Vote Liz for 199 School Board

Monday- the school board will continue to analyze both budgetary issues and survey results about bringing a new operating levy to voters, and will consider calling the question in the election. Please attend or contact us with comments and questions. See a summary of survey results here: https://www.isd199.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=20241642&pageId=71091969&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2KSscgHs9nHzw3F1IswOFBOTidFLiW7ntsdq-DLuWRuVIGSbuo41RA0fs_aem_ZHaGQ3xfWy_0xmglXWB6wA

Tonight at the Work Session, see you at 5:30 if you’re interested in hearing about the results of stratified random sample community survey that went out related to a potential operating levy and the district. All are invited to learn at these sessions! See you at the district office!

Friends, I went to a couple graduations this last week. I have to say, the Simley graduation is one of the sweetest, well-organized and most celebratory events I’ve seen. It is so fantastic to see our kids supporting each other – every grad. This class will go far. Thank you to all the amazing staff, volunteers and my fellow board members who made both the graduation event and the later all-night party such an incredible success.

Darcie is wise to let us know to answer THIS call!

May Phone Survey Para leer este información en español, haga clic aquí, por favor. The Morris Leatherman Company, a national survey research firm located in Minneapolis, will be helping Inver Grove Heights Schools conduct a phone survey of its community. Whether you have students in our schools or not, we want to...

Incredible treat for me today. I got to stop in Simley and see where our kids go from here. First, I saw the wall of fame for our seniors. From the armed forces, four-year colleges, technical college and entering the workforce, I am so incredibly proud of this class, and all the cool places they’ll go! Then I enjoyed sitting in on a panel of seniors and juniors answering questions from 8th graders about everything from what clubs we offer to how study hall works. Finally, I got to visit the “World Cafe” in the gym with pep band, and all activities represented where kids got to tour and ‘sample’ activities. Such a fun event- so many students are so READY for Simley! #2024 #2028

Meeting tonight! At last week's work session, a link was shared to offer feedback on the website. We need your feedback!

Website User Experience Form Please fill out this form each time you use the ISD 199 website, www.isd199.org, or one of its webpages, e.g. district department webpage or school webpage. Feedback will be used as we take steps toward creating a website that works better for families and staff.

This week’s school board meeting had some incredible highlights and some tough lows. Here’s the full video, which includes reminders on how to join in the meeting!

April 22, 2024: ISD 199 School Board Meeting The Inver Grove Heights School Board met on Monday, April 22. The board honored Simley High School's first AAA Award finalist and got an update about Hilltop…

Last night’s work session highlight for me was learning from Amy Powers-Johnson, Positive Community Norms Grant Coordinator who updated and educated all of us about of our SPARC program. A huge, crucial mission of the program (Student Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Coalition) is to first educate our kids, staff and the community that not every kid, let alone a majority of kids, is using drugs, to***co or va**ng products. When students realize it is a minority, and not the majority, they feel less pressure to join in. There is a big misperception out there by everyone – not just students but our community too– that many more kids are users than they actually are. That misperception itself is a risk factor. That message may have gotten lost when the program first launched but that is the point - truly- not everybody (or even a majority) is doing it. Other highlights from last night’s meeting included an update on special education summer programming, a budget update, and a middle school update. Please remember you are always invited to these public work sessions. If you’d actually like to make comments, those must be saved for actual school board meetings on agenda items, or for a listening session. But finally, always feel free to reach out – and especially to contact me with any person or family you think would like to make a new connection and needs to have their voice heard. We have formats for encouraging dialogue that we are trying to renew and revitalize!

Member Dukes and I had a great day at the Capitol yesterday for Minnesota School Board Association advocacy day. We heard from our state senators, attended the Senate Education Policy Committee meeting, and met with our own Rep. Hansen and Senator Klein. It is incredibly important to share our needs as a district with our legislators. Every kid in Minnesota is wonderful, but OUR kids have needs our Representatives and Senators must to consider. THANK YOU to staff who reached out about training for the READ Act- the message has been received that more time and resources are needed. Thank you to our staff and families for reaching out about SROs, as that bill moved forward last week with incredible bipartisan support. There are dramatically fewer mandates being proposed this year (64 mandates last year!)- thanks to the advocacy of our district and the MSBA. We must stay on top of issues at our legislature. We’ve already learned some for funding we needed is not included in the Senate’s omnibus bill. We’ll hope for better with the House. So we go on!

