Ihrke ‘all in’ with school board

Amy Ihrke is all in. All in as an NRHEG School Board member, that is!

 

Nevertheless, Ihrke's newest endeavor is anything but ordinary.

 

"I just do what brings me joy and go with it," Ihrke said. "I've loved everything I've been a part of and try my best to put my all or at least all I have at that moment into whatever it is I'm a part of. I don't know how to do it any other way."

 

Fully understanding how the school system works -- that's more than a day's work; she knows this.

 

"There is so much more than paying taxes and voting for school board members and referendums," she said. "It's exciting to be a part of something bigger."

 

This newbie takes comfort in the fact that she can lean on her fellow board members. And to lighten the load a little more, she hasn't set any specific goals for herself. She's just taking things one meeting at a time.

 

"It's nice to come together and hear the different perspectives, then be able to meld them together to make the best choice for the district," she said. "I also thank all those who have taken the extra time and patience to explain things to me that didn't quite make sense."

 

It's been a rollercoaster ride of sorts, as she learns all the nuances that exist within a school district. The composition of the policies, the district budgets, state laws and regulations -- they are ever-changing. And as such, she has a newfound appreciation for all those who play a part in the school's logistics.

 

"Some of the members are long-time members and understand the school like the back of their hand," she said. "Others have worked in the districts and understand the rules and regulations better."

 

As you'd imagine, her school board binder is chock-full of notes. She's just that kind of lady; always wanting to do her best whenever possible.

 

Bottom line: She doesn't want to live in a ghost town.

 

"I just want good things in my community," she said. "I think we can be proud of what our community still has and it's important to keep these organizations going. I think deep down, I just love where I live. I love the people, the conversations and the waves hello. All of it."

It may be a bit basic for some, but the personal greetings she receives at the local grocery store and gas station truly warm her soul. End of story.

 

"This is where my roots are; this is what I know and love," she said. "I'm comfortable here and so are my children. I like that I know a majority of people in the community and they look out for their neighbors and vise versa. It's just a cozy place to belong."

 

It's really simple actually: her ancestors grew up here, she and her kids attended NRHEG and on it goes. So this kind of Panther passion for the New Richland area kind of comes with the territory.

 

"I think the roots of where we come from give us the energy and passions for continuing that for our future generations," she said. "I'm not the only member who is into their second, third or beyond generation that has attended school in one of the four communities. So, with all of us having different experiences and different qualities, hopefully we can all make good choices for our school, students and tax payers."

 

That being said, she feels really blessed. From here on out, Ihrke sees things going only one way: up.

 

"My overall goal is to just make sure we are creating a successful environment that gives all of our students the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to be successful after high school and make a successful life for themselves," she said. "I want kids to have experiences and meet people who will influence them and inspire them to be their best. And at this age, how does a student know what they like if they don't have the opportunity to experience it?"

 

She continued, "If we have an energetic well-oiled team to care for our students, we will in turn have a student body who is happy and energized. It's like a domino effect and in turn, creates an environment that is productive!"

 

And as stated by Ihrke, the board's actions impact more than just the students. Their families are also affected by even the smallest of decisions.

 

"I think our board's true focus is on equal opportunities to all of our students," she said. "To give them all the opportunities to be great! To create the best experience for them and their families. To keep taxes at bay while still being sure our district is in the best shape it can be! We have some of the best staff who are also focused on providing a genuine educational experience and aim for better things each year."

 

However, as a rural district, the resources needed to keep up with the state's larger districts just aren't there. That doesn't seem to impede her though.

 

Quite the opposite: she makes even more strides to explore, redesign and think outside the box in the hopes of creating new programs and classes.

 

"I think the advantage of a smaller district is that it is a community," she said. "The support from all sides can be felt and hopefully a sense of community pride is something that is instilled in all of us. I think NRHEG has stepped up to the plate; multiple teachers and administration have taken on new roles as instructors to be sure that kids have these opportunities."

 

NRHEG as a whole has been lucky enough to be pretty financially stable. And for that, Ihrke is grateful.

 

"We haven't had to ask for an operating referendum from our tax payers," she said. "Thus, so far we have been financially responsible in making good choices for our school while still trying to stay current with the up-and-coming technological and skilled trade jobs."

 

With all that shared responsibility resting on her shoulders, she also successfully juggles being a mom, grandma and a full-time funeral director for Bonnerup in Albert Lea.

 

"I refuse to miss special events and try to make it to everything I possibly can," she said. "I just like to be involved. I like to know how things work. I think that, if I could afford to be a full-time volunteer, that is what my true joy would be!"

 

Those dreams aside, she counts her lucky stars that she is able to provide solace for those grieving at her workplace.

 

"I love being that someone who walks people through this journey, guides them through this next chapter and creates a service that will give space to bid farewell and honor their loved one," she said. "Those are some big shoes, and what an honor to be chosen as the person and funeral home to be able to do that."  

 

Prior to her funeral director days, she also served for 10 years on the New Richland City Council. Plus, she served on her church council and the NRHEG PTO.

 

"I've enjoyed volunteering my time with my children's events, PTO, Afterprom, Farm and City Days -- just because I want good things for them," she said. "If we have a great city, we have a great school. If we have a great school, we have great communities. And since we live here we should have a little fun...or a lot of fun!"

 

Things may get a bit hectic at times, but at the end of the day, she finds peace in the farmhouse she grew up in. Suzie and Champ are her two trusty canine sidekicks, and she just absolutely loves it when her grandson comes for a visit.

 

The fact that she's a school board member, well, that's just the cherry on top for an already lovely life.

 

"It's exciting to be a part of something bigger," she said. "Hopefully, we can all help to make decisions for generations to come and make strides to send the kids into the real world to become successful in their dreams."