School Board Candidate ISD 166 District 3 – Kim Nelson

Kim Nelson

What interested you in running for school board?

Children are my passion! Many know that 8 years ago I battled cancer…I re-evaluated my life and decided to invest my time into what makes me most happy! I say again, “children are my passion!” Seeing the smiles on their face when they learn new concepts makes me smile too.

I have worked 23 years in Grand Marais teaching children, establishing programs that enrich their lives, and have raised 4 children who attended ISD 166.

I was on the library board during the period of the expansion project…all of us enjoy the increased space. My time as Education Chair gave me an opportunity to use the MN. Coastal Waters Grant to give our youth field trips along the shore and “The Lorax” play at Fisherman’s picnic. Recently, I stepped up to coordinate T-Ball for our 4, 5, 6-year-old kids through Community Education. That program served approximately 70 kids as well as gave family and friends some enjoyment.

I have enjoyed the past three years at Sawtooth Elementary as a Reading Corps Tutor & Special Education Paraprofessional teaching reading strategies.

What concerns do you have at ISD 166?

The 2022 MN. Report card came out recently for school districts in Minnesota.

Sawtooth Elementary Scores:

*Data found on MN. Dept. of Education website. I list Sawtooth’s statistics because that is what I am familiar with and can speak on. The graph reflects the percentage of students proficient in the subjects.

I am concerned for our children’s drop in proficiency as reflected in the chart.

Granted the pandemic has decreased proficiency scores throughout the United States. However, if you look at the graph, our decline started prior to that. All but in science, Kudos for our science score of 59.4% – the best in the past 5 years! Our elementary science teacher, Mr. Long has done a phenomenal job incorporating content in an interactive way kids can learn it.

I am very optimistic about our new Reading Curriculum implemented last year at Sawtooth Elementary. The “Orton Gilliam” curriculum enforces phonetic reading, which I believe is key to our success to catch up from a 1½ year lag.

Most would argue more money is the answer to this, but I would also refer you to Birch Grove & Great Expectations schools report card. Their scores reflect higher for schools with annual budgets of less. We should ask ourselves why? I believe the key essentials to change the trajectory for this is quality teachers/paraprofessionals in partnership with parents, curriculum that focuses on the root causes for the lags, and time allowed to educators to focus on that.

What are your feelings about unfunded mandates?

The first question to ask, is it really a mandate by law or recommendations? If it is a mandate, the Grand Marais community has always had various organizations/ volunteers that raise money to help with special requests in our school district. The school has received many a dollar in our budget because of their efforts. I would continue to work with these groups and seek out other granting sources.

What are your feelings about the levy?

To give an honest assessment of that, I would have to look at line item by line item in the budget. So far, the information I’ve been able to obtain has been generalized in each category. I lived here 10 years ago when taxpayers were asked to vote yes on that levy. Honestly, with home values in Grand Marais having been assessed higher the past few years, we will in fact pay more taxes all during an inflationary cycle and that is a concern to me. What I do know during that last levy increase student enrollment & test scores declined, not increased. Again, more questions need to be asked to make a fair and accurate assessment on this question.

Why vote for me?

Children grow so quickly to young adults…it is a small window of time to develop skills that help them navigate this world. I have a unique perspective to sit on the board as both an educator and parent of 4 children who attended ISD 166. You may get a board member from one area or the other, or none, I am both! I am happy with the work I’ve done in my community within the school & resort industry. I ask for a fair assessment of my decades of a solid record from outside voices or my opponents.

I would love your vote in District 3 for school board ISD 166.

Kim Nelson