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Welcome to Community Conversations 2020-21!
Community Conversations is a monthly meeting of community members to discuss important topics of the day. Due to COVID-19, this year we will meet virtually at noon on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, September -November, and January-April.
No RSVP needed while we meet virtually. Just click the button to the right at noon on March 17th for the live feed. -------> What We've Learned: Educating the La Crosse Area During a Pandemic Local school districts have made massive changes from top to bottom to educate students and serve communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local teachers adapted overnight to distance learning. Schools faced infrastructure challenges providing technology and controlling the potential spread of disease. Parents juggled work with supervision and education responsibilities. Students discovered new and old ways to socialize with friends. Some things worked, and others didn’t. We visit with three Coulee Region school leaders to hear what they’ve learned, and what will change in the future. Todd Antony is the superintendent of the School district of Onalaska School. Prior to becoming Superintendent in 2019, Todd’s near 30 year career in education has included teaching third grade and computers and holding positions as technology coordinator, associate principal, principal and director of elementary education. Todd served as elementary principal in Milwaukee, Alma Center Humbird Merrillan, and Irving Pertzch in Onalaska. His formal education includes degrees and certifications from The University of Minnesota - Duluth, Cardinal Stritch University, Marquette University and Viterbo University. Aaron Engel is the superintendent of the School District of La Crosse. He was hired in July 2020 and is committed to equity in education. He previously served as Superintendent of the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District and as a Principal in the Auburndale School District. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from UW Madison in 2019. Dr. Engel has also served as an Army Officer in the Medical Service Corps of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Ted Knutson is president of the Aquinas Catholic School system. A 1980 graduate of Aquinas High School, Knutson returned in 1992 and served in various roles over 26 years. His original positions as Business Education teacher and coach led to promotions as Business Manager, Athletic Director and Principal. In 2017, he was named president of Aquinas Catholic Schools overseeing the five schools in the La Crosse area. Prior to Aquinas High School, Knutson began his teaching career in 1985 at Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, IL. Knutson received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Education and Business Administration in 1985 from Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota. In 1989 he earned his Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois State University in De Kalb, Illinois.
L to R: Todd Antony, Aaron Engel, Ted Knutson
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We welcome all who want to make a difference.
This year is different and will be virtual until further notice. No in-person Conversation will be held. No RSVP needed while we meet virtually. Just click the button below to watch March's Conversation!
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In an effort to strengthen our community, Community Conversations looks to engage citizens in thoughtful, theological, non-partisan and non-political discussion about local economic and social issues. We invite anyone who is interested in making a difference.” |