It's the night before the election and the web site is getting hit left and right with people looking for information and wanting to know why they should vote one way or the other.  So why me?

I believe the Robbinsdale School District is a really good district.  We have lots of great teachers, students and programs.  But like anything, we can always do something better given the right direction, ideas and promise.  I believe my 10 years working for the school district makes me uniquely qualified for that job.  Over those 10 years I developed a working knowledge of how the district functions from the very bottom to the very top.  Over the past 14 years I have coaches debate and speech - including seven at Robbinsdale Cooper and Armstrong where I still coach today.  Debate teaches one to think about problems/arguments from every possible angle.  To never accept the premise of a an problem but rather question the problem and possible solutions.  It is that drive that I plan to bring to the board.

So what can we do over the next 4 years to make a good district better:

• - Reduce costs by leasing/selling un-used buildings
  - Determine a real plan for address the Northport/Lakeview buildings which need to be remodeled
• - Increase test scores by developing plans to address students in need - in particular students of mobility to ensure they are properly placed and resources exist to ensure their success
• - Work with administration and the teachers union to develop a long-term plan for teacher compensation (including bonuses/Q-Comp) for scores/assessments.

We have a great district - one that in these uncertain times face financial questions that cannot be solved by raising taxes and going for referendum every 4 years.

Thanks for your time.  Make sure to take some time and learn about all of the candidates.  Find one who speaks to your concerns and make sure to vote tomorrow.

Thanks

Richard (DJ) Brynteson