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EDUCATION: Eight Candidates Seek Five Spots on GF School Board

Posted on: Wednesday, 7 June 2006, 09:00 CDT

By Paulette Tobin, Grand Forks Herald, N.D.

Jun. 7--Eight people, including five incumbents, have filed to run for five spots on the Grand Forks School Board in Tuesday's election.

The three challengers are SuAnne Frasier, Ryan Graf and Ed Grossbauer.

The incumbents are Lyle Hall, Tim Lamb, C.T. Marhula, Bill Palmiscno and Mike St. Onge.

The new four-year terms will expire in 2010.

The Herald recently invited each candidate to talk about some of the issues facing the board. Each was asked for his or her responses to the following questions:

-- Why are you running for School Board? What qualities make you uniquely qualified for the job?

-- One of the issues before the School Board is school boundaries. The school-age population of Grand Forks keeps moving southward, yet most of the elementary schools are on the north side of the city. What are your thoughts on how this issue could be addressed?

-- What is your assessment on how the School District is handling its finances and thoughts about how tax relief might be achieved or where budgets could be cut?

Each also was given the opportunity to provide a concluding statement.

SuAnne Wood Frasier

Frasier, 56, 111 Eighth Ave. S., is women's fund development director for Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region.

Bio: Bachelor's degree, UND. Husband, Rob; one son, Robert, a 2005 Red River graduate.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I worked closely with faculty and staff of the Grand Forks Public Schools elementary schools as the former executive director of ArtWise. I have immense respect for the work done by these employees. It is my wish to serve the community, helping to provide an excellent education for our children in a manner which is fiscally responsible.

-- On school boundaries and locations: Neighborhood schools, especially at the elementary level, have proven their benefit. As we watch one school diminish in size, we often see another increase in numbers (and back again). It is important to keep those schools intact for as long as possible, especially in areas where there are a larger number of lower income families; however, as the city moves to the south end, a new school may be necessary and should be built.

-- On the state of school finances: The Grand Forks Public Schools have worked diligently to keep costs in control, but I feel, too, that property taxes are high. The School Board needs to work with the state of North Dakota to begin to equalize responsibility for funding of all schools in the state, and we need to continue to work with the federal government to fund the programs mandated by the federal government. Success in these two areas will help to lower property taxes.

-- Concluding statement: Everyone in our community should be involved in our local government, or involved in nonprofit organizations within our community. Serve on boards, volunteer, vote.

Ryan Graf

Graf, 20, 415 24th Ave. S., is a student.

Bio: Attends UND.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I'd like to start making a difference in the community that I've grown up in. I think my age allows me to be more receptive to new innovations in all areas as well as puts me in a position to see different ways of accomplishing goals.

-- On school boundaries and locations: The sad truth is more students probably will have to be bused to school. Before my family moved to Grand Forks in third grade, I took a bus to and from school. The ride itself was almost an hour each way. It's not a fun way for a kid to spend his morning, but my family felt the quality of education at the other school was worth the trip. Schools are meant to serve and better children. If we can better do that through a five-minute bus ride, then that would be what we need to do.

-- On the state of school finances: It's hard to say how well the finances are being handled because the level of detail provided in the budget; however, the level of criticism does seem to be unfair. Everybody wants excellent schools; not nearly as many people want to be responsible for those schools. Cutting education is not a good idea. In the end, that will only do more harm. The School District needs to keep in mind the idea of growing responsibly. Board members need to make sure that taxpayers do get the benefit of the increased worth, not the drawbacks.

-- Concluding statement: The most important aspect of the School Board is that we ensure children are getting the best education they can. We (those not on the School Board as well) need to be doing everything we can to meet the needs of the students. If that means that the School Board should be available a few extra nights of the year at parent-teacher conferences to listen to how students are doing, then they should be taking that extra time. If that means putting the School Board meetings on the Internet for everyone to see (a more cost effective and convenient way than televising) then we need to take the extra time to do that. We should be willing to look at every new idea with the mind-set that it very well could be the best thing to happen to education. And we need to increase the opportunities for every student to come into the district so that they have had the best education.

Ed Grossbauer

Grossbauer, 42, 622 23rd Ave. S., is a firefighter.

Bio: Some college. Family: Wife, Ann, a registered nurse; four children, John, 13; Emily, 11; Sarah and Lily, both 4.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I feel the people who have children in the school system should be more involved. I want the working people of Grand Forks to have a voice on the School Board.

