Fiscal Cliff

The Fiscal Cliff is mentioned frequently in the news lately.  Currently this is a federal issue and our federal funding comprises about 2% of the Pine City School District budget.  That is about $281,000 for Pine City Schools.  In the case of public schools that would be a potential cut to students services such as Title I and Special Education dollars.

While federal funds may be withheld, the requirements to sustain a "maintenance of effort" will continue.  Basically this will expand the "unfunded" part of the Federal Government requirement.  Since we must provide adequate services to all students, the money will have to come from some where else.  Without Title Funding, Title positions would likely have to be reduced.  In the case of Special Education our hands are tied.  We are legally forced to comply with all Special Education requirements regardless of funding.

I continue to study the political and economic news to try to understand what is happening to our country.  Public Education is a major part of the state budget but it is not the ever growing expense that you might think.  Minnesota Public School funding increases, over the years, have fallen far below the cost of living.  We are currently $401 (per pupil) below funding rates compared to 2004-2005 school years.  The part of the state budget that has grown is in the area of health and human services.  Senator Tony Lourey is the chair of the health and human services committee.  He will face great challenges during the upcoming legislative session.

You will see that our property values are plummeting.  Banks are struggling.  Interest rates are amazingly low.  We are a nation that spends more than it takes in.  This is true as a country and it is true for individuals.  Do we reduce spending or increase revenue through taxation?  After WWII I have heard that the tax rates were extremely high.  The country came through those tough times.

The good news for Pine City Schools is that the over all local school levy has decreased by 6.68%.  This decrease is due to two factors.  First, we have significantly decreased property values and second we have refinanced our debt (refunding our bonds) to gain much lower interest rates.  This doesn't change the money the schools receive but it does lower local school taxes.

The "consensus" frame of mind is what we need.  The compromise is likely much less than we think in order to get back on track.  As our leaders struggle to correct our financial woes I hope that they can work for a collaborative solution since conflict and grid-lock accomplish nothing.  The average person struggles to see the solution.  We expect our elected officials to find that solution.  They have all the resources they need to figure this out.

 

High Speed Internet Access

    A common thread regarding our community is the availability of high speed internet.  The Pine City area needs adequate broad band access.  The internet is hit and miss in our district.  Here are a few reasons why having high speed internet is so critical.  

     First, students use the internet more than ever.  Not only do Elementary and High School students use the internet to do school work, but so do college students.  Use of the computer to research, study and learn is common for everyone but especially students.  Up to the minute news and information about our world is at our fingertips IF we have adequate connectivity.  Students read books online, watch videos of instruction, conduct research related directly to their area of interest.  Instruction in this manner is different because it fosters a high level of interaction and "hands on" experiences.  No longer do students sit passively and simply listen.  Now students can control their learning environment to suit their needs.  If the instruction was confusing or unclear they can hit pause and replay a segment as many times as needed.  Advanced students can move quickly through certain areas to get to what is adequately challenging.  Once students get to school the classroom time can be dedicated to guided practice.  Students can ask questions and discuss with teachers the content that they watched on-line.  More instruction time is now devoted to highly interactive guided practice and checking for understanding.  Teachers are afforded much more time to help students learn in a small group or one-on-one setting.

     Second, businesses absolutely require high speed internet.  Without adequate on-line access a business will not be able to complete transactions or communicate with customers in an on-line environment.  Each year more and more businesses rely on the internet to remain competitive.  If we want to improve our local economic environment, then having high speed internet available everywhere in our district is critical to attract new businesses.  Our area is centrally located between Duluth, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities.  We are located on the interstate highway.  Our area is very beautiful with great access to all sorts of recreation.  If we don't grow our business opportunities here then we will also struggle in other areas of our community.  Poverty is a real issue in Pine City.  Poverty affects our students' performance at school.  Being able to entice new business is critical for our community and our children.  High Speed Internet will help with this.

     Finally, families that are contemplating moving to our region are increasingly likely to choose a place to live based on basic amenities such as high speed internet.  If a home can't access the internet then they might very well choose not to live here.  The prospective residents demand access to the internet for their children and for their personal use.  More and more shopping and other business transactions happen on-line.  The convenience and speed of the internet allows shoppers to purchase on-line and have the exact items sent to their home in a day or two.  The entire purchase and receipt of the purchased item didn't require any driving or gas money to search for the item.  This convenience is quickly growing.  

