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LORI BERG

QUESTION #1

As a potential board member, how do you determine budget priorities when the district hasn’t passed a levy the last two cycles?

Budget priorities should center around student learning, with adjustments being made that least impact core instruction, including retaining the most qualified teachers. The goal is to maintain essential programs, pay staff a fair and comparable wage, while finding efficiencies with expenditures away from the classroom. For example, C.L. has cut supply budgets, streamlined processes, delayed large maintenance projects, increased fees, and cut extracurricular activities. Staff numbers have also been reduced to match current enrollment.

Budget prioritization and adjustment is ongoing work, but without additional resources, eventually large building projects can no longer be delayed, there are no excess staff members to cut, and districts get down to core programming. In our district, building needs have accumulated through lean budget years because with the exception of Lakeside, our buildings are 45 to 90 years old. The money received from the state and federal government has not kept up with inflation, and schools in Minnesota rely on property tax levies for basic programming and building maintenance. We are also in a time when families want more flexibility, the number of school-age children is shrinking and schools are competing for students. When districts are forced to reduce things people value, they lose students (and the funding that accompanies them), and the community loses families-a steep price to pay in the end.

C.L. currently ranks 311 out of the 328 MN school districts in per pupil funding, putting the district $1,600 per student, or approximately $5.3 million below the state average in funding. Our kids deserve better. Budget prioritization is essential, but so are sufficient resources.

QUESTION #2

How can the board be more accessible to the community?  Are there ways to reach specific groups of community members who don’t feel like they have a voice.    

The Chisago Lakes School Community is special and we are at our best when we are united through the goal of supporting our schools. We can come together around our kids, who deserve strong schools that prepare them for a successful future, regardless of their path.

School boards serve the entire community-people of different backgrounds and life experiences and with various views and opinions- and we need to hear them all. We must continue to listen, learn, respond, give factual information, address fears and problem solve together.

Some ideas to incorporate community input include: community advisory committees- like those currently working on the bond initiative and updated strategic plan- surveys, social media platforms, newsletters, the school website, weekly newspaper columns and site visits-going to the places where our staff and community members are at.

The board has discussed starting listening sessions, where 2-3 members are available the hour before regular meetings to have informal conversations about topics on people’s minds. Let us know what you think of this idea! In addition, anyone can call or email a board member any time.

All of us living in the Chisago Lakes School district have a stake in keeping our schools strong and we are better when we problem solve together so we can support what we all value.

QUESTION #3

Do you have concern regarding student achievement as a whole

 in the district?  What are ways the board can stay focused on improving achievement without passing a potential Levy? 

Chisago Lakes is a shining star in this region because we offer strong and varied programming that sets students up for a successful future. We continually refine and improve instructional practices and use data to monitor achievement in multiple ways. Our 4 year graduation rate is at 95% compared to the state average of 83%. Our math accountability scores for all grades are 13% higher than the state average and are the highest (by 5-10%)compared to 10 districts close to us. Our reading scores are 7% higher than the state average and the highest (by 5-10% again) in comparison to 10 area districts.

As a mom of CL grads and a friend to many others, I can personally attest that our kids graduate with the skills to achieve at any level if education is valued and supported at home and they are willing to do the hard work.

There is ongoing rhetoric around test scores, leading people to worry that suddenly half of the state’s students cannot read or do math when they graduate. This is not the case in Chisago Lakes. One score on one day is not an accurate measure of achievement. Many students are opting out of high stakes tests, kids with special needs are required to take these tests even when they may not have the ability to do so, and kids aren’t always convinced to put effort into one test on one day, knowing it does not represent what they are capable of. All of these factors impact scores, making them an inaccurate measure of achievement. Achievement is more accurately monitored and measured in various ways throughout the year.

Just like in the past, some students are more academically focused and leave high school with college in mind, some go to trade schools because they like working with their hands, some join the military to serve our country and others make different choices. However, all of them have been given a strong academic background and exposure to multiple career pathways to consider. The future remains bright for our Chisago Lakes students!

Rest assured that even in tough budget years, Chisago Lakes continues to:

-Use multiple measures to make sure all kids are making sufficient progress and if not, data is utilized to ensure they are receiving targeted interventions in their specific area of need.

- Prioritize core academic programs, and remain a leader in the state for literacy instruction and offering multiple career pathways, such as CTE and STEM courses.

-Invest in teacher quality by supporting staff development and hiring and retention initiatives. -Share specialized resources with other area districts to meet a myriad of specific needs.

-Provide technology support to provide skills students need moving forward.

