Dear Chisholm Public Schools Community Member,

We want to hear from you!

Chisholm Public Schools are asking all voters to participate in a survey to evaluate the District’s facility and operational needs, consider possible solutions, and contribute feedback.

The district selected a consulting firm in December 2020 to examine the district’s needs, including a review of current facilities. Teachers, administrators, staff, and students were asked for their input throughout the spring of 2021. The district has hosted three community engagement sessions over the past three months as the School Board decides next steps. 

The District hired InGensa, Inc. to lead them through a Strategic Planning Process focused on academics and financial planning because Chisholm Public Schools’ operating levy was expiring.   Facilities planning evolved from the goals outlined in the strategic planning process. 

In addition, we know there has been lots of discussion in the community about consolidation with another area school district. The School Board does not support consolidation as our enrollment is steady at 675 students, well above the regional average, and our district offers advanced educational opportunities not only within our district but also through collaboration with neighboring schools. In addition, consolidation is not a viable option because it (1) would increase taxes for our residents, along with the taxpayers of the potential consolidated district(s), and (2) neighboring districts do not have capacity to take all students. 

If Chisholm Public Schools consolidated, current district property owners would be re-districted and would not only be accountable for existing Chisholm Public Schools debt until maturity, but also any new debt generated and all other school levies of the new consolidated district.

The anonymous survey will be open from June 27 to July 11, 2022. Each adult in our community is invited to participate. The estimated time to complete the survey is 10 minutes. 

We want to stress the importance of your feedback, which will be used by the Chisholm School Board to further strengthen our district. Please look for a summary of the survey results, which will be shared by the board later this summer.

Thank you for your time and thoughts. Please encourage others who live in the District to complete the survey, as well. If you have questions, we encourage you to contact Lisa Aldrich at 218-254-5726 (ext. 2900).

Sincerely,

Members of the Chisholm School Board
Robert Rahja, Chair
Cindy Rice Treasurer
Shelly Lappi, Protem Treasurer
Mark Casey, Director
Jaclyn Corradi Simon, Protem Chair
Danielle Randa Sauter, Protem Clerk