School Board Candidate Forum

Summary

At a Pine Island school board candidate forum, six candidates discussed the board’s responsibilities, school priorities, finances, the proposed data center, AI, student achievement, personnel matters, and inclusion.

School board’s role

Candidates generally described the board as a link between the community, school administration, staff, and students. They emphasized listening, collaboration, and supporting the district’s direction. Several noted that the board’s direct employee is the superintendent and that board members should generally rely on administrators for staffing decisions.

Pride and priorities

Candidates praised the district’s financial position, teacher-student relationships, stable staff and administration, student readiness, and expanded career and extracurricular opportunities. Areas they wanted to maintain or improve included special education, staff retention, student and staff wellness supports, and the range of opportunities available to students.

Budget decisions

Candidates said student learning, core curriculum, and staff should be central to budget decisions. They stressed understanding the effects of proposed cuts rather than applying reductions uniformly, while seeking grants, donations, business partnerships, and other funding. Several warned the district not to depend on a single source of revenue.

One candidate favored pursuing an operating levy over making cuts while also supporting extracurricular programs and career offerings.

Proposed data center

Views varied. Some candidates saw a data center as a potentially significant source of funding and an opportunity to support school needs. They said the project should go through the proper review process and that the district should not rely on promised revenue.

Others expressed concern about the project’s effects on the community and questioned whether the funding would outweigh those concerns. Candidates also noted that the school board would not decide whether the project is built; it would consider any contribution to the district separately.

AI and technology

Candidates raised concerns about student privacy and security, academic integrity, and students losing opportunities to develop their own writing and critical-thinking skills. At the same time, several said AI should be taught as a tool students can use responsibly, with appropriate safeguards and staff guidance.

The discussion also touched on students’ phone use and the importance of in-person interaction.

Student achievement and testing

In response to a question about declining test scores and student cognitive skills, candidates questioned how comparisons were made and noted that students learn and test differently. They discussed motivating students to take assessments seriously, limiting distractions, and offering varied learning experiences—including trades, career pathways, and real-world opportunities—rather than treating test results as the sole measure of a student’s potential.

Personnel concerns

Candidates said employee concerns should generally follow the established chain of communication, beginning with the employee’s supervisor and moving through administration as appropriate. They said the board should trust administrators’ recommendations and follow proper procedures. New board members would receive training on these responsibilities.

Inclusion and belonging

Candidates emphasized that students should feel safe, respected, and included, and have equal access to opportunities. They cited listening to students, providing trusted adults and safe spaces, and having staff model welcoming behavior. One candidate referred to the district’s updated vision of academic excellence, opportunity, and belonging.

Closing remarks

In closing, moderator Kate Lock encouraged attendees to vote yes on a Minnesota constitutional amendment concerning school funding, saying a blank vote would count as a no.

Presenters and contributors

• Kate Lock — moderator
• Jessica Thornton — candidate
• Bradley Schmidt — candidate
• Doug Sailor — candidate
• Ted Morrison — candidate
• Emily Miller — candidate
• Heidi Dunker — candidate