Austin School Board candidates will face off in the Tuesday primary election, and, to help voters better understand their choices, the Austin Daily Herald has created a questionnaire designed to cover some of the important issues in the Austin Public School District this election.

The pool of eight candidates will be narrowed to six this Tuesday. Three candidates will be elected to the board Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Tracey Chamberlain

Profession: Special Education Teacher (retired)

Years Lived in Austin: 27

Prior Elective Office Experience:

 Elected in 1986 and 1990 to the Austin City Council from the 3rd Ward

 Appointed in 2002 to fill a two year vacancy on the Austin City Council from the 3rd Ward

 Served on several boards and commissions within the city of Austin

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

The challenge of stretching the dollars available to meet the educational needs of the district will be the continuing issue as we wind our way through this time of recession and state budget deficits. Facing this challenge will require the entire district (the board, administration, teaching staff and parents) to examine all areas of the budget. The board will need to work toward consensus on making these tough financial decisions.

2. If elected what would you change as a school board member?

I am not running for the school board as an agent of change. I am only interested in seeing the Austin School District continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities to all students. My three children benefited from the education they received in this system. I want to do whatever I can to make sure we continue to offer the same excellent opportunities that have been offered in the past.

3. Why are you running for school board? Is there a specific issue or topic that is of concern to you?

I am running for school board because of my interest in public education. As a resident of Austin for over 27 years I have seen all of my children receive a quality education from Austin Public Schools. I want to see that quality continue. I believe my experience of over eight years on the Austin City Council and my career of 21 years in public education provide unique background for service on the board of Austin Public Schools.

4. Academically, do you believe students in the Austin Public Schools are performing up to standard?

YES!!! In bold letters and with exclamation points. I know the individuals who are responsible for meeting standards and I have first hand knowledge and experience of how these individuals are challenging the teaching staff to meet the standards. In my opinion we have an outstanding school when it comes to academic excellence.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for a levy operating referendum increase?

Who wants to pay more taxes? Answer: NOBODY! I am no different. I don’t WANT to pay more taxes yet I believe perhaps the best investment of tax dollars is in the education of our children. When given the opportunity to vote in November I will vote yes on the referendum question.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

Have I ever attended an Austin School Board meeting? Yes. Do I attend regularly? No. I do keep up with the actions of the school board and I know where and to whom to go when I need information or have questions that need an answer.

Aaron DeVries

Profession: Accountant, Austin Medical Center

Years Lived in Austin: We have lived in Austin for over five years.

Prior Elective Office Experience AND/OR Experience Running for Office: This is my first time running for elected office.

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

The biggest issue facing the school district at this time is figuring out how to maintain the current programs we have while the funding at a state level is remaining flat. In addition since the school district did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as defined by No Child Left Behind Title 1 money must now be set aside to work on improvement. We need to make sure we are taking advantage of all opportunities to find additional revenue sources and at the same time looking to save money where we can. When we start to look at ways to reduce costs it will be vital to listen to the recommendations of the front-line staff before making those decisions.

2. If elected, what would you change as a school board member?

When I am on the school board I will work to allow everyone to have their voices heard. I will work to make sure the policies and procedures are fair and they are in the best interest of the students. I will work to improve communication between the school board and the general public so they can feel confident their tax dollars are being spent correctly. I will work to set policies that will allow us to keep the great teachers we have while allowing them to grow professionally and to be recognized for the great work they do. I will listen to their input and concerns while always looking for what is best for the students.

3. Why are you running for school board? Is there a specific issue or topic that is of concern to you?

I am running for school board because first and foremost I am a parent who wants to make sure all children get the best education we can provide. Secondly, I feel that things happen to us for a reason and we bear a responsibility to use our experiences to make the world better for others and if we do not use what we have learned we are wasting what we have been given. I have experience working with a variety of district staff from teachers to former Superintendent Anderson on various issues to do what is right for the students. We do not always agree with the final outcomes but it is vital that everyone is able to have their voice heard and feel that the process is fair. To find out more information please check out www.votedevries4kids.com.

