Election 2012: Hudson School District Board of Education Candidate Profiles

Hudson Patch asked all the local candidates on the ballot in the Feb. 21 primary to provide some information about themselves. The following is the information submitted by Hudson School District Board of Education candidates:

----

BRIAN BELL

Current occupation: Executive Director of Americas Sales and Enterprise Storage at Dell

Previous experience: 

• Two previous terms Hudson School Board
• Three years as board officer, Treasurer
• Served on Learning & Development, Finance, Facilities, and Personnel committees
• Co-chair of Hudson School District Strategic Planning Committee  (HSD 2025)
• Member, Hudson School District Facilities Task Force (2004)
• 10 Years as US Air Force F-16 fighter pilot

Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education?: I believe quality public education is essential.   It is up to us to provide the resources required to allow our children to compete in the global economy.  Our graduates are competing for jobs and opportunities not only against the students in WI and MN but against the millions of other students graduating in countries like China, Germany, Korea and other countries around the world.  Most of those students speak English.  Not only do great schools help our graduates, but the quality of our educational system directly impacts the quality of our community reflected in the value of our homes, desirability of our neighborhoods and our community spirit.

What is the most important issue facing the school district and where do you stand on that issue?: The most important issue facing our district is balancing our priorities against a backdrop of economic challenges.  I want to challenge ourselves to build a district of excellence that allows our children to compete in the global economy while being fiscally conservative.  Given the economic pressures on our economy and our taxpayers, this has been a significant challenge.  As treasurer, I worked hard with the board and administration to challenge ourselves to maintain our priorities but within a constrained budget recognizing the significant cuts coming from our state and federal funding.  Against this backdrop, I am proud of the work the board and administration have done to bring new programs like expanding our world languages (Mandarin), adding engineering curriculum (project lead the way), and our expanded literacy program in the elementary schools.

----

LIZ BRUCH

Current occupation: Senior faculty with Capella University’s School of Education; owner of a family business in downtown Hudson

Previous experience: In addition to being a part owner of The Purple Tree, my other professional work experience has been in the field of education:

• As a teacher in a high school alternative program working with troubled youth from chemical dependency programs and juvenile detention centers
• As a teacher in developmental education programs in community colleges and technical colleges, teaching reading and writing
• As a college and university professor in Schools of Education – both internationally and in the United States
• As a dean of education; an academic dean; and a dean of graduate programs 

Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education? Sixteen years in Hudson have given me an appreciation and understanding of this community and its excellent education programming. My diverse educational experiences and interests could be valuable attributes to the Board as it continues to improve the educational quality and efficiency of its community schools. Working with doctoral students on their dissertation research, I am quite current on key issues and trends in K12 education. My over 20 years of experience in educational administration could also be an asset. Finally, I have the added value of being a senior citizen; that perspective is currently not present on the Board.

What is the most important issue facing the school district and where do you stand on that issue? Currently, most of the local attention is on whether or not to purchase the former dog track. While I will focus much of my response on that concern, I believe the more important issues relate to providing our children the best possible education to prepare them to be fulfilled and contributing citizens.  Important research, past and present, tells us that what matters most in children’s learning is 1) not living in poverty, 2) having a home life where young children are read to regularly, 3) having a teacher who is interested in each child and has a positive relationship with each child, and 4) having a school that has good lighting, clean and well circulated air, and a class environment that is conducive to different learning styles. Available sufficient space to accomplish that is the concern of the current referendum issue. It is encouraging to see that our Superintendent is providing some opportunities for citizens to learn more about the rationale for the purchase of the property. While more space is necessary at least for several grade levels for several years, until current demographic, economic, and social unknowns become more clear, it is my opinion that the Board would be best stewards of community resources by first considering numerous and effective alternatives to more purchasing and building. Perhaps that has been done and the results can be shared by the Superintendent and Board before the referendum. Of more immediate importance are, among many examples, the issues of increased and sustainable public funding of education, 21st century teaching and learning methods (prioritizing communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation, and empathy), the growth of anytime, anywhere learning (using, for example, virtual desktop infrastructure –VDI), and evaluations for all educators, including administrators, which would include multiple types of data to show effective teaching and leadership.

----

JOHN A. BURTIS

Current occupation: Intellectual Property & Corporate Lawyer; Associate, Fish & Richardson, P.C.; Assistant Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, 3M Co.; Principal Litigation Counsel, Medtronic, Inc.

