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Gretchen O'Fallon
Gretchen O'Fallon, 43, has served on the school board since 1996, when she was appointed to replace Velda Larson. She was re-elected to a four-year term in 1999 and has served two years as clerk.

O'Fallon, a 1977 PHS graduate, and her husband, Jim, currently have two children in the district: Bobby, a senior, and Russell, a seventh grader. Their daughter, Erin, graduated in 2001.

With superintendent Howard Caldwell set to retire in June 2004, what characteristics should the district seek in its next superintendent?
A superintendent, in my mind, must be a person with a passion for education. Also, someone who is people friendly, community-minded, and willing to initiate and accept change.

(Editor's Note: O'Fallon voted in favor of hiring elementary principal Todd Burlingame as the next superintendent last week. See story.)

How should the school board encourage and maintain community support for the Paynesville Public Schools?
In a word...communication. Support will be encouraged and maintained if you have that. One of my biggest frustrations from being on the board is that people choose to believe second-hand information.

If something raises a question with you and you can't come to the meetings, call and ask. Board members are more than willing to help or find someone who can. The board minutes are in the Press - read them!

Do you approve of the use of school property for a community swimming pool? Should the school district do more to support a pool in Paynesville?
Yes, I approve of and voted in favor of the use of school property for a community swimming pool. I am also on a task force to help it happen favorably for the district and the city/township.

One could always wish we as a district could do more. A pool is a major undertaking. I feel this joint effort is the best of both worlds.

Paul Thielen
Paul Thielen, 43, moved to Paynesville with his family in 1999. Of his five children, four have attended the Paynesville Public Schools, including three currently: Todd, a junior; Jessica, a sophomore; and Alexxis, 5, who has suffered from health problems for three years, uses preschool special education. (Another son, Tony, graduated from PAHS in 2003.)

A 1979 graduate of Grace High School in Fridley, now Totino-Grace High School, Thielen is a printer by trade but is now a stay-at-home dad until Alexxis gets medical clearance to attend daycare.

With superintendent Howard Caldwell set to retire in June 2004, what characteristics should the district seek in its next superintendent?
One that lives in the area and is involved with the community. It says a lot when administration becomes involved with the students and parents outside of the school setting. I would like to see one that promotes harmony amongst students, staff, the board, and administration. Most importantly, one who sees this as more than just a job but a commitment to our kids.

How should the school board encourage and maintain community support for the Paynesville Public Schools?
Back to the volunteers. With the board working to keep harmony with the issues that arise, I believe that the more parents that can get involved will help everyone. Our community needs the school, and the school needs the community.

Do you approve of the use of school property for a community swimming pool? Should the school district do more to support a pool in Paynesville?
I approve of the use of school property for the community swimming pool. I would hope that some of the funds from this would help out, wherever it can. I think the school district should take a "wait and see" policy to determine how the pool situation will pan out.

Bonnie Strobbe
Bonnie Strobbe, 56, has spent 51 years in education. The Iowa native taught, coached, and served as an athletics administrator, assistant principal, and principal during a 34-year education career, including 25 years at St. Paul Central.

For the past nine years - since moving to Lake Koronis full time - she has worked in St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids. She retired as principal of Mississippi Heights Middle School in June 2003.

With superintendent Howard Caldwell set to retire in June 2004, what characteristics should the district seek in its next superintendent?
This district will need to study how they wish to set up administratively for the future. Clearly anyone in a leadership role will need to show fiscal creativity yet know that the bottom line is to educate and nurture all the children.

How should the school board encourage and maintain community support for the Paynesville Public Schools?
We can not have a community school without the direct support and input from the broader community. It is the primary obligation of any community to provide the best education possible for its youth. It is the board and schools' job to solicit as many opportunities for involvement by the broader public. The school is the reflection of the health of the community.

Do you approve of the use of school property for a community swimming pool? Should the school district do more to support a pool in Paynesville?
If the district decides that a pool will enhance the educational opportunities, it seems logical to place the pool within easy access of the students.

Lowell Haagenson
Lowell Haagenson, 43, served previously on the school board from 1995 to 1999, being elected in 1995 and resigning at the end of 1999.

Haagenson - who was born in Paynesville, moved away, and then moved back with his family 10 years ago - has two children in the district (Robert in ninth grade and Katrina in fifth grade), two children outside the district (including Laura, who attended school in Paynesville but is now a senior elsewhere), and a 13-month-old with his wife, Dorothy.

With superintendent Howard Caldwell set to retire in June 2004, what characteristics should the district seek in its next superintendent?
Those characteristics that we find in Howard Caldwell. I'm quite serious. He held fast to personnel and fiscal responsibilities when his opinion was not necessarily shared by a majority of popular opinion. That's integrity (and required). I've addressed the need to care in many of my responses, and I've had the pleasure to serve four years on the school board while Mr. Caldwell was our superintendent - he does care.

How should the school board encourage and maintain community support for the Paynesville Public Schools?
Participate. Here, too, actions are more important than our words and funding. Let's put some sweat equity into shared vision, goals, objectives and then roll up our sleeves and work together as a cohesive community toward accomplishments.

Do you approve of the use of school property for a community swimming pool? Should the school district do more to support a pool in Paynesville?
I absolutely approve. Just as I am in full support of the integration of community education within our district. Remember, it's much easier to fund the construction of a pool than it is to use general funds for maintaining one. That said, we have to look closely at what stages the school district can best contribute/ share resources.