4. Academically, do you believe students in Austin Public Schools are performing up to standard?

Overall I feel the students in the schools are performing up to standard and we have the teachers and all district staff to thank for that. They are the ones working on the front lines everyday recognizing the different abilities of the students and making sure they have a chance to be successful. As referenced in a previous response the district did not meet AYP so we have to live with what that means even if we don’t agree with it. I feel confident that the school district is doing what they can to meet the standards.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for a levy operating referendum?

While I understand that based on the current economic climate it is not the best time to be asking for more money from the taxpayers I think it is in the best interest of the children to approve the referendum. Since the district receives a portion of their revenue from local taxpayers I feel they bear a responsibility to show us that they are spending the money wisely. I feel the school board should make sure the district is being fiscally responsible in all areas including but not limited to buildings and grounds, technology, administrative staff compensation and transportation.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

I have attended several school board meetings this year and I also presented at the school board meeting in February 2009.

Aaron Keenan

Profession: Health care Administration

Years Lived in Austin: 5

Prior Elective Office Experience AND/OR Experience Running for Office: None

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

The biggest issue is the loss of financial funding along with the continued pressure of trying to achieve annual yearly progress as currently defined by the “No Child Left Behind” Act. I believe it is important to work with teachers, administrators, school board members and other staff to develop strategies and policies that ensure financial viability while maintaining high quality education. I would also communicate with our local legislators to help encourage proper reform is being developed to the “No Child Left Behind” Act.

2. If elected, what would you change as a school board member?

My goal is to be a voice for all parents and students while working with other school board members, teachers, staff and administrators to help the district reach its goals and continue to improve. I want to build strong communication processes with the community and school district employees to ensure the school board listens well before large decisions are made. I have no specific agenda other than using my experiences and skills to help the school district achieve its goals and provide the best education possible for the children of Austin.

3. Why are you running for the school board? Is there a specific issue of topic that is of concern to you?

Being a dedicated parent, I feel schools are vital to the community and can’t think of a better way to serve Austin than working hard to maintain and improve our school system for children, including my two boys, Andrew and Lance. My biggest concern is trying to make sure our community retains and recruits the best teachers and school leaders to ensure we have the highest quality education and maintain the financial viability of our school district.

4. Academically, do you believe students in Austin Public School are performing up to standard?

If you only look at if the school is passing Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) the community might think Austin is not meeting standards, but I feel this global data is flawed. When looking at the detail Austin Elementary Schools are doing quite well when comparing against both national and state averages. To give a specific example Southgate elementary has failed AYP for the past two years, but has a 16 percent better passing rate in Math than the state average and is above state average in reading. There is always room for improvement and specific areas need to be focused on, but globally I feel that our schools are doing well at meeting the needs of the Austin community children.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for the levy operating referendum increase?

Although the referendum is being brought forward in a difficult financial time I support the levy operating referendum increase for three reasons: 1) I am a parent with small children and want to invest in our community education. 2) I feel it is one of the best values and ways, as a taxpayer, to invest into the future of our community. 3) Many great programs have been recently created and if lost due to financial funding cuts it may take years to create the funds to get them restarted.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

Yes, I have attended school board meetings.

Mary Kleis

Profession: Mom, School Board Member

Years Lived in Austin: 9

Prior Elective Office Experience AND/OR Experience Running for Office:

I am currently serving my first term on Austin Public School Board. I also have been elected to represent school boards in southeast Minnesota on the Minnesota School Boards Association board of directors. In addition to board committees, I have served on Early Childhood Advisory council, Parents for Academic Excellence, Instruction and Curriculum Advisory Council, District Improvement Advisory group, Austin/Southland/Hayfield Community Collaborative Council, and the district Wellness committee.

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

School districts will always face the challenge of preparing students to be successful in a world that will keep changing in ways we can’t even foresee. To address this challenge, our district will need to continue to recruit, develop and retain quality educators. For the next couple of years or more this will have to be done without the help of inflationary funding increases from the state legislature. Passing the proposed referendum will be essential. We will need to continue to explore and identify ways to be efficient and cost effective while maintaining quality programs and opportunities for our students. The district administration and board need to keep abreast of grant opportunities and other funding sources that fit within our goals.

