The Minnesota School Boards Association held its Annual Leadership Conference, January 12-14, 2011. I.S.D. 166 School Board members Mary Sanders and Jeanne Anderson and I attended the conference and coordinated our schedules to cover as many different informational sessions as possible. More than ever the complexities and challenges involved in educating students today were apparent.
We believe relaying this information to the Cook County Community is very important and we are committed to working on improving communication with the public.
Yet, we know, true communication involves dialogue. Simply providing information does not necessarily result in communication. In order to provide the best education we can for Cook County students we need and want to hear community concerns and suggestions.
The district cannot say “yes” to everything and everyone. Good communication does not mean that everyone agrees on everything. However, we promise to listen and seriously consider what community members have to say.
There are several ways you can get involved in conversations with the district. If you are interested in being involved in school leadership there are Leadership Teams in place; community members are welcome and encouraged to participate on these teams.
Prior to each regular school board meeting, 15 minutes are set aside for community members to come in and share suggestions or concerns.
The superintendent will gladly attend club or business meetings, simply call 387-2271 to schedule your event.
On January 27, 2011, Lutsen Resort is sponsoring an I.S.D. 166 Communication Team Meeting at 5:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public and is intended to provide the public an opportunity to visit with the superintendent, members of the Communication team and Jeanne Anderson, West End board representative. Potential topics for discussion include how levy dollars are being used to enhance education for students, how the state’s budget crisis could impact the district, why the district is considering building reorganization, data-driven instruction and the importance of early childhood education. Finally, if you ever have an issue you wish to discuss with the superintendent, please call the district and set up an appointment.
Communicating for kids is important for their education and for the future economic stability of Cook County. Please, join the conversation.
Each month a representative of our local schools will offer thoughts in Issues in Education. This month’s s contributor is Beth Schwarz, superintendent of School District 166.
Leave a Reply