Community Engagement Task Force

Princeton Public Schools Community Engagement Task Force

Join us as we work together to shape the future of our schools! Our Community Engagement Task Force is bringing together staff, parents, and community members to explore solutions for the challenges facing our district, including funding, facilities, and innovative learning opportunities. Your voice is essential in this process, and we encourage you to be a part of the conversation.

If you have any questions please contact Emily McKinnon at emily.mckinnon@isd477.org or call 763-389-6184.

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: March 25, 2005

At the March 25 Community Engagement Task Force meeting, Princeton Public Schools continued important conversations about the future of our district—focusing on facilities, funding, and community priorities.

The evening began with a recap of previous discussions and a presentation from community partners explaining projected tax impacts. From there, attendees broke into small groups to take part in a hands-on budgeting activity:

If you had just $12 a month to spend on our schools, how would you divide it across priorities like facilities and operations? Then came a follow-up question: If you received an extra $5, would your choices change?

This simple exercise sparked thoughtful discussion about how to balance needs with limited resources—and what matters most to our community.

Task force members also considered whether they should recommend a solution that addresses:

• Both facility needs and the general fund deficit – most participants supported this approach

• Only the building needs – a few

• Only the general fund deficit – a few

• No solution at this time – none

Participants also reviewed recent survey feedback and continued to share perspectives on next steps.

Our next meeting on April 22 will be the final meeting before a recommendation is sent to the Princeton School Board. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this ongoing process. Your voices are shaping the future of Princeton Public Schools—and we’re grateful for your time, ideas, and partnership. 

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: February 11, 2025

On February 11, our Community Engagement Task Force gathered to continue shaping the future of Princeton Public Schools. The meeting began with a powerful reminder of why we are here—our students. Through shared photos and stories, we reflected on the impact that strong schools have on their success.

• Key topics discussed:
  ✅ Governor’s Funding Proposal for K-12 – Analyzed potential impacts on our district.
  ✅ Referendum Priorities – Explored options for facilities, operating, and technology funding.
  ✅ Request for Cost Estimates – Tasked district partners with gathering detailed financial data for next steps.
  ✅ FY2026 Budgeting – Initial discussions on potential reductions as part of long-term planning.

  Looking Ahead to March 25

  As we reconvene, we will:
  🔹 Review updated cost estimates for referendum priorities.
  🔹 Refine our facilities and operating levy focus areas based on community input.
  🔹 Continue discussions on budget planning for FY2026.

  We invite all community members to stay engaged as we work toward a referendum recommendation that best serves our students and schools. Your voice matters!

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: January 28, 2025

The community engagement task force held a meeting at Princeton Intermediate School on January 14, 2025. 

Here is a brief recap of the meeting: 

• A comprehensive community survey by The Morris Leatherman Company, captured what residents across our area think about our schools and their hopes for the future.

• Specifics on possible voter-approved referendum options, hypothetical scenarios, and possible tax impact for property owners by Jodie and Matthew of Ehlers Public Finance Advisors.

• A ThoughtExchange survey, where community members and Princeton staff shared ideas and ranked facility and budget priorities, gives us a deeper look into what matters most.

Attendees were given the opportunity to share their topics for prioritization within the district, and to ask questions.

The next task force meeting will be held on February 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Princeton High School in the media center.

If you have questions please reach out to Emily McKinnon at emily.mckinnon@isd477.org.

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: January 14, 2025

The community engagement task force held a meeting at Princeton High School on January 28, 2025. 

Here is a brief recap of the meeting: 

• Survey Results: We reviewed the results of the facility prioritization exercise, highlighting key projects and needs identified by staff, students, and the community. 

• Collaborative Discussions: Small group discussions allowed for deeper dive into the survey findings, helping us understand different perspectives.

The next task force meeting will be held on January 28 2025, at 6:00 PM at Princeton High School in the media center. We’ll hear important community survey results and begin outlining the draft recommendations that will be presented to the school board in future meetings. We hope everyone can join us for this important meeting.

