An Albert Lea man running for school board wants to help improve communication and the utilization of the district’s human resources department.

“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,” Kendall Langseth said. “If implemented correctly, we can move forward in a positive way and improve the education of Albert Lea students.”

Langseth said he has heard from school employees and community members that their views are not being heard and respected, and he added that he feels the best way to develop the best school system is by listening and learning from those interested in the district’s education system.

“Our teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, central administration and community have a valued opinion and perspective on what is best for our kids,” he said. “We will not always agree on what that is, but we need to hear those views, and include them in our decision-making process.”

Langseth thinks the community can work together by respecting each other’s ideas and finding mutually-agreeable solutions to the community’s education needs.

“The schools should be an example of how a representative democracy works,” he said. “The elected leaders should encourage input, listen to all views, gather information, discuss options, put together a working plan, make a decision and implement a decision.”

Langseth said diverse opinions make the district stronger, adding that recent discussion by the board has given some community members the impression that it has looked to limit input.

“I have also talked with some staff that feel their views are not welcome and are not being listened to,” he said. “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.”

Albert Lea will grow when communication is open and valued, Langseth said.

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

Reasons for running

Langseth said his decision to run for the board was based on his belief that he has a responsibility to help ensure that each student receives the best-possible education.

“Improving communications and community involvement will help make that happen,” he said. “I have outlined that issue because it is an important first step and can be a significant step forward to improving our schools.”

Langseth said he is concerned that the board’s current hands-off management style has isolated it 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 also responsible for the education of Albert Lea students,” he said. “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.”

Background

Langseth said several people asked him to run because they knew his background in education, business and working with various government entities.

“As I work to gather information to frame issues, I want to do it in a way that examines all sides of the issue,” he said. “In order to do that, I need to listen and communicate. That is what I intend to do. If I do not ask questions and gather information, I am not doing my job for the students and residents in the Albert Lea school district.”