Let's keep our schools strong

While talking with residents during this campaign, I've had lots of conversations about our city, which often veer into conversations about our schools. In fact, sometimes I think I should remind voters I'm running for city council, not school board. But of course I listen to peoples' concerns and ideas, and not just to be polite. I'm listening carefully for clues to how city council might appropriately address these concerns and take advantage of these ideas. I'm listening for ways we can partner to further strengthen our schools and community.
 
Among the good ideas I've heard:

• Provide financial and other types of support to create The Nest, a youth-envisioned teen center in St. Louis Park modeled after The Depot in Hopkins
• Collaborate more closely with the school district on our shared racial equity goals, to provide a more cohesive citywide approach to promoting racial equity
• Ensure students can take full advantage of great community resources like Westwood Hills Nature Center  as part of their K-12 education experience. 

When our third child, Emma, graduated from Park High in 2014, our family's journey through the St. Louis Park schools ended. But we didn't stop caring about our schools. Like so many other St. Louis Park residents, we know the quality of our schools is directly tied to the stability and success of our community. 

This fall, St. Louis Park voters are being asked to support our kids and community by voting YES - twice - for schools. The first "yes" will approve an operating levy, set to expire in 2018, maintaining the current level of funding for teachers, classrooms and programs. 

The second "yes" will approve a $100.9 million bond referendum for much-needed improvements to our school facilities. This includes new science classrooms at the high school, new classroom and performing arts spaces at the middle school, a central kitchen that will allow the district to provide healthier meals to all students, a new media center, fitness center, and other improvements. Click here for a full description of what the referendum will support. 

My experience working in and for our schools will be valuable if I'm elected to city council. I'm pleased to be endorsed by St. Louis Park School Board Chair Jim Yarosh, who feels the same way. His letter of support, along with those of other community members, can be found here.

I hope you'll vote yes for schools on November 7, and I hope you'll vote Margaret Rog for Ward 1 City Council too.  

Click here for detailed voting information, including how to vote early/absentee.