Absent but still contending

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Barb Kolpin and Karen Swenson

Talk about it

Candidates Karen Swenson and Barbara Kolpin were unable to attend Monday’s candidate forum.

Swenson briefly dropped out of the race Friday, but by Monday had reconsidered and said she was committed to renewing her campaign to get elected.

Both were asked to give 150-word statements on why voters should elect them to the school board.

Karen Swenson: The main issue here is the kids. Cut the fat but not positions that are essential to the livelihood of our future leaders.

As with any layoffs happening in today’s job market, it seems that starting any cutbacks should start at the top — not the bottom.

It’s wrong to pay top management high salaries, while teachers and other staff are being laid off. And it’s especially wrong when our children are caught in the middle.

In light of the fiscal and educational crises confronting our school district, we must require that any future increases must be earned before receiving them.

The school district needs to have more input from the citizens for major decisions, instead of letting a few people make them.

I feel the school board and school administrators must be more accountable to the taxpayers to do their jobs. If elected, I will push to make this happen.

Barbara Kolpin: I’m the best candidate because I have the most experience. My nine years on the school board have provided me the perspective to help guide the district in handling the broad range of issues we face.

In my time on the board, I’ve served on every committee, covering issues ranging from facilities and personnel negotiations to curriculum and extra-curricular activities.

My four children received their entire K-12 education from the River Falls School District. They participated in and experienced the benefits of rigorous academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities, including music, FFA and Mock Trial.

Having experienced all aspects of our schools as a parent, I greatly appreciate contributions of staff members dedicated to enhancing the education our children receive, both inside and outside the classroom.

I’m familiar with strengths and opportunities to improve in our district, and look forward to continuing to improve what we deliver for the money we spend.

Tags: school, board, river, falls, phil, pfuehler