-- On school boundaries and locations: I'm not interested in making a knee-jerk decision on this. We do see a vast amount of construction on the south side of town, but most of the affordable housing is on the north side of town. I would like to see us make sure that we take a good look at enrollments. I would not be opposed to redistricting, but we need to keep in mind that would involve some transportation costs that our School District does not incur right now.

-- On the state of school finances: I think the School Board and administration have agreed to have a 20 percent reserve fund balance, and we are now at 23 percent. I think if, in fact, the administration and School Board believe we should have 23 percent reserve, they should make that the policy. Otherwise, we could perhaps use some of the surplus to relieve property taxes. But most of all, I think the state should provide some of the funding it has promised to provide. I feel a source of that funding could be the vast revenues that have come from the lottery.

-- Concluding statement: I would like to encourage the School Board, whether I am elected or not, to become a little more open and to have its proceedings televised, whether it be live or tape-delayed. I would have them try to more open to the public. And I would like to see them pursue the state funding in a stronger fashion.

Lyle Hall

Hall, 54, 1624 King Cove, is an optometrist at Valley Vision Clinic.

Bio: Bachelor of science and bachelor of arts, Marketing, UND; doctor of optometry, Southern California College of Optometry. Wife, Susan; six children, including five Grand Forks graduates and one currently in high school.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I have enjoyed the challenges of being a School Board member. The education of young people is a particular interest of mine, and I believe that serving the community is important. Some of the challenges that we as a district have faced over the past 10 years have been:

-- Rebuilding after the flood. The School District now has a number of buildings that are in relatively good physical condition.

-- Working with federal and state mandates and the subsequent drop in funding that follows many of these mandates (i.e. , No Child Left Behind, Title I, etc.) and funding these mandates from other sources.

-- Contract negotiations and fiscal responsibility to taxpayers while providing staff with adequate salaries. The district needs to have salaries that continue to attract and retain competent teachers and staff.

-- Managing the budget. Since 1990, the budget has increased an average of 3.5 percent per year, approximately the rate of inflation over the same period. Eighty percent of the budget is salaries. When salaries go up 4.5 percent and the overall budget increases only 1.8 percent, it is only reasonable that other areas, such as building maintenance, are not receiving the same percentage of increase as the salaries, and may even be lower.

The characteristics that qualify me to be a board member are:

-- My work as an optometrist at Valley Vision Clinic provides contact with the public and office personnel. This keeps me informed about issues that are of concern to the public.

-- The experience of being a small business owner and partner. Being current with technology, and sensibly balancing what is new while retaining that which is valuable and useful, are characteristics that are needed on the School Board.

I have been on the School Board for the past 11 years and have participated in the school system as a parent of six children. My years on the board have been interesting and enjoyable and I would like to continue to serve the community.

-- On school boundaries and locations: The district will need to consider redistricting or alternate uses for some of these buildings. As an example, Community High could be moved to one of the elementary schools with declining enrollment. A magnet or an immersion language school possibly could be established in one of these schools, with neighbors nearest to the school having the first opportunity to attend or decline to attend. The district could close and sell one of the schools and use the proceeds towards a new south-end school or one on the west side of town. It will be a challenge to utilize these facilities in the most effective manner and to help spur growth in the areas the city needs the most. Input from the public will be vital.

-- On the state of school finances: Since l995, the school district has reduced the mill levy by 27 mils. It is currently only 1 mill above the mill rate of 1990. Granted, the mill is worth more now than in 1990, but our funding from the state and federal level has decreased significantly since 1990. In 1990, the state paid for nearly 60 percent of the cost of educating a child. Today, the state is paying 38 percent. Likewise, the federal government has dropped to nearly 12 percent from 20 percent. This leaves the local community with a higher proportion of the educational costs.

Tim Lamb

Lamb, 51, 1704 Belmont Road, is a self-employed businessman.

Bio: Graduate, UND School of Law, 1993; M.A., business management, Central Michigan University, 1983. Wife, Elizabeth, an employee of UND; two sons, James, 26, and Thomas, 24, both graduates of Central High School.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I enjoy serving the public's interest on vital issues in K-12 public education. After eight years on the board, I'm getting comfortable with the complex nature of K-12 funding, hot-button issues and other matters affecting our schools. I've tried to stay abreast of issues affecting our district, and that's what I bring to the table each and every board meeting. I'm a strong advocate for property tax relief, special education, a more rigorous math and science curriculum, and continued support of the arts.