     Sometimes I think of broadband access like electricity.  Some people in the past were sure electricity was not for everyone.  We now know that that is a ridiculous idea.  High Speed Internet will be the same way.  Everyone will want it, need it and use it.  We need to find a way to ensure high speed internet access for EVERYONE.

Do you have high speed internet where you live?  Do you think we need it?

The First Days of the School Year

It is a good feeling for everyone in the school community once the fall routine takes hold.  Teachers and students begin to know what to expect each day at school.  The year is off to a good start.  Our region has lost too many young people, however.  But other than that things are going well.  Our Science department has shown  some initial gains in test results.  We will work to raise the bar in all other academic areas as well.  The iPad initiative is going well.  Our 6th and 8th graders are utilizing technology to increase student engagement and student learning.  Like many districts nation-wide, we are putting useful technology tools in the hands of our children.  As we move forward we will define our next steps and methods for incorporating these electronic devices.

Above is a traditional iPad and an iPad Mini.  The difference between a laptop and iPad will soon go away.  The Mini may become an even more affordable device for our students.  The future is very rapidly changing.  The good new is that new technology is likely to be more useful, less costly and even smaller.

The flip or reverse classroom is one of many ways that our classrooms are changing.  The curriculum is becoming blended with technology.  This means that the focus of our time and expense in learning has shifted.  Teachers require the gift of time and professional development opportunities that include time to discuss practices in teaching with other teachers.  Instead of spending large amounts of time and money on text book adoption, we can now focus more fully on what and how we teach.  The reverse classroom is a situation where the direct teaching done any time and anywhere a student can use their iPad.  Guided practice and checking for understanding become the largest focus in the classroom.   This shift means that students have significantly more access to teachers each day.  Teacher have more time to direct learning and reteach.  This immediate remediation will result in greater student success.  Classes can become more inquiry-based.  The environment could resemble an modified on-line learning environment.  The students and teacher can readily utilize an online platform for communication, instruction, course outline, additional resources and testing data.

What do you think of the increase in technology in school and in society?

I remember certain things more vividly than others.  Certain school days stand out more than others.  That first impression made by various principals and superintendents, throughout the years, stand out in my mind at the start of each school year.  I might not remember what they said but I recall how they made me feel.  It is always my intent to give each educator some praise, support, encouragement and positive recognition.  I want to know how I can help each person.  Hopefully, we have given you, the staff,  the positive impression that will help you with the start of a great school year.

Each year that I continue in education, I grow more proud of our educators.  Being "on" all the time is a  demanding job.  Public Schools educate them all.  These young people show up with all of their issues. Most are fine.  Some bring mental health issues, chemical dependency issues, and problems at home that all contribute to challenges in learning.  Teachers persevere through all the highs and lows and keep coming back for more.  Yes, they are working to pay the bills just like the rest of society.  But teachers do more than that.  They are carving out a life of "difference-making".  This a noble profession.  No one is getting rich.  No one is really overpaid. Educators touch the hearts and minds of countless people.  Some students make the most out of this opportunity for an education.  Other students squander this chance to learn and grow.  The possibility was presented to each and every student.  Our staff will do the best they can to help children make their way in life.  For that reason this is a very unselfish profession.

This fall we will initiate some new technology resources that should enhance student engagement and speed student learning.  Technology is a fast growing and changing environment.  It will be important for all of to maintain a positive and proactive attitude about the use of technology in all aspects of our life.  My goal is to optimize effectiveness and efficiency when it comes to the implementation of new technology trends.  I wish each and everyone reading this blog only the best for the year ahead.

I live four miles out of town and have no high speed internet.  Hopefully this will be available to everyone one day.  Almost everything we do now can be completed on line.  

Do you have high speed internet at home?  

Where Dreams Become a Reality

People ask me if I am excited to have a successful outcome to the auditorium vote.  I am cautiously optimistic.  While not all the voters supported this proposal, a majority did.  From here we need to be good stewards with our tax payer dollars.  This fall we will follow a committee-based design planning process.  In December and January we will develop construction documents.  During February we will have contractor bidding.  My priority is to hire local local and use local products whenever possible.  Let us know if you have a business that can help us with this project (320) 629-4011.  March through December of 2013 we will be completing new construction.  We hope to move into a new facility by December 2013.

Our band room and choir room will get remodeled to increase the amount space in for each program.  The next year and a half will be an exciting year.  We will bring forward a high quality facility with good and thoughtful planning.  Thank you to all the people that support this vote.  The successful vote is a result of a group effort.  In a few weeks school will kick off.  We will be very busy with normal school activities and with the planning of a great auditorium.  

