Meet the Newly Elected School Board Members

By: Ellen Windels

International Falls voters elected four members to the ISD 361 school board on November 3rd, choosing all four candidates who ran.  Emily McGonigle, Bruce Raboin, and Joann Smith will be joining the school board in January, bringing with them their unique experiences and fresh ideas. Roxanne Skogstad-Ditsch, the fourth candidate, was re-elected as an incumbent and will continue to serve the school district diligently.  To share the thoughts of the newly elected school board members with you, the Falls High Ink sent each a series of questions regarding their relationship with the school district and plans for its future. 

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Emily McGonigle 
My name is Emily McGonigle.  I am excited to join the Falls school board team coming this January. Our family has recently moved to the Falls community. We have 8 children, 5 have graduated and the last 3 children are now a part of the Falls school district.  I will join the school board bringing my personal and professional passions, as we are in a time for needed change in our schools. There is so much new research and data that is supporting new and creative ways to help prepare students for transitioning into their adult lives and joining communities. 
What is your experience with public education and how are you connected to the schools in our district? 
I have professional and personal experience with public education. In my role as a mental health provider I have collaborated with several schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin to develop plans for individual     children and teens that create opportunities to allow them to be the most successful in their academic careers.  I also have worked with staff and administration  on creating staff trainings to support understanding of mental health wellness for themselves and students. I personally  have 8 children that have attended several different  schools over the years, as we have lived in different locations. This experience has given me some insights into how, as a parent, schools do things differently  and how some things are more effective for children.
Why did you run for school board? Is there a particular issue that motivated you to run? 
I had the opportunity to be on the school board in the community that we recently moved from.  I found that was a wonderful way to be a part of the change. It was also an opportunity to learn what is working well in the school and to have an understanding of the vision of where the school is headed. There is no one issue that has motivated me to run for school board other than the larger vision that schools in our communities are vital, as they are supporting our youth to be the adults that will create the change in the future.  As a school board member it is our responsibility to ensure we have a school that provides opportunity for success.
What experiences or skills have prepared you for serving on the school board? 
My professional career has provided me an opportunity to understand mental health and what is needed for wellness and connectedness. It is truly a cornerstone of success when students and staff feel supported and have a sense of belonging. This experience  has provided me with a lens that  will guide many of my decisions on the school board. I also bring with me 3 years of previous school board experience.
What is the relationship between the school board and students?
This is a very important connection, the voice of the students is one that needs to be heard by the school board. Having student representation on the board to bring the student body's voice in decision making and guidance is key.  It also is a great opportunity to model the importance of community involvement and how bringing your voice can create change. 
 What do you think the most important issues within our school district are? How do you suggest resolving these issues? 
This is a challenging and layered question.  As I am still getting to know this community, I am excited to learn what the current board is working on and what their vision is for needed change.  As a larger picture issue, I think that a change that is needed in most schools is how to shift teaching and learning methods to better fit what is happening in our world today. There is a significant need for our students to have cutting edge, and critical thinking skills.  There is also a need to begin to integrate our schools more fully into our communities. This can be done by creating partnerships with local businesses and organizations which can create valuable opportunities for our students to have real life experiences and build meaningful connections with the community
How does the school board ensure the health and safety of students regarding Covid-19?
This time that we are living in is truly unprecedented, with little to no guidance and understanding of what the impact will be.  This issue is more than just the worry of COVID but also the concern about students’ academic success and mental health. It is important to lean on the recommendations from well researched sources to create  the best plan for the school. It is important to let the community and students know where the information is coming from that is supporting the decisions.  The struggle with making the best decisions on this issue is that the situation is  changing almost daily.
 What is your ideal future for our school district and what does that mean for students? 
My best hope for the future of the International Falls school is that we, as a school board, administration, staff, students, and community, together create a school that is innovative and connected to the community, where teachers, students and community feel like they are a part of the change.

Bruce Raboin
My name is Bruce Raboin. I am 60 years old and have been married to 1979 Falls grad Amy for 37 years. We have three children and four grandkids, with two on the way. 
What is your experience with public education and how are you connected to the schools in our district?
My experience in teaching has been two years of Special Education in International Falls, one year Native American tutor in the high school in the Falls, one year in Littlefork and 29 years of Special Education and coaching in Detroit Lakes at all levels.  I'm a 1979 graduate and former athlete of the Falls.  I also coached hockey and football in the Falls, prior to moving to Detroit Lakes.
Why did you run for school board? Is there a particular issue that motivated you to run? 
​I ran for school board because I think that I can bring something to the table from my experiences to help the students and staff of International Falls potentially have a better school experience here in the Falls.  I have also been very proud of International Falls and my school experience and would like to give something back. I have no particular issue or agenda at this point and look forward to learning what the needs of the District, staff and students might be.
What experiences or skills have prepared you for serving on the school board? 
In Detroit Lakes I served as Union President, Vice President and Lead negotiator for over 20 years of my tenure.  I have sat at the negotiations table with many school board members and superintendents, discussing a multitude of issues regarding running a school district.  I had to learn how the financial side of the business worked, how people relate and interact, what's best for students, and fiscal responsibility for the community.  Through my coaching experience I have been an advocate for the student/athlete and the extracurricular programs of the district.  
What is the relationship between the school board and students?
This is an area that I'm going to have to learn about quickly.  My hopes are that students feel that they are heard, cared about, and in good hands.  I hope that they feel like board members are approachable and are good listeners.
What do you think the most important issues within our school district are? How do you suggest resolving these issues? 
I think that the most important issues include current teaching/learning trends, making sure that our current technology is up to speed with other districts across the state, availability of subject areas that align with student career plans and ensuring that students are having a positive school experience.  The only way that you resolve issues is to first identify the issue and then have an open discussion regarding that issue.  You can then brainstorm ideas with others to find resolution.
How does the school board ensure the health and safety of students regarding Covid-19?
This is such a difficult time and a unique problem.  We must first follow CDC guidelines on how to approach this pandemic and then work diligently to assure that everyone respects that.  The school choices are what have been presented to all districts across the state and allows each district to handle this pandemic in a way that they feel meets the needs of the families, students and staff of their district.
 What is your ideal future for our school district and what does that mean for students? 
It means that the pandemic is soon in our rearview mirrors and some semblance of normalcy is returned.  It means that all the students of our district are having a positive school experience and look forward to going to school each day.  It means that all students graduate, pursue their dreams and are as proud of International Falls and the Broncos as I am!