Friends, I’m having difficulty on Facebook with my login and verification. Might be a bit of a security issue. I’ll still be keeping updates on Instagram.

In other news had an absolutely fantastic visit over at Hilltop today. Great things happening and constant improvement. Love to see great kids, staff and positive leadership.

Highlights from last night’s meeting included:
1. Presentation by Principal Richardson at Pine Bend about how much Pine Bend rocks. And it does!
2. To put it in homeowner-type terms, the district is able to successfully refinance our bond, ultimately saving taxpayers over $2 million.
3. Budget update, bond rating update (strong!!)
4. Approval of collective of bargaining agreements with our teachers union Local 1718 and our custodians.
5. We received a vote of concurrence with the American Indian Education Program from our American Indian Advisory Council.

Like always, the meat of the discussion was mostly at the previous work session! Remember, you can always attend work sessions, and you can always attend a listening session. As Chair Lounsberry mentioned, we want to hear from you!

Next up, we will be taking 2024 legislative priorities to the capitol!

Was yesterday the best day EVER, or the BEST day ever?? I got to see two incredible events at our elementary schools – thank you to Pine Bend for the invite to see SALT day (students and adults learning together) with over 110 parent and community member volunteers and staff- they gave kids an amazing day. Then over to Salem for a frosty joint event with teachers and the PTO to put on their Winter Carnival and Glowflake dance. Also, so fun to see so many school board members out and about enjoying (or working 💪) these events. This is the IGH community!!

Such a gift to our district. ❤️💙

Happy School Resource Officer day to Officer Eid. We are very thankful for all the work you do everyday!

Last night at the Special Meeting, we approved our official committees for the year. We approved the 24/25 calendar (with plans for a “how it’s going” update at this time next year). At our work session we began to dig into a Land Acknowledgement with the help of Chris Johnson, our American Indian Education Program Coordinator, along with a finding of district concurrence with the American Indian Education Program, we took a look at a budget snapshot, the 25/26 calendar, legislative priorities, a $.50 rise in kids care fees, and the results of the post-referendum survey. Just a few things. Next regular meeting is 2/26 at Pine Bend.

If you have a child or work in our district, I hope you are having a great conference week! School board news – we are finalizing committees and we have really interesting Special Meeting coming up on Monday at 5:30 in the district office. Please join us!

Yesterday and today we had programs to welcome future ninth graders into the high school and future sixth graders into the middle school. I was able to attend the high school event, and I was so excited for our next Simley class. Principal Sakala was incredibly welcoming – and wanted to pass along that if your family happened to miss the event – you are more than welcome to come anytime and see Simley in action. If you and your kids went to one of these events, I hope you felt inspired!

You see pictures of our band in just about every single mailing that comes out for 199. It’s because they’re just doing absolutely amazing things. Wow, did I love band. I was a percussionist. It was tough because my dad traveled out of town at least 40 weeks a year so it left my mom to drive me after school to practice if she could– it’s hard to practice percussion at home. Now our percussionists have their own full class during the school day. These are the kind of changes from the past that really make things better and accessible for all. Everyone in band did outstanding job last night. Way to go to Mr. Robinson and his wonderful student teacher, Ms. Jensen. Great show!

Our Atheneum teachers BRING it, and being part of the larger, supportive Salem community makes for success. WTG, team!

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the as the best elementary school in Minnesota! ARTICLE: https://ow.ly/8rL150Q8SRc

I've attended more than a few work sessions a few years ago, but have enjoyed more recent sessions to see the current board in action. Reminder, these are all open to the public, but as there are no minutes or recordings, I'll try to update with at least three big items following each work session.
--Stop arm cameras were installed on Safeway buses. Many folks tend to drive through the bus's red lights and fail to stop. Failing to stop now will be on camera and could result in a traffic violation. (This installation was provided by grant money and at the encouragement of the IGH PD).
--The Director of Learning updated the board on various data points that allow the district to assess progress (K readiness, growth rate 2-9, grad rate)
--Short-term thoughts relayed on the levy questions by the superintendent--the same Future Ready goals are in place. Progress will still be made. It is clear the community as a whole needed more information to understand the needs, but still supports our great kids.

