Submitted photo. In an evaluation summary shared at the Dec. 19 meeting, Board Chair Dana Geller stated, Superintendent Gersich has proven himself to be a successful leader for ISD 110 thus far All goals are actively in progress and the school board notes that Superintendent Gersich is making great strides in all areas.. I believe we need to have a school board filled with people of different ideas, opinions, and perspectives to ensure that the needs of the entire community are met. A longtime Waconia School Board member and former City of Minnetonka employee is accused of stealing a city vehicle in an apparent attempt to retaliate against a former colleague who got him fired. "But people seem to understand that as the economy has slowed a bit, you need to take the time to do the right thing. LOUDOUN COUNTY TEACHER RESIGNS IN PROTEST OF CRT LESSONS. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Circumstances are different for all, but you are not a victim and life isnt fair. Would you like to receive our latest Business News? That was the moment I decided to run. That means building a process that works with the state requirements, the curriculum director, and teachers. Committees: Finance,TLAC Threats of harming another School boards can have an effect positive or negative on student outcomes. The school districts fiscal year coincides with the school year, running July 1 through June 30, so 2023 taxes wont provide additional revenue until the 2023-2024 school budget year. Don't knowingly lie about anyone that is degrading to another person. Superintendent Gersich and I recently discussed this issue regarding long-term funding. "I think the breakdown came from the process," Aeling said. Now, Aeling said, the district is sitting on more than $2 million in its coffers and the teachers would like some of that to be used to make up for past sacrifices on their behalf. We need to figure out how to get out of SOD first. I believe we are a very good school district. The school board approved the following gift and grants should they be awarded: The gift of three emergency roadside kits to the Princeton High School SADD club's winter activity from Curt Van-Ort and State Farm Insurance. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Copyright 2015-2023. The regular meetings of the School Board are conducted on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Waconia City Hall, 201 S. Vine Street, unless otherwise noted. I want both the community and the district to be recognized and sought after for the strength of the schools and programs, the caliber of the teachers, and for a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all students and their families. I know how to work collaboratively, ask lots of questions, be flexible, and truly believe the best idea is often not presented initially by a single person. The county is named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. ISD 110 has policy to provide direction for continuous review and improvement of our school curriculum. I want the opportunity to play a part in this vision and help setup future school boards for success. Outgoing Waconia school board members Mike Bullis, Rachel Myers, Brian Rothstein and Jackie Johnson were recognized by the board for their service to the district. HR Recommendations for Board Agenda 4.12.2021, Termination and Non-Renewal of Probationary Teachers 4.12.2021, Resolution Relating to the Termination and Non-Renewal of Certain Probationary Teachers 4.12.2021, Year To Date Expense Report - 2020-2021 - 3-29-2021 (1), 3 4 21 Waconia 110 SOD commissioner letter FY 2020 (1), 616 School District System Accountability with edits, Board Policy No. Parents packed into auditoriums and parking lots for meetings this week to protest various school policies as the first day of classes quickly approaches, reviving the chaotic scenes that closed out the spring semester earlier this year. Nathan also qualified to advance to the State Science Fair in St. Paul next month! Let's go Wildcats!!!! We must support students emotional needs by teaching them to discuss and manage feelings, and support others. A single gunshot fired "during an altercation or fight" struck both, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said. The two sides have met more than 35 times, including two mediation sessions, without a resolution. I am proud of our school system and teachers. The Wildcats fell to Hastings 21-38 in the semifinal round and 30-33 to Stillwater in the third place match. Signup today! In other business, the school board recently conducted a mid-year evaluation of new Superintendent Brian Gersich. WACONIA, Minn. (WCCO) Parents passionate against forcing their kids to wear a mask in school had their voices heard Monday night in the southwest metro. The dispute has left the community divided as it awaits the outcome, especially as the end of school nears and the possibility of a strike increases. Share with Us. West Metro 15905652 As contract talks drag on, Waconia teachers, board appear far apart The district still hasn't reached a contract after nearly three dozen meetings, two mediation sessions, a. All students will be prepared for their unique futures if we educate the whole child encompassing academic, emotional and interpersonal skills. (link to meeting calendar), School Board Meeting Public Comment Participation: Click hereto download our Kindergarten Guide, which is full of information for incoming Kindergarten families, including how to enroll your student on or after December 14, 2022. Be Truthful. Adult Education. Republican Govs. Committees: Policy, MNSHSL I have always been passionately engaged in politics. Sparq Data Solutions Inc. - All Rights Reserved. I have volunteered as a leader in our community including Waconia ECFE Advisory Council, Waconia Moms Club President and Waconia Trinity Coordinator of Mothers of Preschoolers. The county's natural areas are covered with . I wish to promote effective communication and transparency from the board and administration to teachers and community members. 