If you have questions please reach out to Emily McKinnon at emily.mckinnon@isd477.org.

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: December 10, 2024

The community engagement task force held a meeting at the Area Learning Center (ALC) on December 10, 2024. It was a meeting filled with insightful discussion and meaningful collaboration as we work toward shaping the future of Princeton Public Schools.  

Here is a brief recap of the meeting: 

• Student Voices: Students at Princeton High School shared their self-administered student survey responses. Learn more about the high school student survey results here.
• Space and Facilities Gaps: Our commitment to serving every student in the district was evident in the presentation and discussion, which shared facilities issues and gaps for early childhood, elementary, and middle school students.  
• Brief Report of Enrollment and Operating Budget: Experts provided facts and comparisons on the funding disparities between Princeton and similarly sized districts, using data shared by the Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA).
• Prioritization Exercise: The community engagement task force ended the meeting with tables of 4-5 people discussing the prioritization of needs.  Everyone’s input is valued and needed as the task force prepares recommendations to the board. Come to the next meeting on January 14 to hear more facts and be part of the task force recommendations. Please continue to ask questions and provide your insights. 

The next task force meeting will be held on January 14 2025, at 6:00 PM at Princeton Intermediate School. Mark your calendars for an interactive and important table discussion and prioritization of needs. Your voice counts. It’s your school! 

If you have questions please reach out to Emily McKinnon at emily.mckinnon@isd477.org.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! Even if you can't make it to all meetings, we encourage community members, families, and staff to join these meetings and make sure your voice is heard. 

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: November 12, 2024

On November 12, 2024, the Princeton Public Schools Community Engagement Task Force met to explore spaces within Princeton High School. Groups took guided tours of Princeton High School facilities and the Task Force collected ideas, thoughts and feedback from attendees, which included:

• Career & technical education spaces
• Original 1966 high school building
• Locker room spaces, weights and cardio areas
• Boiler room and upper mechanical room

Next Steps: We collected a variety of questions from Task Force members to address their most pressing concerns, and we’re committed to gathering the requested information and providing responses in the coming weeks. Task Force members are encouraged to keep the conversation going—by sharing feedback, participating in future discussions, and staying engaged in the decision-making process. 

The next task force meeting will be held on December 10 2024, at 6:00 PM at Princeton High School Media Center. This session will include further discussion of our current facility needs, and how those needs have changed over the past several years. We encourage all community members to join as we work together to shape the future of our schools.   

If you have questions please reach out to Emily McKinnon at emily.mckinnon@isd477.org.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! Even if you can't make it to all meetings, we encourage community members, families, and staff to join these meetings and make sure your voice is heard. 

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: October 22, 2024

On October 22, 2024, the Princeton Public Schools Community Engagement Task Force convened to review budget challenges and plan for a sustainable future for our district. 

Key topics discussed:

• Survey Insights: The meeting began with an overview of recent survey data on K-12 Education in Minnesota (provided by the Morris Leatherman Company). This information will guide our priorities as we make strategic recommendations. 
• Budget Review: A deep dive into the district's financial situation underscored the ongoing struggle with a structural deficit, highlighting the need for thoughtful solutions.
• Next Steps: The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing community input. We collected a variety of questions from Task Force members to address their most pressing concerns, and we’re committed to gathering the requested information and providing responses in the coming weeks.

Task Force members are encouraged to keep the conversation going—by sharing feedback, participating in future discussions, and staying engaged in the decision-making process. Additionally, we are looking for a community co-chair to partner with the district in facilitating future meetings. This role will help ensure that a diverse range of perspectives is included and that all community voices are heard.

The next task force meeting will be held on November 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Princeton High School Media Center. This session will include an optional tour of the school and a discussion on the history and current needs of our facilities. We encourage all community members to join as we work together to shape the future of our schools. 

For those interested in taking a leadership role, or attending the next meeting, please reach out to Emily McKinnon at emily.mckinnon@isd477.org or call 763-389-6184.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! Even if you can't make it to all meetings, we encourage community members, families, and staff to join these meetings and make sure your voice is heard. 

