2026 District Conference:October 1, 2026 - October 4, 2026 at Cragun's Resort.
This Week at Rotary
Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools and Rotary Member Chip Rankin gave a gripping presentation on the current state of Brainerd Public Schools.
Chip began by highlighting the challenges facing the school system which include a declining student body in rural Minnesota and budget constraints within the system. He emphasized that this is not only a problem for the school system, but the community at large as a lack of students becomes a future lack of talent, and future worker shortage for area businesses. The focus should be on long term strategic planning and community support.
Chip educated the group on how successful the school system is with Blue Ribbon Schools and High ACT scores. He states that an effort will be placed to change the communication around the school system and spend more time focusing on the successes. The greater community doesn't see enough of the good that happens and that leads to less community engagement and less support.
He didn't shy away from the urgency and importance of funding with a referendum upcoming. He explained the importance of budget transparency and how the School District burdens more costs than ever with ever increasing requirements placed upon them, with little to no financial reprieve. Chip is requesting community, and Rotarian, involvement via volunteer hours within the school system. The importance of spending time in the building and see how it really runs is the best thing one can do before forming an opinion on how resources are being consumed.
Chip invites anyone interested to reach out to him if you're interested in volunteering or if you believe you have other expertise that you can lend.
Greeters:
09/08/2026
Buford Johnson, John Forrest, Mary Devine Johnson
Speakers:
09/08/2026: Lori Rubin, Update on All Things Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity.
09/15/2026: Andy Rangen, Club Meeting
09/22/2026: Open
09/29/2026: Open
Sergeant At Arms
09/08/2026
Mike McConkey
Rotary Park Happenings
Below you will find the website address for the iNaturalist website for Rotary Riverside Park.
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.
Brainerd Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at 12pm at the Northland Arboretum (lower level) - 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425
Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back. Join us here for updates, announcements, and stories.
To see our schedule of upcoming speakers, click HERE. If you have an idea or question, contact Lee Seipp at leeseipp@live.com.
Rotary International Convention:
June 26-30, 2027, Barcelona, Spain
Brainerd Club Board
Meeting occurs at 11am on the third Tuesday of the month at The Northland Arboretum. Anyone can attend.
Brainerd Foundation Board
Anyone is welcome to join the meeting at 11am on the fourth Tuesday of the month at The Northland Arboretum. More information on Foundation Grants, grant process, grant applications at https://www.brainerdrotary.org/page/brainerd-rotary-foundation.
Social Media and PR
Please take and share photos of current rotary club events. Share with Matt Russell mrussell2006@gmail.com so we can keep our website and social media platforms current. Thank you!
