I offer valuable experience from working within the public school system, understanding the complexities of school districts. I combine practicality with vision to address challenges head-on. I am committed to asking the tough questions, actively seeking solutions, & advocating for the voices of community members. My track record demonstrates my dedication to maintaining high expectations for students, staff, & the community in ensuring our public school district is top-notch. My leadership & collaborative approach have established me as a pragmatic and innovative problem solver. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on our community through effective governance, community engagement, & collaborative efforts to drive transformation.
I believe it is essential to transform the school experience. Post-pandemic students face unique challenges that require new opportunities for engagement, helping them envision lifelong success. This transformation must prioritize the wellbeing of our students and staff equally with academic achievement. Additionally, I am committed to enhancing community engagement and fostering partnerships to ensure our district is meeting the current and future needs of our community.
With a background in district-level leadership, I have experience managing complex school budgets, as well as navigating the hardship of budget cuts. When reviewing a budget and ensuring responsible fiscal management, it is essential to focus on the most crucial areas such as funding for student programs, staff salaries, and infrastructure, to ensure they are fully funded. It is also important that the budget prioritizes the most urgent of the district’s priorities.
I will tackle racial and economic disparities in our education system by advocating for equitable funding, ensuring all schools have access to essential resources. Leveraging my experience, I will promote inclusive curricula and support programs that engage diverse communities. Additionally, I will collaborate with local organizations to provide enrichment opportunities for underserved students and ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed.
Engaging teachers and families is crucial to my decision-making process. I will work with the board to implement regular town hall meetings, surveys, and focus groups to gather input and foster open communication. It is essential that our advisory committees include teachers, parents, and community members to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Building these strong, collaborative relationships will help make informed, inclusive decisions that benefit our students.
Tim Flynn, a 1998 Mankato East High School graduate and proud local small business owner, lives in Eagle Lake with his wife and five children, two of whom attend Eagle Lake Elementary. Beyond being a dedicated father, Tim travels the country-leading empowering Youth Seminars, known as Karate Chop Bullying, and hosts the popular podcast Breaking Bullying. Now, he’s bringing his passion for change to the Mankato School Board, where he’s running to make a lasting difference in the community!
If elected, my top three priorities will be:
1. Bullying Prevention: I will work to create a safer environment in schools by implementing stronger anti-bullying policies and fostering inclusivity.
2. Student Mental Health: Ensuring students' access to mental health resources and support services is crucial for their well-being and success.
3. Community Engagement: I aim to strengthen communication between families, teachers, and the board to create a more united, supportive educational system.
If forced to cut the budget due to declining revenues, my strategy would focus on minimizing the impact on students and core educational services. First, I’d prioritize funding for essential classroom resources, mental health support, and safety. Next, I’d evaluate administrative expenses, identifying areas where efficiency can be improved. Lastly, I’d seek input from teachers, parents, and the community to ensure transparency and make decisions that reflect shared values and priorities.
I would address racial and economic disparities by advocating for equitable funding across schools, ensuring that resources are distributed based on need rather than location. I would hold all students to high academic and behavioral standards, ensuring they reach their full potential. Additionally, I'd promote after-school programs and mentorships to support economically disadvantaged students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
I will engage teachers and families by creating open communication channels to gather feedback and ideas, such as surveys, forums, and social media platforms. Additionally, I will maintain transparency by sharing updates on key issues and decisions, fostering a collaborative approach that values input from all stakeholders.
I am the best candidate because I bring a unique blend of experience as a business owner, dedicated parent, and passionate community advocate. My background in fostering educational success and mentoring youth gives me insight into the diverse needs of our students and the challenges teachers and families face. I will prioritize collaboration, creative problem-solving, and transparent decision-making to meet the complex needs of our district. I am committed to creating an environment where students, families, and educators feel heard and supported, ensuring a thriving, inclusive educational community.
