Full day Saturday

This weekend is full of things to do:

• Attend the All Souls Night, Get a gift or something good to eat at the Coppertop Craft and Bake Sale Saturday.
• Craft sale at Holy Rosary
  
• See how easy or not so easy it is to walk in the Hillside at the Walkabity audit Saturday - meet at Grant community center - 11 a.
  
• Attend Women Rock-against cancer at Spirit Mt.,
  
• See John Heino's art show at the Red Mug.
  

Whew! Make sure you take photos and send them in.

Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial receives award for anti-racism initiative

The Nettleton Drummers at the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial site during a June 2007 remembrance ceremony. (Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff) For educational material on eliminating hatred phone 218-3186 ext. 2 or visit: www.claytonjacksonmcghie.com

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits has selected the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Inc. to receive an award of excellence for their anti-racism initiative. The Memorial started its work in 2000 and is currently operating as a non-profit organization.

“We are very honored to be selected for this award. Being recognized as a model for fostering racial understanding in Minnesota and around the country helps to validate the work that we have done and inspires us for the work that remains.” says Linda Rau, a Co-Chair of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Inc.

The organization hosts the annual vigil in remembrance of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie; develops curriculum and DVD’s about racial equity in education; conducts workshops for local teachers; and is currently in the process of setting up a scholarship endowment fund with the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.

“The Memorial continues to be part of the healing process for the Duluth community and has helped establish respectful discussions on race,” says Henry Banks, a founding member of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial. Banks credits former Mayor Gary Doty for his commitment to the Memorial’s work and subsequent Mayors for their continued support.

“This award and statewide recognition of the organization and its efforts are well deserved. Duluth is proud to have such committed members of the community working as a unified front to address the problems of racism in our community. The Memorial serves as a reminder that an ongoing and honest dialogue is critical to fostering a healthy community,” says Mayor Don Ness.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Anti-Racism Initiative Award recognizes an organization that actively engages audiences in anti-racism activities. Nominated organizations should: work to eliminate prejudice and racism in society; demonstrate a commitment to pluralism and inclusivity; and develop unique and thought-provoking strategies to combat racism.

Interviewing Lyle Wildes

Today I interviewed Lyle Wildes. After serving 22 years in federal prison, he wrote a book named the Positive Additude Development Workbook. He he is a motivational speaker and talks about core values. Learn more at the website Positive Attitude Development Group.

Bottle

When stopping to gas up, you can also recycle your plastic bottles


Captions: Bottom - Left to right; Lena Schaumburg - MSOCS, Kirk Grandell - Coca Cola, Ellen Telander - executive director RAM, and Olaf Urban Coca Cola and Mike McGrath. Upper - Garrett Secola of the West End says he tries to recycle at home because he believes it is the right thing to do. He says his garbage at home would overflow if they didn't recycle. Here he is using the "Message in a Bottle." (Photos by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff)

Lots of people clean out their cars when they refill their tanks at the gas station, but many stations do not provide recycling options. Now when people go to a Little Store convenience store and gas station in Duluth, they will see a four-foot tall plastic bottle beside the trash cans. These bottles are actually containers to place plastic recyclable beverage bottles.

This afternoon I attended a kick-off event at the Little Store on 1831 W. Superior St. The purpose of the event was to introduce the concept of recycling away from home and to catch people in the act of recycling. Prizes of soda pop, bumper stickers, t-shirts and products made from recyclable materials were given away. I met several people including Ellen Telander of Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM), a non-profit organization which encourages people to recycle. RAM is working in partnership with Minnesota Waste Wise and Western Lake Superior Sanitary District with two programs - "Message in a Bottle" and "Its' in the Bag"

An organization which employs developmentally disabled people, AirPark Products & Services (APS), will collect the containers of plastic recyclables so that they can use them to make recyclable products. APS is a division of the Minnesota State Operated Community Services (MSOCS) programs. APS employees will sort and package the recyclables for transport. The program is projected to create more than 20 full-time jobs at APS.

YWCA awards three with Women of Distinction Awards: one young woman with an emerging award

Caption - From left to right: Debby Ortman, Rebecca St. James, Sara Thomsen and Eleni Johnson (Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff).

Today I attended the YWCA's 2009 Women of Distinction award luncheon at the DECC. The room was packed with about 200 people representing Duluth businesses, non-profits and neighborhood organizations. Ellen O'Neil, executive director of the YWCA introduced the award ceremony and gave a brief background on each woman.

