About Us
Clarkfield Area Charter School envisions itself as a school of excellence that fosters a love of learning which allows all students to reach their maximum potential. Clarkfield Area Charter School will accomplish educational excellence by utilizing highly effective teachers, whose data driven instruction, will focus on their students individual learning styles in order to build concrete foundation in academics. Educators will promote strong moral values, healthy lifestyles, global and local awareness, and utilize community involvement to ensure academic success
AS a change friendly school, CACS faculty and staff will embrace opportunities and innovation that will increase their effectiveness and sustain a financially sound institution. CACS Faculty and staff, along with strong parental partnerships, will guide each student to reach his/her full academic and social potential in order to ensure success in their future.!At Clarkfield Area Charter School, we believe that all K-6 students have a purpose and learn in a unique way. Our mission is to develop a love of learning by finding and teaching to the students' individual learning styles and expanding their knowledge through community based learning. This will allow students to master academic building blocks necessary for a successful transition to junior and senior high school. Learning will take place in a nurturing and stimulating environment with a 15 to 1 student to teacher ration where staff, families and community members support students to become life-long learners leading healthy, active and productive live .
Clarkfield Area Charter School
2019-2020 School Staff
Office Staff
Kathy Koetter – Director
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Shelley Shultz -Administrative Assistant
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Teaching Staff
Pam Williams - Special Education
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Karin Falness - School Psychologist
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Anthony Frank -Speech Pathologist
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Ashley Bendickson–Preschool
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Rachel Weiss- Kindergarten
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Kathy Jessen- First Grade
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Nancy Schmidt – Second Grade
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Steve Koetter – Third & Fourth Grade
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Zach Hendrickson –Fifth & Sixth Grade
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Krystal Koepp –Paraprofessional
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Erica Ramirez – Paraprofessional
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Joy Miller – Paraprofessional
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Food Service
Arica Jahn – Food Service Director
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Custodial
David Erp
Bus Company Bennett & Bennett - 320-564-4766
Board Biographies
Eric Jahn – Eric has lived in Clarkfield for 43 years. He and his wife Arica have four children – Kody, Colton, Kendra and Clayton. Eric farms southwest of Clarkfield and also serves on the Clarkfield Fire Department. He enjoys spending time at the lake with his family. Eric’s email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and serves as the board chair.
Brenda Risa – Brenda has lived in the Clarkfield community for over 25 years with her husband and three children. She is the vice president and co-owner of Goldleaf Surety Services, LLC. She also sits on the Clarkfield EDA board and the Norwegian Mutual board. Brenda and her husband have 3 boys, who all attended the charter school through sixth grade. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, camping and relaxing at the lake. Brenda’s email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and serves as the board vice-chair.
Sara Smith - Sara has lived in Clarkfield for 14 years with her husband Dave. She has 3 amazing boys who all attend the charter school: Brooks, Austen and Mason. She grew up in Montevideo and is so happy to be able to be close to family. She is employed at Montevideo Family Dentistry. Her hobbies include camping with her family and motorcycle rides with her husband. Sara’s email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and serves as the board secretary.
Kathy Jessen - Kathy is the 1st grade teacher and Q-comp coordinator at the charter school. She has worked at the school since 2014. Kathy lives on a hobby farm northwest of Clarkfield where she enjoys gardening and spending time with her dogs. Kathy’s email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and serves as the board treasurer.
Nicole Wold - Nicole has lived in Clarkfield for 8 years with her husband Doug. They have three boys – Colton, Griffin and Corbin. She is the business manager for Central Todd County Care Center and she enjoys spending time with family, reading, riding bike and going for walks. Nicole’s email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and serves as the board clerk.
Board Committees:
Facilities Committee Brenda and Eric
Curriculum Committee Kathy and Sara
Accountability Committee Kathy and Nicole
Marketing Committee Sara and Nicole
Finance Committee Brenda, Eric and Kathy K.