The number of students who have special needs in Minnesota is growing and the funding system to educate them needs to be repaired.

Each student with special needs has an individual education plan (IEP) that by law must be funded. All children including those with special needs have an equal right to an education as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. They also have a right to the same funding as all children.

The problem comes when the cost of mandated individualized programs for special needs children is greater than the state and federal funds provided. Local school districts then by law must pick up the extra cost from their general funds, causing school boards to cut funds and opportunities for all students.

In 1967 Congress passed a law requiring school districts to have an individual plan for each learning disabled child and promised to provide 40 percent of the funding.

The state of Minnesota also is expected to provide funds to educate these children. At no time was it suggested that local school districts would have to fund what the federal and state governments refused to provide.

Look at what’s happened in Minnesota alone.

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, in 2012 it cost $1.8 billion to fund these individual plans. The state and federal government covered $1.2 billion forcing local school districts to bolster special education funding by almost $600 million from their general operating funds.

Had the federal and state governments paid what was promised— another $450 million — local school districts would have had to pay only $150 million more last year.

Obviously this system is broken. There has been no action by either the federal or state governments to close the funding gap that compels the diversion of local school district funds from programs for all to the cost of mandated IEPs.

The federal government is content with the underfunded status quo. Gov. Mark Dayton had budgeted an extra $125 million for special education. State legislators would rather spread any new funding to their local districts, rather than give more to districts that educate many of the disabled learners.

A leading advocate for children with learning disabilities contends that a local school district’s subsidy of the funding gap is part of the community’s responsibility to educate all children.  She notes that students with special needs also lose opportunities when districts cut operating budgets.

In a survey taken by ECM education columnist Joe Nathan, 40 Minnesota school superintendents said their number one priority for the federal government is full funding of special education.

We favor a concerted effort to have the federal and state governments live up to their commitments, because after all they are the ones who mandate that these IEPs be funded.

Until the people rise up and demand that the federal and state governments live up to their promises, under-funding will continue and students who have no IEPs will continue to feel the loss of educational opportunities they deserve.

—An opinion of the ECM Publishers Editorial Board. The Isanti County News is a part of ECM Publishers, Inc.

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We need the Isanti Community Center

Dear Editor:

If we get rid of the Isanti Community Center, we would be getting rid of one of the best, and not to mention, one of the most inexpensive places to hold celebrations and community events. I’ve grown up with the center. It has been a big part of my life from birthday parties, to fire department events, and scouting events. While writing this, I have been thinking about all the things that would change if the community center should not be there anymore. I have even helped improve the appearance of the building by assisting in one of my fellow Scouts’ Eagle Scouts project. The Isanti Community Center is a part if our past, present and hopefully our future.

Jeremy Melland

We need to lower the working age

Dear Editor:

When you were in high school did you have a job? Well I am in high school and a lot of freshmen and sophomores do not have jobs simply because you have to be 16 to get a job. By lowering the working age, it will get kids away from asking their parents for money.

Some people might think that lowering the age is not a good thing because how will the kids get to work. But I think that they could ride their bike to work, or get a ride from someone else. That way the kid can get money to make a down payment on a car, or if they have a car they can pay for gas. This shows why I think we need to lower the working age.

David Knutson

We need to raise the minimum wage

Dear Editor:

Would you want to be living on minimum wage? My guess is that you would not want be living on minimum wage, but some families are having to, because it is their only way to get money. I feel bad for the people who work their entire lives and only get a portion of what they want and need. What I want to do is help people in need because it is hard to live on minimum wage.

My opinion is that the government should raise minimum wage so that people can live healthier lives and get a break every once in a while. Because minimum wage is so low that people are having a much harder time through this time of crisis in our economy. I hope that people should make a movement and stop deliberating the U.S.

Tim Englund

Stop using your cell phone while driving

Dear Editor:

The top cause for car accidents are distracted drivers. The thing that distracts drivers the most is their cell phones. Being distracted while driving is not only dangerous for you, but also for anyone else in a vehicle traveling near you. Some people may think that they can be careful and cautious while using their phone and driving, but you should always have your full attention focused on the road. If you have an important call to answer or text to reply to, just pull over and then answer it. Stopping for a minute instead of crashing is definitely worth it. Thanks for reading. I hope this has persuaded you to try and not use your phone while driving.

