Guest Column by Kendall Langseth

Kendall Langseth is running for Albert Lea School Board.

The Albert Lea Area Schools have a lot of great things going on. However, one area that I feel could be improved and would help the Albert Lea schools move forward in a positive way is to improve communications and the utilization of the human resources of the school system and community. I believe that this will improve community relations, add educational ideas to the schools and increase enthusiasm within the educational system in the Albert Lea area. If implemented correctly, we can move forward in a positive way and improve the education of Albert Lea students. In my discussions with those within the schools and the community, there is a strong feeling by some that people’s views are not being heard and respected. I strongly feel that the best way to develop the best school system possible is to listen and learn from everyone interested in the educational system in Albert Lea and try to expand that base of interested individuals. Our teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, central administration and community have a valued opinion and perspective on what is best for our kids. We will not always agree on what that is but we need to hear those views and include them in our decision-making process.

This is how we work together. Respect each other’s ideas and find mutually agreeable solutions to the educational needs within our community.

In my opinion, the schools should be an example of how a representative democracy works. The elected leaders should encourage input, listen to all views, gather information, discuss options, put together a working plan, make a decision and implement the decision — leadership by example. Sometimes that process is messy and difficult. Sometimes the answers are easy to find. But, that is the how community decisions need to be made. Diversity of opinions make us stronger.

As I have indicated before, not everyone feels they have input. While I don’t think the board means to limit input, recent actions and discussions by the school board have given that impression. There are those who feel that the board wants to limit community input by limiting what can be talked about during the public comment period. I have also talked with some staff who feel their views are not welcome and are not being listened to. I believe we need to work to achieve and maintain an environment within the community and school system where everyone feels comfortable to share ideas and know that their ideas are taken seriously. They need to know that sometimes even if the idea is uncomfortable, it is welcome. We will grow as a community when communication is open and valued.

Our schools need to be an example and a leader in developing and implementing actions that encourage community dialogue. That is the environment I would like to develop as a school board member.

When I decided to run for school board, it was based on my belief that everyone deserves the best education possible and I have a responsibility to help make sure that occurs for the students in our community. Improving communications and community involvement will help make that happen. I have outlined that issue because it is an important first step and can be a significant step forward to improving our schools. I am afraid that the present hands-off management style being used by the board has isolated them from the community. They do need to be a policy board, but they also need to watch how that policy is perceived by the community and remember they are responsible for the education of Albert Lea students. I know they feel that way when I have talked with and observed them but, and I repeat, they seem to have isolated themselves from the actual education process.

Several people asked me to run since they knew that my background in education, business and working with various government entities has given me the tools to make informed and researched decisions facing Albert Lea Schools. As I work to gather information to frame issues, I want to do it in a way that examines all sides of the issue. In order to do that, I need to listen and communicate. That is what I intend to do. If I don’t ask questions and gather information, I am not doing my job for the students and residents in the Albert Lea School District.