Previous experience: 

• Hudson High School (Class of 1989)
• Bachelors of Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota
• Juris Doctor, University of Minnesota Law School
• Trinity Lutheran Church – Sunday School Teacher
• Hudson Boosters – Youth Baseball Coach
• Children’s Law Center of Minnesota – Volunteer Attorney
• St. Croix Valley Boy Choir – Past President
• Meals on Wheels – Meal Deliverer

Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education?: My wife Ann and I grew up in Hudson and proudly graduated from Hudson Senior High School. We returned to raise our son Jack in a community with a history of excellent academic and extra-curricular opportunity. Addressing the district’s twin challenges to maintain high academic performance and solve the facilities needs for secondary grades commands engaged leadership. I seek election to work honestly and transparently with the community to develop a clear, comprehensive facilities plan for the secondary grades, appropriately manage limited financial resources, and improve communication and partnership with students, parents and the interested public at large.

What is the most important issue facing the school district and where do you stand on that issue?: Building a new secondary school to solve current overcrowding and anticipated modest growth in the secondary grades represents the most urgent and timely issue facing the incoming Board. I support future construction of a new high school on land either already held by the district or acquired through the pending referendum. The facilities issue, however, is much larger than the pending referendum. The Board poorly handled its proposal to purchase the long-dormant dog track property, as evidenced by the significant number of lingering questions and concerns voiced by the public. The Board fails to fully explain its changed position with respect to the 100 acres along County Road UU it purchased more than a decade ago that formed the cornerstone of both a prior referendum and the recommendation of a Facilities Task Force in 2004. It also fails to justify the $8.25 million purchase price, which its independent market appraiser valued at $7.01 million, opting instead to rely on a complicated and highly speculative valuation of potential re-use of the abandoned and dormant structure. Whatever the referendum outcome, the incoming Board must do far better with a future building referendum costing significantly more. Such a referendum is necessary to convert the land into anything useable by students; otherwise the $8.25 million referendum will be wasted. The Board must adopt an open planning process and engage honest concerns voiced by the public taxpayer. It must fully disclose its plans and adequately justify the attendant costs.

While implementing a complete facilities plan for the secondary grades represents the most visible issue facing the Board, others exist alongside it. The Board must continue to recruit and retain high caliber teaching professionals, maintain low class sizes and reinvigorate core curricular and extra-curricular programs across all grade levels, all while evidencing strict commitment to appropriate fiscal discipline.

----

SANDY GEHRKE

Current occupation:  Real Estate Broker

Previous experience:  I owned a tax preparation business for 25 years. I was a court reporter for 10 years. I have owned and operated retail businesses.

Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education?: I believe the school board would benefit from a new voice and fresh ideas when debating how to solve any space issues the district may be struggling with.   I am the past President of the Western WI Realtors Association (two terms), have served on a variety of municipal and community boards, have served 10 years on the Professional Standards Ethics Committee for the MN Association of Realtors, have been a small business owner, and currently serve on the St. Croix County Land Advisory Council.  I have been involved in commercial development/leasing, land development and residential real estate for 20 years. 

What is the most important issue facing the school district and where do you stand on that issue?: The most important issue facing the school district is potential crowding at the high school and middle school level, but I do not support the purchase of St. Croix Meadows to solve the problem.  The property needs to be rezoned from commercial use to public use.  Rezoning would not be in the best interest of the City of Hudson.  This parcel constitutes 1/3 of the remaining commercially zoned property within the city limits, and Hudson has few options in attempting to replace it.  Rezoning to “public use” will remove it from the tax base and every taxpayer in St. Croix County will be affected by lost tax revenue.  The City of Hudson has calculated potential commercial tax revenue from the dog track as just under $1.2 million dollars.  

The school district has no plan for the property, and the taxpayer is being asked to approve the purchase without knowing a final price tag.  That’s very risky for taxpayers.  The district already owns 100 acres which they purchased without a plan in place.  Eight years later that parcel remains vacant.  The district has now declared the parcel unsuitable for a school.  But it was suitable when the District purchased it, they already own it, and I would like to see the District make use of this parcel. 

I believe there are other viable options, i.e., virtual classes, staggered class times, year round school, adding onto existing buildings, portable classrooms, building an 8/9 school instead of a high school.  An 8/9 school should fit on the County UU land or the vacant land next to the government center (63 acres).  That parcel is already zoned public use.  St. Croix County has offered it to the school district.  I am puzzled as to why the School Board so quickly said no to this option. 

----

TOM HOLLAND

Current occupation: Vice president of Resource Development with People Inc.

