For the past several months, I have had the privilege of serving on Brainerd Public Schools' Comprehensive Facilities Planning committee alongside about 20 other district staff, parents, school board members, business people, elected officials, government employees, non-profit leaders, and other community members. The school board has charged this committee with examining the current condition of district facilities and using that information to create a long term plan for the spaces we want our students to learn in for the next 50 years or so.
After meeting and discussing and learning more about school buildings than I ever imagined I would over the last five months, it is time to share what we have learned so far and hear what the wider community thinks about the important community asset we all share: our schools. You are invited to attend a community forum at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, at the Washington building.
At this meeting, you will hear about the vision for our schools that is guiding the work of this committee. You will learn about each of the 12 Brainerd Public School buildings and what is required to ensure they are the learning environments we want for our students. You will see what future growth in our population will mean for the schools. And most importantly, you will have an opportunity to give us feedback to help us make meaning out of all we are learning and begin forming a plan to present to the school board.
As the mother of members of the classes of 2021 and 2030, as the director of Community Education working to create opportunities for all members of our community to use our schools, and as a community member who wants our Brainerd lakes area to be renowned for our excellent education, I can't think of a more important place to be on the evening of April 12. I hope to see you at the Community Forum.
Cori Reynolds is director of Community Education, Brainerd Public Schools
