Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 Team
The Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 Team's mission is to collaboratively shape a bold and inclusive vision for the future of Robbinsdale Area Schools, guided by community input, innovation, and a commitment to equity and excellence for all learners."Dr. Teri Staloch, Superintendent
What is the Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 Team?
The 46-member Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 Team was intentionally designed to reflect the diverse demographics of Robbinsdale Area Schools. Meeting for one, four-hour evening each month (or more) through August 2025, the team took a comprehensive look at the district, studying its operations, finances, demographics, programs, and challenges. Their work culminated in a detailed report with recommendations for the school board in September of 2025 on how to transform and improve education in the district. Their recommendations include changes to service delivery, building closures or updates, program changes, and more as we Reimagine Rdale together.
Overview
The Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 Team is a group of 46 people, intentionally selected to reflect the diverse demographics of Robbinsdale Area Schools, and includes students, staff, parents/guardians, community members, alumni and community and business partners. Their task was to take a deep, thoughtful look at the district and provide recommendations for how we can better serve our students and community in the future. Here’s what the team did:
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Learn and Collaborate: Starting with an orientation, the team met monthly January 2025 through August 2025. They dived into their roles, got a clear understanding of the goals, and worked together with a shared focus on equity, inclusion, and innovation.
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Study the District as a Whole: The team took a holistic approach, analyzing academic achievement, enrollment trends, how our buildings are used, our financial picture, and how well programs are meeting the needs of students. This process was informed by data and insights from various sources, including the community.
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Engage the Community: Listening to the community is key. The team gathered input through the Vision 2030 Survey and community engagement events, and other opportunities for feedback. This ensured the recommendations reflect the voices, needs, and hopes of our students, families, staff and community.
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Explore Bold Ideas: The team studied a range of possibilities for the district’s future, such as reimagining how services are delivered, potential building closures or repurposing, or changes to programs. They considered the feasibility, financial impacts, and, most importantly, how these changes would support equity and better outcomes for students.
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Develop Recommendations: Over time, the team refined their findings into a clear, actionable report. This report outlines challenges, proposes solutions, and provides the school board with recommendations to guide decisions about the district’s future.
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Share Their Vision: In September 2025, the team presented their recommendations to the school board and shared their vision with the community. These recommendations will guide key decisions as we work toward a district that is innovative, sustainable, and positioned to serve all learners equitably.
This collaborative effort is about more than just solving challenges—it’s about creating a brighter future for Robbinsdale Area Schools, one that reflects the needs and dreams of the students and families we serve.
The Vision Team
Meet the 2030 Vision Team
| First Name | Last Name | Relationship to Rdale |
| Annie | Hansen-Burke | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Annie | Christenson | Staff Member or administrator |
| Aunnie | Kramber | Staff Member or administrator |
| Barb | Olson | Parent of a graduate |
| Becca | Wurgler | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| BriAnn | Henderson | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Cassandra | Jaramillo | Staff Member or administrator ; Parent of a graduate ; Community member (resident) |
| Cathy | Estrada | Community member (resident) |
| Deb | Link | Parent/guardian of a current student |
| Debra | Irrgang | Staff Member or administrator |
| Eric | Pone | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Jill | Kaufman | Community member (resident) |
| Joan | Evans | Parent of a graduate |
| Julianna | Strand | Parent/Guardian of a current student; Staff Member or administrator; Alumnus/alumna; Community member (resident) |
| Julie | Ritz-Schlaifer | Parent of a graduate |
| Katie | Mittelstadt | Community member (resident) |
| Kaytlin | Smith | Current Student |
| Kimberly | Johnson | Parent of a graduate |
| Kirby | Hoberg | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Kyllander "Kylie" | Nelson Chupurdia | Current Student |
| Linda | Valentine | Community member (resident) |
| Mary Jane | Adams | Staff Member or administrator |
| Matt | Gust | Staff Member or administrator |
| Nicole | Armstrong | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Nil | Torrent Adell | Staff Member or administrator |
| Osha | Flannigan | Staff Member or administrator |
| Rachael | Flanery | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Renata | Ramirez | Current Student |
| Richard | Rucker | Staff Member or administrator |
| Ryan | Fair | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Sandy | Boren-Barrett | Other |
| Sasha | Kuznetsov | Community member (resident) |
| Shadia | Abdihakim | Current Student |
| Will | Cardenas | Elected official, business leader, government partner |
| Willette | Whitted | Parent/Guardian of a current student |
| Willie | Howard | Parent/Guardian of a current student; Staff Member or administrator; Parent of a graduate; Community member (resident) |
| Cathy | Rude | Elected official, business leader, government partner |
| Bauer | Melchert | Current Student (*no longer a participant) |
| Bonnie | Stein | Parent of a graduate (*no longer a participant) |
| Daniela | Rodriguez | Staff Member or administrator (*no longer a participant) |
| Diana | Ortiz-Morales | Staff Member or administrator (*no longer a participant) |
| Dinesara | Jayawardena | Current Student (*no longer a participant) |
| Kenneth | Wutoh | Parent/Guardian of a current student (*no longer a participant) |
| Lisa | Barnholdt |
Staff Member or administrator (*no longer a participant) |
| Luna | Moon | Current Student (*no longer a participant) |
| Ra'kya | Whicker | Current Student (*no longer a participant) |
Selection Process
Selection Process
The process to select the Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 Team was carefully designed to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and representation while avoiding any pre-determined outcomes. The goal was to create a 46-member team that reflects the diverse voices of Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale), statistically mirrors the demographics of our student body and community, and brings a wide range of perspectives to the table.