Sara Thomsen, one of those awarded, said, "If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing." She said that every person has his or her own song and dance to exude. She urged everyone to make a difference saying, "Make your own kind of music even if nobody sings along."

The group also heard from two young women living in the YWCA Spirit Valley Home. Those young women were Katie Vujcevic and Dorothy Annamitta. Both women have infants Annamitta gave a tearful account of learning to care for her baby and her goal to become a strong native Menominee woman. She fought bouts of depression and said, "I still struggle everyday, but when I see Asia's (her baby) smile it is all worth it."


Those recognized were:

Debby Ortman - community organizer. Debby has been a community organizer for over 25 years and active in the League of Women Voters for 10 years. She has played a key role in the community as an advocate for the importance of protecting the environment through citizen participation.

Rebecca St. George - law student at Hamline University. Rebecca worked for Mending the Sacred Hoop/Domestic Abuse Intervention Program for 10 years. During that time she was a Native Women's Advocate and recently coordinated a Safety and Accountability Audit of the systems response to Native women reporting sexual abuse in and around Duluth.


Sara Thomsen - director of Echoes of Peace Choir. As the founder of the choir, Sara has committed all concert proceeds to benefit community organizations that work on social justice issues. Using music to inspire, engage and motivate, Sara captures the imagination and heart of choir members and the general public.

Eleni Johnson - age 21, was honored as an emerging leader. She is active at the Women’s Resource Action Center and a strong advocate for the safety of women and for women participating in their communities.”

Hillsider Pride store

Come visit my store on CafePress!

All Souls Night to be celebrated on Nov. 6, honors loved-ones

Caption: Kiri Langseth-Schmidt in costume for the 2008 All Souls Night. (Photo by Michael Anderson)

The second annual All Souls Night in Duluth will be held the evening of Friday, Nov. 6 at the Depot Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan St. The event is inter-generational and a freewill donation is suggested.

The holiday focuses on gatherings of friends and family who remember and pray for loved ones and others who have passed on. This event honors ancestors through art and festivities of old and new world traditions, especially the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrations of life through the acknowledgment of death.

Public participation is encouraged. Altar-building is Sunday, Nov. 1 at the Depot at 1 p.m. Many people find this a profound way to honor relatives, friends, celebrities or even social justice issues and include photos, favorite foods, small objects, flowers, and candles. The theme displays are creative and have included: financial meltdown, environmental anguish and homelessness. Participants may express whatever weighs heavy on their hearts.

Exhibits of the altars will be open for viewing Monday through Friday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Doors open for the All Souls Night event Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Depot Great Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to wear black, dress up as skeletons, and volunteer to carry large puppets and join music making. At 7 p.m. a procession will march around the downtown public library (which is across the street from the Depot) and gather to see the Spin Collective fire dancers. The parade includes a Funeral March for Rotten Ideas section to put to rest “bad ideas.”

This event is organized and sponsored by artist Mary Plaster (www.maryplaster.com), The Depot, and the Duluth Playhouse.

The River Church performs "The Yellow Brick Road"

Captions: Dorothy played by Valerie Broman, Munchkins Elyse Noe, Brooklyn Lopez, Amanda Noe, Madison Becker, David Farley, Sophie Fredrick, Gracie Komarek and Eden Nelson. Mayor Munchkin (in green) played by Danielle Vagle.

I like to keep up on what is going on with the churches in our catchment area. Last month The River Church, formerly Glad Tidings Church, 1902 E Fourth St., placed an ad for a play named "The Yellow Brick Road." I ran their ad again this month because the November issue came out before the play date. Anyway, I thought I would go see it because as editor it is good for me to continue to met new people. Well, I ended up sitting right beside the lead pastor, the Rev. Robert Dean and we visited a bit. He said over 300 people showed up on Halloween night and estimated about 275 were there this afternoon.

I thought that play was very well done. It was a take-off on "The Wizard of Oz." The actors did an excellent job, the costumes looked great. The sets were good, and set changes went smoothly. The choreography was well done too. The music had me singing along although the words were slightly different than the original "Wizard of Oz." The play did have a message, you need Jesus in your heart, you need to pray in the name of Jesus and invoking Jesus' name will ward of demons. (Those scary parts worked well with the Halloween weekend.)

Witch played by Daine McGill, and she was scary.