What suggestions do you have that will help us build a top-notch auditorium?

New Band Director

Melanie Brooks is Pine City's new High School Band Director.  I met with Melanie last week.  Melanie is passionate about teaching.  She is a St. Olaf graduate and has worked with a variety of fine music programs.  Melanie is certified to teach K-12 Instrumental Music.  Ms. Brooks has lead large concerts and small group ensembles with much success.  She is experienced in teaching music theory and music literacy.  From private instruction to an ensemble director to full concerts, Melanie is prepared to lead the way for our outstanding band program.  She is bright, enthusiastic and good with people.  Melanie is inheriting a great band program that she will continue to build.  She is very excited about the prospect of new auditorium and looks forward to meeting the community when she moves here.

Melanie's primary instrument is the saxophone but can play all of the instruments.  I suspect she might play the saxophone for the community at some point.  This should be a great year for our music program. 

If you have questions about the transition to a new band director or if you have questions about the auditorium, let me know.  You can reach me at wgilman@pinecity.k12.mn.us or (320) 629-4011.


Feel free to comment on this blog post.

What questions do you have for Ms. Brooks?

External View of the Auditorium

I wanted our readers to see these simulated external views of the auditorium.  We will hold a public information meeting about the auditorium proposal on Thursday, August 9th at 7 p.m. in the Elementary Auditorium. Have a great weekend.

What do you think of these images of the new proposed auditorium?

Auditorium Update

The architect has prepared a simulated view of the outside of our proposed auditorium.  When the board and I are satisfied with this image, we will share this with everyone.  This auditorium will make our school a very special facility.  I want to thank all of the many people that have pitched in.  The process is so much easier when many lend a hand.  Please tell others about this information.  I will be building a district Face Book page that will contain helpful information about the auditorium and other school information.

I met Melanie Brooks today.  She is going to bring great energy to the band director position.  She has many good ideas and will be highlighting her musical talents very soon.  This is going to be a positive and exciting year for Pine City Schools.  Melanie will send me a picture so all of you can put a name with a face.  Stay tuned!!

Multi-purpose Auditorium

I begin another humble blog with information about the Pine City Bond Referendum for a new auditorium.  With the help of many great people I begin a new journey as Superintendent for Pine City Schools.  On June 30th I left Crookston behind and on July 1st, 2012 I began work for Pine City Schools.  Pine City is a positive place to live and work.  

This floor plan shows some expansion of the choir room and band room.  The spacious lobby will also have public restrooms.  Our band program has grown and the practice and performance areas are no longer suitable.

 

The auditorium will have two large instructional areas divided with these moveable panels as shown below.   Pine City School District and community need a multi-purpose auditorium, a large group meeting area, and a multi-use instructional area.

 This is what the inside would look like.  The multi-purpose auditorium can hold up to 740 people.  Each seat is aligned and the walls are constructed that every person can see and hear the activities on the stage.  The design will also eliminate any echo or distortion. 

 Pine City Schools has been nationally recognized by NAMM as having one of the top Music programs in the nation.  Lets prepare for our future by maintaining our Arts, Academics and Athletics.

 The Vote in on Tuesday, August 14th from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Below is the actual ballot question as it appears on the back of the ballot.  The cost for this auditorium is about $5 per month for the average property value of $150,000.

 

 

Why do you think the levy is important to the community?

June 29th will be my last day as Superintendent of Crookston Public Schools.  On July 2nd I begin a new chapter as the Pine City Superintendent of Schools.  Pine City is a great opportunity.  They have a nationally acclaimed music program.  The "Dragons" are integrating technology into the curriculum with innovative practices including class sets of I Pads.  Pine City is a beautiful area half way between Duluth and the Twin Cities.  I will miss many fine friends in the Crookston area.  Crookston has been a safe and peaceful place to raise my children.  The district is in better shape than when I got here. I hope only the best for the Crookston community.


What would you like to see happen, in the future, for Crookston Public Schools?

Summer

The start of June always holds a bit of melancholy for me.  The dual emotions of sadness and excitement fill the air.  Seniors say good bye to high school; the place they both love and hate.  Students and families take a break from the hectic school year.  Some work, some play and some do nothing during the precious and few warm days of the year.   For the staff it is a time to begin to recharge.  They have made it through 9 months of constant demands.  Most teachers are in a routine that flows with the seasons.  The retiring teachers and staff face a new chapter.  For employees that take jobs elsewhere, they too face a new chapter in life.

