Residents of ISD 831 will go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8 to elect three members of the school board. Each of the three seats up for election next week carry four-year terms.

The six candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot are: Julie A. Corcoran, 6471 210th Lane N., Forest Lake; David Gay, 22760 Ideal Ave. N., Forest Lake; Dan Kieger, 7710 Marilyn Dr., Lino Lakes; Jody Krebs, 7509 172nd Ave., Columbus; Eric Michael Langness, 9610 N. 223rd St., Forest Lake; and Michelle J. DeWitt, 22920 Hayward Ave. N., Forest Lake.

The candidates were asked to respond to a questionnaire from the newspaper. Their answers follow.

David Gay

1. Do you support the Nov. 8 ballot question that asks voters to approve additional operating levy dollars in the amount of $2 million a year over the next five years? Be specific.

The levy is not simply $2 million per year for 5 years it is actually $8 million per year over five years. This represents a $40 million commitment, $6 million of which is included in the current operating levy.

I do not think the school needs the extra money at this time. The state of Minnesota gave the school district $1.6 million this year and $1.8 million for next year. The current levy still has 1 year to go, and the class size reduction that was promised hasnít been fulfilled. What assurance do we have that the current promises will be fulfilled?

While all-day-everyday kindergarten is a valuable option, it isnít the communityís responsibility to fully fund it.

2. What are your top two objectives if elected to the school board?

My top objective is to ensure that the school district is providing a quality education by making the classroom the highest priority. We also need to restore the community trust through responsible budgeting.

Currently, we have teachers complaining that they donít have any supplies in their classrooms. The real problem is that the money is not making it to the classroom.

People are tired of being asked for more and more money. We need to find the balance and establish honest and open discussion between the school and everyone in our community.

3. In your opinion, what is the primary function of a school board member?

The primary function of a school board member is to set the policies or rules that the district is to operate by. Then make sure that the superintendent and the administration have everything they need to implement the policies. A school board member is also one of the channels for the community to communicate with the school district.

4. In paragraph form, please describe your qualifications and reasons for seeking election and provide a brief biographical sketch.

I earned my Ph.D. in physics which has taught me how to analyze and understand complex systems. As a computer consultant, I have run my own business and written several accounting programs.

Having lived and worked in a culturally diverse part of London, I have met and worked with people from many countries.

I would like to serve on the school board, because it is a way that I can use my experiences and skills to serve our community. By ensuring that our district is run in a fiscally responsible manner, our children will get a better education.

Dan Kieger

1. Do you support the Nov. 8 ballot question that asks voters to approve additional operating levy dollars in the amount of $2 million a year over the next five years? Be specific.

I do support the ballot question as it will put more teachers in class rooms and offer all day, every day kindergarten. This will allow our teachers to put more emphasis on reading, writing and math in smaller class sizes so each student will have more one on one with teachers. This will help our students learn and succeed.

All day every day kindergarten will allow our young children more time and consistency with learning and prepare them for their next step in school.

What the state gives most school districts is short of what is needed to offer a quality education and the proof is the fact most districts operate with property tax levies. In the metro area, the Forest Lake schools levy is at the lower end of local support. We need to have smaller class sizes K-12. There are class sizes in the upper 20s to low 30s. This does not allow teachers to have one on one and get to know and help their students.

2. What are your top two objectives if elected to the school board?

Kids! Quality education!

It is all about our students. I will work for appropriate class sizes and providing teachers with the tools and assistance needed to educate our children with an emphasis on reading, writing and math, and to teach them how to think for themselves so they can learn and succeed.

Also, I want our kids to be excited and have pride in their schools so when they grow and move on they are proud to say they are from Forest Lake. Remember our district motto: Inspire the Learner; Ignite the Potential.

To protect our districtís future we have to be fiscally responsible and accountable to our taxpayers. They elect us to do this job because they trust we will work to do what is best for our districtís future. I will question and challenge myself and others to do the best for our schools.

3. In your opinion, what is the primary function of a school board member?

As elected officials we are responsible to work with the school superintendent and administration on setting the budget, buildings and grounds issues, school district policy, curriculum programs as to insure that our district has a strong future.

4. In paragraph form, please describe your qualifications and reasons for seeking election and provide a brief biographical sketch.

I have lived in the Forest Lake school district for 20 years with my wife Linda. I have four children ó three have graduated from Forest Lake and one daughter still in ninth grade. I have been involved in our community for years and feel I can contribute to the school board.

