.

“I had a front-row seat to the challenges of meeting the needs of a classroom of students with different experiences and backgrounds,” Crowe said.

He has volunteered as a Big Brother, reading tutor, worship volunteer, a judge for the Veterans’ Affairs Creative Arts Festival, as a Sartell Planning Commission member and chairperson of that commission.

“My job as an attorney requires I work with my clients, the court and opposing parties to reach resolutions for complex and often contentious issues. My daily role requires I listen closely while carefully considering all sides to a question before I make a decision. As a result, I have developed solid collaborative problem-solving skills which ensure we reach joint resolutions for the betterment of individuals served in our legal system and our community.

“If elected, I would bring my skills and experience to my work on the Sartell-St. Stephen school board to promote collaboration and foster a healthy and thriving environment in our district.”

School board candidate Katie Hilger: All should feel welcome

What are the best strengths/worst weaknesses of current public education in Sartell schools? How can they be made better?

Sartell schools are some of the strongest in the state, Hilger said, with very high standards. To maintain and improve that strength, Hilger suggests the following:

Implement the district’s strategic plan to create policies while fostering a welcoming environment where every student’s experience and opinion is valued, and they feel respected for who they are.

Highly qualified and experienced teachers must be retained, recognizing their input is essential to inspiring students to become critical thinkers and creative problem solvers, thus preparing them to thrive as citizens.

Students are provided quality core courses and a wide range of elective options. That must continue, along with securing outstanding educational programs that serve a variety of learning styles and personalities.

“Individual values remain important, and the long-standing opportunity for families to opt out of lessons they feel aren’t the right fit for their child provides the protection of freedom in learning for all students,” Hilger said.

Social, emotional, mental and physical well-being are essential to a positive educational experience, she said, adding young people should feel hopeful about their lives and futures.

“Students today,” she said, “are struggling with a mental-health crisis that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We need to support the district’s plan for increased staff to address the significant mental-health challenges faced by our students and staff. We need to work better together for our children in order to create a positive, healthy and safe learning environment where everyone feels invested in the success of our schools.”

How can schools be made more secure?

“In the wake of recent mass school shootings, the question of how to make schools more secure against potential violence has come to the forefront. There is no easy answer, but there are a number of measures that can be taken to help mitigate the risk. One important step is to provide behavioral and mental-health support to students in crisis. Mental-health services can help identify students who may be at risk of harming themselves or others. Another is to foster a strong sense of community, trust and connectedness within the school. Students who feel like they belong are less likely to act out in violence.

“Students thrive in positive school environments. Supportive schools foster an affirming academic climate while also maintaining secure physical settings. Safe schools are built on trusting relationships among students, staff and administrators where students feel safe and included, where differences are accepted and celebrated.”

“In our public schools, our children deserve an honest, accurate, age-appropriate education that enables them to become the critical thinkers we need to create a better future,” Hilger said.

“Critical thinking allows people to question assumptions, examine evidence and develop well-reasoned arguments. It is an essential skill for successful students and productive citizens. Teaching critical thinking is not equivalent to indoctrinating students into a particular political ideology. Rather, it is about equipping them with the tools they need to navigate the complex world around them.

“To prepare children for the future, we need to help them accurately understand the past. A better understanding of the lives, cultures and experiences of different people creates empathy which helps us communicate, work with and care for each other.”

Additional comments:

“A Sartell-St. Stephen education should do more than just teach our children the basics of reading, writing and math, Hilger said. “It should also instill in them a sense of who they are and how they fit into the broader global community. We need to give the children of our community an education that prepares them to become successful adult citizens. We want them to have an education that imparts honesty about who we are and integrity in how we treat others so all students feel safe, included and affirmed on their individual pathway regardless of their background or post-graduate goals.

Background

Hilger is a public-school advocate with a math major and a master’s degree in education. She and husband Brad have four boys. The oldest graduated from Sartell High School this past year. The younger boys all go to Sartell schools.