If elected, my top three priorities will be: 1) Improving school safety through open communication and timely addressing of concerns; 2) Reducing student enrollment loss with innovative retention strategies, like teacher exchange programs; and 3) Strengthening community involvement to ensure every stakeholder feels heard. Every student deserves high-quality education that prepares them for success. I will support our schools with enriched curriculums and programs, foster academic excellence, and
If elected, my top three priorities will be: 1) Improving school safety through open communication; 2) Reducing student enrollment loss with innovative retention strategies; and 3) Strengthening community involvement to ensure every voice is heard. I will support high-quality education with enriched curriculums, foster academic excellence, and advocate for our teachers. By promoting transparency and trust, we can create a collaborative environment that ensures the best outcomes for all students.
I would address disparities by ensuring students are placed in classes that challenge them and support success, using data-driven assessments and individualized plans to prevent advancement without mastery. I will also advocate for safe routes to schools so students and parents from low-income families can fully participate in after-school activities and conferences without relying on cars, creating a more inclusive, accessible environment for all.
I will engage teachers and families by reinstating "Coffee and Conversations" and creating open forums for feedback. Transparent communication, where all voices are heard, is essential. I will foster a collaborative environment by encouraging committee participation, building trust, and maintaining an open-door policy. Through strong partnerships with teachers and families, we can make informed decisions that benefit our students.
I have a genuine concern for our community to have a great education system for our students, which will create a strong local workforce, and attract new residents and business investment to our community. I’m in this for all our kids and for the staff in our schools. I hope to be a voice of unity at board meetings, for the benefit of our schools, our kids, and our community.
Reading intervention, AP and Special Ed, and arts. Kids who can’t read well, won’t love learning and won’t learn how to seek good information to make decisions. We need challenges for the top performers and support for those who struggle. Sometimes band or choir or art are the passions for our kids who don’t love math, science, or sports. Everyone should be able to do something they love at school.
Cut outside the classroom first. Look at cutting in administration and middle management. Maybe asking for an operating levy to help keep teachers and paras in classrooms. I think we need to look to the community for volunteers for things like extra classroom support or building and grounds maintenance.
I think it’s all about providing the right resources for the situation. These disparities could manifest in many ways, so I’m not sure there is one right answer because different children and families may have different needs
Listening. This could be through phone calls, texts, emails, or face to face meetings. I think the critical thing will be to maintain confidentiality so that people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and needs. Maybe we start up the coffee and conversations meetings again, or some other recurring community forum. There should be a place outside the board meetings that people can have conversations with us without fear of reprisal.
My personal, educational, and professional background have prepared me for thinking critically about big issues and collaborating to solve problems. Public and private school experience has provided valuable perspectives on best serving all students. Having an active daughter in ISD77 aided by professional support staff and coaches makes ensuring every student receives the resources they need to be successful personal to me as a parent. My professional life has taught me how to listen and engage lots of different people effectively.
1. Improve measureable results and outcomes in student achievement
2. Create a culture of safe schools and classrooms to serve the learning environment
3. Discourage replacing knowledge and fact-based learning with political or social activism
(Not enough room for 'why's)
Over four years, we have had to confront budget reductions multiple times. After careful consideration Bus. Srvcs were able to navigate very tough decisions in response to COVID and enrollment declines being careful to protect the core mission of education as it serves our students and preserves our long-term financial condition. Voters passing the Fclty Refrndm in 2023 helped considerably with our ability to handle the care of our ed. infrastructure and prepare for challenges in the future.
I cannot answer this question definitively and I am unsure as to what action has not been taken to address these issues since they have not been new to ISD77 for a long time. I am confident that best efforts are done at all levels to serve every learner from where they begin. Whether its understanding or personal support the school district is obligated to provide the educational resources necessary to offer a complete, quality education for all. "Every Student. Every Day"
At almost every regular meeting we get to hear from members of the community, students, staff, teachers, and school administrators. Whether via email, a phone call, meeting in the community or connecting at school I will always welcome a conversation about the priorities of our stakeholders. Oftentimes, we are unable to help with specifics or issues beyond our Governance role, but I will always consciously try to take varying perspectives into account when decisions are made.