The application, open from Dec. 18, 2024, to Jan. 12, 2025, was broadly promoted through district and school websites, newsletters, social media, and direct outreach by district staff and leadership to encourage members of school communities to apply.
Key Selection Criteria
The team composition prioritized:
- Representation of various stakeholder groups, including students, parents/guardians, staff, members of the community, alumni, elected officials, and community partners.
- Alignment with the demographic representation of the district’s student body and community.
- A rubric-based evaluation of each application, weighing:
- Interest and commitment
- Perspective and skills
- Focus on equity and inclusion
- Willingness to fully participate in the process
Review Process
Each of the 155 applications received was assigned a unique 4-digit identification number based on the applicant’s role (e.g., parent, student, staff, etc.). An 11-person review team conducted blind evaluations on Jan. 13, 2025, with each application reviewed and scored independently by three randomly assigned reviewers. Using the rubric, an average score was calculated for each applicant.
Applications were then ranked within their respective role categories, and the top scorers from each category were compiled into a central roster. This preliminary roster was analyzed to ensure alignment with district demographics. Additionally, the geographic locations of the selected applicants were charted on a map to verify broad representation across the district's communities. Any gaps in geographic or demographic representation were addressed by adding applicants from underrepresented areas or groups to the final roster.
Final Steps
Invitations to join the Vision 2030 Team were sent on Friday, Jan. 17, with a request to confirm participation by Wednesday, Jan. 22. All 46 invitees accepted, and remaining applicants were then notified of their status, with encouragement to stay engaged and informed about future opportunities to contribute.
This transparent and rigorous process has resulted in a Vision 2030 Team that authentically represents Rdale's community.
Meetings
Vision 2030 Team Meetings
The Vision 2030 Team meetings were held from 5–9 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 29, Feb. 25, March 25, April 30, May 20, June 17 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), July 10, July 29, Aug. 13, Aug. 25, 2025, Sept. 9, 2025, with a final presentation to the School Board on Sept. 23, 2025. Meeting locations rotated among buildings throughout the district to ensure participants gained a broad perspective of the district’s facilities and operations. To support team members, meals and child care were provided, and language services were available upon request. Agendas and study data for each meeting can be found below. Please note that these meetings are not open to the public to ensure a focused and productive environment for the team’s work.
