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In a short school board meeting before the last holiday break of the school year, the Chisago Lakes School District addressed their failed referendum from earlier this month.

And while Superintendent Brian Deitz struck a hopeful tone, he clearly advised the Board the district will be back next year asking the public for more funding.

“I’d be remiss to not thank anyone and everyone that helped with the campaign. As hard as it is for those around the district, it can be hard to see the light,” he said. “But, in 2022, we lost by 3,200 votes. We got that down to 500 votes this cycle. I’m encouraged that there is dialogue happening and that we’re able to sit down and break bread. There’s a lot of good things happening for us. The community cares, and we’ll get there.”

Dietz said the district will be doing a post election survey that will be going out to the community soon, and they hope to have the results back in June or July.

The superintendent was clear on what the district’s next steps will be after that.

“We are going to come back out. We have to come back out. That’s our only option. Just know that we are going to take a lot of the good feedback we received and think about some pieces. We are going to put together a package and come right back out. We’re going to get there, but sometimes things take time.”

Dietz said he was very encouraged by the general experience and thinks the district is moving in the right direction. “Thank you, and stick with us, we’re going to get there,” he said to supporters.

The meeting marked the last on the docket for senior student board representatives Gabe Muedeking and Kathryn Anderson.

Both shared their last updates and their appreciation for their tenures as student reps.

Meudeking said, “Thank you to the board. I was just doing our last student council update and I spoke with them that we are the people that take what everyone else complains about, and do some research and do something about it. That’s similar to this board. We hear so many complaints from people outside the board here and we take that and do something about it. A lot of people don’t take the time to do that. It’s easier to complain than it is to do something about it.”

Dietz recognized both Anderson and Muedeking, saying, “You two are shining examples of the district. I’m very proud of you and very excited for what’s going to happen in your future. I want to thank all of you. It’s a tough time right now and I appreciate the energy you bring to the table.” 

The board accepted multiple donations from the community. The Taylors Falls Parents for Education group donated $3,600, Chisago City Fire Department and Hazelden Betty Ford each donated $2,000, and the Gene Haas Foundation, Stacy Lions and Lakes Region EMS each donated $1,000 towards scholarships. Peterson Companies and the Chisago Lakes Lions each donated $500.

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