Incoming K-M superintendent is a refreshing change for transparency

For the past several months, there has undoubtedly been a tense relationship between this newspaper and at least some parts of the Kasson-Mantorville School District.
A newspaper’s job is to hold the powerful accountable, which led us to pursue a series of stories that some didn’t like.
This newspaper has continued on covering the good, bad, and indifferent issues happening within the walls of the district.
The biggest qualm we’ve had is the lack of transparency. Reporters who asked questions have gotten half-truths, direction to look information up ourselves, or no answers at all.
This newspaper however, is hopeful, the tide is changing with incoming Superintendent Beth Giese.
Even before her first day with the district, she has already answered many of our questions without complaints, without snarky responses, and quickly.
This is refreshing, to say the least.
Giese has even put her reputation on the line, in defense of doing the right thing, working with the press.
Last week, while answering a reporter’s questions, which were previously ignored, she had this to say:
“I look forward to working with you as well. You can certainly ask the Beacon (Cannon Falls) and the News Record/Kenyon Leader (K-W) that I believe we are partners. I’ll always help when possible.”
This newspaper didn’t have to reach out to any of them. Before she was hired, we heard from a former publisher who told us she believes in local journalism and is good to work with.
In addition, Giese followed up with the reporter doing the story, to make sure all the questions were answered, at least to the best of her abilities, considering she isn’t currently collecting a check from K-M.
While this shouldn’t be something a newspaper applauds, because it should be expected, it was a clear sign to us that times are changing.
As a newspaper, nothing is more valuable than having a positive working relationship with sources. During turmoil, the current superintendent refused to have any conversations with the newspaper.
The current superintendent refused to answer questions or even respond to emails most of the time. At one point, when a reporter wanted to do a story about the budget, he said he would only communicate via email.
But this newspaper is committed to letting bygones be bygones and moving forward with a positive working relationship.
There will undoubtedly be tough times ahead for the K-M school district, along with others. Budget issues, inflation, state and federal aid uncertainty, and mandates will likely lead to difficult and tense situations.
In K-M’s case, the largest collective bargaining unit’s contract will be negotiated, which is almost always difficult to navigate. In trying financial times, that is likely to present even more challenges.
This newspaper will be covering those issues and is hopeful to see more transparency coming out of the superintendent’s office.
In addition, this newspaper is looking forward to building positive working relationships with Byron’s new Superintendent Nate Walbruch and Triton’s new Superintendent Luke Lutterman.
Walbruch, Lutterman, Giese, and Hayfield Superintendent Gregg Slaathaugg have also all agreed to write a monthly column, something that has never happened in the history of this newspaper.
Things are looking up for transparency, and this newspaper couldn’t be more excited about it.