School Board Panel Discussion - October 28, 2025
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
District 112 Referendum
School District Financial Challenges
State Education Funding Disparities
Operating Budget Pressures (Inflation, Health Benefits, Compensation)
Administrative Costs and Efficiency
Safety and Small School Models
Enrollment Projections
Gifted and Talented Programming
Student Mental Health Services
Career and College Pathways
Property Tax Impacts
Areas of Interest (5)
- District 112 seeks to hit legislative cap on funding referendum after cutting $5 million in the previous year.
- Controversy over administrative bloat: Superintendent defends payroll and curriculum staff levels against community perception.
- Comparison of District 112's reliance on homeowner property taxes vs. industry-heavy neighboring districts.
- Impact of aging teacher population and pension challenges on district budget flexibility.
- The intersection of school safety and the 'small school' infrastructure investment model.
Notable Quotes (2)
If you're facing it, so are we.
What keeps schools safe is being known. Being known by an adult is what we know that's a proactive way to keep kids safe.
People (6)
Laura HelmerMemberLeague of Women Voters of Eastern Carver County
League of Women Voters of Eastern Carver County
Steve CurtisPresidentSouthwest Metro Chamber of Commerce
1 quote
Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce
“It is so important to us that we together we aim to foster open dialogue, and we encourage civic engagement.”
Opening remarks regarding the purpose of the partnership.
Dr. Aaron RathkeSuperintendentDistrict 112, in his second year as superintendent.
2 quotes
District 112, in his second year as superintendent.
“The legislator is not funding education at the rate of inflation. And that has been going on for two decades.”
Explaining the structural funding issues in Minnesota.
“The board holds my feet to the fire with an expectation that ensuring that 80 cents on the dollar is spent towards students.”
Defending fiscal responsibility at the district office.
Angela EricksonDirector and Vice ChairDistrict 112 School Board
District 112 School Board
Jenny StoneDirectorDistrict 112 School Board
District 112 School Board
David BrekkeExecutive Director of Finance and OperationsMentioned as the person responsible for the district's five-year projections.
Mentioned as the person responsible for the district's five-year projections.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- November 4th, 2025: Scheduled ballot date for the referendum.