Brianna Beise

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We want to extend a huge thank you for the support received for the Jane Anderson benefit. The generosity of the community is very much appreciated. The St. Francis Middle School staff, where Jane taught for 35 years, donated fabulous items for the silent auction, as well as many local businesses and individuals. Turkeys, baked goods, decorations and more were also donated. Countless hours were spent on all aspects of the event, and a special thank you to those who prepared the turkey dinner.

Thank you to North Isanti Baptist Church for allowing us to use their facilities for the event. The “Elvis” family were very helpful and did a great job of entertaining. We raised just over $20,000 and it was used to help purchase a handicap van. Since Jane was hospitalized for seven months, the financial needs are still great. The Jane Anderson benefit fund is still open at Wells Fargo banks, for those interested in making a donation. Again, thanks to all.

The Benefit Committee
Jane and Roger Anderson and family

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On Wednesday, May 15, Braham Elementary grades 1-4 participated in their annual track and field day. The students took part in many different events that involved running, jumping, throwing and pulling. Some were relay events and others were individual.

To make this day possible for the students, it takes a lot of  hard work and cooperation by the teachers and volunteers. I would like to thank the Braham Parent’s Organization for donating the snack and organizing the break. I would also like to thank all of the Elementary Staff for their cooperation and hard work. Also thanks to all the families who came to cheer and support the students in their efforts.

Lastly a big thank you to the Braham High School students from the track, softball, baseball and golf teams for  taking the time to come  and  work with the elementary students on their big day. Everyone’s help was greatly appreciated.

Sue Pearson, Braham Elementary
Physical Education Instructor

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I’m writing to thank you again for printing my letter seeking information about my 1950s Braham High School teacher, Hildegarde Mortensen. It worked. The news was sad.

One of your readers e-mailed me to say Miss Mortensen had passed away in 1997. As I said when I thanked that dear lady, this was a huge re-learning of an old lesson: if I love or like someone, or want to thank them, or anything else, tell them now, because tomorrow may be too late.

The woman who responded is a former student of Miss M., and a former classmate of mine. I do see an “up” side to this, because now I’m in touch with her, your reader, Shirley. She even offered to send me a copy of Ms. Mortensen-Strom’s obituary. Again, thank you.

Bob Cain
Las Vegas

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Senator Nienow’s report regarding the passage of the marriage bill allowing same-sex marriage was somewhat disingenuous.

His implication that gay marriages are less amenable to raising children has not been born out in any reputable, peer-reviewed studies.

In fact, such studies indicate that children in same-sex households do about as well as in heterosexual households. Additionally, legalizing same-sex marriage may confer additional benefits, such as increased financial stability, increased durability and stability of the parent’s relationship, and increased social acceptance and support.

Religious freedom is protected in the new law. It is clearly stated that the law pertains to ‘civil marriage’ as defined by the laws of the state of Minnesota. Additionally, an exemption to  the  Minnesota Human Rights Acts allows churches and other religious organizations to refuse any action related to solemnization/celebration of marriage in violation of that church or association’s belief; in short, churches can’t be forced to be involved in a gay couples marriage.

It was disturbing to listen during the debate to Sen. Nienow’s advocacy of an amendment to the bill exempting corporations, business, and individuals from providing ‘services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges that assist or promote the solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage, or that facilitate the development or preservation of any marriage, if that action would cause the person to violate the person’s sincerely held religious beliefs.’

While this language sounds innocuous, it is reminiscent of language cited in the past to refuse serving minorities. Such companies/individuals would be able to cite religious beliefs while denying service to gay couples, Muslim couples, interracial couples, or others they do not approve of. In effect, state-sanctioned discrimination.

The law in it’s current form, as just passed, will serve its purpose; to allow same-sex marriages while protecting churches and religious associations from being forced to endorse such unions against their will. Committed same-sex couples will be able to have the same benefits as other loving, committed couples.

Ken Vaselaar
Isanti

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The Appreciation for Life event will be the first fundraising event in Minnesota to benefit the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, according to Kendall Stasinos, of Callanan & Klein Communications Inc.

The event will be held June 1 at the Braham Elementary School, with registration at 9 a.m. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. and the run will begin at 10:15 a.m. There is a $20 registration fee to participate, with free admission for children under 12. Online registration is available up to 11 a.m. May 30. Registrations will also be accepted the day of the event.