Scarecrow was played by Joshua Dean, his facial expressions and limber body movements were great.

Tin Man was played by Pamela Stangland....she also did a good job with the movements - stiff with rust.

Sherman Fredrick played the cowardly lion and had you believing his cowardice was sweet.

The scary monkeys included Amanda Noe, Elyse Noe, Aundraya Shumann and Brandon Yeazle.

Ozwald was play be Carl Vagle,
Jesus was played by Erick Nelson and Jeri Anne Noe played the mirror.

Halloween fun at Whole Foods Co-op

This evening I stopped by Whole Foods Co-op to see how their Halloween party was doing.
Shannon Szymkowiak (seen here dressed as an organic banana) said that over 700 children had been through the "dungeon" as of 6:30 p.m. There were many games for the kids to play as well as treats. Terence Smith and Kelly Smith sang and played their instruments.

As people shopped upstairs on the main floor, they would never guess that ghosts and goblins were running around downstairs.

I am a frequent shopper at Whole Foods Co-op, and it seemed to me that many of the people going through the dungeon were not the usual suspects. So that is great. WFC is providing a service to the neighborhood, and new people are coming through the doors.

Gordon Grant

Fourth District - vote for one
See questionnaire here.

1. Sidewalks
2. Recycling laws, overflowing garbage containers
3. Skunks, birds and animal control
This response is intended to address questions 1, 2, & 3.
If we do not have the applicable ordinances in place then I would encourage the Mayor and his administration to bring [them] forward and I would support their initiative.
If we do have the applicable ordinances in place then I would encourage the Mayor to have the building safety office enforce them.
4. Sale of small liquor bottles and single cigarettes
As I understand it, the state has statutes that regulate our tobacco and liquor. Again, if the Mayor and his administration bring forward an ordinance I would study the merits of the ordinance.
5. Dealing with less state support
The city administration should cut taxes and fees, prioritize spending, stop borrowing, and develop a plan to pay off our $150,000,000 general obligation bonds (debt).
The city administration should consider a new municipal model that is more cost effective which offers a different approach on how we do business, what city services we should provide, and assets we should own; including, all of our business type services; water/gas/sewer, steam plants, storm water utilities, street lights, parking activities, and golf courses.
6. Economic development in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park
We need to enforce our building safety codes. A lack of code enforcement causes blight which breeds an increase in crime, discourages neighborhood pride, hinders business development, and prevents job creation. I will look into creating a task force to initiate a grass roots clean-up block-by-block, and challenge neighbors, local churches, Lincoln Park Business District, the Mayor, the Police Chief, and the Fire Chief to commit the resources to help.

Kerry Gauthier

Fourth District - vote for one
See questionnaire here.

1. Sidewalks
The City does have an ordinance requiring residents to shovel their walks during the winter months. I believe that the City should find ways to inform people of their responsibility to do so through community announcements and other public relation tools. Many of our neighbors are physically unable to clear their walks, especially after a winter storm. It would be my hope as good neighbors we would help each other out. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who will not fulfill their responsibility to clear their walk. We will need to make efforts to get their cooperation through encouragement, warnings and in the end enforce the ordinance.
2. Recycling laws, overflowing garbage containers
Again, I believe we need to make people aware of our recycling laws and our garbage ordinance. It is not possible for the city to spend time making sure everyone is following the ordinances. Therefore, it will become more important for neighbors to develop positive relationships and encourage compliance. The City could promote compliance through issuing flyers in the water and gas bill and also request or require solid waste companies to insert information in their billing to customers.
3. Skunks, birds and animal control
It is unfortunate that we do not have the resources to implement an animal control program to deal with skunks and other troublesome animals. Residents need to be reminded that they need to take measures to secure their waste / garbage.
4. Sale of small liquor bottles and single cigarettes
I believe that selling of individual cigarettes may be illegal as all cigarette packages must have a tobacco stamp. I will need to investigate what limitations that state law places on selling such things as individual cigarettes and small bottles of alcohol.
5. Dealing with less state support
The City finds itself in a financial crisis caused by Governor Pawlenty’s misuse of unallotment authority. As a result the City has cut positions and raised taxes. I believe we can not afford any further cuts to city services. We are required by law to balance the budget. Therefore, it will be important for the city to be creative in finding new revenue streams. Raising taxes should be a measure of last resort.
6. Economic development in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park
If elected, my intention is to call upon the administration to develop a process for formulating a long range economic development plan. This plan should build upon the reorganization that has been done in city hall, the comprehensive plan and the upcoming uniform zoning code. The economic development plan should also build on our strengths such as being a regional health care center, higher education, aviation, shipping and tourism. It will be crucial to have citizen input in developing this plan. The administrations efforts to be more user friendly to development should cut the time it takes to complete projects and create jobs. Any tax incentives that the city can use for economic development, such as Tax Incremental Financing (TIF), should only be used for those developers that are willing to provide full time jobs with living wages and benefits, such as health care. It is important to promote an attitude of being good community members by developers and the city. It is important that bringing new good paying jobs will take time and require all of us to be proactive.

