Tonya Miller, Sartell
As an avid volunteer, a busy mom and a substitute support staff in the district, I have already cast my yes vote via the absentee voting process for the Sartell-St. Stephen School District Bond Referendum. I believe this is an important decision our community has to make in support of the best educational opportunities we can provide our students. My husband Jim and I moved to Sartell in 2011 because of the outstanding reputation of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. It is obvious I am not alone in seeking a great educational experience for my two children, who currently attend Oak Ridge Elementary. District enrollment has increased by 950 students since the last building was built and enrollment continues to increase, putting a great deal of pressure on our current facilities. I see this every day, as I am frequently in the buildings across the district. Learning spaces have been established in storage areas, hallways are used as collaborative learning spaces, and walls and partitions have been put up to create additional, smaller spaces. Our administrators have done an excellent job of utilizing the space we have, but there is a limit to what you can do with an existing structure. With all of our schools full, we need more space.
I also took part in the Community Schools Planning Committee that researched a myriad of options to deal with our current and projected growth. I am proud of the recommendation the group of more than 80 community members came up with during the eight months of meetings. I believe it’s the best option to provide our students with the next level of education our residents have come to expect. By planning thoughtfully and strategically, the committee has put forth an option that will support all of our students and community well into the future as continued growth is projected.
Join me in support of the future of Sartell-St. Stephen School District and our community.