Brian Siegel
1419 Crest Drive
Chaska, MN 55318
"Lived in Chaska a little over four years.  Mortgage Loan Officer with Performance Mortgage, Inc.  Wife:  Christine.  Kids:  Madeleine, 4; Michael, 10; Katie, 13."
1) School size.  "'Fairness' can be measured only in opportunities, not out-comes.  If the demand begins to outstrip supply, then there is a clear signal that we need to address the situation.
"Smaller school districts have clear advantages such as more opportunities (provided the per-participant costs remain stable), but also clear disadvantages such as economies of scale to pay for activities, facilities, etc.
"Deconsolidation should be consid-ered when everyone fully understands the financial impact to them.  There is likely a point of diminishing returns in the idea of bigger is better.  I don't know exactly where that is."
2) Essential elements.  "High stand-ards, discipline, parental involvement, parental support of teachers and adminis-tration, flexibility, accountability of all parties involved, facts and opinions are properly labeled, endless opportunities for high achievers, extra help for those who need it, broad and deep curriculum."
3) Concern for children.  "Most im-portant is to do the right thing, what is best for their academic careers and devel-opment into adults.  Less important is making them happy and building self esteem.  The trick is to devise an educa-tion program which accomplishes the latter while not compromising the for-mer."
4) Truth.  "Yes. And I seek truth in the facts.  However, there is a need for beliefs and faith when pure facts are not available.  One just needs to know the difference."
5) Superintendent's salary.  "The superintendent's salary is $134,616.52 per year with a minimum increase of 3.2% after the 2004-2005 year.  An automobile allowance and retirement program, plus other incentives are included.  Other bene-fits are what one would expect an execu-tive to receive.
"I believe the compensation package is right on.  It has successfully attracted competent candidates, landed an outstand-ing administrator (Bev), and will continue to do so in the future.  Plus she earns every cent."

*Eugene (Dick) Tirk
110955 Von Hertzen Circle
Chaska, MN 55318
"I was born in Chewelah, Washing-ton, and graduated from the University of Idaho.  I have resided in the district for 31 years.  I am retired and serving on many county, senior, and metropolitan commis-sions and councils.
"After my service in the Marines, I was a contract manager in the computer industry.  I am single.  I have a 47-year old son and raised three stepchildren now ages 43, 39, and 36.  I have two grand-daughters; the older is 19 and is a second-year student at Colorado State University, and the other is a high school senior in Ohio. "
1) School size.  "Small schools are best for many reasons and in my opinion athletic teams is not the most important reason.  All research show that students learn better in smaller schools.  Having said this, it is also necessary to point out that Minnesota does not deconsolidate school districts but rather consolidates them.
"The cost of building all these small schools, particularly in our district, would be prohibitive; and since one needs to pass a referendum to purchase land and staff the school, there is no way that the taxpayers can afford it."
2) Essential elements.  "Essential qualities are good teachers, small class sizes, involved parents, good programs, emphasis on a full arts curriculum, and supportive citizens who are not parents."
3) Concern for children.  "Everyone to have an equal chance.  What is best for the students which is also affordable.  Safety.  The opportunity to participate in the arts or sports insofar as possible."
4) Truth.  I think that everyone seeks the truth.  When I was a Marine Major in Vietnam, commanding young men in combat, I learned many things about myself.  The crucible of war is a great learning experience.
"On the various issues I try to read research on both sides of the issue and try to develop the truth from the opposing views.  My first experience of this year was reading a book setting forth Israel's views about the partition of Palestine in 1948 plus a book written by the leader of the Jordan forces in the same period.
"Reading history is important to me in arriving at what I feel is the truth.  Much of the history that we were taught when I went to school was from the viewpoint of white males.  To arrive at the truth we must read history from the view-point of women, minorities, and other groups."
5) Superintendent's salary.  The sal-ary of our superintendent is a matter of public record.  Her base salary is $132,442.  She can also earn up to an additional $5,260 based on performance criteria as judged by the school board.
"She also gets a vehicle allowance to cover the cost of her travels on school matters.  She can accrue up to 25 days in vacation and 12 days of sick leave per year and can cash out up to 149 days when she leaves the district.  She earns every dime of what we pay her.  Her pack-age is somewhat lower than the average package in the Lake Conference."

*Dick Tirk is the only incumbent.