Designed in 2023 by Christine Bronson and Mark Gilson, the ISD First Aid Project decentralizes K12 knowledge. It equips Minnesotans to support and act in their local school district in ways that safeguard Minnesota’s traditions of high-quality teaching and effective learning. Customized for each specific school district, the ISD First Aid Kit overcomes gaps in local K12 knowledge, simplifies choices and illuminates high-yield interventions. It helps busy volunteers to compete with well-funded government, partisan and advocacy institutions when approaching decision points about activities, curriculum and priorities within local public schools.

The Kit includes:

• School-district-specific data visualizations
• Identification of essential K12 decision points
• Analysis of Minnesota K12 policy and practice
• Workbook
• Actionable projects

Founders

Founder Christine Bronson champions compassionate, reality-based public policy and administration. She has held executive and senior roles in state government and non-profits, running social safety net systems that serve more than a million Minnesotans. She sees first-hand the human toll of poverty, hardship and adversity. These challenges transcend group identities, ancestry and circumstances of birth and Christine pursues solutions that do the same.

Founder Mark Gilson is a Computer Engineer and Computer Scientist by profession, with a passion for data research and visualization. At the core of his approach is a commitment to clear and precise data storytelling, with the belief that a realistic view of school district data can better equip community members with the knowledge needed to make positive, meaningful changes for the betterment of K-12 education. Mark champions the transformative power of data to inform decisions, drive change, and deepen our understanding of the world.