As a school board member, I have focused on creating a safe educational environment where every student feels supported and engaged, with career pathways that inspire them to follow their passions and positively impact their communities. My first term began during the pandemic but concluded with a solid budget, enhanced school security, and a strategic plan for student-centered education. I initiated a pilot internship with a local business and advocated for an Equity Committee to tackle academic disparities, along with a Sustainability Committee for responsible stewardship. Over the past four years, I have honed my leadership skills to meet the needs of our students and community. I seek reelection to continue this important work.
1) Position ISD77 as a leader in student-centered, innovative learning, engaging students through experiential opportunities and diverse career pathways, while recognizing and rewarding educators.
2) Protect and advance our equity initiatives to identify gaps and ensure all students reach their potential through tailored support.
3) Govern efficiently and impactfully, prioritizing the interests of public education and our community while remaining engaged and responsive to constituents
At the present time, our district budget is sound. However, if faced with budget cuts, I would prioritize transparent communication and collaboration with all stakeholders. My strategy would involve evaluating non-essential expenses and exploring innovative cost-saving measures, ensuring that cuts minimally impact student learning and staff welfare. I would also seek alternative funding sources, and advocate for necessary financial support at the state and federal levels.
Recently the Board formed an Equity Committee to assess our strengths and areas for improvement regarding disparities. We are committed to implementing policies that address the needs of every learner, regardless of race or economic status. Insights from the Equity Committee will help us identify needs, foster a sense of belonging, create inclusive curricula, and expand initiatives to close opportunity gaps, including hiring more personnel who reflect our student body.
Recently the Board embarked on a strategic planning journey, gathering feedback from students, families, staff, and community members to shape desired daily experiences. This collaborative effort helped focus our goals and address district needs. Open communication remains crucial. As a board member, and a member of the Policy Committee, the Legislative Committee, the Sustainability Committee, and the Community Services Advisory Committee member, we seek and value input from teachers and commu
I am a lifelong member of the Mankato community. I have a passion for serving this community and will continue to advocate for quality education meeting the needs of every student and supporting the staff to succeed.
I work for the Department of Human Services as a Health Equity Director. I have experience leading large systems through planning, change, and policy development. As a current School Board member, I understand the role of a School Board member is to guide the school district as a governing body overseeing an entire system and not just one agenda.
I have trust in our staff. The district is full of intelligent, dedicated and hardworking staff.
I also fully support the idea that ALL means ALL. Every student. Every day.
My first priority is to implement the new strategic plan which includes future focused schools and hands-on learning. Another priority is to focus on a system-wide equity lens by engaging students who are not engaged, ensuring accessibility for every student, closing gaps between student groups, and ensuring course offerings meet all students’ needs. My third priority is to engage the diverse perspectives in the district to ensure we’re making informed decisions and considering all viewpoints.
During the last 3 ½ years, the Board was faced with this on two different occasions. Cuts require careful consideration. First, I would identify priorities that we cannot cut from, like mental health services. Then, I would consult with teachers and administrators in individual schools to determine priorities and potential cost-saving areas. Also, I would consider impacts of budget cuts throughout the entire system and consider who may be disproportionately impacted by a proposed cut.
I have been a champion for the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee for the district. I believe it is important to keep the conversation going about how to be culturally responsive to students when we identify a disparity. If what we are doing isn’t working, then we need to change the way we work.Every decision I make has an equity element that I always aim to consider and encourage my fellow Board members to consider as well.
I have found success in connecting with teachers if I first build a relationship with administrators. Administrators can connect Board members with the teachers effectively, so as not to disrupt their work or to add unexpected work. I have also found that surveying our families is a great way of gathering feedback. In the future, I would like to see more targeted family engagement at the individual school level so we can hear specifically what is needed in each school community.