2. If elected, what would you change as a school board member?

I will continue to serve the district in the best interests of students and the health of the district. I look forward to continuing my work at the policy and budget level regarding student wellness, meeting the needs of all students, quality curriculum, research-based strategies for staff development, hiring and retention of quality staff, and support of teachers and staff who work so diligently to serve our students. I also will be able to continue my role in representing Austin and southeast Minnesota at the state and national level through my position on the MSBA board. I will continue to advocate for students, parents, school districts and teachers.

3. Why are you running for school board? Is there a specific issue or topic that is of concern to you?

The most important issue for me is for the students of Austin to excel and receive the best education possible. As a board member, I offer an important perspective as a parent of young children. I have a passion for excellent education. I am an advocate for students, parents, teachers, and best practices in education. I believe in the benefits of public education, and I want to help Austin’s schools continually improve.

4. Academically, do you believe students in Austin Public Schools are performing up to standard?

Yes and no. The requirements set by the federal government with No Child Left Behind legislation have been the center of much debate about whether we are meeting the needs of all students. The law is well intentioned, but does not have the impact of improving education for everyone. One positive impact of the law is that our district has set goals with specific measures and has been collecting and reviewing data to monitor those goals. The district began using data to drive decision making and using research proven strategies to improve teaching, curriculum delivery, and identification of student needs. Because of this, teachers are able to reach students at their learning level and identify students who are not mastering standards or are out-performing standards. We have come far in the goal of high student achievement and providing the opportunity for growth for students of all levels, but there is always room for improvement.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for a levy operating referendum increase?

The district needs the referendum renewal and increase to pass in order to maintain quality programs and opportunities for students. The district and board have carefully considered the request for an increase. We have surveyed the community and analyzed the data and budget. Unfortunately, costs for existing operations continue to rise and the state legislature has frozen funding for the next two years, and possibly longer. Thanks to many employees agreeing to freeze their wages and other cost saving measures, the district has found areas to cut spending, but mostly for 1 time savings. Our district has also been a fortunate recipient of millions of dollars in grants, but these do not cover operating expenses. The increase is necessary for the district to best serve students and our community.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

I attend school board meetings, work sessions, data/goal/planning retreats, workshops, committee meetings and board training sessions. I also attend many school events and activities.

Jeff Kritzer

Profession: Attorney; Partner with Baudler, Baudler, Maus and Blahnik, LLP

Years Lived in Austin: 12

Prior Elective Office Experience and/or Experience Running for Office: Candidate for Austin City Council, 2002

Community/Volunteer Offices:

 Director, Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, 2006-present

President, 2009

Director, Development Corporation of Austin, 2007-present

 Director, Riverland Community College Foundation, 1998-2007

President, 2005

Director, United Way of Mower County, 1999-2006

Fund Distribution Chair, 2003-06

City of Austin Police Civil Service Commission, 2003-05

 City of Austin Charter Commission, 2000-07

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

The budget is the biggest current challenge facing the District. Fortunately, we have an administration that has proven to be fiscally responsible. Good examples are the energy savings steps taken in recent years, and administrators voluntarily freezing their own salaries. We need to continue that tradition of finding ways to become more efficient and reduce expenses while still maintaining the best opportunities for all students.

2. If elected, what would you change as a school board member?

I would make a positive change in the balance and dynamics of the school board. I have three school-age children, and I believe we need more parents on the school board. I have also been an attorney and a business person in our community for more than 12 years, and I will bring valuable knowledge and experience to the board. Finally, I have had personal discussions with all of the board members, and I believe they all consider me to be a reasonable, open-minded person with whom they could work.

3. Why are you running for school board? Is there a specific issue or topic that is of concern for you?

I want to help ensure that the children of our school district have access to the best possible educational opportunities. I have no personal agenda or special interests to promote, and I will make decisions as a board member based on the best interests of all our students.