Robert Wagner

Second District vote for one.

See questionnaire here.

1. Sidewalks
This is a public safety issue. When the sidewalks aren’t shoveled, many times people choose to walk on the street instead. I recall having to do this many times and it’s definitely unsafe. Homeowners should be held accountable for their sidewalks. Better enforcement by the city is needed. I would suggest that the city’s public safety sector takes on a greater role in ensuring our sidewalks are accessible.
2. Recycling laws, overflowing garbage containers
We must ensure that every homeowner has adequate recycling services set in place. Provide greater enforcement of the city’s regulations in regards to the recycling laws.
3. Skunks, birds and animal control
We share the Earth with many creatures. If a homeowner has problems with critters, I believe they, not city government, should take it into their own hands to remedy the situation.
4. Sale of small liquor bottles and single cigarettes
Addictions are unfortunate, but the sale of alcohol and cigarettes is not illegal.
5. Dealing with less state support
Fiscal discipline by prioritizing our city’s services. Eliminating irresponsible spending which in the end affects the taxpayers. NO MORE HIKING UP OF THE TAX LEVIES. We must ensure all our city services are still met, but with greater accountability and a tightening of the belt on many aspects of city spending.
6. Economic development in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park
The city must broaden its purpose by providing better services and assistance in order to promote job growth. A focus on promoting job growth while fostering new and existing businesses by aiming to be a city that is more ‘business friendly’ will help to ensure long term stability. It is time to make businesses want to come here, not leave here. In these rough economic times, the city needs to be innovative in our approach. There also needs to be a better collaborative effort between DEDA, the Chamber, APEX and the council/administration. I think the city also should have a greater focus on tourism and entertainment.

Patrick Boyle

Second District vote for one.

See questionnaire here.

1. Sidewalks
There is a city ordinance to keep your sidewalks cleared of snow. If residents are encountering pathways that are blocked with snow, it should be brought to the attention of the police.
2. Recycling laws, overflowing garbage containers
A public service announcement-type campaign may be helpful in this situation. As you mentioned, many residents may be unaware of how easy it is to recycle and keep our city streets clean. Also, teaching children in the classroom the importance and ease of recycling will, in turn, help adults do the right thing.
3. Skunks, birds, and animal control
I think addressing the question posed by #2 will directly help this issue as well.
4. Sale of small liquor bottles and single cigarettes
I’m proud of Duluth to be one of the first cities in Minnesota to go smoke-free in the workplace. However, it is still legal to purchase cigarettes and alcohol and in a free-market system, the seller has the right to set his or her price. Any sort of price-controls should be made at the state level.
5. Dealing with less state support
At the present time, we have a governor who is cutting local government aid significantly, instead of taking responsibility for the state’s budget shortfall himself. Local government aid is a significant part of our city’s budget. We need to lobby state officials, including the new governor that we need to restore our level of aid in Duluth. An example of this is continuing “Duluth Days” at the state capitol where community groups can educate these officials on the importance of local government aid and how it directly affects the citizens of Duluth.
6. Economic development in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park
The administration is currently proposing rezoning for the entire city, something which has not been done for decades. With the help of local community groups, this will help map out our neighborhoods’ economic futures. I am also encouraged with the more user-friendly approach at City Hall regarding permits and coding for businesses. This will all add up to a more business-friendly attitude for the city.

James Stauber

At-Large candidate (vote for two)

See the questionnaire here.

