This is the Story

Melissa Buchhop has been a teacher at Grand Forks Public Schools since 2010, serving first as a 2nd grade teacher and now a 4th grade teacher at Century Elementary School. Melissa has been a teacher mentor through the North Dakota Teacher Support System and is currently the president of the Grand Forks Education Association (GFEA).

In this episode of This is the Story, Melissa shares her perspective on modern learning environments in Grand Forks Public Schools, including the use of technology and 1:1 digital devices. Melissa also talks about two elements of the GFPS strategic plan - academics and human resources - and what is achievable in our current environment.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://otter.ai/u/2vaD0_2Q1tPWetmo-B7i30KAWMI.

Dr. Tricia Lee has been the Executive Director of Special Education at Grand Forks Public Schools since the summer of 2013. Prior to working with the school system, Tricia spent over 12 years at the University of North Dakota as an assistant professor and clinical supervisor in the special education program area and the teaching and learning department. She had also been a special education teacher in Grand Forks Public Schools.

Shari Bilden has been the principal at Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School, located on the Grand Forks Air Force Base, since August 2016. In this episode of This is the Story, Shari talks about being a principal at a combined elementary and middle school, sharing ways the two schools are separate, but located under the same roof. Shari also talks about serving on the K-8 Campus Predesign Committee and discussing instructional models, the layout of a proposed building, and more. Shari also shares insight on the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework and how that integrates well with a K-8 campus.

A transcript of the episode is available at https://otter.ai/u/xgLoe3Wm4pjQkaLcg0cLF1AUOHE.

Gina Wieler has been the safety coordinator at Grand Forks Public Schools since August 2019. In this episode of This is the Story, Gina talks about her roles and responsibilities and shares her perspective, as a former member of law enforcement, about safety and security in the school system. Gina also served on the facilities task force, and she shares her experiences with listeners.

For a transcript of this podcast episode, please visit https://otter.ai/u/GCQPcLP11YWurihHt3G_sDUxz0U.

Chris Arnold has been the director of buildings and grounds at Grand Forks Public Schools since August 2017. In this episode of This is the Story, Chris shares the progress of the long-term facility master plan. We also delve into the concept of deferred or delayed maintenance, as well as discuss potential projects addressed by a successful referendum on June 22, 2021.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://otter.ai/u/oRbap9ZaVVUFe_GydEoovIeIgYs.

Mr. Scott Berge has been the business manager at Grand Forks Public Schools since December 2018. In this episode of This is the Story, Scott shares the basics about school finance, which includes explaining the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund allocations. Scott also details the financial outlook of the school system and discusses the work of the K-8 Campus Predesign Committee and Bond Program Planning Group.

A transcript of this recording is available at https://otter.ai/u/jrpM_OlpNoYp3ZR5v2SQe9ftKv0.

Superintendent Dr. Terry Brenner is the 19th superintendent to lead Grand Forks Public Schools. In this inaugural episode of This is the Story, Dr. Brenner shares his perspective on the master plan for facilities, the role and work completed by the facilities task force, and the road ahead, which includes a referendum on June 22, 2021.

A transcript of this recording is available at https://otter.ai/u/n8_py_ofV4rePi232PQMrA4NxB0.