I am so grateful for the employees that take on this career.  Over and over our young people pass through this place and find their way to repeat what their parent and grandparents have done.  We have given these young adults a critical gift.  They leave with hope; hope for opportunity, work, family and the American dream.  Along with their parents we taught them right from wrong.  They received the critical learning needed to step into this crazy world.  My wish is for abundant success for all the staff and students that shared their years here at Crookston Public Schools.  Enjoy, be safe and I hope to see all of you again soon.  

What are your hopes  for the summer and for the future?  What are you thankful for about Crookston Public Schools?

Is the Internet hurting children?

By Chelsea Clinton and James P. Steyer, Special to CNN

updated 10:04 AM EDT, Mon May 21, 2012

Chelsea Clinton and James Steyer says there's evidence that the explosion of computer use has changed the way kids think.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Chelsea Clinton and James Steyer say we must ask: How are social media effecting kids?
• They say explosion of online access for kids has opened Pandora's box of privacy issues
• They say it's changed the way kids think, interact with others; discretion is abandoned
• Writers: We need laws, norms, education to maximize benefit, minimize disasters of online use

Editor's note: Chelsea Clinton is a board member of Common Sense Media, a nonprofit advocacy organization focused on media and technology's effects on children and teens, and wrote the foreword to "Talking Back to Facebook." James P. Steyer is founder and CEO of Common Sense Media and the author of "Talking Back to Facebook."

(CNN) -- Amid the buzz over the Facebook IPO, the ever-evolving theories about how Twitter is reshaping our communications and speculation about where the next social media-enabled protest or revolution will occur, there is an important question we've largely ignored. What are the real effects of all this on the huge segment of the population most affected by social media themselves: our children and our teens?

The explosive growth of social media, smartphones and digital devices is transforming our kids' lives, in school and at home. Research tells us that even the youngest of our children are migrating online, using tablets and smartphones, downloading apps. Consumer Reports reported last year that more than 7.5 million American kids under the age of 13 have joined Facebook, which technically requires users to be 13 years old to open an account. No one has any idea of what all of this media and technology use will mean for our kids as they grow up.

By the time they're 2 years old, more than 90% of all American children have an online history. At 5, more than 50% regularly interact with a computer or tablet device, and by 7 or 8, many kids regularly play video games. Teenagers text an average of 3,400 times a month. The fact is, by middle school, our kids today are spending more time with media than with their parents or teachers, and the challenges are vast: from the millions of young people who regret by high school what they've already posted about themselves online to the widely documented rise in cyberbullying to the hypersexualization of female characters in video games.

Chelsea Clinton

 

These challenges also include traditional media and the phenomenon of "ratings creep" in the movies that our kids consume. Movies today -- even G-rated ones -- contain significantly more sex and violence, on average, than movies with the same rating 10 or 20 years ago.

James P. Steyer

 

The impact of heavy media and technology use on kids' social, emotional and cognitive development is only beginning to be studied, and the emergent results are serious. While the research is still in its early stages, it suggests that the Internet may actually be changing how our brains work. Too much hypertext and multimedia content has been linked in some kids to limited attention span, lower comprehension, poor focus, greater risk for depression and diminished long-term memory.

Our new world of digital immersion and multitasking has affected virtually everything from our thought processes and work habits to our capacity for linear thinking and how we feel about ourselves, our friends and even strangers. And it has all happened virtually overnight.

From PCs in school to online schooling

Should you bet on Mark Zuckerberg?

It goes without saying that digital media have also altered our fundamental notions of and respect for privacy. Young people now routinely post and share private, personal information and opinions on social media platforms without fully considering the potential consequences.

The immediacy of social media platforms, coupled with vulnerable youngsters who are socially inexperienced and not fully developed emotionally, can create a combustible mix. Kids often self-reveal before they reflect, and millions of kids say and do things they later regret. The permanence of what anyone posts online and the absence of an "eraser" button mean that the embarrassment and potential damage can last forever.

We urgently need a public conversation in our country among key stakeholders: parents, educators, technology innovators, policymakers and young people themselves. The dialogue must focus on the ways social media and technology enable our kids to give up their privacy before they fully understand what privacy is and why it's important to all of us. We should also discuss how social media can help empower kids to find their voice, find their purpose and potentially create the next technology revolution.

