Dear Crookston School District Leadership,
This letter comes from a place of deep love and pride, but also growing concern, as a parent in the Crookston School District. I was born and raised in Crookston and am a proud 2008 graduate. After college, I chose to move back to my hometown, where I met my husband. Together, we are raising our three young children here because we truly believe in this community and the values it represents.
Crookston is more than just a town—it is home. It offers so much to young families: shopping, parks, youth programs, RiverView Hospital and Clinics, local coverage from KROX, and, most importantly, a great education thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff. It is a place where neighbors look out for each other and families feel supported. I have always believed that the leadership of the Crookston School District shared that same commitment—to put children first and to act in the best interest of our children and families.
That is why writing this letter is difficult.
It is with great disappointment and frustration that I address the current decision-making process regarding the closing of Washington School. My concerns—along with those of many other parents—begin with the lack of transparency. The public forum in November was not a meaningful opportunity for teachers, parents, or other stakeholders to have a voice. Many questions have gone unanswered. Decisions that will profoundly impact our children’s daily lives are being made without collaboration or the thoughtful planning they deserve.
There is not a well-thought-out plan with concrete information regarding space, daily schedules, or various financial considerations. The answers provided to the public’s questions on the district’s website feel rushed and incomplete. This leaves parents feeling frustrated and uncertain about their children’s educational future. As a parent, this is incredibly unsettling.
The message being sent by the current Crookston School District leadership is alarming. The concerns of parents, teachers, and staff—those who know and care for our children every single day—are not being fully heard, respected, or taken seriously. This is not a small decision. It will shape our children’s educational experience, their sense of stability, and the environment in which teachers and staff are expected to succeed.
As a parent, I do not want to stand in the way of change. I am simply asking for open communication, honest answers, and a meaningful opportunity for the right people to have a seat at the table. This will help ensure that the potential closing of Washington and the transition to Highland are handled with the compassion, transparency, and careful planning our children deserve.
The signatures below are from those who support this letter and our children’s educational future.
Sincerely, A concerned parent and community member:
Kamille Meyer (Wahlin)
Signatures of Support:
- Aaron Meyer
- Brooke Walker
- Kolton Walker
- Anna Ogaard-Brekken
- Cody Brekken
- Sean Murphy
- Elizabeth Murphy
- Chris Wahlin
- Karla Wahlin
- Caitlin Michno
- Morgan Hibma
- Tom Hibma
- Courtney Olson
- Kyle Olson
- Laura Wangen
- Casey Wangen
- Shannon Knaack
- Courtney Meyer
- Evan Meyer
- Kate Overgaard
- Sarah Ringdahl
- Derek Ringdahl
- Katrina Prudhomme
- Emily Fonteyn
- Kim Saucedo
- Lydia Hoffman
- Colee Hanson
- Riley Hermreck
- Megan Benoit
- Sarah Pester
- Christian Pester
- Dr. Erik Kanten
- Judy Kanten
- Gina Gunderson
- Steve Koefoed
- Janel Kresl
- Kim Davidson
- Dave Davidson
- Kristi Griffin
- Brian Hanson
- Megan Hanson
- Tim Wavra
- Laurie Wavra
- Dixie Sele
- Sara Geist
- Leah O. Winjum
- Brittney Osen
- Chris Osen
- Cristin Hardy
- Ericka Kollin
- Marge Koepsell
- Alex Koepsell
- Andrea Cole
- Anita Brekken
- Theresa Haggerty
- Karen Danielson
- Dr. Beth Staehnke
- Tommy Staehnke
- Tayler Bryant
- Zach Bryant
- Dana Perreault
- Bobbi Klinnert
- Andrea Brekken
- Amanda Wangen
- Eric Hernandez
- Melissa Palomo
- Christen Schoenborn
- Evan Schoenborn
- Lindsey Erdman
- Erik Erdman
- Cassie Rudie
- Luke Rudie
- Megan Hruby
- Mandi Stoe
- Heather Rosu
- Katie Goodyke
- Kelsey Grunewald
- Jared Quanrud
- Janessa Quanrud
- Suzie Larson
- Megan Gangl
- Melissa Burnette
- Trevor Staehnke
- Brett Lien
- Kelly Lien
- Arika Hitchen
- Ann Brekken
- Sophie LaFrance
- Alana Wagner
- Hans Wagner
- Holly Wavra
- Brigette Burzette-DeLeon
- Carrie Newquist
- Kayse Thompson
- Brandi Nesseth
- Steve Nelson
- Jeff Perreault
- Melissa Perreault
- Carrie Volker
- Carmen Caputo
- Jennifer Knutson
- Karen Brekken
- Linda Fuller
- Sue Wagner
- Susan Dufault
- Sue Erickson
- Megan Parenteau
- Monica Parenteau
- Renne Tangquist
- Erika Uttermark
- Dan Halland
- Abbey Crimsan
- Tanya Reitmeier
- Kate Mulvey
- Kari Heppner
- Andrea Ingersoll
- Megan Tweet
- Emily Meine