4. Academically, do you believe students in Austin Public Schools are performing up to standard?

Yes. Although the District fell slightly short of the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standard, AYP is only one of many ways to measure academic progress. We also need to remember that AYP focuses on the lower and middle tiers of students and ignores the performance of our best students. More importantly, our District has implemented numerous programs such as the math/science initiative, targeted services, and Link Crew, which will enable our students to not only meet standards, but exceed them.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for a levy operating referendum increase?

When considering a levy increase, we need to keep in mind that our district administration has consistently proven itself to be fiscally responsible and that the state government has continued to push funding responsibilities to the local level, which results in levy increases even to maintain the status quo. That said, an increase in the operating referendum must still be proven necessary to continue essential programs and avoid harm to our students. If the administration makes that showing, I will support it.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

I have attended 8 to 10 school board meetings and work sessions over the past 18 months, in addition to individual meetings with board members and members of the school administration.

Richard Lees

Profession: Retired teacher, currently a probation officer

Years Lived in Austin: Austin native

Prior Elective Office Experience and/or Experience Running for Office: vice chairman, secretary, treasurer

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

Living within our budget

Retention of staff, recently we have had too great of turnover

Maintaining the latest trends in curriculum

Maintaining safety and upkeep of our buildings

Keeping classroom sizes down

Accommodating our rapidly changing demographics

2. If elected, what would you change as a school board member?

As a board member you, along with staff and administration, are constantly working with change. Curriculum must be continually assessed and analyzed to keep up with best practices. Along with basic academics, we must stay current with the fellowship program, mentoring program, advanced placement program and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). I am also concerned with the amount of time spent on testing. There is not enough time for teachers to move laterally in subject areas because of the demands placed on schools by NCLB.

3. Why are you running for school board? Is there a specific issue or topic that is of concern for you?

As an AHS graduate, I have an interest in the school system as well as in the city. As a teacher in all fields of science and a coach of various sports, I have worked with students from grades five through college. I am currently working with students through Juvenile and Teen Court. One of our main responsibilities is working with truancy. Truancy, which is a continuing problem in our schools, is the first sign of delinquency.

4. Academically, do you believe students in Austin Public Schools are performing up to standard?

We are not where we want to be. I would like to see us above the proficiency level in more standards than we are. This being said, we are still doing well and improving each year.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for a levy operating referendum increase?

We have worked very hard to get a stable fund balance. This has been possible because of Austin voters passing referendums and the cooperation of the administration and staff. With the state freeze in aid, our fund balance will very soon be gone. The Austin Public Schools’ cost of operation increase is over a million dollars each year. For every $1.90 we contribute, the state will match with $1.60. If the referendum fails, cutbacks will occur.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

Yes, I did even before I was elected. I also make it a weekly habit to visit the schools.

Jeff Ollman

Profession: Retired speech/language pathologist (31 years)

Years Lived in Austin: Lifelong resident

Prior Elective Office Experience and/or Experience Running for Office: No elective office experience but was asked to serve on the Parenting Resource Center Board

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

I believe the biggest issues facing the district today are two-hold. One is meeting the rising standards of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and the other is financial shortfalls in the years ahead. We can address the former by placing heavy emphasis on examining educational research, and visiting other districts that have been successful in improving the education of populations similar to ours. Correcting the financial part would entail communicating with our legislators and community to convince them of the need to change our state funding system so that we don’t have to depend upon passing levy referendums to provide the basics of education. Given the fact that our statewide system of funding may not change quickly enough to positively affect our district, it would be incumbent upon the board to consider budget reductions staying away from the classroom as long as possible.

2. If elected, what would you change as a school board member?

I would like to see board members be more accessible to the public. Maybe individual members could visit coffee shops, restaurants and schools to meet with citizens, parents and staff to discuss concerns and communicate what is happening in the schools.

3. Why are you running for school board? Is there a specific issue or topic that is of concern for you?

Education has been a huge part of my life. I have directly helped children for 31 years as a speech/language pathologist in the public and private schools. Serving on the school board would give me the opportunity to continue to help children, but in a district-wide way. In addition, the past year in the Austin Public Schools has been one where the emotional climate has improved. I want to see that continue. I believe that education is part science and part heart. It is a people business that requires professional and knowledgeable individuals who bring a love for children to the job every day. My professional experience has stressed building and fostering positive relationships in this industry, always striving to improve the emotional quotient.