My occupation as well as community involvement make me a qualified candidate. I have served on the districtís buildings and grounds committee for the past five years. I was on the board of directors for the Forest Lake Area Athletic Association for about 14 years, president for the last seven years and served on a variety of committees as well as sport director and coach.

I am motivated, reliable and honest. I work well with others and am a team player. As a board member, if elected I will work to be informed on issues at hand and challenge myself and others to act and be accountable for our decisions to insure the future of our schools.

Jody Krebs

1. Do you support the Nov. 8 ballot question that asks voters to approve additional operating levy dollars in the amount of $2 million a year over the next five years? Be specific.

Funding of schools over the last several years has changed. School used to receive a greater percentage of property tax dollars. The legislature enacted a new law to fund education but failed to provide necessary revenue.

To receive adequate funding they put the burden back on the taxpayers and the school districts through voter-approved referendums.

We all receive general aid dollars which is the basic formula allowance. This is the base amount per pupil. We are then eligible for categorical aid. Examples of this type of aid include free and reduced lunch, Limited English Proficiency and special education to name a few.

We are still underfunded here because although we meet 21 of the categories, when the formulas are figured out, we are still on the lower end of the band of dollar amount that we qualify for.

I do support our families as they make the decision on the upcoming levy.

I do support the Nov. 8 levy.

2. What are your top two objectives if elected to the school board?

I donít have any hidden agenda. I would simply say, my first objective, if reelected to the school board would be to continue to strive for high quality delivery of curriculum. I continue to support the five-year curriculum review cycle. It is an excellent way to monitor how we see our curriculum developed and delivered to our students.

Your tax dollars provide so many services for our kids. While federal funding should fully support many of these services, actual funding falls far short. We then must go to the general fund to subsidize in these areas. We are then forced into the position of asking for tax dollars to cover these expenses.

My second objective would be accountability. It is the responsibility of the school board to present a clear vision and firm direction for educating our kids. My part is to work with all board members to create and reinforce the vision and direction. We are then able to hold our administration, directors and all staff accountable for meeting our expectations. Working together we will make the best decisions possible for our kids and families.

3. In your opinion, what is the primary function of a school board member?

The primary function is to be a representative for all tax-paying families in our district, a person our families can bring their cares and concerns to, knowing those concerns will be brought before the board for consideration. A portion of each board meeting is dedicated to discussing concerns received from community members.

To be an effective representative, I feel it is each board memberís responsibility to make well-informed decisions on all issues that come before the school board. This often means taking the time to educate oneís self. Formulation of policies is a major function of our school board. The goal is to create and implement policies that can be clearly understood and utilized by all staff, teachers, kids and families. This helps us stay united in delivering programs and services to all our kids.

4. In paragraph form, please describe your qualifications and reasons for seeking election and provide a brief biographical sketch.

My family and I have lived in the Forest Lake School District for the past 14 years. My husband Bill and I have four children, Nicole, a 2001 graduate of Forest Lake High School, Sammi, 16, Billy, 15, and Chantel, 10. They all attend ISD 831 public schools.

We continue to be business owners in the school district community. I have always been an involved parent in our community. I have spent time in my childrenís classrooms. I have been a Girl Scout leader for six years, and for the last 10 years I have been a music facilitator at our church.

I have served as an elected representative on our school board for the past four years. I am seeking reelection because I would like to give back to our community using the knowledge and perspective I have gained. I am committed to unity. I will work hard to strengthen communications among the community, students, the school board and administration. Together we will broaden our vision and reach our goals. United makes us strong.

Michele DeWitt

1. Do you support the Nov. 8 ballot question that asks voters to approve additional operating levy dollars in the amount of $2 million a year over the next five years? Be specific.

Do I support the levy? Yes. Additional money from a levy will provide funding for more teachers. Students will receive individualized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics and gifted education. Individualized instruction must be based on current performance data to meet the educational needs of students.

Offering free full-day kindergarten provides a positive beginning to elementary school regardless of a familyís ability to pay for this opportunity. Emerging research on full-day kindergarten is encouraging and tied to future academic success. Stronger beginnings also correlate to a reduction in open enrollment to neighboring school districts.

A different perspective that I offer to the kindergarten issue is the fact that parents should be given the opportunity to adjust the length of their childís kindergarten school day, especially in the fall. Past practice in Forest Lake has been that teachers and principals are flexible with this issue.

