Sheila Kiscaden joins First Steps program
Press Release
Friday, January 12, 2007
After four terms of representing Minnesota’s 30th District at the state capitol, former Senator Sheila Kiscaden has taken on a new role as a consultant to Rochester Area Foundation’s First Steps program.
Kiscaden will work with First Steps for the next four to six months to develop recommendations for the board and advise its members on future actions to be taken. Anticipated outcomes for Kiscaden’s leadership of the program include finding effective ways to convene and collaborate with local agencies in order to collectively support early childhood education.
Of her new role, Kiscaden states, "Leaving elective office allows me to serve the community in a new way. I am very pleased with the opportunity to work with the First Steps Board to identify how it can strengthen its efforts to encourage and support kindergarten preparedness in our area."
Kiscaden’s involvement will contribute to the long-term value of the program’s efforts. "Early childhood education and school readiness are among the best investments that can be made for community and economic development," Kiscaden says.
First Steps Chair, Jean Locke, reflects the mood of the entire board as she comments on the program’s new consultant: "Sheila is a proven leader with a demonstrated commitment to education. We anticipate the unique insight and perspective she offers will be very beneficial to our efforts to support school readiness."
About First Steps
First Steps, an initiative of the Rochester Area Foundation, is a community-wide effort to improve the kindergarten readiness for Rochester children. First Steps is spreading the word about the problem and solutions with education and events for parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders. First Steps brings together the expertise and resources of community organizations that work with families and children. For more information, visit the First Steps Web site at www.firststeps.us.
About Rochester Area Foundation
Rochester Area Foundation’s mission is to strengthen community philanthropy by promoting responsible and informed giving and to assist donors in meeting their charitable objectives. The Foundation is dedicated to using its resources to improve the quality of life, promote greater equality of opportunities and to develop effective methods to assist those in need in the greater Rochester area. The Rochester Area Foundation makes grants in the fields of arts and culture, community development, education, human services and recreation. Learn more at www.rochesterarea.org.
