Lori Schlien
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I have resided in the Sauk Rapids-Rice area my entire life. I'm a 1979 graduate of SR-R High School and have an Associate's Degree in process control and instrumentation from SCTC. For the past 28 years I have worked for St. Regis Paper, Champion Paper, International Paper, and Verso Paper. I'm a member of the United Stell Workers Union, Local #7-274. I have worked with the public over the past 16 years as a Minnesota State Fire Warden. I have three grown sons, all graduates of SR-R. I'm also a grandmother.
What experience do you have that prepares you for this office?
Over the years I have been involved in various committees, teams and task forces. As a United Steel Workers Union member, I have insight as to the purpose and functions of a union. I have also worked with the public over the past 16 years as a Minnesota State Fire Warden and I'm also a current member of the SR-R Activities Council. I feel these groups and committee experiences have prepared me to be an effective school board member, and a team player. I also believe that having raised my family I have experienced many valuable lessons, so of which I can apply if elected.
Why did you decide to run for this office?
I'm running for school board because I want to make a contribution to the children in my community. I have a desire to work towards a stronger relationship between the district and the public it serves. Over the past year, I have followed many school board issues, only to be shocked at times, at how unengaged school board members sometimes appear. In my opinion the board isn't always proactive, or reactive, just inactive. I think the transportation issues are a good example of this. I feel the board does not always understand the community and has a weak relationship with the public. I believe recent issues have taken their toll with the community, with regards to the school board. I would like to put the "PUBLIC" back in public schools. I realize we are not perfect, so our school board must keep working toward steady continual progress.
Top three issues you would tackle, if elected
1). Budget -- I believe the budget is going to be one of the biggest challenges next year and probably for the years to come. The State is not fulfilling its obligation and the local economy is being hit hard. The district has no choice but to work with the budget it has. What does the current budget provide for and what spending exists which does not contribute to the districts main mission of directly educating our students? The budget has to provide for basic classes and programs first.
2). Levy -- I believe a reasonable levy can pass in 2009 if information is provided and explained. Being honest and open will play a large part of the success or failure of a levy. The school board needs to be more public when making cuts, explain the affects on programs and kids, so voters know what the impact cuts have on the district, students, and staff. If the levy does not pass (plan A) then there should be thought given to what will need to be done (plan B).
3). Governance by Policy -- The lack of governance by policy in the SR-R district is what really brought my attention to school board activities. The current school board is not holding it's administrators "feet to the fire" when administrators do not follow established policy and procedure. It has been my observation that when this happens, opportunities are taken away from the students rather than providing opportunity.