The rhetoric around falling test scores and failing public schools is often based on fear rather than facts.Those of us deeply involved know that our school system is doing an amazing job with the limited resources we are given. Your children are in good hands in the Chisago Lakes Schools!

BRENDA CARLSON

QUESTION #1

As a potential board member, how do you determine budget priorities when the district hasn’t passed an excess levy the last two cycles?

As a school board member, I would want to priorities the kids and the classroom when it comes to the budget.  It is getting harder and harder to balance the budget and keep what we have without the funding we need.  In the 2024- 2025 funding comparison we are $8,230,481 per year behind the average school in Minnesota.  I understand that our taxes are high and that there are people in our communities that can’t afford to help but we need to all come together and figure it out. We must work together to keep our schools successful because great schools lead to great communities, which lead to better property values and more business opportunities.  Everything is linked and if one of those links fails eventually, we all fail.

QUESTION #2

How can the board be more accessible to the community?  Are there ways to reach specific groups of community members who don’t feel like they have a voice.    

A community member can already get a hold of a board member through email or just calling them and having a conversation.  If there is an individual or group that feels they are not being heard or have no voice they should reach out to set up a meeting with a board member.  I think if there is also enough interest, we could also have board members available before or after board meetings.

QUESTION #3

Do you have concern regarding student achievement as a whole in the district?  What are ways the board can stay focused on improving achievement without passing a potential Levy? 

Right now, in the present I am not concerned with our student achievement, our teachers and principles are doing a great job.  Presently when it comes to MCA testing Chisago Lakes is above state average in every category.  In Math Proficiency Chisago Lakes has a percentage of 58.1% and the state average is 45.5%.  In Reading proficiency Chisago Lakes has a percentage of 57.0% and the state average is 49.9%.  This is one way to measure achievement, but I also think the Teacher’s creativity on ways to teach and get through to kids also comes into play which shows up in our graduation rates.  Chisago Lakes 4-year graduation rate is 95.1% and the state average is 83.3%.  

Now looking into the future, are we as a district going to be able to keep up this success?  If our funding doesn’t improve there will be more cuts that will affect the kids directly because there are no more places to cut.  One way could be class sizes going up.   I am really hoping that we will not have to do that because that doesn’t help anyone.  

AARON OLSON

QUESTION #1

As a potential board member, how do you determine budget priorities when the district hasn’t passed an excess levy the last two cycles?

In actuality, the board did pass a levy in the fall of 2023 shortly after Brian Dietz became superintendent.  The board used the legislative authority granted to them during the 2023 MN State Legislative session (MN Statute 126C.17) for a one time renewal of an existing levy without going to the public for approval. This means the operating budget is similar to prior years since the levy has been renewed.

A majority of building maintenance/improvements can be accomplished within the yearly budget allocation. Because I have more than 20 years of experience in multi-million-dollar commercial construction contracts, I have the inside knowledge on spending every tax dollar wisely. We can avoid overages and change orders by being smart up front with our bids and contracts. Once we have our prioritized list of items that need to be replaced or restored, we can ensure the project plans start with the most essential, and work from there. 

QUESTION #2

How can the board be more accessible to the community?  Are there ways to reach specific groups of community members who don’t feel like they have a voice.    

I believe we should rescind the recently adopted policy that no public input is allowed at school board meetings unless it pertains to the printed agenda for that particular meeting. One other option would be to hold listening sessions one hour before scheduled board meetings, where the public can ask questions of the board and give feedback on important issues. The board is elected by the community and as such has a responsibility to not only listen to their concerns but to also act on those concerns.

In addition, the board should email the meeting minutes to the community after each board meeting and communicate decisions made, when the next meeting is, and the important topics to be covered. 

QUESTION #3

Do you have concern regarding student achievement as a whole in the district?  What are ways the board can stay focused on improving achievement without passing a potential Levy? 

The 10-year trend recorded by the Minnesota Department of Education has shown a 23.5% drop in math, 12% drop in reading, and a 30% drop in science grade level proficiency at Chisago Lakes Schools, which is unacceptable. We don’t need more money, we need to get back to basic instruction without the DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives and SEL (social, emotional learning)principles pushed by the state of Minnesota that categorize students through an equity lens requiring equal “outcomes” for all students, rather than offering equal “opportunities” for all. I’ve heard from many parents in the district that they want to support our teachers in getting back to the basics and have the final say in their kids’ education as stated in MN State Statute 120A.22: Subdivision 1.“Parental responsibility. The parent of a child is primarily responsible for assuring that the child acquires knowledge and skills that are essential for effective citizenship.”

 I’ve earned the recommendation of the Minnesota Parents Alliance, which would aid in teachers, parents and the school board working together to improve academic achievement in our district. 