Holly Giffrow, one of the local coordinators of the event, explained the event is being held to honor Mary Thom, who passed away Aug. 31, 2012, at the age of 41 due to a brain aneurysm, and to raise awareness about the disease.

“Mary was a caretaker,” Giffrow said. “She was always doing for others. Mary has been one of my best friends for 27 years and was like the sister I never had. She had a lot of close friends. Whether you knew her for 27 years, 10 years or even two years, she was one of those types of girls that you connected with very easily. She also was a huge family girl, having very strong bonds with her family — they truly were her world.”

Stasinos explained the Brain Aneurysm Foundation is the nation’s only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing critical awareness, education, support and research funding to reduce the incidence of brain aneurysms. The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, established in Boston in 1994, has become the world’s leading source of private funding of brain aneurysm research.

“The foundation’s mission is to provide support and educational materials to the medical community, the newly diagnosed, survivors, family members, friends and the general public regarding the facts, treatment options, and recovery process for brain aneurysms,” Stasinos said. “People should support the foundation because we provide support and educational materials to all regarding the facts, treatment options and recovery process for brain aneurysms.”

Thom’s parents, Paul and Sharon Nyman, said they are dealing with the loss of their daughter the best they can.

“We lost our beautiful daughter, wife and mother in August to a quiet enemy, a brain aneurysm,” the Nymans said. “We had heard of it before, but never thought it would strike our family. It took the family hero and sunshine from us.”

In 2003, Thom received her paraprofessional certification and began working at the Braham Elementary School. She later transitioned to her position as the Health Services secretary.

“During these last eight months, we have had our good times and our bad times,” the Nymans said. “Our family has had a wonderful support group. Mary’s friends from the Braham schools and her lifelong friends have all been great.”

Thom’s husband, Dave, and her daughter, Alyssa, have been surrounding themselves with family and friends.

“Alyssa has had support from her family, teachers and especially her school friends,” the Nymans said. “We have found that there has been other families in Braham that have gone through this loss as well because of this quiet enemy. We encourage everyone to come out and support the walk/run to raise awareness about this disease.”

Giffrow said Thom’s death caused her to research brain aneurysms.

“Ever since Mary passed away, I have been researching brain aneurysms, and after seeing all the events being held across the country to help bring awareness to this cause, I was inspired,” Giffrow said. “There have been so many people in our surrounding towns that have been affected by this and have suffered their own loss. I started talking to people about it, and it’s surprising how many people know someone who knows someone that this has happened to as well. It’s also important to mention the day of the event will bring some people that are survivors of brain aneurysms to also make this a celebration.”

Giffrow said besides honoring Thom, the event is about raising awareness.

“We just don’t hear people talking about aneurysms,” Giffrow said. “How can we reduce the incidence of brain aneurysm ruptures and bring critical awareness, education, and support? The Brain Aneurysm Foundation works with doctors across the country funding research that is helping them in finding procedures for early detection of brain aneurysm.”

Giffrow would like to extend an appreciation to her fellow committee members Julie Giffrow, Karie Nordby, Sarah Peterson, Sarah Ruther and Laura Constenius for their efforts.

“This is a public event and we welcome anyone to attend,” Stasinos said. “Brain aneurysms go undetected too often, so we are encouraging people to come out and support those who have been affected and to become educated on signs and symptoms of brain aneurysms.”

For more information about the Brain Aneurysm Foundation visit www.bafound.org.

To register for the June 1 event, visit http://bafound.donorpages.com/AppreciationforLife/ or email Holly Giffrow at giffrowbos@q.com

Understanding: Brain Aneurysm Statistics and Facts

• An estimated 6 million people in the United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm, or 1 in 50 people.

• The annual rate of rupture is approximately eight per 100,000 people. About 30,000 people in the United States suffer a brain aneurysm rupture.

• There is a brain aneurysm rupturing every 18 minutes.

• Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40 percent of cases. Of those who survive, about 66 percent suffer some permanent neurological deficit.

• Approximately 15 percent of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage die before reaching the hospital. Most of the deaths from subarachnoid hemorrhage are due to rapid and massive brain injury from the initial bleeding which is not correctable by medical and surgical interventions.

