Column: reflections on three months in Rdale

As a career educator, I know that leadership matters. October is National Principals Month and a great opportunity to recognize the many strong, dedicated and determined principals and assistant principals leading our buildings in Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale). Please join me in celebrating and thanking our principals!

Being present in and learning about our schools and their leaders is only part of what I continue to do in these early months on the job. Another priority I have established is to learn more about the cities and communities we serve. One way I am doing this is by introducing myself and presenting at city council meetings in each city as well as civic organizations. 

I appreciated the warm welcome at the Robbinsdale and Plymouth City Council meetings, as well as at the Robbinsdale Area Chamber and Brooklyn Park Rotary meetings. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to meeting and updating other city council members and community groups on happenings in our district. 

Along with new chief financial officer Kristen Hoheisel and others, I continue to seek understanding of the reality of our budget. Earlier this month we spent time reviewing the $17.4 million in cuts to the current year’s budget to examine their impact. We still have significant financial challenges in front of us.

Some good news on that front is that district-wide enrollment on Oct. 1, 2024, exceeded projections by more than two percent. It’s not a trend – yet – but it’s certainly a good start, and one we will work to build on. These enrollment numbers are the first snapshot of student data collected by the state of Minnesota, and are also a good indicator of what we can expect for student enrollment the remainder of the school year. Having Oct. 1 enrollment numbers not only helps with reviewing the current year’s budget, but also helps build budgets moving forward.

As we work to increase enrollment, one important strategy is to ensure we are doing a great job telling our story and showcasing what we offer to students and families. For decades Rdale has been known for the quality of its music programs. More recently families have welcomed – and teachers have taught about – the racial and ethnic diversity that enriches our district. 

Along with these and many other strengths, adequate technology is vital. Integrating and leveraging technology enhances how students learn and how teachers teach. It is foundational to the society in which we live, and it will be even more critical to the skills, attributes and competencies our students will need for their futures.

Ten years ago voters approved a Capital Projects Technology Levy, a property tax of 4.207 percent. That levy is expiring, and on the coming Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 5 – our district is asking voters to renew the levy, at the same rate. 

By renewing the levy, voters will approve:

• Technology for learning, keeping Rdale’s students competitive in a digital world.
• Technology for safer schools, using the latest technology along with building improvements to increase the safety of school environments.
• Technology that supports staff, providing them with reliable technology and teaching tools.

If approved, the levy will provide $7 million annually beginning next year. If it is not approved, $7 million annually will need to come from the annual fund, likely generating additional budget cuts.

I began this column by praising our principals. Our building leaders and other Rdale staff – almost 2,000 people – are some of the most committed I have had the pleasure of working with. And like most of the rest of us who work for a living in 2024, they rely on technology to do their jobs and to keep our students safe. 

You can learn more about Rdale’s Capital Projects Technology Levy at rdale.org/LevyRenewal2024. And consider voting early at your city hall.

I have enjoyed my three months serving Rdale. Meeting our students, staff, families and community members has been my greatest joy. Please reach out to me if you would like me to visit your organization, and please introduce yourself if you see me in buildings, student events or out in the community. 

Like leadership, collaboration and partnerships matter. Working together will help us ensure our district mission – to educate and inspire all learners to develop their unique potential and to positively contribute to their community – will be actualized for each of our students.