Previous experience:

• Vice president of Financial Development of the YMCA of Greater Saint Paul
• Executive Director of the Hudson YMCA
• Bachelor of Arts; North Central University, Minneapolis, MN
• Member of the Hudson School District Board of Education since 2006
• Past member of the Hudson Rotary Club, Hudson Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Community Action board member, church board member and volunteer for various nonprofit organizations

Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education?: I’m completing my second (3-year) term in 2012. I’ve decided to run for another term with the intention of completing what I and the rest of the Board have been working towards for the past 5-plus years. That is, the solution to our secondary capacity needs. This has been a long-standing issue involving significant research, study, discussion and short-term solutions. Now, after being delayed for various reasons, including a struggling economy, we are nearing a long-term resolution with the potential purchase of the St. Croix Meadows Dog Track facility. I have served as the Facilities Committee Chair for the past 3 years, so, I have been closely tied to the development of a long-term solution. I’d like to help finish what’s been started.

What is the most important issue facing the school district and where do you stand on that issue?: We must create a long term solution to the space capacity issues we face. I support the referendumto purchase the former St. Croix Meadows dog track as a first step towards that long-term solution. Knowing that the current High School and Middle school sites are inadequate to expand into the size facilities needed for our current and projected growth, I believe we have the best possible solution with the St. Croix Meadows dog track. This site is most suited for a High School or Middle School based on the size of the property, the current parking area and existing building located on that site. In addition, the cost savings from the use of existing structures, utilities and components could easily save the District $4 million to $8 million dollars. There are limited tracts of land available in an appropriate location that is suitable for what is needed for a secondary solution. Ultimately, the community will help us identify exactly what type of school should be built on that property, assuming the referendum passes. 

We face uncertain economic times with the changes in funding from the State and the downturn in the economy overall. We are faced with making choices based on what is most important to delivering a quality education for our youth. The School Board has worked hard to identify the priorities for the resources that become available. On top of this list is anything that affects the delivery of a quality education for our students. Namely, maintaining the student/teacher ratios that have been held for a number of years now. Along with this, there needs to be adequate space for learning that could otherwise encumber the quality of the educational experience. Up to date curriculum development is important in order to prepare all of our students for an increasing competitive workforce. I believe these areas address the core values of our community.

----

CATHY LEAF

Current occupation: Co-owner of Group Leaf LLC advertising and marketing communications agency

Previous experience: My degree in secondary education, experience as a local business owner and my concern as a parent with a child in the Hudson School District would bring a unique perspective to the board.

Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education?: I’m running for school board to ensure that the Hudson School District continues to provide a quality education for its students.

Our school district faces many challenges, particularly from cuts to funding. I will look for practical and realistic solutions that put the educational needs of our children first and foremost.

I will work to create a dialogue so that together we can maintain the high level of public education Hudson deserves. As part of this initiative, I will hold regular listening sessions to learn your hopes and concerns for the district.

What is the most important issue facing the school district and where do you stand on that issue?: The most immediate issue for the school district is the April 3 referendum regarding the purchase of the former St. Croix Meadows dog track property. I am in favor of taking action to resolve the critical space issue. The district needs to continue to make the case that the dog track land purchase is the best solution to the space problem. I’ve talked with many community members that understand the space problems, but they have concerns about the way the school board has moved ahead with the referendum. They want to know the full plan, including how the district will use the space.  The district needs to involve the community in the process and explain the rationale behind the dog track property versus other land in the area. The district also needs to be proactive in the way that it communicates with the community about options for the property.  If the community is part of the process and understands the plan and direction, they’re more likely to get behind the project.

Another critical issue is state funding. The Hudson School District lost over $2.4 million in general state aid last year that forced the district to cut staff and programs. The district is likely to face another gap in funding this year. It is the duty of the school board to keep cuts to services and programs as far away from the classroom as possible. The school board needs to look at ways to be more efficient from the district administrative center on down. It is the responsibility of the school board to be good stewards of tax dollars while ensuring that exceptional educational standards are maintained.

----

BARBARA VAN LOENEN

Current occupation: Chief Financial Officer at Twin Cities Public Television

Previous experience: 

• Member of Hudson School Board since 2008
• Vice President of Finance at Best Buy where I worked for nearly 20 years

Why do you want to be a member of the Board of Education?: I am committed to giving back to the Hudson Community - my home for the past 20 years.  I am committed to quality education as the backbone of a successful community and I am committed to the work we have begun here in the Hudson Schools.  That work started with the strategic plan and our vision of post-secondary success for every student.  We have made significant progress and still there is more work that must be done.

What is the most important issue facing the school district and where do you stand on that issue?: Unfortunately it cannot be boiled down to one issue.  Overall the challenge is to continue improving the student experience so that we can live into our vision of post-secondary success for every student. That must be done in an environment that is changing in dramatic ways with new tools for learning, an increasingly global economy, limited financial support, changing state and federal legislation impacting school districts, in a growing district, and one that is space constrained in our high school and middle school buildings. So, the board and district are constantly assessing needs and opportunities related to student learning, staffing, space, legislation, etc. With each decision the board makes it must focus squarely on what is best for the students.