Seven candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for three open seats on the St. Michael-Albertville school board. Board members serve four-year terms. The seven candidates are: Kari Dwinnell, Joan Keiner, Tom Polinceusz, Brian Reinbold, Hollee Saville, Drew Scherber (incumbent) and Carol Steffens (incumbent). The candidates answered some questions about their positions, which we are sharing below. Two candidates, Joan Keiner and Carol Steffens, did not respond to requests to provide their thoughts and opinions on these questions, though Steffens apologized that she was not more diligent in responding in a timely manner. North Wright County Today did not edit candidate responses.
Kari Dwinnell
Age: 46
Address: 10685 15th St NE – St. Michael
Family: Chuck (spouse), Jack (12), Andrew (11) and Ellie (6)
Years in St. Michael-Albertville community: 42
1. What inspired you to run for school board?
My family has continued to be major supporters in my passion for STMA schools. With their support, I find myself running for the STMA School Board. I have been a member of the St. Michael-Albertville community for more than 40 years. I am an
alumnus from St. Michael Catholic School, as well as St. Michael – Albertville (STMA) High School. I’m passionate about doing the right thing for our children, education, equity and our community and ensuring the initiatives the STMA school board works on are successful.
For the past 12 years, I have served as an elected member of the St. Michael Catholic School Education Advisory Committee. As such, I will bring to the STMA School Board a perspective that includes: 1.) detailed knowledge of the district, 2.) an understanding of improvement opportunities, and 3.) an ability to appreciate the diverse needs of the STMA schools and community. I believe each of these perspectives will play a large role in shaping the future of our
children.
During my tenure on the St. Michael Catholic School Education Advisory Committee, I, along with other elected members, was instrumental in driving and providing guidance and oversight in the implementation of several marquee programs. During these initiatives, I worked with others to increase the school’s enrollment by more than 50%, doubling the schools revenue, and introducing positive change for students, administration and staff. Striving to reach consensus has always been an important value to me. I also had the opportunity to co-chair the schools
largest fundraiser, increasing the net earnings by more than 25%. I will bring this type of experience, drive, partnership and dedication to the STMA School Board.
In 2009, as part of the STMA School Strategic Plan, Superintendent Dr. Ann-Marie Foucault and Big Woods Principal Lee Brown invited me to join the Communications Committee. We brought six strategic communication initiatives to the school board for approval – all six initiatives were approved, implemented and are running strong today. The six initiatives included: create a district wide logo with tagline, identify a district person whose focus is on district communication and ensure consistent school information is provided to the local papers, implementation of electronic communication, target communication to at-large community members, and create and execute surveys.
In my full-time position as VP, Operations, I have developed and implemented creative solutions for the health care industry and been recognized as an organizational leader adept at building consensus and driving results while controlling costs. I would like to use these business leadership experiences to drive additional synergy between the school board, administration and the staff and teachers. The complex challenges our district and community face are what inspired me to run for the STMA school board. I believe the core principles of partnering, developing and driving creative solutions for complex problems to ensure effective and efficient delivery of high-quality education for students are imperative. I also strongly believe these core principles align with our future school board. I want to ensure the board continues to focus on strategic initiatives like the February referendum, the future of open enrollment, and equity in our school funding and that decisions are made for the greater good of our district and community.
2. Are you in favor of, or against, the February referendum in its current form? If you are not in favor of it, what would you change?
STMA’s tradition of excellence in educating the whole child continues with the bond referendum. The referendum is very complex and includes multiple improvements which I believe was a time consuming and difficult decision for the school board to make. However, I believe the board was collaborative, focused on the student’s best interests as well as their safety and security, and remembered the original plan when the high school was built to bring the sports programs “home”.
I agree with the strategic decision to move forward with bringing the future referendum up for a vote. I believe it is important for the community to voice their opinion through the voting process and hope each community member will take the time to review, in detail, the referendum before making their final decision. In its current form, I support the referendum and believe if the referendum passes, we as a community, a district and as homeowners will see positive future growth. Some of these gains will come in the form of increased business and residential development offsetting our future tax responsibilities and increasing homeowner market value while continuing to be an appealing community and district for future residents including families and retirees. I further believe schools that educate the whole child, whether through sports or other activities see a higher rate in graduation.
