Primary Feb. 21: Six of seven school board candidates will move on to April 3 election
The Hudson Star-Observer recently posed a series of three questions to the candidates currently running for the Hudson School Board. Their replies are shown below:
- Hudson School Board candidates
Why are you running for School Board?
I believe quality public education is essential. It is up to us to provide the resources required to allow our children to compete in the global economy. Our graduates are competing for jobs and opportunities not only against the students in Wisconsin and Minnesota but against the millions of other students graduating in countries like China, Germany, Korea and other countries around the world. Most of those students speak English. Not only do great schools help our graduates, but the quality of our educational system directly impacts the quality of our community reflected in the value of our homes, desirability of our neighborhoods and our community spirit.
Do you support the SCM dog track referendum? What type of school should be built there?
Yes I support the referendum. We need a long term secondary solution. Our middle school is over capacity and our high school is under significant stress (such as lab space and core areas). The St. Croix Meadows facility is well suited to a secondary school. The site is built to handle large amounts of people and traffic. It is a large site that gives us flexibility, and a significant portion of the current building/infrastructure can be used to defray future construction costs. I believe the secondary solution we build should be one of the three final recommendations that the facilities task force recommended -- a two-year junior high, three-year high school (expandable), or a four-year high school. I believe we need to review the task force's recommendations, refresh the data, and gather feedback from the community.
Given economic challenges, what should priorities be in upcoming budget?
My priorities have remained fairly consistent for the past six years on the school board. I want to challenge ourselves to build a district of excellence that allows our children to compete in the global economy while being fiscally conservative. Given the economic pressures on our economy and our taxpayers, this has been a significant challenge. As treasurer, I worked hard with the board and administration to challenge ourselves to maintain our priorities but within a constrained budget recognizing the significant cuts coming from our state and federal funding. Against this backdrop, I am proud of the work the board and administration has done to bring new programs like expanding our world languages (Mandarin), adding engineering curriculum (project Lead the Way), and our expanded literacy program in the elementary schools.
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Why are you running for School Board?
I’m running for school board to ensure that the Hudson School District continues to provide a quality education for its students. My husband and I moved to Hudson because of the quality of the school district. Our district faces many challenges that need to be addressed in a realistic manner that supports our children’s educational needs first and foremost. We must improve communication between the school district and the community. We must have meaningful dialogue between students, teachers, staff, parents and community members in order for us to achieve our district's educational goals. My degree in education, experience as a local business owner and, most importantly, my concern as a parent with a child in the district will bring a unique perspective to the board.
Do you support the SCM dog track referendum? What type of school should be built there?
I am in favor of taking action to resolve the space issue, however the district needs to make the case that the dog track land purchase is the best solution to the space problem. I've talked with many community members that understand the space problems, but they have concerns about the way the school board has moved ahead with the referendum. The district needs to involve the community in the process and explain the rationale behind the dog track property versus other land in the area. The district also needs to be proactive in the way that it communicates with the community about options for the property. If the community is part of the process and understands the direction, they're more likely to get behind the project.
Given economic challenges, what should priorities be in upcoming budget?
The Hudson School District lost over $2.4 million in general state aid last year that forced the district to cut staff and programs. The district is likely to face another gap in funding this year. It is the duty of the school board to keep cuts to services and programs as far away from the classroom as possible. The school board needs to look at ways to be more efficient from the district administrative center on down. It is the responsibility of the school board to be good stewards of tax dollars while ensuring that exceptional educational standards are maintained.
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Why are you running for School Board?
Having lived in Hudson for over 16 years, I have come to appreciate this community and all it has to offer -- including some excellent education programming. I would offer a depth and breadth of independent educational experience and knowledge that could be very helpful to the Hudson School District as it continues to improve the educational quality and efficiency of its community schools. I would share the perspective of two important constituencies that are under-represented on the board -- a trained and experienced educator, and a "senior citizen." My style would include regular and open listening sessions for the community. I have a strong and very current research interest in and understanding of the variables that improve educational experiences, especially in K-12 settings, as well as over 20 years of experience in educational administration.