-- On school boundaries and locations: Whenever you talk about school boundaries, you're addressing a hot button issue. There always are perceived "winners and losers" when the district goes through school boundary changes. But this process is really a natural result of the community's development. For example, if the community develops to the south or to the west, elementary schools should follow. I'm a strong believer in neighborhood schools. I do not think magnet schools work well. In reality, with an open enrollment policy in the district, families have the option to enroll their children in any school of choice so long as there is room available. As we grow, we need to have an open discussion on the usage of school buildings and where they are located, as we do at our public forums.

-- On the state of school finances: The School Board is a good steward of the public trust in ensuring that the K-12 public education budget is maintained in an accountable fashion to deliver quality education for a reasonable cost. I'm proud to be a part of a school district that has given back 25 mills during my tenure, when other districts have given back nothing or have had to increase mill levies. In the 2006-2007 budget, there is a 1 percent increase and we are planning to reduce at least six mills to counterbalance increased property valuations. The deadline to submit the final mill levy isn't until October, and we have many variables in the budget to finalize before then. Frankly, I believe we will be able to have a greater reduction than six miles, but we need to take a prudent approach and work through the budget process, which includes enrollment numbers, class sizes, as well as a needs analysis for the teachers, technology needs, art and music programs, and the like. This process is open to public scrutiny, and the board welcomes public input. I believe the board acts as a good steward in representing the community's wishes.

-- Concluding statement: First, I want to thank the Herald for this opportunity to express my interest for re-election. We are living in exciting and challenging times with respect to K-12 public education. While I'm very proud to be part of an excellent school district with outstanding teachers, administrators and staff, I'm abundantly aware of the global assessments of our system. To be competitive, we need to be vigilant in improving curriculum and programs. Math and science needs are huge, and we cannot lose sight that K-12 public education is the bedrock of our democracy and economic development. If we do not support K-12 public education to its fullest, we, as a nation, state and community, will be the biggest losers in an increasingly competitive world.

C.T. Marhula

Marhula, 617 Plain Hills Drive, is community liaison officer at Grand Forks Air Force Base. He did not list his age.

Bio: J.D., UND School of Law. Wife, Cindy; two daughters, one will be at South, one at Red River.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I am an independent thinker and researcher. I believe the formula to success in K-12 education is a dedicated teacher plus an involved parent(s) equals great results. We are blessed to have an abundance of the two key ingredients in our community.

-- On school boundaries and locations: No new schools now. Keep the land we have in the south end. We should acquire land west of the interstate to be prepared for possible growth and/or consolidation opportunities. The working conditions for all employees and the learning environment for all students should be equal. Many rooms, especially in north-end schools, are not equal. I will continue to advocate for equality and the elimination of relocatable buildings.

-- On the state of school finances: Currently great! Low debt (about $7 million), more than adequate cash reserves (about $15 million). In fact, the financial condition is so strong we can afford to send an administrative team to Norway, and, at the most recent meeting, the board unanimously gave preliminary approval to repair Cushman Field at a cost of about $100,000.

-- Concluding statement: A well-thought-out teacher compensation plan is key to both education results and financial planning. My views follow. Reduce the number of steps to facilitate retention/recruitment. Equal compensation for equal lane/step status. Replace "base stipend" with a formula. We reward principals with a Ph.D.; teachers should be treated the same. Abolish "early retirement" incentive. Replace with 401(k)-style plan. This would treat all workers (including hourly) the same and not penalize employees who take another opportunity before they retire. It would cost the taxpayer less and provide more benefit to the employees.

How do I justify my 15-mill tax reduction proposal? 1) I believe the governor. He has promised an additional $60 million for K-12 education. 2) We would still gain about 3.5 percent next year in local revenue due to new growth. 3) Review recent growth. Apartments, town homes and condos at UND, the south end and downtown, Canad Inns, Cancer Center, Altru, Stadter Center, PS Doors expansion; plus many new homes and other business growth. Some will be tax exempt for a period of time. With declining enrollment, we should be able to continue the excellence with the projected 3- to 8-percent growth rate that excludes inflation of property values.

