Commentary; Posted: 11/15/06
Vote was an investment in schools
Bill Bresin
Guest Columnist
On Nov. 7, voters in the Forest Lake Area School District made an important investment in the future of our children, schools, communities, and even our local economy. Voters renewed their commitment to our schools by passing a $6.5 million levy - replacing an existing levy that will expire in June 2007.
We are grateful for the trust our communities have placed in us and we believe strongly that the investment you made in your public schools will continue to pay huge dividends.
Our schools already have a strong tradition of producing highly-skilled, well-rounded students ready to succeed in college, in the workforce, and in life. Hereís just a sample of some of the ways your levy dollars will continue to be used in the coming years:
ïProvide students with challenging and relevant curriculum.
ïContinue to improve student achievement.
ïMaintain current district-wide class size averages.
ïContinue to offer our students a wide-variety of extra-curricular activities and academic opportunities at all grade levels.
ïRecruit and retain highly-qualified staff members.
Over the last few months weíve had many conversations with residents who are committed to moving our district forward and improving the quality of our schools and our communities.
Weíve gathered feedback from more than 200 community members through a formal strategic planning process, and we will be working hard to implement strategies to challenge students, engage our community, and attract quality staff.
We are excited to continue this important work and encourage you to partner with us in building an even stronger Forest Lake Area School District.
If you have questions or ideas about the future of our schools, please feel free to contact a school board member or Superintendent Lynn Steenblock, or send an email to the district at feedback@forestlake.k12.mn.us.
Bill Bresin lives in Forest Lake and is president of the ISD 831 Board of Education.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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