E36-Governor Candidates Publish Position Papers, NTH Board Discusses

NewTech High Blog
May 13, 2026

Early this week, Senator Klobuchar and Sen. Demuth published early position papers on the platforms they are running on. Here are those two links: 

https://lisaformn.com/priorities/

https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/

Today, our NewTech High took on the idea of the reform agenda in the area of education. We had a strong panel to discuss this issue -- Lars Esdal, Bob Wedl, Bill Sommers, Jon Bacal and Jerry Robicheau. 

Neither candidate has published anything landmark in the education area. Better test scores, more accountability, etc. Won't it be interesting when we have candidates that are talking about the potentially radical disruption of long-held institutions in there of the event there is no change to the status quo? I am not dogging either candidate. I get it. Electability. 

In this conversation, the Board takes on several issues such as personalization, AI, standards, innovation zones, mentorships, CTE, teacher-powered institutions, etc.

Today's Podcast

Is it time for major reconstruction of high schools? I would offer that it is. High schools (and colleges) have been majorly disrupted over the past 40 years, but people don't seem to be paying attention. Online education, Post-secondary options, charter schools, alternative schools, etc. have served notice to existing structures that they are inadequate. Yet, we keep placating and trying to run our schools the same way. It is fascinating.It is a 100 year experiment that has never fully worked for each student. Personalization is the answer. This connotes a truly different way of life for Grades 9-16 education. We are banking that these components will echo these aspects: 

  1. Rigor - This does not mean test score success. It means active mental engagement. Old models of rigor do not apply. Rigor happens whenever the mind is opened to new long-term learning.
  2. Relevance - How can I use this information for some benefit in the future? We never know when we will need some particular concept or skill. However, we can be pretty sure of what we will not need. We have a 100 years of history about content that has little future value. 
  3. Relationships - Human interactions and skills are the long-term skills that we know have always been truly important. Apparently, we are just figuring out that these skills are important. In the AI age, perhaps content will become way different than what we've thought. 
  4. Skills over Grades -- The transcript of the 20th century will become an afterthought of the 21st century. If you are focused on grades, you are missing the train. Your durable skills are the currency of the 21st century economy! When do we start working on that? Do we do this with intent? How do we report on skills? How do we assess them? 
We have some major decisions to make soon. Do we all sense this urgency? 


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