I don't think there is an easy way to answer these questions. I heard what Mr. Benko and the board had to say in September and as an outsider I really don't feel I have enough information to make a valid decision. To some this may appear as the easy way out, but unless I have all the facts I don't feel it is fair for me to pass judgment on what has been going on. I think there are many rumors and inaccurate truths about what is and has been happening between Mr. Benko and Mrs. Decorsey. To be honest I think it should not be taken up in a public forum. In regards to the comments that Mr. Benko made regarding the operations of the board it sounds like and appeared that there are some issues that need to be addressed. However, without being a major part of all the meetings, discussions and dynamics I can not comment on what needs to happen next. I can say that if I were on the board I would hope to work with the other board mambers to make the best and most informed decisions regarding matters related to our schools, children and community.

In regards to the question about Mr. Benko not being on committees, it is hard for me to respond. I hope that all board members are given fair treatment. I do not have first hand experience with the dynamics of the board so I can not make an informed decision. I will say that it kind of shocked me when I heard what had happened as I think others in the community were shocked. I would hope that the borad can figure out a way to use each others talents within the various committees.

The entire school board will be involved in the selection of the new superintendent. The Minnesota School Board Association will be sending a representative to the next board meeting (10/22) to help with the process. Two members of the current board were involved in Mr. Kauzlarich's hiring and three were involved a few years ago when Larry went to Iowa and we hired an interim until his return. I believe the board has the experience and knowledge to hire a qualified replacement, with input from the teachers, staff and community members. Larry will be hard to replace, but Jordan is an attractive district to work for and I believe we will have plenty of high quality candidates.
Ira has served on the board for a long time and done a tremendous job as chairman for as long as I have been on the board. No one stays on the board forever, though. Although the board will miss his leadership and experience, I believe there are good members on the current board and good candidates running to continue the work of the board.

Change happens and is a part of life. I say this often in my job as an Autism Specialist. It may not always be easy or happen without some bumps, but it happens. I think that Jordan has been blessed with some great leaders and I think that there are other great leaders ready to take on the next challenges. I think that change can be very good and often brings renewed strength and energy. Change can also be scary. Fears can be calmed when people are informed and have all the information they need to make the best decision. I have confidence that the board will involve the key people including families, community members, administaration, staff, etc. in order to find the best match for our district. I am excited to find out more about the process and how I can be involved as a parent, candidate and community member.

I personally think that Jordan is doing a great job providing healthy meals and snacks for it's students. I personally have enjoyed that lunches when I was a staff member with MRVSEC. I get excited for my daughter when there are certain lunches offered. Having worked in several districts I have had the opportunity to see many school lunches and I think many schools are making changes in a healthy direction. I do feel that healthy decisions in school are only a small piece of the apple. Our community and families are major contributors and very influencial in living a healthy lifestyle. I know that there is some initiative in this direction, but maybe more needs to be done to involve the community and families in promoting healthy lifestyles.

The one event that comes to mind as a way the district is currently being inclusive of new residents is Celebrate Jordan held in the spring. It not only provides new residents a chance to get in the schools, but a wealth of information about the community they live in. The improvements made to the district’s website have also made that a more valuable tool to new residents to get information about the district. However, it has not been used so far to showcase district happenings, highlight programs, celebrate accomplishments, or disseminate newsworthy items. The absence of those things could make people not “in” the schools already wonder whether there is much of value going on in the district. The last piece of district news on the website is the failed levy referendum in 2006. I have said on a number of occasions there are great things happening in the Jordan schools and my own personal experiences with my children have proven that. Those are the things that need to be in the news. There have been improvements made in the area of communication, but communication is so much more than just getting information out to people. It is about listening and responding to needs and involving people in the decision-making process. Improvements in these areas will help all members of the community feel more included.

Dave Helke
Candidate for Jordan School Board
www.helkeforschoolboard.com

I absolutly agree with you Jason, as do most people. However, the problem we run into is if we give all 5 days each week to Phy. Ed., where do we take that time from? Music? Art? The school day/week is full. To add to one program means you have to take away from another. When I was new to the Board and this topic came up, I was fully supportive of trying to get more Phy. Ed. back into the school week, until I learned that another program would have to suffer. This is why I appreciate both the Elementary and Middle School promoting recess. At least there is an extra added portion of time for the kids to get out and burn some energy.

Tammy Will

That is a good question Jason. I can't answer it quickly as it would take some research. I guess it's been too many years for me because I can't remember how it was back in my elementary days. I do know that part of the blame for less Phy. Ed. time can be put on the major changes in cirriculum over the years. You always hear how school is so much harder for our kids than it was for us. I suspect academics are to blame for squeezing out some Phy. Ed. time. I did a little on-line research and found that there are many elementary schools (middle & high schools too!) across the country that do not even offer Phy. Ed. The reasons in each article I found were due to increased pressure on academics. Federal and State standards are the driving force behind less time for other programs. However, I do believe Jordan has done a good job of working to keep as much of it in all three schools as they can while still meeting accountability standards for academics.

Tammy Will