Crosslake Community Charter School | Crosslake Minnesota

2009 CCS Board Voting Results

Community Member
*Eric Swanson -123 votes

Parent Member

*Josh Porter - 118 votes
Write in: Kelli Engstrom – 2 votes
Write in: Julie Bonfig – 1 vote

Teacher Members

*Lance Swanson – 112 votes
*Dawn Weite – 116 votes
*Marie Waschek – 116 votes
*Miranda Graceffa – 114 votes

66% of the membership voted

CCS School Board Nominees

Eric J Swanson - Community Member
I have been a police officer for Crosslake for 12 years on November 25th of 2009. I am 37 years old and the father of one, with a child due in June. I have gladly served the community and wish to increase that service by being a member of the school board. I feel that I will be able to contribute to decisions about the school, its future, and the students with a view not only as police officer, but as parent as well. I have previously participated by conducting firearms safety classes, as well as assisting with the archery in schools program. Being a parent, I don't have as much time to donate as I would like, but I feel that as a school board member, I would be able to have a bigger impact and could contribute a new perspective to decisions.

Josh Porter - Parent
My name is Josh Porter, I am an area resident and my oldest daughter Grace is attending kindergarten this year at CCS. As a Board member, my goal is to represent the parents' views as balanced as possible, and bring a broad range of community experience to the position. I am active in both the Brainerd Lakes and Nisswa Chambers and a member with my wife of the Log Church in Crosslake. I am self employed as a commercial artist. My business is Avalon Studios. Through Avalon Studios and past employment in outside sales, I have worked with many area businesses and non profit organizations, allowing me to build positive relationships and develop an understanding of community and business. With a child now in school, this new chapter in my family’s life has created a definite interest in the Crosslake Community School and the decision making process, as it affects my children directly. Thank you for considering me to represent the parents on the School Board.

Marie Waschek - Teacher
My name is Marie Waschek and I teach the 3/4 class at Crosslake Community School. This is my second year here and I enjoy teaching the students and getting to know parents and community members of Crosslake. I would like to be a director of the school board because I am interested in learning more about our school, and I would also like to be a voice for our students, staff, and families.

Miranda Graceffa - Teacher
Hi! My name is Miranda Graceffa and this is my first year as the 6/7th grade teacher at CCS. Previously, I worked for three years at another charter school, where I gained a lot of insight and knowledge on the "ins and outs" of charter schools. I have also worked for non-profits and government agencies teaching environmental education. This combination of teaching informal and formal education has given me a decade of teaching experience. I believe my experiences in these education jobs have helped me gain a variety of perspectives as a professional. I am interested in becoming a board member because I care about, and am dedicated to charter schools and the teaching profession. I am proud to work at CCS, and want to help it continue to grow in a positive direction. Thank you!

Lance Swanson - Teacher
I have been at the school for over 6 years and I feel that I am well qualified to serve on the board. I have already served for about 5 years over two terms. This is a critical time for the school as we look to the future possibilities. Having background and experience on the board is important for our school’s long-term health. I am committed to helping keep the school strong as we look ahead. Thank you for your consideration.

Dawn Weite - Teacher
My name is Dawn Weite. I've been an educator with Crosslake Community for over six years and served on the CCS's school board during 2004-2007. At that time we worked on making our school successful and gaining students. Currently, I feel we are at a new threshold, having nearly reached capacity at our current location. The next few years will be exciting and a crucial time to work together to reach our long term goals. CCS is my school of choice for my own children. One of the reasons is that we offer our students what they can’t feel in other schools… "the sense of family!" As a board member, one of my goals for CCS will be for it to remain a "small" school with "small" class sizes. I also feel we need to build on that sense of community with a connection to the local citizens. I look forward to being part of the CCS Board as we plan for the future.