3. What is your opinion on open enrollment in the STMA district?
Academically, STMA ranks in the top 10% of schools in Minnesota and it’s easy to understand why families would want to open enroll their children into our district. With each open enrollee, the STMA district receives funding equivalent to that of a district student generating additional revenue for our district. Our community is unique in the fact that you can have a St. Michael or Albertville address yet not be considered in the school district. Additionally, because of the way the “lines were drawn” an STMA school bus might drive past your neighborhood to pick up students who live several miles down the road who are in district but your neighborhood isn’t. Whether or not STMA continues to allow students to open enroll, we are still a growing community and additional classrooms are needed. The addition of classrooms is part of the February referendum. I understand through conversations with other families in the community there may be some frustrations related to open enrollment in the STMA community. However, I believe allowing families to open enroll their students is the right thing as a district and a community to do.
4. What is your opinion on the amount of time students currently receive for recess?
I believe the STMA school district and board will always have our student’s best interest in mind when making all school-related decisions. I also believe STMA balances between mandated state and federal academic expectations across all aspects of learning. Research clearly connects movement and learning and I further believe our teachers are highly encouraged to incorporate movement throughout the day. Recess is one of the ways movement takes place and is an important part of the day that allows students to have unstructured time to move and rejuvenate for the remainder of the day. I support the school district in the amount of time they currently allocate to recess as well as the other types of movement in which students participate throughout the day. In speaking with current district leaders and teachers, during the average school day students are in full education learning mode on average 5 out of 7 hours per day. On average, the remaining 1½ – 2 hours per day (recess, P.E, S.M.A.R.T, motor breaks, and movement between classes) are
spent in motion. I believe adding additional recess time will only reduce the time spent in learning education mode which contradicts the reason why our children are in school. It is important for children to move throughout the day and continue to move once they leave school. It is up to us parents and guardians to ensure this movement continues to happen.
5. What changes would you like to see the school district make?
I believe the STMA school district and board are passionate about the welfare of our children. I also believe as long as the school board continues to be motivated by the best interests of our students the district and community will continue to thrive.
When it comes to equity in our school funding, there are only four schools in the state that receive less funding than STMA, and 327 schools receive more. As a candidate for the future STMA School Board I will be an advocate for equality in our school funding. If elected, will deem my term a success if we are instrumental in closing the gap. This is just one reason we should be proud of our school district – we do much more with far less.
6. Do you have anything else to add?
Education Minnesota – St. Michael-Albertville is the union representing the over 400 teachers, guidance counselors, and school nurses who are employed in District 885. Nearly half of our school district faculty are residents of either St. Michael or Albertville. I’m honored that the union executive board has decided to endorse me along and two other candidates, Drew Scherber and Tom Polinceusz for school board. If elected, I will come to this position with an open mind, willingness to partner with the school administration, teachers and staff, other board members, and the cities of St. Michael and Albertville and have the objectivity necessary to perform all of the functions of a school board member. I am willing and eager to devote the time and energy that this community deserves in fulfilling the duties as a member of this board. My family and I are proud to be part of the STMA community and all that our fantastic schools have to offer. I believe my passion for our children, education, equity and our community make me an excellent addition to the STMA School Board. I appreciate your vote.
Tom Polinceusz
Age: 37
Address: 10432 49th St NE Albertville, MN 55301
Family: Married with four kids
Years in St. Michael-Albertville community: 8 years
1. What inspired you to run for school board?
I am the proud father of four young kids. My family and I enjoy playing sports and being outdoors. Having graduated from SCSU with a BS in Computer Science and my MBA, I have a unique passion for education and technology. I work in the IT field as a Network Technician, am a member of the adjunct faculty at Central Lakes College, and a Microsoft Certified Educator.
My wife, Lisa, has been a teacher in the St. Michael-Albertville school district for over 10 years. Together we understand the challenges that parents, teachers and the community face on a daily basis. I value our education system and I am willing to work hard in order to make fair and educated decisions on behalf of the STMA community.