Happy Veterans Day to all – particularly our staff and families in service. I also thank my dad (Navy), who has volunteered as much for our schools as anyone I know. From working concessions and carnival games at Salem Hills to the meat raffle last week for the Simley basketball team, service is just a part of him. Please share this awesome link with a vet you know – so many free opportunities today! 

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This. 💙❤️

Thank you for letting your players participate in BSN nights for the fall! On our last evening tonight, the boys had a great time. But the COOLEST thing, was our night security Officer Mulligan came up to me and said our boys had been fun, kind, respectful all fall. The season may not have started yet, but this is the most important WIN. ❤️💙

Friends, thank you so much for your votes. I appreciate you coming out yesterday on a drizzly day! I am so delighted for as well, and I can’t wait to support our kids and staff. I’m disappointed in the failure of the levy and I would love your feedback. Feel free to send me a message, or mull it over and connect with me. I’m heading out shortly to collect signs. Stay tuned here for updates. Let the real work begin!

I’ll never forget November 7, 2017, when my son Tapio and his buddies (now seniors!!), and so many amazing Spartan volunteers had finished getting us over the line and to YES for our schools… Thank you for supporting our schools then, and thank you for doing it today. It was quite a thrill to vote today – Markus learned you do not have to be 27 – just 18! Halfway there :)

Today is the day, folks! Please get out there and vote. If you have one of my signs, I will be picking it up tomorrow unless you take it in before I get there. Feel free to save it, but I can save it for you. I thank you so much for helping me get my name out there – I have loved getting questions! Please keep it up. This account will continue to be dedicated to information about our school board! Also, I still have our IGH Planning Commission meeting tonight – but then I will be at B-52’s by 845 (until 10) to just relax and watch the numbers come in. Thanks for voting today, Spartans!

Yes, I will say ‘thank you’ after the election but I think it’s important to say it today. I thank the School Board Integrity Project for training, enthusiasm, and positivity about serving on the board with respect and compassion. I thank the other candidates who are running, especially Shana, as we try and continue positive movement forward. I thank all of our district staff who are tireless, and especially the folks working on the election and our levy. Finally, what a family I have! I’m so grateful. Thanks to all for getting out there and voting. Last day to vote at the district office, or vote at your polling place tomorrow. https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

Just… a little… more… info! I feel our district has laid it out pretty clearly, but NOW is the time for questions. Let me know if I can help clarify anything. I tell you, I’m not just passionate about bringing back world language to IGHMS and expanding to k-5, though I talk about that a lot. I’m probably most grateful and exited for a ‘yes’ vote to help support the mental health needs in our schools, for the sake of all our kids, and our staff. I’ve seen it help so much from multiple angles. We need to keep things rolling the right way. Please vote YES, YES!

Check out the ballot questions before you get to the polls on Election Day. Learn more about the operating levy referendum here: https://ow.ly/guXI50PUOuy. EVERY VOTE COUNTS.

Consulte las preguntas de la boleta antes de acudir a las urnas el día de las elecciones. Obtenga más información sobre el referéndum sobre el impuesto operativo aquí: https://ow.ly/guXI50PUOuy. CADA VOTO CUENTA.

What does it mean to have signed this pledge? It’s not an endorsement. It’s just my promise to you. I promise I’m going to think of our kids first. I will act with compassion, care, and thoughtfulness, and I will respect civil discourse. I will strive for excellence, support our teachers and the incredible jobs they do, and I will work to make sure that every single child feels like they belong. Because they do.

Realizing the hallway is four times as long and I’m going to run out of lit. Watch for Shana and me out there this weekend!

Sometimes popcorn Friday + Book Chatacter Day is > freezing cold weather!