In 2012, the Hilger family returned home – to Minnesota – after living for a time in Nebraska and in Pennsylvania.

A career opportunity with Regional Diagnostic Radiology drew them to central Minnesota. They chose to live in Sartell because of its reputation of providing a quality education with strong community support.

Hilger added this: “My experiences as a classroom teacher, coach, parent and active community member give me the objectivity and empathy needed to serve as a school board member who will advocate for students, educators, families and the community. We can work together to ensure fiscal responsibility while also meeting the ever-changing needs of the learners in our classrooms.”

School Board Candidate Kris Lawrence (Schuman): Be inclusive

Kris Lawrence (Schuman)

What are the best strengths and the worst weaknesses of current public education in Sartell-St. Stephen schools? How can they be made better?

Greatest strengths: Professional and dedicated educators who consistently attain excellence; Sartell-St. Stephen is repeatedly recognized for high achievements and scores with standardized testing; many extracurricular activities and programs at all levels of education.

“Across the board,” Lawrence (Schuman) said, “our district staff is engaged on a daily basis.”

Weaknesses/improvements: “One concern is our children’s mental and emotional health,” she said. “I believe we need more mental health professionals in all our buildings. We have so many children, PK-12, that need support. Our counselors and social workers are incredible, but there are many needs and not enough professionals. I also feel we need to continue to have class size on our radar. Our district needs to continue to be mindful of class size as our district grows so students are able to receive quality teacher attention. Lastly and most importantly, we need to continue to focus energies on being inclusive for all students so everyone feels welcome, safe and empowered to learn.”

How can schools be made more secure?

Lawrence (Schuman) said she is thankful the school has in place multiple measures (emergency-response training, lockdown buttons for learning wings, window punches with rappel kits and more). They are working on improving components in the older buildings, too.

“I feel school resource officers and positive relationships with law enforcement are very important,” she said. “Again, we also need to become more attentive to mental health and, along with that, teach students skills to be more aware of signs/signals present when a friend is struggling. It is extremely important for them to understand it is essential they come forward any time they ever have inclinations a person has the potential to harm themselves or others.”

There are so many controversies swirling around public education these days: CRT, books, shaming of white students, LTGBQ issues, accusations of socialist-communist infiltrations, polarized learning, etc. Would you please comment on these controversies?

“Questioning academic content and having differences of opinions can be a wonderful opportunity for discussion and growth,” she said. “It is a positive there is a deeper interest in what our children are learning. All children learn differently and therefore, it’s essential educators are equipped with multiple forms of instruction to meet students’ individual needs. We need to teach truthful yet diverse accounts of history so our youth better understand how culture and different experiences mold each and every one of us. All children should have the freedom to pursue their dreams, so we must equip every school with the resources to deliver quality education that prepares every child for post-secondary experiences. Sartell-St. Stephen has just adopted a clear strategic plan. I strongly support our mission, vision and strategic plan as it will continue to guide our district’s excellence in education.”

Any other comments?

I want to thank everyone who has supported me thus far in this campaign,” she said. “I believe I can be an asset to our district and to our community. I have been an involved parent and community member since we returned to the area in 1999.

“This is where I call home. My roots are here, and this is where we have chosen to raise our family. I am committed to connecting the Sartell-St. Stephen education community by working with families, educators and district staff collaboratively. A strong public education system benefits everyone by preparing students for meaningful careers, strengthening the local economy and contributing to well-informed and capable global citizens.”

Background

Lawrence (Schuman) is a physical therapist who has been employed by CentraCare since 2001.

She grew up in Sauk Rapids and graduated from its high school in 1992. Then she studied at the College of St. Benedict, St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota.

She has a son who is a freshman in college, and two daughters, one in Sartell Middle School, the other in Sartell High School.

Lawrence (Schuman) was a member of the Pine Meadow Elementary school’s Parent/Teacher Organization for many years and served as its co-president for two years.