All adults know that the teen years are a critical time for identity exploration and experimentation. Yet this important developmental phase can be dramatically twisted when that identity experimentation, however personal and private, appears permanently on one's digital record for all to see.

In the 1990s, as a reaction to an explosion of television programming of increasingly questionable quality for kids, Congress passed the Children's Television Act. There was universal recognition that given all the time kids were spending in front of the television, the nation had a collective responsibility to offer positive, educational programming with limited commercials. We are at, arguably, an even more important crossroads when it comes to digital media and technology.

Howard Gardner, a professor and researcher at the Harvard Graduate School of Education who developed the concept of multiple intelligences, calls kids' use of digital media and technology "epochal change." He compares the revolution in digital media to the invention of the printing press because of its extraordinary impact on the way we communicate, share information and interact with one another. As a society, we have no choice but to engage with this new reality and work to ensure that it affects our kids in healthy, responsible ways.

The promise of digital media to transform our lives in positive ways is enormous. If managed well, technology can improve our schools and education, deepen social connectedness, expand civic engagement and even help advance our democracy. But for these positive outcomes to occur, we as a society must confront the challenges endemic in our 24/7 digital world.

We need legislation, educational efforts and norms that reflect 21st-century realities to maximize the opportunities and minimize the risks for our kids. Only then will we be able to give them the safe, healthy childhood and adolescence they deserve.

What do you think our public schools should do to prepare our children for these technological advances?

Minnesota's No Child Left Behind Waiver Proposal

Multiple Measurement Rating (MMR)

 Data Release Timeline and Key Terminology 

In February, Minnesota’s No Child Left Behind waiver request was approved by the U.S. Department of Education. As a result of this waiver approval, Minnesota is now transitioning to a new system of school recognition, accountability and support.

The heart of this new system is a new way of measuring schools called the Multiple Measurement Rating (MMR), and a new set of school accountability designations. One condition of Minnesota’s approved waiver is to calculate the MMR for all schools in the state before the end of this school year using previous year’s data, and to designate Reward, Focus and Priority Schools based on the MMR calculation. MDE has been working with data from 2011 and 2010 to satisfy this requirement, and now has a timeline in place for releasing this data to districts and the public.

On May 14, 2012, all districts will have access to MMR data for their district, and will be able to see which of their schools have been designated as Reward, Focus and Priority Schools through the secure data center on the MDE website. Following that release, districts will have an opportunity to prepare for the public release of MMR data by working with MDE staff to understand what it means for their schools going forward. On May 22, all MMR data and school designations will be made available to the media and posted to the MDE website for full public release.

This is a major transition for districts. There are several help documents posted on the Minnesota Department of Education website (http://education.state.mn.us/mde/index.html). For your convenience, here are definitions of some key terms:

Multiple Measurement Rating (MMR) – Minnesota’s new measurement of school performance. The MMR measures proficiency, student growth, achievement gap reduction, and graduation rates. Schools earn points in each category. The percentage of possible points that a school earns is the school’s MMR.

Focus Rating – Minnesota’s new measurement for identifying Focus Schools. The Focus Rating is generated by combining the proficiency and growth of the seven subgroups for which there is an achievement gap (Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, Free/Reduced Price Lunch, Special Education, and English Learners).

Priority Schools – The 5 percent most-persistently low-performing schools in the state. These schools will be identified in one of two ways: 1) status as a SIG (School Improvement Grant) School, or 2) the lowest MMRs in their grade classification group (elementary, middle school, high school, other). These schools will be required to collaborate with MDE and the statewide support system to develop a school turnaround plan based on the federal turnaround principles. These schools will be identified once every three years.

Focus Schools – The 10 percent of Title I schools making the biggest contribution to the state’s achievement gap and high schools with graduation rates of less than 60 percent. These schools will be identified in one of two ways: 1) the lowest Focus Ratings in their grade classification group (elementary, middle school, high school, other), or 2) graduation rates of less than 60 percent. These schools will work with their district to develop a school improvement plan that directly addresses poor performance either within a subgroup, or in graduation rates. These schools will be identified once every three years.

Reward Schools – The highest-performing 15 percent of Title I schools in the state. These schools will be identified based on being in the top 15 percent of their grade classification group (elementary, middle school, high school, other) in the MMR. These schools will be publicly recognized for their good work and will be identified every year.

Based on these definitions Crookston will fall in the middle.  We have made some gains and we have areas to improve. Crookston Public Schools is doing well over all with our test scores in Math and Reading and will not fall under any of the above categories.