JEFF LINDEMAN

QUESTION #1

As a potential board member, how do you determine budget priorities when the district hasn’t passed an excess levy the last two cycles?

To begin with, it is critical to know where Chisago Lake School District is in comparison to all of the other schools in the state for (PU) per pupil funding. SAFF (Schools Advocating for Fair Funding) provides data for all of the schools.  For General Education funding PU, CL is ranked 311 of 328 schools at $9108 PU, $1600 PU behind the average MN school. If you consider 3283 students, CL is $5,252,800 a year below the average school in the state. This number goes even higher when considering all other funding totals in comparison, such as SPED and other funding. The other very important point to remember is that we are operating within our budget, although it is considerably less than most of the schools in the state. Of course this requires thoughtful and accurate budgeting decisions. I have full trust that both occur with foresight, careful planning, a constant monitoring of our enrollment, funding, inflation, along with meeting the needs of each and every student to the best of our abilities. We also, at the same time want to make sure we continue to retain and attract our high quality staff which is often stated by community members and parents, as how you view the staff at CL.

Although we have not passed a (referendum) levy, it doesn’t change the fact that we have a budget to prepare and operate within. Board policy and state statutes are clear in the charge to present a balanced budget. I am a member of the finance committee and put my full trust and support that our Director of Business constantly monitors and gives a clear picture financially. The three incumbents meet monthly and the board meets monthly to review the budget and future budgets for the next year. We also have work sessions to discuss all areas of the budget. 

Last year approximately $2 million was cut from the budget for the ‘24-25 school year. The board does carefully analyze each building’s reductions and the rationale behind each cut. Then we discuss and approve the final cuts and total amount. There are always adjustments as we collectively determine the least impact on students and staff, while also staying within the amount we have to work with. We are continually working to monitor and adjust class sizes, expenses, and budgetary items that can help to balance the budget during the year.  

As a school district, our directors, every building principal, staff, and board are continually improving our collaborative approach to budgeting, comparing cuts and prioritizing so that adjustments are utilizing a whole district approach, considering every area of potential cuts, not just by department or building, but weighing each reduction for the whole district. As a district, directed by Superintendent Dietz and Director of Business Services Vossberg-Torgerson we are monthly reviewing the budget, continually looking for ways to make every dollar have the most value and impact for each student in each building, across the district. 

We want the reductions to occur as far away from the students and the classroom as possible.  

I’d encourage anyone if you have questions to look at the audit, ask questions, seek out board members and administration if you need more explanation.

QUESTION #2

How can the board be more accessible to the community?  Are there ways to reach specific groups of community members who don’t feel like they have a voice.   

I will answer this personally. I answer every email, text, and private message. I have a vigorous social media presence. I am available, listen, and am an advocate for the best interests of the community, staff, and parents on behalf of the children, our students. My email:  [email protected], Cell: 651-330-1369. I have given  out my contact information publicly and on social media often. I have met with a dozen or more for coffee, or a meal, my treat, to discuss any school board topic, listen, and answer questions. I enjoy meeting and working to develop relationships with people in our district. I am available to meet, take a call, answer a question, or to listen and to act on a concern. I am professionally and passionately involved in the Chisago Lakes School District and was an Agricultural Science Teacher, coach of several sports, FFA Advisor for 38 years and now on the board, presently Chisago Lakes School District Board Vice Chair for the past two years. I am also a sub in the district for Pre K - 12th grade and speak to many everywhere I sub. I can also say that Supt. Dietz and our directors are available if you ever have concerns or questions.  Our board is also.

I, along with other board members, have attended community meetings and events. If you would like to have other board members or me speak to an organization or just come to answer questions, frankly we’d enjoy that. We have been available and would be very happy to attend or meet with any of our community groups or individuals in any way we can connect and build relationships. I have personally made this invitation numerous times with contact information. All of our contact information is also on the website. If you have a concern and are not sure who to contact we can get that information to you also. School board members are a link between the district community members and the school and we represent all of you.

I find through meeting with people and based on what parents and community members say, that you are highly satisfied with what is occurring in the district. You, for the most part, love our staff and schools. I also believe that you find the school staff available and responsive to your questions and concerns. If you do have a concern or a question please reach out to a board member.  

How can we be more accessible? We certainly want to be. I  leave an open invitation here to meet with anyone. 

QUESTION #3

Do you have concern regarding student achievement as a whole in the district?  What are ways the board can stay focused on improving achievement without passing a potential levy?

