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District 911-Did You Know?

Posted Online: 11/12/02

Dist. 911 Supt. Ken Runberg

November 5th was election day throughout the U.S.A.. There were many important decisions made by the voters including the rejection of the Cambridge-Isanti School District's Levy Referendum. While the rejection of the levy referendum was very disappointing, we accept the results and are moving forward in planning for next school year with a "can do" and positive attitude.

I want to assure the residents of ISD #911 that our School Board, administrators, faculty, and support staff are committed to doing our absolute best to continue to provide a high quality educational opportunity for our students. We will do our best to ensure the cuts required to balance the budget are implemented in a manner that maximizes our ability to instruct, provide a safe and caring school environment, and provide a wide range of educational opportunities for our students. We will do our best to continue to have relatively good class sizes. Every student is a gift, and we will do our best to maximize their potential. Our students deserve nothing less.

In every situation that doesn't turn out the way one hopes, there are always "silver linings." One such "silver lining" is that 4500 ISD #911 residents supported the levy referendum. We recognize and appreciate the significant number of persons who voted to support the levy referendum. Your individual and collective support for the students of ISD #911 is truly appreciated. Another "silver lining" was that in all but one voting precinct, the percentage of persons voting "yes" increased compared to a previous levy referendum. The increased voter support occurred even though the economic times are more difficult than last year, and the amount being requested was more per student and more costly to the property owners. A third "silver lining" was the significant number of volunteers who donated their time, expertise, creativity and funds to help ensure that the voting public was well informed about the levy referendum and to promote support for it. The School Board and staff of ISD #911 are truly grateful to the volunteers. Thank you!

Before concluding this article, I would like to share a quote with you from Abraham Lincoln. His quote is as follows: "A child is a person who is going to carry out what you have started. They are going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone, attend to those things you think are important. They will assume control of your cities, states, and nations. They are going to move in and take over your churches, schools, universities and corporations. The fate of humanity is in their hands."

Abraham Lincoln recognized the importance of public education way back in the 1860's. I believe he was correct then, and continues to be correct today.

If you have questions about the content of this article or any issue concerning the Cambridge-Isanti School District, you are welcome to contact Superintendent Ken Runberg at 689-6202. Thank you!