Inevitable Digital Devices

No matter where you go you will find that many, if not most, people carry a cell phone, smart phone or some other similar device such as an I pad.  Some schools are putting I pads in the hands of nearly every student.  Textbooks are being left behind in this world of standards-driven curriculum.  Textbooks are old as soon as they are printed.  The world is changing that fast.  In Minnesota much of what and how we teach can be found on the internet for free.  It doesn't matter if schools want more technology. Our families will demand it.  When I visited London I saw tourists from many different countries carrying their I pad with them everywhere.  It was their camera and source of multiple forms of data and entertainment.

This morning it occurred to me that since most of these devices have GPS (global positioning system) that we might as well put weather emergency notices on cell phones and other electronic devices.  People ignore the T.V., radio and local sirens anyway.  If your device let you know what you are to do and how serious the danger is in a tornado warning, for example, it might just prevent injury and panic.  Your phone could not only tell you your current level of danger, it could tell you where the nearest shelter is located based on your current location.

Future use of these personal devices reach beyond our current imagination.  Literally everything will become web-hosted as nearly unlimited amounts of memory are developed.  I often think of the old Star Trek series.  Many of the devices used back then in a science fiction television show are now a reality.  Someday ultra-sound  devices will be built right into a cell phone.  Blood pressure and blood testing  will be available through an inexpensive multipurpose digital device.  Breath testers for alcohol consumption will likely be available on phones.  I predict that one day people with seizures will have phones that give them an early warning for seizures.  Military, free market,  and medical discoveries will likely enhance the features of our electronic devices.  The sturdiness of these devices will continue to improve.  They will gain long battery life and they will be water and impact proof.  Voice actuated capabilities and predictive qualities will improve alarmingly.  Touch screen texting has already gotten better with new predictive processing of our text messaging.  It is likely that these devices will be able to interpret our personal thoughts one day without typing, texting or saying a word!

The brains, screen, and processing capabilities of these small hand-held devices are hard to comprehend.  My current smartphone is my phone, clock and alarm clock, note pad, movie player, text messenger, email, Facebook (social media), source of games, massive storage for music, digital library, internet, GPS for running, instant map,stop watch, guitar tuner, Skype (real time see you/see me capability while we talk), guitar chord finder, calculator, digital audio and video recorder, camera, and calendar.  My smartphone has replaced numerous other items that take up large amounts of space and money.  I can take a high quality picture/video while on vacation and sent it to my family with a smartphone.  This video/image can be shared with the world via the internet almost instantly.   The practical uses for this are nearly endless.

As educators this is a gold mine.  Our school will soon have wi-fi.  The technology flood gate will open and it will be good.  Students will soon have inexpensive highly advanced electronic devices that will take the place of the old antiquated computers.  School expense for this will decrease.  The wi-fi (wireless) technology will allow us to control the content and bandwidth of each user or quest.  Differentiated instruction will be enhanced.  Students will be able to learn at their own pace.  Individualized instruction will be at each learner's finger tips. Virtual dissections will happen in Science.  Interactive periodic tables will bring new facets of Science to life for our children.  Simulators of all types will aid in increased student learning with out the additional costs.  Individualized language instruction in multiple languages will be available to learners.  Countless books of the appropriate reading level will be available on each device for our students.  Math lessons can be viewed at any time.  Parents can view the lessons with their children in order to help them.  Guided practice and reteaching will be done at school instead of whole group lecture.  This is a much better use of instructional time.  Value-added assessment will give everyone immediate feedback.  Schools will know more quickly if a child is learning and we will be able to provide individual remediation instruction for that child. Technology tears down the walls of space, distance and time.  I could go on and on.  Technology is opening doors and creating new opportunities.  We, as educators, must be aware of this trend and stay current with what is happening.  If your children are dealing with your technology problems and fixing them, then you are probably not staying current enough with today's technology.

By nature I am a futuristic thinker.  My imagination allows me to picture incredible advances in technology.  We educators won't let technology replace the necessary human element.  It is a reality that students today are different because of the internet and technology.  Educators must embrace this change and be prepared to raise good decent human beings in this new world of unlimited technological change.

What do you think our future looks like with the rapid growth and change in the use of technology?

School funding article

Austin News

David Krenz: Legislature's treatment of Minnesota education is unacceptable

Posted: May 12, 2012, 6:57 am

By David Krenz


It’s very easy to say something is important, to tell other people it is important, and preach that it’s a priority. It’s another thing to then do something about it.

