Polly Swanson spoke during the open forum part of the recent Big Lake School Board meeting, regarding critical race theory in schools. She noted that the school has recently hired an educational equity consultant, Love & Struggle. She is against treating students equitably, and instead says students should be treated with equality, the difference being that equity teaches students that everyone should have the same results regardless of individual effort while equality teaches that students are equal regardless of color or background. She said that critical race theory teaches some students to think of themselves as victims, and teaches others to think of themselves as aggressors, based on the color of their skin and regardless of individuality.

Later in the meeting, Supt. Tim Truebenbach made the following statement regarding critical race theory: “Big Lake schools does not teach critical race theory, as it is not developmentally appropriate for the students. It does not teach about white privilege or that students should feel shame about being white or that they are racist because they ae white. Licensed teachers in Minnesota are required to complete cultural competency training to maintain their teaching licenses.”

He went on to explain that cultural learning was a part of making sure all students, regardless of race, are best supported in the schools and given equal opportunity to succeed.

Financial Update and Budget Presentation

Enrollment for the school has gone down each month throughout the school year, with enrollment budget being adjusted to reflect the decrease each time. 

The school year ended with general fund revenues being up by $245,800. 

This is due to “various state aid, local levy, and miscellaneous revenues,” reported Angie Manuel, director of business services. 

She also stated that the biggest increase came from special education aid and cross-subsidy aid.

Manuel continued to go over the changes made to the budget for the school year before going over the proposed budget for the 2021-22 school year. The proposed budget for the next school year had the district dipping into the general fund more than in previous years, but the board members agreed that with the hectic year they just had, now was the time to spend a little more money in order to support the students.

Survey Results

The school district recently hired the Morris Leatherman Company to poll the community. A total of 500 random district residents were called during the survey process to give their opinions on answers. Those who were unable to take the survey when called were able to reschedule the call.

When those polled were asked about the quality of the education at Big Lake, their answers stayed roughly the same as they were in 2015 during the previous poll. 

A representative from the Morris Leatherman Company continued to go through similar questions regarding how the public perceived the decisions of the district and whether they would support a tax increase if it were proposed. It was found that the public generally trusted that the school district was a good investment for the taxes, but they were shown to be wary, but not hostile, to a property tax increase. 

The survey continued to ask residents whether they would support a list of items for improvement in the district, including improving classroom spaces and media center and working on deferred maintenance projects. The one issue that had the public divided was an update to the high school weight room, with 56% in approval, 40% against, and 4% without an opinion. 

The board continued to go over the results of the survey, and discussed the next steps towards going for a bond referendum.

“Bond is for building, levy is for learning,” stated Supt. Tim Truebenbach, explaining for the benefit of the audience. 

Even if a referendum increases taxes (though it is replacing old debt, so taxpayers should not see an increase) it’s covering costs that are not covered by the yearly levy.

Special Education Cooperative 

Big Lake is a part of a special education cooperative with the districts of Becker and Monticello. Up until recently, the cooperative also included the St. Micheal/Albertville district, but they recently decided to leave the cooperative. As the cooperative was reorganizing, it was found that having the superintendents of each district serve as board members went against state statute. Going forward, board member Tanya Reasoner will represent Big Lake, given she has a special education degree.

Student Representative Report

Student representative Ella Dotzler recently worked with city staff in order to raise student participation in the community. Dotzler helped to organize city staff visiting a classroom just before the year ended. She hoped to possibly do something similar on a larger scale next year, in order to increase student civic engagement. She thanked the board for allowing her to be the student representative this year, and promised to continue to be active in the community, especially in her capacity as student liaison to the city council. Another student has applied to fill Dotzler’s position as student rep on the school board. That student will be brought on in August.

Community Education Programs

Community education has come back with a vengeance this year, with 1,000 more students being enrolled in summer programs over last year. Participation is just shy of that in 2019, but Supt. Truebenbach thought there was time yet in the summer to beat the 2019 enrollment.

Community education recently held a ceremony to recognize the adult learners who earned their GED this year, all while also navigating distance learning and, oftentimes, helping their own kids navigate distance learning.

The Little Learners in the Spud Fest parade won first place for their adorable float. There was a cash prize of $100 awarded, and the group will also be claiming “bragging rights” for the rest of the year.