1. Sidewalks
Last year I raised the issue on more than one occasion with our city administrator. Some actions were taken, including the city removing the snow and charging the homeowner. We also were more proactive to ensure our snowplow operators notified public works when they were responsible for dumping snow on city sidewalks. We (the City) are to clean those.
2. Recycling laws, overflowing garbage containers
Education, engineering and enforcement are the options. I think better community education is the step we should take first, explaining the value, the need and the requirements to do this.
3. Skunks, birds and animal control
Animal control is grossly understaffed and I have a resolution regarding animal registration that in part will help fund that department. At that time we can consider expanding their role to help deal with these issues.
4. Sale of small liquor bottles and single cigarettes
I wouldn’t try to address changing the laws of supply and demand, but focus more on why some of our citizens may be desperate. A solid tax base along with revenue generating businesses and jobs has been my focus to help alleviate many of these problems.
5. Dealing with less state support
As with personal expenses, we need to become more efficient and focus on core services. We also need to expand our tax base, not increase taxes. With a $3,000,000 overtime budget, there is plenty of opportunity to reduce our costs.
6. Economic development in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park
Businesses locate and expand in areas where their business can do well. This is often in areas where taxes, fees and regulations allow them to capitalize on the free market. Our city needs to recognize this and make decisions that help businesses grow rather than penalize them.

Beth Olson

At-Large candidate (vote for two)

See the questionnaire here.


1. Sidewalks
Duluth already has an ordinance that requires people to shovel their sidewalks. However, these types of ordinances are difficult to enforce, particularly at times when there are budget cuts. I think we will solve this problem by looking at each neighborhood individually. By teaming with community police officers, community clubs, citizen patrols and other community partners we can identify why sidewalks are not being shoveled. Perhaps it is a mobility or health issue or an issue of an absentee landlord. These different circumstances will need different solutions
2. Recycling laws, overflowing garbage containers
This is a very important concern. All of the various garbage companies work through WLSSD (Western Lake Superior Sanitary District) for recycling. WLSSD has a great awareness campaign to promote recycling. We need to build on our existing partnership to create more targeted awareness. Also, we need more public trash and recycling receptacles.
3. Skunks, birds and animal control
I believe we need to put together a team that includes the city, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and animal care and rescue non-profit groups to develop a short and long term plan to resolve this problem.
4. Sale of small liquor bottles and single cigarettes
The city should partner with groups in the community addressing issues of poverty to find out how this practice affects our citizens. This will lead us to understanding what the problem actually is and what an effective response would be. I have many years of experience gathering input from the community to effect positive change.
5. Dealing with less state support
Local Government Aid (LGA) is a process of taxation at the state level, using sales tax that provides money back to local governments to keep property taxes down. This “Minnesota Miracle” has been cut back by the state leaving, cities like Duluth in economic crisis. We need to join the other cities that are fighting for a return of LGA. I have experience lobbying successfully at the state legislature for funding initiatives.
6. Economic development in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park
These neighborhoods need to be at the heart of our economic development plan. We need to look at creating and supporting small businesses that will help to build on the best of these neighborhoods. We can turn to established groups such as the Lincoln Park Business Group for planning and assessment. If we have a council that cares to develop these neighborhoods it will happen. Our neighborhoods need to be treated fairly and resources allocated accordingly.

Dan Hartman

At-Large candidate (vote for two)

See the questionnaire here.

1. Sidewalks
As a resident and avid walker in the hillside this is an issue in our neighborhood and the city needs to better communicate that there is an ordinance against not shoveling your sidewalk. If more people knew this, maybe we would see better results. Also, there is a walk-ability study being conducted in the hillside and I would be very interested in their feedback on this issue.
2. Recycling laws, overflowing garbage containers
If you have ever picked up trash in the hillside you know the nearest trash receptacle is not always close and usually it’s full. We need to figure out how to get more trash receptacles around our neighborhood to hopefully reduce the amount of trash and to have them emptied more often. As someone who has helped with a hillside cleanup or two I know how real this problem is. Also, I would support any awareness campaign to help get residents to better maintain their own trash and recycling receptacles.
3. Skunks, birds and animal control
One of the most important roles of a city councilor is to direct people to talk to whom they need to talk to. In this situation if a resident is having a problem with a troublesome animal I would advise them to talk to the DNR and other local authorities who can help with the problem.
4. Sale of small liquor bottles and single cigarettes
I would encourage the formation of a group of citizens and elected officials to begin a dialogue on this issue. As a city councilor I would actively help to organize this group and if needed be a part of it.
5. Dealing with less state support
First, we need to do a better job informing our citizens how important local government aid is to financial health of the city; that way in future statewide elections it will be more of an issue to residents. Second, let’s see if there are any other creative solutions out there in other communities and if so, let’s use them. Now is a time to be pragmatic.
6. Economic development in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park
I am excited by the tremendous growth potential in both neighborhoods. I can see both becoming the new cultural and commercial centers of Duluth. Why? Because both already have grassroots community movements to make them just that. In the Hillside there are already new exciting places such as the Burrito Union, Whole Foods Co-op, and the new storefronts on 4th and 5th look great.
In Lincoln Park I am excited by the Venue at Mohaupt Block and Howard’s Fish House, which is the last local commercial fisherman in Duluth. We need to support these efforts and do a better job promoting them as a city, but also we need to make it easier for them to grow and for other small businesses to start in our neighborhoods.