Community Engagement Task Force Recap: October 8, 2024

On October 8, 2024, the Princeton Public Schools Community Engagement Task Force gathered to discuss the evolution of teaching and learning within the district. The meeting focused on how our educational practices have adapted to meet the needs of today’s students, and how our facilities could align with our vision for the future.

Key topics included:

• Academic Innovations: Superintendent Ben Barton and Jessica Town-Gunderson, Director of Teaching & Learning, outlined priorities for student growth and highlighted the importance of personalized instruction.
• Tiger Career Academies: Heather Sorenson, Tiger Career Academies Coordinator, emphasized the expansion of hands-on learning opportunities and the goal of equipping every graduate with industry-recognized credentials or workplace experience.
• Visions for Student Success: Ryan Jensen, Principal of Princeton High School, discussed the importance of holistic student development, while Activities Director Darin Laabs highlighted the role of extracurricular activities in building leadership skills.

Looking ahead, the next task force meeting on October 22, 2024, will cover insights from a state survey, technology spending reports, and strategies for addressing our district’s structural deficit. All community members are encouraged to join the conversation as we work together to shape a sustainable future for our students.

Even if you missed a meeting, you're welcome and invited to join the conversation! 

Next meeting:
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Princeton High School Media Center
Topic: Addressing Budget Challenges & Planning for Our Future

All community members are welcome!

Recap of Task Force September Meeting: Shaping the Future of Princeton Public Schools

On September 24, 2024, community members came together to continue crucial conversations about the future of Princeton Public Schools. The meeting focused on developing in every student the ability to succeed in an ever-changing world. 

Presenters Jodie Zesbaugh and Matthew Hammer from Ehlers Public Finance Advisors shared facts and insights on Minnesota school funding and balancing priorities.

• How school funding works 

• How Princeton Public Schools compares to other districts

• Discussion on the current and future facility needs (including “the why” for the repairs and upgrades) 

• Balancing priorities like class sizes, career and technical education (CTE), and keeping current programs strong

Thank you for the good turnout and active participation. You are helping to shape a positive future for Princeton Public School students, team members, and all communities served!  

If you were unable to attend this Community Engagement Task Force meeting, we encourage you to join in on this important conversation! Join in on the conversation on Current Learning and Teaching Today and the Next Decade on Tuesday, October 8, at 6:00 pm at Princeton High School.

Thank you for engaging in community discussions about critical issues facing the future of our Princeton Public Schools. Our schools are owned by our community. Your involvement is important to making informed decisions in the future.

On March 27, 2024 dozens of community members gathered to learn about and discuss financial and facilities challenges facing our schools. A summary of that meeting and recommended next steps will be provided here. Please follow the issues and get involved in the discussion.

The Challenges

• Princeton Public Schools has a revenue problem. We receive $3,000 per student less than the state average. We have stretched funding as far as it will go and provided an outstanding education for students. However, the budget situation is not sustainable.

• Federal pandemic funding expires this year (-$1.2 million), enrollment is declining (-$600,000), inflation is 3.7%, and our state basic state aid will only increase by 2%. Expenses are growing faster than revenue.

• We have a $2.5 million structural deficit.

• There are only four ways school districts can increase revenue:

  • Increase state funding (legislative action)

  • Grow enrollment (birth rates are declining)

  • Gain voter approval of a local referendum 

  • Increase fees, grants, and fundraising (unlike to generate enough)

• We have long-term facility needs studied by groups in 2013 and 2019, estimated in 2019 at more than $55 million. Costs are increasing.

• Educational expectations are changing, and our career-technical-vocational spaces are inadequate at present to provide a career-ready workforce.

Get Involved in Finding Solutions

We are asking families, alumni, students, and community members to get involved in finding solutions to complex challenges. As owners of our schools, we hope you will want to learn more and get involved. Please submit questions here. If you'd like to volunteer, please share your contact information.