• Four out of seven people who recover from a ruptured brain aneurysm will have disabilities.

• Brain aneurysms are most prevalent in people ages 35 to 60, but can occur in children as well.

• The median age when aneurysmal hemorrhagic stroke occurs is 50 years old and there are typically no warning signs. Most aneurysms develop after the age of 40.

• There are almost 500,000 deaths worldwide each year caused by brain aneurysms and half the victims are younger than 50.

Understanding: Warning signs and symptoms

Unruptured brain aneurysms are typically completely asymptomatic. These aneurysms are typically small in size, usually less than one half inch in diameter. However, large unruptured aneurysms can occasionally press on the brain or the nerves stemming out of the brain and may result in various neurological symptoms.

Any individual experiencing some or all of the following symptoms, regardless of age, should undergo immediate and careful evaluation by a physician.

• Localized headache

• Dilated pupils

• Blurred or double vision

• Pain above and behind eye

• Weakness and numbness

• Difficulty speaking

Information provided by the  Brain Aneurysm Foundation

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The Isanti Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a north bound Burlington Northern Sante Fe train within the city of Isanti. The incident occurred approximately 1,000 feet south of Main Street.

Train employees observed something laying between the rails and performed an emergency stop procedure. The train did pass over the object between the rails, which was a person, identified as Chad Rolstad of Isanti.

Officers from Isanti Police Department initially responded and rendered medical care to Rolstad along with the Isanti Fire District. Medical helicopters were not able to fly due to weather, so Rolstad was transported via Allina Ambulance to Mercy Hospital and is listed in critical condition.

“Everyone needs to only cross tracks at proper intersections and never walk, sit or lay down on the tracks,” reminded Isanti Mayor George Wimmer.

Assisting the Isanti Police Department were the Isanti Fire District, Minnesota State Patrol, Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, Allina Ambulance, BNSF Police Department and Cambridge Police Department.

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Steven Louis Lang Jr. appeared before Judge Robert Rancourt May 15 in Isanti County District Court, where he was charged with two counts of felony second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Lang meets the definition of ‘significant relationship’ to the victim who was under the age of 16.

According to the charges, the sexual contact occurred from approximately Jan. 1, 2007, through May 13, 2013.

Rancourt set bail for Lang at $75,000 without conditions or $50,000 with conditions, and his next court appearance is set for May 29.

According to the criminal complaint

On May 13, detective Vern Johnson with the Cambridge Police Department met with the minor victim who informed him she had been sexually abused by Lang for many years.

The victim said Lang began his behavior by kissing her on the lips, with the kisses eventually getting longer. Lang would also feel the victim in inappropriate places and also make the victim touch him in inappropriate places.

The victim said Lang would offer her money or video games in exchange for the sexual encounters.

When Johnson met with Lang, he admitted to touching the victim but indicated he did not touch her under her clothes. He did admit what took place may have been inappropriate. Lang said he was trying to “take the place of what was missing in my life.”

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Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon was honored at the May 14 Minnesota Twins game. Pictured, from left, are Gail Genin, Jim Rostberg, Susan Morris and Bob Boone.

The Isanti County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon was and honored at the May 14 Minnesota Twins game.

Below is the script that was read as the group stood at home plate and were introduced.

“Please direct your attention to home plate. The Minnesota Twins are pleased to recognize our commitment to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a program pioneered by the Minnesota National Guard to connect all Minnesota service members and their families with community support, services and resources.

“Throughout this season, the Twins will recognize Yellow Ribbon Networks that go above and beyond in supporting service members and their families.

“Tonight, we are recognizing Isanti County’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network. Their network was established in February 2009 and they received the Governor’s Yellow Ribbon Proclamation recognition in January 2010. Approximately 30 people are involved in their network. Something very unique to their network is they provide quilted bedrolls for all deploying service members in their county. They recently provided 150 quilts to the deployed 850th Horizontal Engineer Company.  This network has been involved in everything from home repairs to assisting in snow removal and yard cleanup.

“On the field tonight is Bob Boone, Committee Chair, Susan Morris, Committee Vice Chair, Jim Rostberg, Treasurer, Gail Genin, Fundraising Chair.

“Thank you Isanti County’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network. To learn how you can employ veterans or support military families visit BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org.”

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