Ackerson, Rogers seek

two-year term on board

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

Although his name will remain on the November ballot, Charles Hanson will not seek a four-year term on the District 88 School Board in the Nov. 5 election.

Hanson has decided to start a new business and return to college, District 88 Superintendent Harold Remme said.

Hanson's decision means school board incumbents Tim Babel, Steve Wachter and Susan Ullery will run unopposed.

Carol Ackerson and James Rogers will run for an unexpired two-year term.

Ackerson

Speaking at a candidate forum Monday night at the New Ulm Public Library, Ackerson, a retired District 88 teacher who taught in New Ulm for 41 years, said she feels she can improve and increase the district's quality of education.

Identifying what is needed for students to succeed in colleges and career choices is a high priority for Ackerson. High standards and expectations of students would keep students in the district and draw new students. Class size is also a key element plus working with the Legislature to ensure adequate funding.

A caring, disciplined and safe environment is key for students to excel, Ackerson said. Providing staff development and working with parents are also keys to success, she said.

"All groups must work together," Ackerson said. "School board members must be team players."

Ackerson has worked on national and state educational groups in Washington, D.C. and in St. Paul.

"I've worked for consensus and on problem solving in large and small groups."

New Ulm has a good relationship with private schools in town. She used athletic teams and library services as examples.

Ackerson helped design curriculum programs at New Ulm Public Schools. She was on a steering committee for the last school referendum that passed.

Students have opportunities now they didn't in the past, Ackerson said. She noted the importance of educating students and parents about drugs and favors increased education in this area.

"It's an issue for every family in the community, not just in the police department," Ackerson said.

She said declining enrollment is a challenge but not an insurmountable one.

Ackerson said she has a commitment to the improvement of young people.

Rogers

James Rogers, who retired in 1988, moved to New Ulm four years ago. He said he could help the school system deal with budget issues and minority students, which he said he dealt with in a large metro district.

Rogers said he worked as a school administrator. He was principal at Cathedral High School and an assistant principal in Minneapolis Public Schools. He directed two alternative programs that required extensive work with community groups for funding.

Rogers said he would deal with declining enrollment by working with the administration and board, taking their suggestions to help every student get the opportunity to excel.

The school board has the responsibility to work as an oversight capacity to check what is being done in the schools at the staff and administrative level and get parents and the community involved with students and the district.

Rogers said he worked on committees in Bloomington Public Schools for 32 years and has 43 years experience in education. He helped develop a national earth science curriculum. He chaired the science department for Minneapolis Public Schools.

"When parents care about what their kids are doing, those are the ones that will be successful," Rogers said. "When school is just a babysitting service for parents, those students won't be successful."

One of the unique things about New Ulm is three great school systems that work together, he said. He foresees reciprocity from New Ulm Public Schools in the future instead of it all going to the public school.

While at DeLaSalle, he noted programs that parents became involved in mentoring and curriculum development.

Rogers said everybody in the country should be aware of all drugs.

"People need to be aware of the lows that follow the highs of drugs," Rogers said. "Parents should feel free to talk to their kids about drugs."

Editor's Note; The forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters. It took place at the Public Library Monday evening.