Reimagine Rdale: Vision 2030 Team Meeting Schedule
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Date |
Topic |
Location |
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Jan. 29, 2025 |
At this kickoff meeting, the Vision Team built a shared understanding of the district’s current state, community engagement process, and goals for reimagining the future of Robbinsdale schools. |
ESC - Boardroom |
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Feb. 25, 2025 |
At this meeting, the Vision Team examined enrollment and demographic trends, explored current district programming, and reflected on how educational research can shape future planning. |
Cooper High School, Media Center |
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March 25, 2025 |
At this meeting, the Vision Team explored effective instruction, student experience, and academic leadership to inform future decisions for the district. |
Armstrong High School, Media Center |
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April 30, 2025 |
At this meeting, the Vision Team explored enrollment assumptions, school safety measures, and instructional priorities to help shape future district decisions. |
FAIR Crystal Middle School, Cafeteria |
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May 20, 2025 |
At this meeting, the Vision Team prioritized academic vision elements and assessed building conditions, capacity, and utilization to guide future facility planning. |
Sandburg Middle School, Media Center |
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June 17, 2025 |
At this meeting, the Vision Team toured several schools to explore how facility design supports academic programming and student experience, helping to inform future district recommendations. |
Robbinsdale Middle School, Media Center |
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July 10, 2025 |
At this meeting, the Vision Team reflected on school tours, reviewed academic data, and identified key components of the student experience to inform their first recommendation. |
ESC - Boardroom |
| July 29, 2025 | At this meeting, the Vision Team connected academic priorities with facilities planning, explored enrollment projections, and developed guidelines and non-negotiables for potential district reconfiguration. | ESC - Boardroom |
|
Aug. 13, 2025 |
At this meeting, the Vision Team refined facility configuration options, reviewed draft academic recommendations, and advanced work on the Portrait of a Graduate to guide future district planning. |
ESC - Boardroom |
| Aug. 25, 2025 | At this meeting, the Vision Team worked toward consensus on facility configuration options, refined clarifying statements, and received updates on the Portrait of a Graduate to inform future district planning. | ESC - Boardroom |
| Sept. 9, 2025 | At this meeting, the Vision Team finalized academic vision recommendations, reached consensus on facility options, and reviewed the Portrait of a Robbinsdale Learner and Graduate to shape the draft recommendations document. | ESC - Boardroom |
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Sept. 23, 2025 |
Present report and recommendations to School Board |
ESC - Boardroom |
Note: All presentations provided to the Vision Team — including those on enrollment trends, forecasting, and the facilities study — have also been presented to and shared with the School Board.
- Jan. 29, 2025
- Feb. 25, 2025
- March 25, 2025
- April 30, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- June 17, 2025
- July 10, 2025
- July 29, 2025
- Aug. 13, 2025
- Aug. 25, 2025
- Sept. 9, 2025
- Sept. 23, 2025 (School Board meeting)
Jan. 29, 2025
At this kickoff meeting, the Vision Team built a shared understanding of the district’s current state, community engagement process, and goals for reimagining the future of Robbinsdale schools.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board. For this meeting, the program evaluation was presented during the School Board work session on Feb. 3, 2025 and again on Feb. 18, 2025.
Feb. 25, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team examined enrollment and demographic trends, explored current district programming, and reflected on how educational research can shape future planning.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board. For this meeting, the demographic report was presented during the School Board business meeting on March 3, 2025.
March 25, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team explored effective instruction, student experience, and academic leadership to inform future decisions for the district.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board. The Vision Team received the initial District 281 Youth Council update at the March 25 meeting. The District 281 Youth Council presented during the School Board business meeting on May 5, 2025, when their work was complete.
April 30, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team explored enrollment assumptions, school safety measures, and instructional priorities to help shape future district decisions.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board.
May 20, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team prioritized academic vision elements and assessed building conditions, capacity, and utilization to guide future facility planning.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board. For this meeting, the final facilities study was presented during the School Board work session on June 3, 2025, and long term facilities maintenance planning was presented at the business meeting on April 22, 2025, and again May 5, 2025.
June 17, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team toured several schools to explore how facility design supports academic programming and student experience, helping to inform future district recommendations. This meeting did NOT include a presentation.
Note: While the agenda reflects what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their field trip materials, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the agenda.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board.
July 10, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team reflected on school tours, reviewed academic data, and identified key components of the student experience to inform their first recommendation.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board.
July 29, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team connected academic priorities with facilities planning, explored enrollment projections, and developed guidelines and non-negotiables for potential district reconfiguration.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board.
Aug. 13, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team refined facility configuration options, reviewed draft academic recommendations, and advanced work on the Portrait of a Graduate to guide future district planning.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board.
Aug. 25, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team worked toward consensus on facility configuration options, refined clarifying statements, and received updates on the Portrait of a Graduate to inform future district planning.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board.
Sept. 9, 2025
At this meeting, the Vision Team finalized academic vision recommendations, reached consensus on facility options, and reviewed the Portrait of a Robbinsdale Learner and Graduate to shape the draft recommendations document.
Note: While the agenda and presentation reflect what was shared with the Vision Team and included in their meeting binders, some additional information, data, and documents may have been presented or discussed during the meeting that are not captured in the presentation materials.
School Board note: All major presentations provided to the Vision Team have also been shared with the School Board.
