5.1. SR 11-20-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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is Lee Eklund 18232 Albany Street Elk River, Minnesota 55330 Sunday, November 12, 1995 Mayor Hank Duitsman and Elk River City Council Members City of Elk River 1234 Main Street Elk River, Minnesota 55330 Dear Mayor and Council Members: I am submitting this letter to express my interest in participating as a member of the Citizens Committee being convened to assist the Elk River School Board in developing facility requirements for the local school system. Our family moved to Elk River five years ago because we wanted to live in a non -metro community with a large enough school system to support an excellent educational program for our children. After a wide search of the surrounding Twin Cities area, we decided on Elk River. I have been following the school bond issues with keen interest. I am interested in educational excellence, not only for the sake of my children and others, but for the long -term viability and healthy growth of the community. I believe excellence fosters excellence, and the school system is the foundation for the development of a sound, prosperous community. Elk River has reached a critical juncture in the funding process for our school system. With the failure of two recent bond issues, our steps at this point must be sure - footed, decisive, and *Mrrect. The City of Elk River and our school district cannot afford failure the next time. I have over 25 years of working experience, beginning my career with three years of science /math teaching experience at the secondary level. My background covers a broad spectrum from three years as a Marine Corps Officer during the Viet Nam era to my current management position with a Twin Cities logistics consulting firm. I have lived and worked in various parts of this country as well as the world. My perspectives are broad but tempered by the reality of my experiences. Success in business has shown me the importance of knowledge based in fact as a tool in negotiating issues to a logical conclusion. And of course, the need for wisdom in compromise is ever - present. I understand the needs of education, but as well the facts of budgets, community loyalties, and sound business decisions. When the first bond issue threatened to bus 700 Elk River students to surrounding communities, my presentation of supporting demographic data to the School Board resulted in revision of bonding plans. Consequently, this kept a more proportionate number of schools centrally located and closer to a greater number of students. I believe that Elk River is and should remain the central point for education within the district. As the County Seat for the fastest growing county in the State, we should be taking the lead not only in community development, but educational development as well --- one will only enhance the other. This means first an intelligent assessment of the whole district, coupled with sound planning to meet our educational needs, and finally, presentation of facts to the community in a positive way to promote support and ultimately passage of a much - needed bond issue. Our community cannot afford failure! Sincerely, • Lee Eklund