For years now, politicians have preached about the importance of education, but the choices they make at the Capitol have not prioritized educating our kids. This legislative session was no exception.

Minnesota owes a whopping $2.4 billion to schools. This is from an accounting gimmick called the school shift. A school shift is when politicians borrow funding from schools to balance the state budget, with a pledge to pay it back when they have the cash. When faced with difficult decisions in 2011, the legislature again decided to employ this gimmick.

Because of this, my district in Austin borrowed over $7 million to pay our bills and make up for this missing state revenue. That’s $7 million from our reserves that we could be using to hire teachers, buy up-to-date textbooks, or introduce an advanced level math program. Instead, it’s $7 million we’re waiting to see from the state as a result of mismanagement and bad choices.

That’s $7 million we should have had from the state, and there’s no plan to pay it back. As a school district, we need stable funding that allows us to invest in teachers, students, bus drivers, paraprofessionals and everything else in the district required to educate our kids. Every two years when the Legislature balances the state budget, education is the last item to be considered, usually at the end of the legislative session when everyone wants to return home. What usually happens then is whatever is left is given to education and that usually means the program is on the chopping block. This is unfortunate and unacceptable.

Our kids suffer the effects of these decisions. Minnesota now ranks 47th in the nation in class size and among the top 10 states making the deepest cuts to education. Politicians have made choices that underfund our schools and kids for years. Across the state, including Austin, we are seeing the direct impacts of their choices.

Politicians continue to say education is a priority but do nothing to address the root of the problem. There are other options available. Fair revenue could be collected by closing corporate tax loopholes in a bill proposed in the House and Senate this session — but voted down — that would have garnered $450 million per year for education.

The bill that made it the furthest in the Capitol for education funding actually did nothing to help fund our schools. It took spare change from one pocket and threw it into the other, while making no real impact on education.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Action expresses priorities.” It is time the legislature took action on what they say their priorities are by making better choices and putting their money where their rhetoric is, by adequately funding schools. It’s time to finally "walk the talk" by making education a priority in Minnesota.

David Krenz is superintendent of Austin Public Schools.

Leo Club

Since Mary Ann Odland retired in 2010 I have grown to appreciate all that she has done and all that the Leo Club continues to do in the service of others with the current leadership of Linda Morgan.  LEO stands for Leadership, Experience and Opportunity.  The Crookston Leo Club has received the LEO "Club of  Excellence" award for 20 years in a row.  LEO Clubs are an offshoot of the Lions Club.   Lions International awards 20-35 Excellence Awards each year among the 5,738 LEO clubs in 142 countries. With local LEO club membership reaching 145 students (grades 9-12), 80% or more participate in multiple activities each year.  The LEO Club has raised over $200,000 through the years.  LEO club members volunteer for activities that benefit the young and old alike.  They will contribute to any cause or program that helps people. 


This service group has page after page of community events and activities broken down into the following categories: elementary school activities, high school activities, service to the elderly, literacy and cultural awareness, community wide activities, health awareness activities, fund raisers, program sponsorships, and community awareness.  Our Crookston LEO club has been recognized as the Athletic Boosters of the Year, finalist for the J.C. Penney "Golden Rule Award', Crookston City Council "Volunteer Award", Wellness Works "Wellness Award", "Prevention Excellence Award" from the Mn Cancer Society, "Outstanding Community Service Award" for enthusiasm and support sponsored by the United Way and two certificates of commendation from Governor Arne Carlson.

It is tempting to focus only on ourselves especially in high school.  Serving others is one of the greatest activities to turn our attention to others and to foster good mental health.  Service to others benefits everyone.  LEO Club members are good students.  The giving spirit positively impacts the school culture.  The LEO club has helped make Crookston a better place.  



How has the LEO club or other service group impacted your life?

Crookston Teachers

During teacher appreciation week, it is good to think about our teachers that work so hard for our children.  Teachers often give of their own time and their own resources to benefit the students.  For most teachers they are thinking about lessons, curriculum, students issues and a host of other school-related matters outside of the regular school day.  Unlike a business, they are dealing with the hearts and minds of children; all children.  Teachers understand this major responsibility.

I am very proud of our Crookston Teachers.  Each teacher was carefully selected by a committee of educators and others from this community.  For six years I have watched excellent teachers make a difference in the lives of others.  I know this personally since my own daughters have benefited from these dedicated instructors.