2. Are you in favor of, or against, the February referendum in its current form? If you are not in favor of it, what would you change?
I wish the bond referendum was broken up into multiple areas to vote on. The way it is structured only gives a yes or no choice, rather than allowing people voting on the individual issues that matter to them. Since the decision was already made to move forward, I support the bond referendum.
3. What is your opinion on open enrollment in the STMA district?
I am open-minded, so if elected, I would consider input from community members on the pros and cons before making a decision on this matter. If open enrollment causes the class sizes to rise, that is not in the best interest of students and their families living in the STMA district.
4. What is your opinion on the amount of time students currently receive for recess?
I support keeping children active and guiding them in leading healthy lifestyles, through Physical Education classes, recess, extra-curricular activities and sports. I think recess time is a topic that is worth discussing. It would be beneficial to hear opinions from parents, students, teachers and administrators to find the right balance for each age group.
5. What changes would you like to see the school district make?
I think the STMA district should continue to push for equal funding. Despite the fact that STMA ranks 327 out of 331 school districts in state funding, we continue to make progress in student learning. STMA has also continued to outperform a majority of MN Public Schools, since STMA ranks in the top 10.5%. That is amazing and says something about the teachers, staff and administrators in the St. Michael-Albertville School District. I try to always evaluate and be open to see what can be improved as well. I would like to hear feedback from the community regarding their concerns or what they would like to see changed.
6. Do you have anything else to add?
If elected, I will work hard for every student, parent, teacher and resident. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8th.
Brian D. Reinbold
Age: 51
Address: 7120 Odell Ave NE Otsego MN
Family: Cully, Takota, Tehya, Tala, Tye
Years in St. Michael-Albertville community: 17
1. What inspired you to run for school board?
I have always been active within my community working with youth athletics and volunteering. I have always been interested in being on the school board, bringing forward a voice that represents the community and its concerns with respect to our educational institutions.
2. Are you in favor of, or against, the February referendum in its current form? If you are not in favor of it, what would you change?
I am not in favor of the referendum in its current form. There are several things that should be addressed within the community at large bringing in all those that will be affected and can help make it financially feasible and wise to pursue. The current status is deficient in augmenting what we have and being financially wise with concerns regarding future needs and demands placed upon the school. It is deserving of an open give and take discussion again with all relevant parties involved prior to going to the public with a finalized referendum.
3. What is your opinion on open enrollment in the STMA district?
Open enrollment has both positive and negative facets. Obviously we are a school of choice that has impressive results and that draws students in. However we have to be cautious and balance the requests for open enrollment with our capacity to handle the residents first and foremost.
We are nearing another tipping point with our footprint size ad numbers of enrollees. We will have to be fastidious in our management now and in the future to ensure that we continue to have the successes that the district has been able to achieve.
4. What is your opinion on the amount of time students currently receive for recess?
The amount of recess I feel is adequate, we like to rely on evidence based performances and outcomes. Thus far the results with what we have implemented seem to be producing positive outcomes. Increasing recess may or may not affect study habits, allow students to decompress and re-focus, produce more desirable results. What it will do for sure is further limit classroom time that is of great value.
5. What changes would you like to see the school district make?
The referendum needs to be retooled and reworked into something that addresses all the relevant issues, needs, and parties. It will not achieve what we are hoping to accomplish and there will still be great demands placed upon the limited resources we already have. We need to ensure that we become the employer of choice with respect to our teaching staff. Results that we have garnered cannot be achieved without the best and the brightest being on staff. Hiring and retaining a staff that is motivated, dedicated to the success of our students and community is something we should strive for. We are a strong and vibrant community that can galvanize behind this belief ensuring that we maintain our standing with respect to the students successes.
6. Do you have anything else to add?
I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community at large by being an elected member to the school board. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Thank you
Hollee Saville
Age: 38
Address: 10134 44th Court NE, St. Michael, MN 55376
Family: Husband: Jonathan; sons: Jaxen (10) and Preston (8)
Years in St. Michael-Albertville community: 12
1. What inspired you to run for school board?
Our two boys (5th and 2nd grades) have liked being students in STMA Schools and I have the pleasure of volunteering in their classrooms many times. We love our schools and community and I have always enjoyed working with and advocating for children. Serving on the school board is another way I can give back and I feel our community deserves new representation on the board.