2. What are your top two objectives if elected to the school board?

My top two objectives if elected. Strong Academics. A look into the district records shows that many students are high achievers when compared to their peers across the state. Never resting on laurels, academic programs should be regularly scrutinized to ensure they continue to stand with the best in the state.

Careful curriculum and textbook selection can keep our district on track for a total program upgrade. Knowing that college entrance depends on the number of challenging courses taken at the high school level, many high school students will benefit from strong post-secondary preparation courses.

Strong Sense of Belonging. Strong beginnings occur when our district lays the foundation of positive and inviting relations with families. It is widely recognized that the path to higher academic performance requires a stable, welcoming environment that encourages a sense of belonging for all learners. To that end, every school in the district should concentrate on building a climate that is more welcoming and engaging, especially as families enter kindergarten, enter seventh grade, and enter tenth grade.

3. In your opinion, what is the primary function of a school board member?

It is my responsibility as a board member, together with other members, to see that the schools are properly run. As board members we set policy for district operations. We research the educational needs of the district. We maintain adequate funding to operate a school district.

I will be an active listener and a thoughtful decision maker, motivated by doing what is best for children.

4. In paragraph form, please describe your qualifications and reasons for seeking election and provide a brief biographical sketch.

My qualifications to serve as a school board member for Forest Lake Area Schools are as follows. I have lived in the district for 35 years. My community service and district involvement is extensive and spans a lifetime.

I attended Forest Lake public schools from kindergarten through graduation in 1989. Now my journey in our district has taken a new path with my oldest child at Scandia Elementary. I have extensive knowledge of public education as a parent, as a teacher and as an assistant principal.

My leadership skills include the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, solve problems, establish and maintain a balanced budget and the ability to make knowledgeable curriculum choices for a school district.

Eric M. Langness

1. Do you support the Nov. 8 ballot question that asks voters to approve additional operating levy dollars in the amount of $2 million a year over the next five years? Be specific.

No! The proposed levy is a $34 million commitment without a guarantee of improvement in our childrenís education. An additional $2 million added to the current $6 million is unnecessary. The current levy, which has another full year, had promises that were kept only the first year.

The administration promises the public that it can fund 44 teachers with the levy. The new levy promises lower class sizes: when the new kindergarten teachers for all-day, every day are considered, there are no remaining teachers to reduce class sizes in other grades. The teachersí union has been without a contract for approximately four months. The actual number of new teachers will depend on the exact pay scales; an unknown at this time. The district has not indicated whether these new teachers will be ìfirst firedî when salaries and costs increase and ìeat awayî at the levy amount.

The district received an additional $1.6 million from the state of Minnesota in August. The current board chose to hire two administrative, not teaching, positions at a yearly expense of $210,000. The Forest Lake School Board should instead prioritize the state money to fund teachers, and levy to fund new administrators. Our current board and administration have reversed spending priorities. We need to make classroom improvement our first priority.

2. What are your top two objectives if elected to the school board?

Excellence and efficiency in education will always be my top objectives.

The school board and administration should focus on quality education. We should spend money to teach students instead of merely improving test scores. When our district puts teaching first, test scores will improve. The current board states that it needs the new levy for new teachers. The board prioritized spending and decided that administrators were more important than funding teachers. I will prioritize teachers and students for the next four years. Excellent teachers will ensure students are prepared beyond the ability to pass tests; they will be prepared for college and the workforce.

I will promote efficiency by developing partnerships with neighbors, organizations and businesses within and around the Forest Lake School District. Sharing administrative positions with neighboring districts would improve our district while reducing administrative expenses. When issues occur, the easy solution is to spend money on symptoms. Instead, effective planning, well executed, will provide efficient district operations.

3. In your opinion, what is the primary function of a school board member?

The primary function of the board is to set policy ensuring a quality education is received by all students in a fair and equitable manner. School boards do this by being a guide to administration. The board must review staff recommendations and vote in the best interest of students and employees, while protecting the taxpayersí investment. A background in educational instruction and administration has given me experience in this important role.

School board members must also perform as team players with the administration and all members of the board. All involved have the same ultimate goal: to have a successful school district. They must be open minded and vote in the best interests of all. A high quality member brings suggestions to the table and explains why their plans will succeed. I am prepared to bring fresh ideas to our school board and its committees for the betterment of our districtís children, teachers, staff and residents.

Board members participate on committees consisting of appointed members of the community. It is the role of the board member to oversee ideas brought forth in committee and summarize to the board. A board member must put aside personal interests and bring a summary of suggestions to the regular board meetings as suggestions to implement desired changes.