Teachers have to not only understand and demonstrate good instructional practices, they have to be able to figure out students.  The home-life of a child is a major factor.  It is inevitable that baggage from home becomes part of the class room environment.  Mental health issues, chemical dependency, and poverty are just a few factors that can present a roadblock for learning.  If a well-educated child is our finished product then society needs to understand that education can not be compared to a business.  How do you put a price on the value of a good education?

To Crookston Teachers I say thank you.  I appreciate the time you take to develop specific lessons and curriculum to help our children.  I am grateful that teachers take time to seek professional growth and training opportunities.  Thank you (teachers) for the countless things that you do for children that go unnoticed or unappreciated.  Thank you for going the extra mile to help a child feel valued.  Thank you for helping a child believe and know that they can do something.  Thank you for listening to a child's concerns and fears.  Thank you for sharing your life with our children.  What you do has great worth.  

I have heard amazing stories about our wonderful teachers over the years.

How have teachers made a difference in your life or in the life of your child?

Pool Update

After many years the pool will begin to see some long over-due remodeling during the next year or two.  Bringing the facility up-to-date is the first priority.  We will review and revise our programming and promotion of the pool.  Facility improvements include a new roof, pool shell, new interior lighting, new filter, new cleaning equipment, and a new boiler.  The pool is more than 30 years old.  Much of the original equipment has reached the end of its life.  By replacing these items we will sustain the pool well into the future.  After the remodeling is completed, we will turn our attention to programming and promotion.  We will seek ways to collaborate with the hospital and other entities.  We will find ways to draw in greater numbers possibly increasing revenue.  All of this will be managed under a Pool Business Plan.  Meanwhile, if you have a comment or concern you can reach me at wegilman@crookston.k12.mn.us or 218-281-5313 ext. 1.  I will put the contact information up on the pool doors as well.  Our goal is to significantly "raise the bar" on the programs, communications and utilization. 

What ideas do you have to make the pool better?

Trip to London

Recently I visited London.  As an educator I was very curious about life in another country.  Talking to people about their homeland of England was very interesting.  London is one of the most diverse places on earth with a 1,000+ years of history.  With all of this diversity I asked a tour guide what additional languages are taught in British schools.  He said they taught French as a  second language.  London, I suspect, is like New York or any other large metro area.  It was a busy and fast moving place.  The streets were busy most of the time.  People were visiting London in large numbers from all over the world. 

The media was talking about comments made by the Prime Minister.  He was calling for merit pay for teachers based on student performance.  Again, I asked a London citizen about this and he found this notion to be ridiculous.  The real issue is whether ALL students can achieve at the highest levels given that their home life may be desperately inadequate.

Economically and politically England's problems seem to match our own.  This was my second trip to Great Britain and the one thing I am sure of this that America is a much better place to live.  Clean air and wide open spaces are a blessing here.  Opportunities for the average American is much greater.

London is getting ready for the Olympics.  Workers are busy remodeling London's buildings and roads.  The layout of the city is chaotic.  The streets are narrow and unorganized.  Many thousands of people literally run to work.  Even more people bike to work.  Business seems to be thriving.  If you watch the news, however, they struggle with a lagging economy just like the United States.

In my own opinion, I firmly believe that the United States does the best job in the world at providing an education for the masses.  Other countries offer a great education for a few.  Minnesota does it better than many other states.  For this reason I am very proud to be in education in the great State of Minnesota.  I encourage our staff to keep up the great work.  London, by the way, is a great place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.

What can we do to make our Crookston School District even better?

Welcome to my first Superintendent's blog.  It has been long over due.  Hopefully this form of communication will serve you on-line readers well.

Crookston Public Schools has faced many financial challenges in the past few years.  The Crookston community supported an operating levy this last fall.  This means that we are now able to avoid making any major reductions.  We are also able to begin making things better.  The pool is an example.  We are starting with the infrastructure of the pool.  The bricks, roof, lights, pool deck, pool shell, pool filter, boiler and air handler are all due for upgrades and improvements.  After that we will look to promotions and collaboration to increase participation.  Technology is another area that will see a major overhaul.  Wireless technology is going into the schools.  This allows every room to be a computer lab.  Students can use their own devices or computers provided by the district.  Teachers will be able to blend technology more fully into daily instruction.

Since this is my first installment, I will keep it short.  Please look for future blogs highlighting Crookston Public School News.

How important is technology to you?