Strengths – There is so much to be proud of!
Our district’s Unified Vision Plan is a strong foundation that commits to equity and justice for students and staff. It recognizes the importance of early learning and teaching state standards in culturally responsive ways. With a district-wide commitment to working toward this vision, all students will learn and achieve at high levels.
The teachers in the Robbinsdale Area Schools care deeply about their students’ learning. They understand the importance of social-emotional growth and realize the importance of building relationships with students.
Our new Superintendent, Dr. Teri Staloch, brings experience, integrity, positivity and vision to our district. I am looking forward to working with her bringing our district to recognize its fullest potential.
The Robbinsdale Area Schools have been nationally recognized for its strong commitment to the arts. This has been a long-standing strength district-wide and there is continually mounting evidence that arts education provides significant positive impacts on academic and social growth. Though our own children are grown, our family continues to enjoy choir concerts and plays in the schools.
Opportunities for Growth
Referendum for Technology and Safety
Voters this fall are being asked to renew the 2014 capital technology levy and continue to support a technology infrastructure and building safety and security. Because this levy is renewing one that was already passed by voters, citizens’ taxes will not increase. In 2014 the entire focus of the levy was technology. This year the focus of the levy has expanded to include work on building safety and security. This year the capital projects levy provided $6.6 million in funding for technology. In the past the funding has provided for a device or laptop for each student and staff member and allowed for the expansion of Robbinsdale Virtual Academy.
Equity
I recognize the long-standing racial and economic inequities associated with white privilege across our country, state, and district. As we make decisions for our schools, I am committed to viewing every decision with an equity lens. This means that we must take a critical look at how our schools are serving ALL students and how we can better meet their needs in a just and equitable manner.
Enrollment
The reputation of our district needs to reflect the strengths of our schools and students. We need to find ways to entice more of the students who live in our district to enroll in our Robbinsdale schools and also attract students from other districts.
The Budget
School Districts across the state faced budget cuts this year and the Robbinsdale Area School district was no exception. Seventeen million dollars were cut for the upcoming school year budget compared to last year’s budget. We are leaner and we know that there are more budget cuts in our future.
Leadership
Our Robbinsdale School Board needs someone who understands our board dynamics and is able to be patient, logical and build consensus among the board members. I am a voice of reason and a calming presence on the board. It is not my goal to be the best board member, my goal is to help the school board work better together.