Roxanne Skogstad-Ditsch 
My name is Roxanne Skogstad-Ditch. I have been on the school board for a number of years now. I have been married to Leon Ditsch for 40 years and taught special ed for 30 years. We own and have been running a group home for 20 years and we have two children and two grandchildren. 
​What is your experience with public education and how are you connected to the schools in our district? 
I taught early childhood special education, deaf and hard of hearing, autism, as well as elementary and high school special education for a total of 30 years.  I also grew up in International Falls and went to kindergarten through high school in ISD 361.
Why did you run for school board? Is there a particular issue that motivated you to run? 
 I don't think people understand a lot about special education.  I do.  I think I can help with     decision making in regards to special education as well as general education. 
What experiences or skills have prepared you for serving on the school board? 
 Besides being a special education teacher, I also was a licensed practical nurse and a sign language interpreter for many years. I also own a group home for women with developmental disabilities and my husband and I have a daughter with special needs.  I believe those experiences have helped me in gaining a deep understanding of those with special needs.
What is the relationship between the school board and students?
Students are encouraged to always have a voice in the decisions the school board makes.  This not only helps the school board understand student's needs, but also helps students gain skills for their own future lives.
What do you think the most important issues within our school district are? How do you suggest resolving these issues? 
At this time it is Covid.  There are no easy answers.  I believe we must listen to each other and also must be patient knowing that things will get better.
How does the school board ensure the health and safety of students regarding Covid-19?
There are many many state and federal regulations on how schools are supposed to address Covid issues.  There is some flexibility which allows schools to make decisions for their individual buildings however they must follow the required guidelines as well.
 What is your ideal future for our school district and what does that mean for students? 
 We will need to be flexible and understanding in addressing the resulting effects from Covid on students' educations, we need time to catch-up and get back to normal.  After that we are going to be different people and hopefully will see that things are going to need to change a bit.  I also hope we can show more respect for all minority populations.  To me this means addressing specific issues that have not been spelled out as well as they should have been in the past.

JoAnn Smith
I am JoAnn Smith. I grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After high school I went to Michigan Technological University for Mechanical Engineering and moved here in 2008. I have two kids currently enrolled in ISD 361, one in High School and one in Elementary. In the past I have worked on the Falls Prom Committee decorating the gym. I currently work as a Business Consultant at the Koochiching Economic Development Authority (KEDA) helping local small businesses and nonprofits. I am also the Junior Achievement Coordinator for Koochiching County and have taught in the High School. I am excited to learn more about our education system and to contribute to the success of students.
What is your experience with public education and how are you connected to the schools in our district? 
I grew up in school since my mother was a teacher. Since I was little, I was always at school helping her. The school I went to was about 300 students K-12, so I was able to participate in many activities. I played basketball, volleyball, acted in the school play, led float building, decorated for prom, homecoming, and graduation, and led fundraisers to go to California for the Senior Class Trip. I have helped the prom committee at Falls High School in the past, currently coordinate the Junior Achievement program, and have worked on a grant to fund after school programming.
Why did you run for school board? Is there a particular issue that motivated you to run? 
I decided to run for school board because I wanted to make a difference in our community. I feel that having different experiences, since I am not originally from here, will help me give a unique perspective on things. There is not a particular issue that motivated me to run, but I feel that supporting the youth in our community is vital and I want to make learning and education the best experience possible. 
What experiences or skills have prepared you for serving on the school board? 
I have learned a variety of problem-solving techniques, communication and teamwork, and risk analysis through education and real-life experiences. I also served on the Finance Committee while I was on the Northland Foundation Board. In addition to these skills, I have students in the school system currently, so I can relate to changes and improvements that the school makes.
What is the relationship between the school board and students?
I feel that the school board has two levels of relationships with the students. The first is the higher level, where the school board looks at what the overall governing principles are, makes decisions financially, and plans steps of action to respond to events. The second is a lower level, where the school board members interact with the students, are a listening ear and part of their support system.
What do you think the most important issues within our school district are? How do you suggest resolving these issues? 
Currently due to COVID-19, the school district and the community are facing challenges that have never been encountered before. Safety and health are the most important aspects of what we do while making sure that all students get the education and skills, they need to be successful in life. This is a challenging time but working together and finding unique answers is possible.
How does the school board ensure the health and safety of students regarding Covid-19?
It is critical that the school board encourage and support staff, students, parents, and community members to follow recommended guidelines, stay up to date with new information released, and ensure that there is an adequate supply of PPE and sanitation products. It is also important to come up with unique ways to educate students that work for them. We need to continue to analyze what is currently being done and what can be done further so that every student can reach their goals.
What is your ideal future for our school district and what does that mean for students? 
​Having a safe, fun, and highly educational experience in school is what I strive for. This means that students are given as many resources as possible and opportunities to learn to be able to realize their potential. Every student has unique interests and talents, and it is important to support and educate these to create a better future.