786 were here. WACONIA, Minn. (WCCO) -- Parents passionate against forcing their kids to wear a mask in school had their voices heard Monday night in the southwest metro. Be Nice. The regular meetings of the School Board are conducted on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Waconia City Hall, 201 S. Vine Street, unless otherwise noted. The Waconia High School wrestling team took fourth place at the Class 3A State Tournament on Thursday, March 2, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Meet the Candidates: Waconia School Board. I manage the Quality Assurance team at a medical device company. Members are elected Term:Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2026, Jesse Bergstrom, Director jbergstrom@isd110.org What's the story behind Minneapolis' smaller houses with huge front yards? I intend to champion the opening of communication channels between teachers and the board. The district still hasn't reached a contract after nearly three dozen meetings, two mediation sessions, a missed deadline and a fine. Right now millions of regular education dollars are diverted to pay for these underfunded mandates. The school board for Waconia. Kimberly Kelzer-Breeden - 4,061 - Elected. The school board should be involved in the process to not only ensure that it meets the state standards but that it is the best fit for the students of our district. Vikings, Thielen talking through contract and role with cap decisions looming, Minnetonka lands Class 2A's top seed in boys hockey state tournament, Here are the 15 best chocolate chip cookies in the Twin Cities. You must get in the Arena and get after it. 31, 2024, Melanie Hagen, Director mhagen@isd110.org I dont know how involved the board should be in developing the curriculum. The levy certification and truth in taxation public hearing is required annually by state statute to share information about school funding coming from district taxpayers for the next year. Free program enticed 2,000 people to become certified nursing assistants, but its impact on Minnesota's workforce shortage is unclear. My long-term vision would be seeing my grandchildren attending Waconia schools and receiving a great education, like I did and my children are currently getting. The Wildcats defeated Rochester Mayo 43-26 in the quarterfinal round behind victories by Gabe Witschorik, Carter Katherman, Maverick Mueller, Lincoln Vick, Alex Torres, Levi Mueller, Max McEnelly, Alex Riley and Vincent Halliday. Small town charm . All interviews are being held in the media center of Waconia High School and are open to the public. I am excited to participate in that visioning process with the district over the next few years. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Ill help them in any way I can. That group included Waconia, which had a second mediation session in St. Paul earlier this month. New Sponsorship Visa jobs added daily. The scenes are likely to repeat at school board meetings nationwide as parents and teachers turn their attention back to education after a summer with declining COVID-19 cases fell before rising again and sparking new concerns about pandemic precautions in the classroom. As a Waconia graduate, with kids in our district. By As involved as possible. Curriculum decisions dont begin with the board. Waconia is a vibrant community with the 2nd largest lake in the metro. "The last board meeting was pretty emotional," Davis said. Attend, Share & Influence! By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy. That drew a rebuke from the union, which said teachers work many more hours checking homework, drawing up lesson plans and preparing for each day in class. Question 3: How involved should the board be with curriculum development? "You need some sort of mask policy to reintegrate special needs at the end of the day," Skaro said. Schipol airport to Rotterdam 12:39 pm. My prior service on a public school board provided state-required training in board responsibilities, finance and employment. The state sets tax policy and levy limits for local public schools. Jan. 1, 2021-Dec. 31, 2024, Luke DeBoer, Vice Chair/Clerkldeboer@isd110.org I have pondered how to serve and give back to our community and see in this an opportunity to contribute and to ensure, as I like to say, that teachers, students, and ideas are all safe in the classroom. As a high school math teacher with experience both in-person and online, I will keep students at the center of our decisions and support teachers. Waconia Public Schools Meetings. They didn't require masks. I am an engineer at heart, and am always trying to find solutions to problems. "I guess we'll see where the ultimate contract ends up, but we have some work to do to bridge the gap between us.". SHOP, PLAY, DINE, STAY! I am proud of my track record of being a people first servant leader that is focused on growing, empowering, and retaining talent. I believe some of the boards protocols kept kids from maximizing their in-person learning opportunities last year. "We have a strong community, pretty tight knit, and I know it's being discussed," Davis said. Come on out! I dont believe school board seats belong to anyone. on District 110 was financially stable for decades; I believe we can be again. I dont like saying something cant be done or cant done better. We have funding issues, but we also have spending issues. March 8-14, 2023 Trip to Amsterdam 1:49 pm. It makes the superintendent responsible for curriculum development, and allows for a district advisory committee to provide assistance. The levy certification and "truth in taxation" public hearing is required annually by state statute to share information about school funding coming from district taxpayers for the next year. I am a strong proponent of public education. I have worked on for-profit and not-for-profit boards, and I have made a reputation for quickly learning, understanding, and helping to resolve conflict, be it financial, organizational, or interpersonal. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The school board for Waconia. Invalid password or account does not exist. Finally, we need to evaluate our priorities to make the best use of our limited resources. 60 for the period April 27, 2021 through April 25, 2023, will generally be held on the second . Would you like to receive our latest email news? I believe we need to ensure people not on the advisory committee have a way to provide feedback into this process. I believe that that educators and curriculum director should lead decisions about what curriculum is chosen as they are the experts in the field and qualified to help make those decisions. Greetings parents and guardians of future members of the Waconia Public Schools Class of 2036! However, good isnt going to cut it in todays competitive job market. This is why my husband and I chose to live in Waconia. You are an elected place holder making decisions for your constituents. Error! Waconia is a vibrant community with the 2nd largest lake in the metro. Recorded Board Meetings School Administrative 30 Offices Superintendent Steve Tucker 39 Harvard Street Laconia, NH 03246 Phone: 603-524-5710 Fax: 603-528-8442 Amy Hinds - Title IX District Officer New Website September 1, 2020 School Board Meeting September 15, 2020 School Board Meeting September 29, 2020 Special School Board Meeting Your email address will not be published. Fulfilled, well compensated, and appreciated teachers. Choose wisely! Wall to wall and down the hall families were overflowing from a typically sparse Waconia School Board meeting Monday with the topic of a potential mask mandate clearly causing the packed house. I manage a sales team in my daily life, I have a wife and two kids in the district. They've got the funds to settle on a fair wage for the teachers.". Term:Jan. 1, 2021Dec. . I am also a good fit because I feel I am running for the right reasons. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. Use the 'Report' link on I am a problem solver. I am committed to strengthening education and giving back to our community through service. Subscribed to personalized events updates! Kelly Amott - 3,823 - Elected. public transport to Haarlem. With Whalen out, what's left behind for Gophers women's basketball? To ensure my team remains on track, we have monthly forecasting meetings where we review expenses and any overages. Meetings of the School Board are open to the public. CLICK HERE to find out how. The next public business meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. I want to encourage exploration of educational, technical, and vocational fields to expand our students exposure to all types of workforce opportunities. Don't Threaten. Seven wrestlers will return to the Xcel Energy Center on Friday, March 3 to compete in the individual portion of the tournament. The district and the school board should be striving to create an environment where students can bring their authentic selves, have a sense of belonging, and realize their potential to the fullest. Would you like to receive our daily news? Dooher said that inadequate state funding combined with soaring health care costs made bargaining extremely difficult. However, Monday night's vote ensures students won't have to wear a mask on the first day. My interests and experiences are broad and I bring that enthusiasm and energy for learning to the board. As part of our Election 2022 coverage, the Waconia Patriot and Sun Patriot Newspapers reached out to candidates in contested races for local offices and asked them to respond to the same five questions for each office. City of Waconia. Curriculum standards are not generated at the school board level. I would like to launch a Question and Answer Town Hall every 3 months. Road Trip from London to Holland for Tulips. I have an interest in improving the quality of our school system and advocating for the education of all our children. I am dedicated to helping Waconias kids ignite that same passion for learning in themselves. The decisions made by the board impact our entire community and I will use the same rigorous judgement that is necessary in my current job if I am elected as a member of the school board. I have over 20 years of patient care experience as a Speech Pathologist in a vigorous medical environment. Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions and Procedures for Public School Board Meetings and Public Comments, ISD 110 School Board Group Email:schoolboardmembers@isd110.org, Dana Geller, Chairdgeller@isd110.org Meet the Candidates: Waconia School Board Oct 10, 2022 0 As part of our Election 2022 coverage, the Waconia Patriot and Sun Patriot Newspapers reached out to candidates in contested races for local offices and asked them to respond to the same five questions for each office. The district is recovering from statutory operating debt. I am committed to balancing our budget while providing for the academic and emotional needs of our students. I am passionate about public education and parental involvement in our childrens academic endeavors. At the same time, they say, teachers' salaries have grown more slowly than neighboring districts, leaving Waconia teachers' pay among the lowest. Some Republican governors have set up possible showdowns with local school boards over mask mandates and critical race theory by attempting to ban both at the state level. I was asked by my family, by friends in the school system, and by others who I have worked with in the community. The State has expectations for K-12 students and school districts are required to adopt curriculum that adheres to those state standards. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. "I couldn't tell you why it's taken so long, other than both sides being very strong-minded about getting what they consider the right contract.". You have permission to edit this article. Downloadable and printable one-page versions of both calendars are posted on the District website atisd110.org/district-calendarsand can also be downloaded using the following links: 2023-24 At-a-Glance Calendar I am impressed with our new superintendent and finance manager so I am hopeful. August 10, 2021 / 7:33 AM The school board recognizes that COVID-19 is an ever evolving situation. The overview of the Financial Audit was essential to move forward with transparency and attention to detail. Number one is tax dollars. I understand firsthand that the decisions I make in my role can impact the lives of patients worldwide. More ominously, there are no meetings scheduled anytime soon, negotiators said. Please enter valid email address to continue. He said teachers have conceded to the district during the past few contracts, not pushing for higher pay increases because the district told them that it did not have the money. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. We won't share it with anyone else. The forensic audit report provided great insight. The school board scheduled interviews for the semi-finalists Monday and Tuesday of this week. "I guess I'm surprised at the situation we're in," said David Aeling, the lead negotiator for the Waconia Education Association, which represents more than 185 teachers. The school board forms a team with the administration, teachers and community in curriculum development. Committees:Policy, SPED In Niches 2023 rankings, which were released on Monday, Sept. 26, Waconia Public Schools was ranked 19th on the platforms list of Best School Districts in Minnesota. "In Arkansas, they already went back to school. Waconia, MN Meet the Candidates: Waconia School Board Sun Patriot 2022-10-10 As part of our Election 2022 coverage, the Waconia Patriot and Sun Patriot Newspapers reached out to candidates in contested races for local offices and asked them to respond to the same five questions for each office. Would parents (constituents) at home take issue with a certain topic/subject? The parents I talk with want us to focus on education and NOT indoctrination. I think both sides are sort of cooling off. Read more about our Mission, Vision, They saw that my skillset matched the needs of ISD 110. Waconia Public Schools has been named a top-20 public school district in the state of Minnesota by Niche, an online platform that annually ranks K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. In-Person WHS B107 (limited to 20) To attend In-person please sign-up before March 22 by email to: jkilian@isd110.org or, call 952-442-0600 / Virtual Meeting . 3.A. Multiple non-profits I have worked with are directly involved in helping kids learn and succeed. Strong academics is the foundation for our schools, but not its only purpose. Ive been a father to three boys in this district for 20 years and Ive successfully built teams and cultures in my profession. "This does not include sending them to their learning and social environment wearing a face covering for seven to eight hours a day.". My 23 years in the software industry has provided experiences that I think will assist me on the school board. Small town charm with unique shops & dining. I envision a district where everyone thrives. accounts, the history behind an article. It would be irresponsible and, I believe, inappropriate for the board to act otherwise. Those are the values I want people to speak of, not the values that are whispered now which are nuanced with racism and conformity. The board will work with them to provide a clear financial picture and build on the progress already made to build back reserves. When we were looking for a home in Minnesota people spoke of this district or that as the best for our children. Their value must be reflected in compensation and our interactions with them. "I've been on the board four years and been in the district for four years before that," Davis said. Keep it Clean. Question 4: How do you think the district should address long-term funding issues? I am fully capable of handling this role and promise, if elected, to do as the people that put me there asked. An official with the Education Minnesota teachers' union told Waconia teachers earlier this month that they rank 196th in pay out of the state's nearly 350 districts. Still, the impasse in the Carver County town is the longest in the metro area and is threatening to become the longest in the state. WACONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS NAMED A TOP-20 SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MINNESOTA BY NICHE. In Loudoun County, Virginia the site of one of the fiercest fights against left-leaning school rules more than 150 people lined up to speak at a meeting to weigh in on a transgender policy. Norwood Young America Hamburg Business Directory. At a school board meeting in Williamson County, Tennessee, on Tuesday, parents shouted, waved signs and gathered in a crowd outside the building to protest a mask mandate in the countys schools. Click here to start the online enrollment process. "We're always optimistic," said Brent Davis, chairman of the Waconia School Board and the lead district negotiator. Signup today! Long-term I would like to see Waconias District 110 as a thriving and growing district that does all it can to support all of its students and teachers. I do feel we have an important role in monitoring what is being taught to our students once those decisions have been made. As a child of a teacher, I know the passion they have for their vocation. CITY OF WACONIA MINUTES OF SCHEDULED MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Regular Meeting of the Waconia Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Shaw. Your email address will not be published. The responsibility of educating children falls largely on the tone set by parents, but teachers are on the front lines leading and making an impression daily.