Becky Hall

At-Large candidate (vote for two)
Did not return the questionnaire

The questions are here.
If Becky wishes she may answer the questionnaire here.

City council candidates answer The Hillsider Questionnaire

Questions for the Duluth City Council candidates:
1. Duluth has a program named Fit City Duluth which encourages people to get out and walk. Yet, in the winter many Duluthians do not shovel their sidewalks which makes it very difficult for able-bodied people, much less those with disabilities, to walk. How do you intend to address this issue?
2. A quick walk on foot through our core-neighborhoods will show that many of our residents are unaware or are apathetic of our recycling laws. Garbage containers and dumpsters overflow with recyclable materials in the regular garbage containers which in turn leaves little room for more garbage and garbage flows into the alleys and sidewalk. This is demoralizing for the residents and attracts skunks and birds. How do you intend to remedy this problem?
3. Our city has no policy to help its residents deal with skunks, birds or other troublesome animals. What are your thoughts on this?
4. Some of our liquor stores sell little liquor bottles for only a couple of dollars or single cigarettes for a few cents. We know this just plays off the most desperate members of our population. Is there anything that Duluth as a city could do about this?
5. We are receiving less support from the state government. How will you help Duluth deal with that financial crunch?
6.What will you do to enhance economic development for people living in Central and East Hillside and Lincoln Park neighborhoods?

Marcia Stromgren - did not return questionnaire

District One
If Marcia wishes she may post her answers here.

Ann Wasson

District One school board candidate answers The Hillsider questionnaire (vote for one)

See questionnaire here

1. Most important responsibility
Our first priority is to make sure we do everything we can to provide the best quality education to the students of our district. This means that we need to educate all children in safe, healthy environments and offer educational programs that address all levels of how students learn. As a Board we also have fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers and to establish policies and procedures for the district. Finally, it is our job to supervise and oversee the superintendent.
2. Nutritional health The nutritional health of our students is extremely important. Board and staff need to advocate for healthy choices of food and beverages given to our children and sold in our buildings. As a Board member I helped set up a committee of students, parents, dietician and administrators to look at what needs to be done to make sure our schools are healthier places. To date, all of our schools are soda free and meal plans are being examined to make sure they have healthier choices for students.
3. Red Plan and soothing divides
I strongly support the Red Plan. It was community driven, it addresses excess space, safety concerns, building ineffiencies and is a fiscally responsible plan. I disagree with alternative plans that have been suggested, they cost more to the taxpayers and do less. They also postpone the tough decisions about which schools to close for ten years.
4. Federal No Child Left Behind Act.
In theory, NCLB is a good tool but unfortunately the way in which is implemented is a poor measurement of student progress and school accountability. We need an alternative test, like the NWEA, that tests up to four times per year and immediately pinpoints a child’s deficiencies or strengths. These way teachers can make adjustments to accommodate student needs in lesson plans.
5. Weapons policy/small pocket knives?
No. We live in a changed world where we cannot tolerate weapons or bullying. We must keep our schools safe for all children.
6. What role does the U.S. Constitution play in school board decisions? As a School Board we adhere to policies and governance by the State School Board Association. The federal government advocates for education and helps fund education. Together we want what is best for all children.
7. Class size
I would love to see class size reduced. When having to face budget cuts, it has always been my first priority to keep cuts as far away from the classrooms as possible. Unfortunately, the state funding system is “broken” resulting in less money for our district. Until state and federal funding is addressed for education, it is likely class sizes will remain high as every district has budget shortfalls. I would support a community program levy to decrease class sizes.