Do you support the SCM dog track referendum? What type of school should be built there?
To my knowledge, several important related questions need to be addressed that would allow me, the school board, and the community to make informed decisions. (1) Growth pattern data are not current, leaving us uninformed about the need for another building. Recent news reports show reduced student numbers in Hudson and Stillwater and raise questions about future growth. (2) The cost seems high in the current market, even with the so-called "savings." (3) "We'll work that out later" is not a sufficient response to deal with an empty high school and an over-crowded middle school. (4) No alternatives to another building have been presented. Possibilities not requiring additional space could be individualized or project-based learning, alternative scheduling and online options. A comprehensive and independent rationale would aid decision making.
Given economic challenges, what should priorities be in upcoming budget?
During these particularly challenging times with significant budget cuts to education, acquiring additional property might best be deferred. Rather, the most current K-12 research prioritizes early and continuing parental involvement, excellent and adequately compensated teachers, and family income as most predictive of student success. It would seem, therefore, that school/parent relationships and acquiring and keeping exemplary teachers should be priorities. In addition, meaningful evaluations for all educators, including all administrators, which include multiple types of data to show effective teaching and leadership should be introduced. Replicating and revising successful school models used elsewhere should be considered. Finally, increased and sustainable funding for public education should be vigorously sought that places a greater emphasis on programs that will create the best academic and social outcomes for students and our future citizens.
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Why are you running for School Board?
My wife Ann and I grew up in Hudson and proudly graduated from Hudson Senior High School. We returned to raise our son Jack in a community with a history of excellent academic and extra-curricular opportunity. Our secondary schools are currently at or above capacity. Recent achievement data evidences student strain. Addressing these twin challenges -- maintaining academic performance and improving facilities -- commands engaged leadership. A sense of trust should bind the community with its school administration. I seek election to be a part of a board that will work transparently with the community to develop a clear, comprehensive facilities plan for the secondary grades, will appropriately manage limited financial resources, and will improve communication and partnership with students, parents and the interested public at large.
Do you support the SCM dog track referendum? What type of school should be built there?
I wholeheartedly support a new secondary school, but considering the information provided to-date, I cannot support the proposed land referendum. The district purchased 100 acres (along County UU) more than a decade ago which formed the cornerstone of a prior referendum and the recommendation of a community Facilities Task Force in 2004. The board fails to explain adequately its changed position or to provide a current market evaluation supporting the $8.25 million sale price. The board’s cost-saving justification -- potential reuse of existing structure -- is speculative. Its piecemeal approach also masks the true hurdle -- a new middle school will cost at least $50 million; a new high school yet more. The community rightly expects the board to fully articulate and justify a significant school referendum.
Given economic challenges, what should priorities be in upcoming budget?
Teachers represent a school's core. Providing a high quality educational environment rests primarily on their shoulders. Competitive salaries and benefits sufficient to attract and retain high caliber teaching professionals must enjoy budgetary priority. The district should direct staffing and other human resources to maintain the lowest feasible class size and prioritize and focus non-human resources on a core curriculum that includes Advance Placement (AP) and other well-established college prep subjects. Additional funding and resources should be directed to the highest valued extracurricular activities, including athletics, music and other fine arts. Funding of new programs and additional initiatives should be limited to those proven most likely to measurably impact student achievement or significantly enhance student educational experience.
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Why are you running for School Board?
It is important for me to be an active contributor in the community in which I live. I care deeply about Hudson's quality of education and, as a board member, I believe that I can be a part of continuing to build up this fine school system and community.
Do you support the SCM dog track referendum? What type of school should be built there?
I strongly support the referendum to purchase the St. Croix Meadows property. I think there is little argument that our student body in grades 6 through 12 has outgrown the facilities we have today. So buying land, as a first step, is essential. Certainly the size of the St. Croix Meadows property gives the district options for the type of school and related facilities that could be built there. I look forward to the community approving this land purchase so that we can move to phase 2 which will include community input on what type of school facility to build.
