Albert Lea school officials testified Monday night to the school’s positive administrative culture, in response to recent questions about school culture raised by a board member.

The roundtable discussion at the Albert Lea School Board’s study session included Halverson Elementary School Principal Johanna Thomas, Sibley Elementary School Principal Diane Schultz and Hawthorne Elementary School Principal Karen Zwolenski.

Southwest Middle School Principal Steve Kovach, Albert Lea High School Principal Mark Grossklaus and Albert Lea Area Learning Center Principal Tonya Prouty also spoke.

“I think we have a lot of great things going on here,” Schultz said of Sibley, noting she was appreciative of discussion that she said always leads back to what is best for students.

Albert Lea High School Principal Mark Grossklaus said he thinks staff is “very positive” about the school, noting he thinks the school employs an open-door policy. He said he hears from parents and students about the openness of the school, but noted high school officials are continuing to work on school culture and promoting student growth.

Kovach described the middle school’s culture as “pretty much a family,” again noting that conversation always comes back to what is best for students.

He said teachers appreciate a district-wide staff survey, noting he thinks it has opened conversation.

Superintendent Mike Funk said this is the third or fourth survey staff has received in the last few years that has gauged teacher thoughts on district operations.

Prouty said she has a dedicated staff, noting she appreciates the collaboration the ALC has with Albert Lea High School.

Zwolenski said she enjoys working at the school and spoke positively about collaboration there.

Albert Lea School Board member Jill Marin, who in past meetings has discussed a perceived negative school administration culture, said her past comments were in regard to the culture around top administration, noting she has heard teachers and staff who have said they do not have input on decisions.

She asked the board how they could empower teachers, noting she has also heard from teachers that their advice has not been responded to in a positive manner.