She has served on the board of Sartell Area Youth Basketball Association for several years and volunteered many hours coaching youth. Her family is involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program since 2001.

“I am honored to be endorsed by the Sartell Education Association,” she said. “If elected, I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure our community has the support it needs to provide our children with a well-rounded education that promotes a thriving community.”

School Board Candidate Molly McCann: Stop polarization

What are the best strengths/worst weaknesses of current public education in Sartell schools? How can they be made better?

The Sartell-St. Stephen school district consistently ranks among the top 20 districts in the state, McCann said.

“Our graduation rate is phenomenal and the majority of our educators hold higher degrees and certifications,” she said. “If you were to survey Sartell-St Stephen residents, most would agree the quality of schools was a driving factor in their decision to move to our district.

“I currently work in the schools as a substitute teacher so I feel I have a unique insight into what is working well and what could be improved. I feel, in general, we are on the right track in our district. If I were to advocate for changes, it would be toward greater funding for our mental-health professionals and programs and also in allocating more resources toward our special-education programs. As we grow, we will continue to become more diverse and that includes children who have a variety of needs – both mental and physical.”

How can schools be made more secure?

“I have great respect for our police officers and, as a parent, fully trust they have the resources and training to keep our children safe if the unspeakable should happen.

“As of the last school year, ISD 748 was the only district covered by Teachers on Call (the largest substitute staffing agency in Minnesota) that mandated all substitute teachers and paraprofessionals complete a shooter-response training program before working in their buildings.

“All schools have secured entrances and provide regular safety drills. We can always improve and update measures to keep our kids safe. I think our district has done a great job keeping students secure from outside threats, and now I think it’s time to allocate our resources inward. Implementing a social-emotional learning program through which kids learn conflict resolution, self-awareness and emotional regulation can help curb bullying and peer-to-peer conflict down the road.

“I also support programs such as the Green Bandana mentoring program that gives teens at risk for self harm a buddy in which to seek out help. The implementation of a 988 hotline in Minnesota this year has been amazing, increasing texts and calls by 45 percent. I’d support initiatives that support these programs and expand other mental-health resources.”

“One of the main reasons I decided to run for school board is because our district and the country are so polarized. I do not believe our school board should be politically motivated and all candidates should be running on their own merits and character. The issues are great, and I understand there are a wide variety of challenges ahead of us. I do not want to make any umbrella statements on specific issues because I pledge to take each one as it comes, do my research and listen to everyone involved before making a decision. I would not take any issue lightly or at face value and instead work for a resolution that is best for all the kids in our district.

“I think it is easier for all of us to put ‘the other side’ in a box and thus dehumanize their concerns. As a parent and as a substitute teacher who is daily in the fray, I want to make clear I understand this temptation, but I encourage everyone in our district to take each issue individually and engage in thoughtful conversation. I want to believe we all want what is best for our kids.

Additional comments:

“I encourage voters to carefully consider not only the ideals but the temperament and character of each name on the ballot. Does this person have the experience to sit on a board, work with people with whom they may not agree and make rational decisions based on the good of ALL our kids in the district? Does this person have an even temper and can they work well under pressure and remain respectful? I feel I have both the experience and personality that is needed on our board. I’m running independent of any agenda or political backing, and I truly want what is best for our kids.

Background

McCann earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. She originally went to school with the intention of becoming a high school German and French teacher but realized when it came to observation that she related to younger children better.

She completed graduate level classes in child development, physiology of the brain and abnormal psychology. She has worked with children as the director of YMCA Camp St Croix’s day camp and currently through a position as a substitute teacher in ISD 748.

“If your child is under the age of 12, it’s very likely I have taught them in the last two years,” McCann said.

She has two children in Sartell schools and multiple experiences volunteering both in their classrooms and through PTO events.

McCann has served on the council of Celebration Lutheran Church and is the current vice president. She also served for five years on the board of St Cloud Area MOPS, an organization working to educate and support mothers in the area. She served as its head coordinator for two of those years.