4. In paragraph form, please describe your qualifications and reasons for seeking election and provide a brief biographical sketch.

At age 20, I chose to move to Forest Lake to enjoy the openness and prosperity different than my hometown of St. Paul. Now, at age 27 I remain single without children, and dedicate much of my time to bettering our community. My educational background as a student includes University of St. Thomas, 1994-96 (major: computer science, minor: mathematics); University of Minnesota, 1996-98 (pre-med major: biochemistry); High-Tech Institute, 1998 (radiographic technology diploma); Anthem College, 2004-05 (radiographic technology degree). I currently hold an administrative and instructional position at the collegiate level. A solid foundation in education administration gives me a background to achieve success for our district.

I believe in holding an open and accountable administration which produces balanced budgets. Consumption of resources in an attempt to pass a levy will not be my top priority. I will make certain our administration focuses on improving education in our district. Funding classrooms first will be prioritized, while making certain spending is sensible and effective. With votersí support, I will improve our communityís education while working to meet the challenges of the future.

Julie Corcoran

1. Do you support the Nov. 8 ballot question that asks voters to approve additional operating levy dollars in the amount of $2 million a year over the next five years? Be specific.

Yes, I support the upcoming levy. After spending much time in the schools, I see the student to teacher ratio is much too high. If we added the teachers, who could focus on the core areas of math, reading and writing, I feel that we could significantly increase the mandated test scores. With the No Child Left Behind Program I feel that some of the children that do not qualify for title one assistance are not receiving the extra help that is needed to succeed.

The all day kindergarten would build a solid foundation for the children that need consistency to learn and excel. Research has shown this program would improve student achievement, improve social development and reduce the number of children needing to repeat a grade.

As a parent of a kindergartener I cannot stress enough how disruptive the every other day kindergarten is, it was my only choice for my school. My child needs consistency and I find that he is already having trouble with this schedule.

I also feel strongly that parents who do not want the all day kindergarten be given another option. This area that needs to addressed.

2. What are your top two objectives if elected to the school board?

My first objective would be to protect the taxpayerís dollars by making sure that district funds are spent wisely and to get involved with learning about all the spending and look for ways to reduce costs. This is an area that I have been trained and educated and I could really make a difference.

I would definitely not support the two administrative positions that were approved by the board for $210,000.

As I said at the Chamber of Commerce Forum, I do see the need for these areas to be addressed in the future, but not for this much money. There are teachers in the district performing these functions and they should be given the opportunity to be hired. We could also partner with neighboring districts to share the expense.

My second objective would be to reduce class size. That is why the levy for learning is so important. I think that every parent should spend some time in the classroom and see what it is really like. To some people it is just a number but for the teachers and students it is real life. I want to make sure that every student is given the tools and the encouragement that is needed to reach their true potential.

3. In your opinion, what is the primary function of a school board member?

I see the role of a school board member as an elected official that represents the taxpayers, parents and students of the district. Their job is to strengthen the school district and to protect our tax dollar.

Another important function is to be an active listener to the residents of their district and bring their questions and concerns to the board meetings. They should be attending PTO or PTA meetings, visiting classrooms, listening to the teachers and be someone who is approachable by all the people of the district. Their other obligation is to keep an open mind when making decisions.

There are so many different life experiences for each board member and each has a different perspective so they have to weigh each decision carefully.

Also it is their jobs to evaluate and review administrative jobs. Representing our district in a positive way is also very important. Negativity is a contagious attitude and if it starts at the top it filters down into the schools, into the classrooms and to our children.

4. In paragraph form, please describe your qualifications and reasons for seeking election and provide a brief biographical sketch.

My husband Mike and I have resided in Forest Lake for 19 years. We have three children 13, 11, and 6. I graduated from Augsburg with a degree in Accounting and Economics and have worked over the years as an accountant. I have dedicated my time to being on committees that deal with the programs my children were in.

My first committee was ECFE- 4 years, PTO President for Forest Lake Elementary for 2 years, PTO committee member for 5 years, Boundary Change Committee for 2 years, Community Education Advisory Council for 5 years and Forest Lake Hoops Club for 2 years. I have learned a great deal from working on these committees and I have felt a great sense of pride and self-reward for my contributions.

I have loved representing my family and friends and serving with fellow community members. Now I ask for your support for a seat on the Forest Lake School Board. If elected I would represent my voters with same pride and hard-work and ethics that I have always shown through the years.

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