Student success and achievement is a priority in the district and to the School Board and not just because we have a lot of school board policies and state statutes about it. It's essential that parents, staff, and students be involved and understand student achievement and the benchmarks we use to determine if we are successful! So am I concerned, because we hear all over on the news that schools across the nation are not measuring up. This is the local news report on CLPS. Yes, we continually want to get better and have numerous tests, scores, and assessments at every level that indicate we are doing well and a proven process that we will continually know where we are in student success and achievement. If I gave the state of the CLSD all things related to student achievement and success, there’d be overwhelming evidence based on objective and subjective data. If you are wondering, talk to the parents in our district, staff,  and spend some time with our students - you would no longer wonder. Also, if you find data that is difficult to understand, and there is plenty, please reach out and ask for an explanation. You may find that a percentage on an MCA test doesn’t say what it appears. 

Can we rest on our achievements, no.  But we have processes in place to monitor and adjust at every level.  To evaluate at a state level with MCA, ACT, SAT, and graduation rates.  At the local level with TS Gold, aMath and aReading data, ORF - Oral Reading Fluency, early Math and early Reading, Math Automaticity, Math Process and MTSS - Multi-Tiered System of Supports.  All of these local level assessments help us identify and meet the needs of all students and help identify where we can improve and create strategies in specific strands where it is needed in each child's achievement. Then classroom assessments of Progress Monitoring Probes, Functional Morphology, Written/Verbal Responses, Homework, Grades, summative and formative assessments - tests, quizzes, and on the spot methods to check for understanding, also give us on the spot data to know where each child needs help and areas they are exceptional. There is a constant drip, drip, drip of strategies and assessments to monitor, adjust, and make sure each student has in place best practices and strategies based on data to be highly successful.

We are 12.6 percent higher than the statewide average in Math Accountability for 2024. As the trend for the state has been about the same the past four years Chisago Lakes has gone from one percent above the state average growing each year 6.4 percent, 10 percent, and now 12.6 percent higher than the state average. We are highest in the region on MCA All grades Accountability, of 10 schools,  and not just by a little. When the new data comes out and is presented it is remarkable. 

In reading  accountability in all grades the data is just as impressive. I could continue to report the good news for ACT scores.  When ACT scores were taken by all Juniors, Minnesota led the nation in ACT scores and Chisago Lakes averaged a point higher than the state average. 

Our graduation rates lead the region and are at the top tier in the state.

The standard data we use to determine student success and achievement are remarkable for Chisago Lakes. There is an area to me that is even more encouraging and that is our former students, our graduates come back here to live and raise their families.  They consist of the mayor of Taylors Falls, they make up half the fire departments of all of our five cities, two are on the school board with me, four graduates repair all of my cars and trucks, two serve our community with high quality catering/meats/cheeses. I buy my hardware from former students in Lindstrom and Chisago City, my chainsaw and power equipment from a former student in a business in Lindstrom. More than 30 of our graduates are teachers in our schools, several are paraprofessionals and custodians and work in our food service, they are policemen, at least two are lawyers. Several run businesses  up and down in our five cities, serve on boards, and city councils. Numerous graduates farm and raise high quality agricultural products. Center City has two former graduates owning and operating a restaurant and hotel and gathering places. They manage the community pool, workout studios, and the hockey arena. Several of our graduates own or work for three of the major road and landscape construction businesses in the state. Several operate a landscape business or lawn and snow plowing businesses. At least one is a doctor. In my own department at the high school,  I retired from, both agricultural teachers are former students.  They have been my electrician, and plumber. 

I could go on and on and next time you are out and about take a tally on the number of our Chisago Lakes graduates demonstrating their Chisago Lakes Public School successes and achievements. To me, that they want to live, work, and raise their children here because of the ongoing success and achievement they have, is the best data that exists.  

We will continue to be successful in student achievement because the process is in place to do so and even in the case of each student we know where to give more help and have strategies to do so.

I also have to give credit to every teacher, custodian, para, administrator, and food service member that provides for our students. Also, I am very grateful for our Director of Curriculum and Learning for the framework to monitor and adjust student learning that provides the framework to show not just say we do a great job in this critical area.    

One last critical piece to this. 

We will continue to work to improve. I think the overwhelming data is that we do not have what other schools have for student funding but also are doing an exemplary job in student achievement and educational successes. We never left the “back to the basics” curriculum.  When a levy doesn’t pass, student success and achievement must continue.  I am confident it does.  As far as doing more, I think we are doing an exemplary job in student achievement by the data.  

We will continue to do the very best for our students with what the voter gives us.  We are focused on student achievement but also the fact that we are operating on a razor thin margin in our budget, making every dollar count.

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