Our boys and the other students in our district are my primary reasons for running. I believe the school board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that every child receives the best education possible, which includes giving our staff and administrators the resources and freedom they need to help our students, listening to all stakeholders, and thoughtfully considering each decision. I am passionate about these issues and hope to change them: a) the Equity Funding issue; b) fewer high-stakes standardized tests, which place incredible pressure on students and teachers; c) increasing recess time; d) supporting more local control; and e) fixing push-down curriculum that is detrimental to students’ development and places enormous pressure on teachers, too.
2. Are you in favor of, or against, the February referendum in its current form? If you are not in favor of it, what would you change?
I will always support reducing class sizes, resources for classroom instruction, health and safety repairs and improvements, and other needs. However, this referendum goes beyond that. I have concerns about prioritizing other items over class size reductions, staff, and classroom learning and worry that the referendum will make advocacy for Equity Funding or a future operating levy more difficult.
The referendum should have been included in the General Election since our district typically has 85%+ voter turnout in regular elections, residents would be more aware that there is a question on the ballot, and it wouldn’t have cost our district $10,000; that money could have been spent on classroom learning. Moreover, the special election will occur in the middle of the legislative session. By putting the referendum forth to voters in a special election in the middle of the legislative session, it will make it more difficult to convince legislators that the Equity Funding issue needs to be addressed, that STMA Schools needs more money for education. In addition, the school board has intimated on several occasions that an operating levy will be coming in the next few years. By putting this referendum before the projected operating levy, it will be tough to convince our residents to support the operating levy. People are already struggling with high taxes and we are trying to get more businesses to move to our district.
The school board has yet to answer some fundamental questions about the referendum. I requested that they separate the bond into at least two categories to make it easier for taxpayers to understand and to prevent the entire referendum from failing because people may not support some aspects of it.
3. What is your opinion on open enrollment in the STMA district?
I fully support open enrollment as long as we have room in our buildings and it does not increase class sizes. If we have to build new buildings due to open enrollment (by levying taxpayers who live in our district), then I would consider closing open enrollment to new students, except for those who already have a sibling in the district.
4. What is your opinion on the amount of time students currently receive for recess?
I am disappointed that elementary and middle school students in St. Michael-Albertville (STMA) Schools currently have a maximum of 20 minutes of recess time during the school day. Some have less depending on when their tables are dismissed, how long it takes to put on winter gear, walking between recess and classes, etc.
However, significant amounts of research demonstrate the benefits of unstructured outdoor play for children. According to these studies, increased recess time improves children’s health and physical development, cognitive development, behaviors, social and emotional development, and understanding of nature.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (2013) says that recess is “a crucial and necessary component of a child’s development” and strongly supports at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day. They stress the importance of unstructured recess breaks throughout the day, which the highest ranked education systems already provide; Finland allows 15 minutes of recess for every 45 minutes of instructional time.
In order to help children in STMA Schools reach their optimal development–physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally–and follow best practices that are supported by research, I would like the STMA School Board to establish a policy that will increase recess time (within the current school day) for children in grades K-5.
5. What changes would you like to see the school district make?
The top issues in our district are Equity Funding, balancing the interests of stakeholders with fiscal responsibility, and continuing to provide quality educational opportunities for all students.
The Equity Funding issue is the biggest issue facing our district as it affects students’ educational opportunities and our taxpayers. The disparity in per pupil funding and state equalization aid between districts is deplorable: St. Michael-Albertville Schools receive thousands less per pupil than most other school districts and much less equalization aid. Children have been used as political pawns in a complicated funding formula that shifts money to larger, wealthier districts. The School Board needs to continue to work with legislators and everyone in our district to ensure that the basic funding formula is fair and equalization aid is updated.
