An Agreeable Shakopee School Board Candidates Forum

When it comes to the four candidates running for seats on the Shakopee School Board, the biggest challenge may lie in figuring out what sets them apart.

At least it was difficult based on the answers given at last week’s Mayoral and School Board Candidate forum at Shakopee City Hall.

For the majority of the hour-long forum, the feeling was more of a group brainstorming session than a debate. While the candidates might have had varying solutions to problems, no one disagreed with anyone's ideas. 

As candidate Reggie Bowerman put it in his closing remarks, any of the candidates elected would do a good job for the district. As it is, most of them will have the chance—there are three seats open.

The forum began with the four candidates—Bowerman, Angela Tucker, Matt McKeand and Jeremy Casper—agreeing that growth is the most important issue facing the school district. All but Casper sat on the Facilities Task Force, and only Casper wasn't sold on building a second high school in Shakopee.

“I don’t want to sound like that’s decided,” Casper said. “We need to get community support first.”

Business leaders coming to classes and teaching for a day in their areas of expertise was Casper’s idea. McKeand suggested students could be part of an internship program at area businesses and that endowments could be set up between businesses and areas of curriculum. Tucker recently was part of an "amazing" business-related mentorship program in Chanhassen that took place solely online. Bowerman mentioned a business task force, mentoring and an existing partnership with Lowe’s.

McKeand and Tucker want to see more outreach through social media. Bowerman suggested curriculum nights for parents, while Casper said offering parents multiple options might encourage more involvement.

McKeand said he’d like to see recently elevated class sizes lowered. Tucker said she’d like to see adaptive activities start at the elementary level instead of in seventh grade. Bowerman wants to explore requiring some level of skill in personal finance. Casper wants to make sure technology is used effectively.

None gave a solid answer when asked about how to judge a teacher’s ability and performance. All four, though, agree the district shouldn't tolerate any form of bullying.

The forum, broadcast live on Shakopee Government Access Channel 16, will be rebroadcast periodically until the Nov. 8 election.

The Shakopee City Council Candidate Forum is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Shakopee City Hall.