Other: I believe we should televise and/or Web cast our meetings and publish our minutes. I agree with North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem: North Dakota laws "require that bills be presented to the school board for review" and "a school district may not avoid the publication requirements in N.D.C.C."

I believe we should partner with UND and other community resources to establish a science initiative with the goal to equal the success of Summer Performing Arts.

Bill Palmiscno

Palmiscno, 703 Central Plains Court, is superintendent of recreation for the Grand Forks Park District. He did not list his age.

Bio: B.S. in education, 1973, UND. Wife, Pauly; two children, Peter, 1998 Red River graduate; Toby, 2001 Red River graduate.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I am running because of my interest in the youth of Grand Forks, and serving the public. I am approachable, value the concerns of others, and possess knowledgeable assets to add to the School Board.

-- On school boundaries and locations: The school district needs to utilize all existing building to their fullest before considering building new. If a new building is needed, a public forum should be held to get public input on location and size.

-- On the state of school finances: The Grand Forks School District has managed its finances wisely and should continue to reduce its mill level as we have done (21 mills since 1998, plus a 6-mill level reduction in 2006-2007 budget) without hurting existing programs. Work with the state legislators to provide equable K-12 funding.

-- Concluding statement: The two biggest concerns I have are: A) restructuring of the Grand Forks Air Force Base, and, B) state funding.

Mike St. Onge

St. Onge, 54, 43 Desiree Drive, is Grand Forks market president for Alerus Financial.

Bio: B.S. degree, Ferris State (Mich.) University. Wife, Linda, a teacher, Kelly Elementary School; daughters, Jennifer and Elisabeth, both graduates of the Grand Forks schools. Elisabeth teaches fifth grade at Ben Franklin Elementary.

-- On reasons for running and qualifications: I've always had a interest in education and the success of young people. The board has given me an opportunity to participate in setting direction for their education. I spent a great deal of my first term learning the complex position of being a board member. I served on the health insurance committee, the facility committee and the audit committee. I also was appointed to the Red River Valley Education Cooperative joint powers agreement committee of area school districts. All of these activities, my banking background, my direct relationship with professional educators, and my experience as a 30-year resident and taxpayer in Grand Forks qualify me for School Board.

-- On school boundaries and locations: School boundaries are an emotional issue. This will be no different. The good news is that every school is either new or remodeled since 1997 with the exception of Lake Agassiz, which is scheduled for next year. We have good facilities. However, they no longer are in the correct locations in the center of neighborhoods as they were when they were built. Our overall tax burden and stable to declining enrollment make the building of new schools less than desirable. That said, we must look at changing boundaries to match with the changing location of the population. We need to get community input. We shouldn't rule out building a new school. But if so, where, and how will it mesh with boundaries? What would the cost be versus the return? The objective is to give children the best possible education for as little expense as we can. That message as well as an open dialogue with the community, through another community forum probably, will allow us to utilize our space with as little community upheaval as possible.

-- On the state of school finances: The school district would get an excellent grade on how it handles its finances. That said, there always are things you can look at to take cost out. The question is - is the reduction worth what you achieve with the cut? In a school district, 80 percent of your operating budget is for faculty and staff salaries and benefits. This is fitting as they are directly responsible for student success. The school district doesn't have a choice as to how education is funded. That has been dictated by the state and federal government. What a school district is responsible for is the use of those dollars. We have reduced mills by 26 since 1999 to reduce some of the burden caused by increasing property values. We are a great value for the dollars expended. You will see that by the awards our students, programs and educators earn and how we compare with the other two large districts, Bismarck and Fargo. The community needs to ask, are we getting what we pay for? And, more difficult, if we are paying more than we can afford, what should we eliminate or what can we do differently? Board members must constantly ask those questions and look at alternatives.

-- Concluding statement: Our challenge is educating our children in an increasingly competitive world. North Dakota's demographics make this a challenge. Moving the tax burden from property taxes to some other vehicle could make the financial burden more equitable. It will still rest with us. The responsibility for preparing our children and grandchildren is ours. The recruitment and retention of high quality teachers is also a major concern.

Tobin reports on education, teen news and special events. Reach her at (701) 780-1134; (800) 477-6572, ext. 134; or ptobin@gfherald.com.

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Copyright (c) 2006, Grand Forks Herald, N.D.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: Grand Forks Herald (Grand Forks, N.D.)

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