Given economic challenges, what should priorities be in upcoming budget?
In order to serve our students most effectively, I believe we should continue to focus on delivering on our vision of preparing every student for post-secondary success. That means working on many different fronts with the right curriculum, the right student experiences, the right class sizes and the right physical environment among others. And, in the process, we will face budget constraints that will force the board to make choices. Those choices are never easy but a role I take very seriously.
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Why are you running for School Board?
I'm completing my second (three-year) term in 2012. I've decided to run for another term with the intention of completing what I and the rest of the board have been working towards for the past five plus years. That is, the solution to our secondary capacity needs. This has been a long standing issue involving significant research, study, discussion and short term solutions. Now, after being delayed for various reasons including a struggling economy, we are nearing a long term resolution with the potential purchase of the St. Croix Meadows dog track facility. I have served as the Facilities Committee chair for the past three years, so, I have been closely tied to the development of a long term solution. I’d like to help finish what's been started.
Do you support the SCM dog track referendum? What type of school should be built there?
Yes, I support the referendum. Knowing that the current high school and middle school sites are inadequate to expand into the size facilities needed for our current and projected growth, the best possible solution is with the St. Croix Meadows dog track. This site is most suited for a secondary school based on the size of the property, the current parking area and existing building located on that site. The cost savings from the use of existing structures, utilities and components could easily save the district $4-$8 million. There are limited tracts of land available in an appropriate location that is suitable for what is needed for a secondary solution. If the referendum passes, the community will help us identify exactly what type of school should be built on that property.
Given economic challenges, what should priorities be in upcoming budget?
The school board has worked hard to identify the priorities for the resources that become available. On top of this list is anything that affects the delivery of a quality education for our students. Namely, maintaining the student/teacher ratios that have been held for a number of years now. Along with this, there needs to be adequate space for learning that could otherwise encumber the quality of the educational experience. Up to date curriculum development is important in order to prepare all of our students for an increasing competitive workforce. I believe these areas address the core values of our community.
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Why are you running for School Board?
Hudson Schools provide our students with an excellent education. I believe this quality education is due to outstanding teachers, curriculum, textbooks and teaching materials, not fancy buildings and high administrative costs. I believe the school board could benefit from a new voice and fresh ideas when debating how to solve any space issues the district may be struggling with now or in the future. I watched the district make a major mistake eight years ago when they purchased 100 acres of land on County UU. I would like to help them explore all options so they don't repeat the same mistake. If the electorate trusts me enough to place me on the school board, I pledge that I will represent their interests above any other.
Do you support the SCM dog track referendum? What type of school should be built there?
I do not support the referendum. I do not support paying $8.25 million for a property with a fair market value of $5.5 million and has been vacant for roughly 15 years. The district wants to spend millions on a property without having a definitive use plan. Because there is no plan, the taxpayer doesn't know the final price tag for a completed project. The district already owns 100 acres which they purchased without a plan in place. Eight years later that parcel remains vacant. The district has now declared the parcel is unsuitable for a school of any kind. With the admission that they made a mistake eight years ago, why would they purchase more property with no plan and repeat the same mistake?
Given economic challenges, what should priorities be in upcoming budget?
Economic challenges are affecting millions of Americans. Homeowners are struggling with decreasing home values, foreclosures, job loss, forced relocation, escalating costs of food, fuel and living expenses and an ever increasing tax burden. They are forced to cut back, curtail spending and do without extras. I believe all taxing entities must do the same thing: reduce spending, put new expenditures on hold and live within their means without increasingly taxing the folks. The district needs to focus on how best to resolve perceived space issues utilizing current assets. If new assets eventually become necessary a firm, solid beginning-to-end-plan should be adopted before any additional acquisitions take place. As a taxpayer I want to know how much total money will be necessary and where we are going to get it.
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