4. Academically, do you believe students in Austin Public Schools are performing up to standard?

Some obviously are, but others are not. The NCLB standards increase every year. Although our kids are doing better, we are not where we need to be. We have done some research and implemented innovative programs. These appear to be making a difference with children, but more work needs to be done. We have to continue researching and finding the best practices to meet the varying needs of our students. Our teachers, professionals, administrators and support staff are working extremely hard to do the best job possible in challenging circumstances. I have observed first-hand the dedication and hard work that our staff brings to school every day.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for a levy operating referendum increase?

As I understand the proposal, if your house was worth $100,000, you would see an increase of about $84 on your property taxes for the year. Unfortunately, the state government left the district very little choice in this matter. Inflation costs in the district, again, as I understand it, run about $1 million to $1.5 million per year when you consider the cost of transportation, heating, cooling, food, maintenance and salaries. Even with the increase in the referendum proposal, budget reductions will probably have to be made. I support the referendum proposal, but with the idea that the board is going to have to make some tough financial decisions and show the community that when budget reductions are made that they commit to reductions that stay as far away from the classroom for as long as possible. Class sizes should not be compromised as a first resort.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

I have attended school board meetings fairly regularly for the past 15 years. My observations of how the board operates have helped me prepare to serve. I also attended the class the district offered to community members interested in becoming board members. During this class, Dr. (Bruce) Anderson emphasized the human element and personal dynamics required to serve on the board.

David Simonson

Profession: Retired as Austin police lieutenant after 27 years of service

Years Lived in Austin: 38 full-time years, several more part-time years while attending college and during football off-seasons

Prior Elective Office Experience and/or Experience Running for Office: I have had the privilege of being elected to five consecutive terms on the Austin School Board and am in my 19th year there. I have served as chair, vice chair, treasurer, clerk and director on the Austin School Board.

1. What is the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today?

I believe that the biggest issue facing the Austin School District today is the State of Minnesota’s budget shortfall. In 1991 the State of Minnesota began three consecutive years of budget freezes. These led to our school district having to cut millions of dollars resulting in the loss of many educational programs for our students and larger class sizes across the district. Today, thanks to the passage of several levy referendums by the community as well as the strict board financial policy we are in good shape to weather the current budget freeze and 27 percent shift. However, unless we renew two of these referendums along with a small levy increase, we will be facing program losses and increased class sizes.

2. If elected, what would you change as a school board member?

Unless part of a majority vote a single board member cannot initiate change. However, during my board career I have always pressed for and argued that all school board decisions must reflect the philosophy, “Is this decision in the best interest of all of our students?”

3. Why are you running for school board? Is there a specific issue or topic that is of concern for you?

I am running for school board because I want all of our school children at every level to have the same great academic opportunities to succeed in life that the tremendous education which I received from Austin Public Schools gave to me.

4. Academically, do you believe students in Austin Public Schools are performing up to standard?

Until all of our students achieve their maximum academic potential I do not believe that they are performing up to standard. With that being said, all state and district data shows that in all areas of performance our students are making academic progress. Where we are not making adequate progress is in the area of special education. However, is it appropriate to hold special education students to the same academic standard as regular education students? I don’t believe we should. Special education students can and do make tremendous academic progress but their assessment should be tied to their individual education plans that recognize their individual ability and not a general state standard.

5. What is your opinion of the district asking for a levy operating referendum increase?

I believe that the district must ask for a levy renewal plus a small increase for these reasons: First, without the levies our district would have to cut millions of dollars from its budget, resulting in the loss of many educational programs for students and increased class sizes at all levels. Secondly, we need the small levy increase because the state is forecasting a $4 to $6 million deficit for the next biennium. This meaning that greater financial aid cuts to our district are in the future. Our district’s financial reserves along with the money generated by the renewal should see us through the financial crisis and minimizing its impact on our students.

6. Have you/do you ever attend Austin School Board meetings?

Yes. During my 18 years and the school board I have attended hundreds of regular and special school board meetings as well as attended many hundreds of school board committee meetings.