Students will always be my first priority, but what benefits students typically benefits everyone. I promise to consider every issue thoughtfully and fairly, listening to the facts and opinions of teachers, staff, parents, community members, and students. It is imperative for the School Board to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer money and transparent with every decision. School board meetings should be recorded. Bonds and referendums should be put forth to voters in the general election. I support maximizing tax dollars by developing partnerships with businesses and organizations and exploring innovative ways to fund capital improvements.
Our 98% graduation rate, well-rounded students, wonderful teachers and staff, and supportive families and community members are some reasons we have high state and national rankings. However, there is always room for improvement. Standardized tests and push-down curriculum place significant pressure on students and teachers in schools today. They are expected to perform well on tests that are costly, share data with third parties, and consume many hours of instructional time. Teachers understand the best measures of student learning; they need the freedom to teach children in the way they know is best. Young children are expected to do more than what is developmentally appropriate and it seems that teachers are not given much freedom within the curriculum. I have concerns with the reading expectations in kindergarten and the early grades because there seems to be so much pressure on students and teachers to ensure students read at a specific level, even if the students are not ready. When reading is not forced, but fun, students excel. Adding to the stress is the fact that our students receive only 20 minutes of recess time per day and only 20 minutes for lunch (less if they have to wait in line for hot lunch). However, students need time to socialize and eat their food without feeling that they have to rush. Recess and lunch times should be increased. These changes would ensure that every student in our schools continues to receive a world-class education.
6. Do you have anything else to add?
My husband, Jonathan, and I have been blessed to live in St. Michael for the past 12 years and our boys have attended STMA Schools since their kindergarten and (ECSE) preschool years. I not only have a vested interest in our schools, but also am uniquely qualified to serve on the board.
I am a licensed family childcare provider of 11 years and worked in many public school programs (preschools, high schools, special education classrooms, and school-age before and after school programs). I also earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have extensive experience working with policymakers and testifying before the Legislature. I have also served in many leadership positions and have attended most School Board meetings in the past 5+ years.
I am eager to use my experience in education, leadership, and legislative advocacy to serve our district. For more information, please visit my website at www.Saville4STMA.com. I humbly ask for your support and vote on November 8. Thank you.
Drew Scherber
Age: 41
Address: 3165 Kalenda Ave NE
Family: Single. Parents, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Years in St. Michael-Albertville community: 41
1. What inspired you to run for school board?
Twelve years ago I didn’t run for school board because I had issues or felt the district wasn’t doing the job it was to be doing. Rather, I ran because I was impressed with the district as a whole. The way the board and district went about their business. The teachers and district gave me a great education and I wanted to give something back.
2. Are you in favor of, or against, the February referendum in its current form? If you are not in favor of it, what would you change?
I do support asking the voters if they will approve a bond referendum this next February. The bond includes Safety and Security improvements, urgent maintenance and repair projects, a second sheet of ice and an all-purpose athletic facility. It also includes technology. I am supportive of adding on-going technology replacement costs to bonds. The district has done this in the past. This way technology is paid for with help from the state as opposed to having it come out of our general or capital budget. It makes sense. Approximately 40% of the costs of this bond will be paid for by the State of MN.
3. What is your opinion on open enrollment in the STMA district?
The board took a look at open enrollment a few months ago and decided to keep it as is for now. This needs to be looked at every year or so just to get a current snapshot of what it looks like. Typically, STMA has twice as many students coming into our district as leaving. There are school districts that are jealous of this. This says a lot about our district. We need to take another look at open enrollment again next year.
4. What is your opinion on the amount of time students currently receive for recess?
Recess time is important no doubt. In order to get more recess time we will need to take from some other area. There is only so much time in our school day. I’m not in favor of taking time from the classroom to make more recess time.
5. What changes would you like to see the school district make?
For one, I would like to see our district funded more fairly from the State. As most of you are aware we are one of the lowest funded school districts in the State of MN. We are doing more with less.
6. Do you have anything else to add?
The STMA District for years has had strong leadership, great teachers, and involved families. The district is a shining star. There are many accomplishments that we as a school and our communities are proud of both in terms of in and out of the classroom. There is always room for improvements but our district is on the right track.