The Sartell Education Association
The Sartell Education Association voted overwhelmingly to endorse the May 24 bond referendum. We recognize this referendum will create opportunities for all students in the Sartell-St. Stephen School District, as it supports the creation of more space for all students, enhances safety and security and provides flexible spaces for our next generation of learners.
The teachers of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District understand the limitations placed on teaching and student learning. At Pine Meadow Elementary, large group spaces have been enclosed to create classrooms. Oak Ridge Elementary has turned storage spaces into small group instruction classrooms. At Sartell Middle School, the current Media Center is being downsized and relocated to provide space for four more classrooms to try to accommodate the growth. At Sartell High School, physical education classes utilize the hallways and non-gym areas to provide fitness instruction. These examples are a few of many that show how staff and administration are being creative and efficient, and making do with what is available. The proposed plan enhances teaching and learning spaces for all students in the district, whether it’s new space, renovated space or additional space by grade reconfiguration.
More space for theater performances, updated lab and technical education space or gym space means greater opportunities for our students and community. Spaces that lend themselves to today’s expectations of teaching and learning will also be available. Individual and small- group spaces to large-group presentation areas are all needed throughout the district. Our students live in a world where information is at their fingertips. As teachers, we need to guide our students how to access and use available resources to prepare them for the world in which we live.
As teachers, we want to support our students’ growth, development and learning opportunities. By supporting this bond, our staff, families and community will be providing our students with even more opportunities for success. We are proud to teach students in a district with families and community members that care about students. Choose yes on May 24 for our students and our community.