On Nov. 8 I will be voting for Ellen Kehr for the Albert Lea Area Schools School Board. I am an ALHS parent, and I have collaborated with Ellen on many projects over the last five years. The focus of our projects is improving community member health. A critical partner in our work has been and continues to be Albert Lea Area Schools.

As the Blue Zones organizational lead for Albert Lea, Ellen worked with all Albert Lea schools in achieving Blue Zones school designation status. What does this mean? It means that she worked with schools to implement evidence-based policy, systems and environmental changes that improve student health. Southwest Middle School was the first Blue Zones-designated school in Minnesota. Albert Lea is the first Blue Zones-certified community in the nation to have all schools designated.

What does this mean for our community? Healthy kids equals successful students equals stronger communities. In the 2010 American School Health Association report titled “Healthier Students are Better Learners,” evidence has shown that specific dietary practices are related to different aspects of academic achievement.

For example, student participation in the USDA School Breakfast Program is associated with increased academic grades and standardized test scores, reduced absenteeism and improved cognitive function. In the 2010 CDC report titled “The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education and Academic Performance,” evidence shows that school-based physical activity helps improve academic performance (including grades and standardized test scores) and has a positive impact on education behaviors and cognitive skills.

Ellen is passionate about improving the health of students, which in turn improves their academic achievement, which in turn creates a stronger community. She understands the direct correlation between student health and academic achievement. I know that as a school board member Ellen will have this at the forefront of her mind with every decision she makes for our students. Healthy kids. Successful students. Stronger community. This is why I am voting for Ellen Kehr for District 241 School Board on Tuesday.

Alice Englin

Hayward