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Special Council Thursday, March 29, 2007 Page 12 of 20 Strategies identified were: promote the benefits of life-long learning and intergen- erational education; provide sustainable, cutting edge educational technology; and encourage high expectations and active involvement in public education. Mr. Keel noted that many COmlTIents were related to promoting lifelong learning and providing technology to accolTIplish that leaning, by utilizing lifecycle learning and partnering with schools and other local agencies. Mayor Klausing discussed ways the sense of community was perceived, and recent discussions he and City Manager Malinen had held with a newspaper report, ad- dressing the fact that, even though the COlTIlTIUnity didn't have a downtown, the re- porter observed that a sense of community is often affiliated with the cOlTImunity's high school and those various community activities contributing to that community ownership. Mr. Keel concurred that the education system and school districts served as a ma- jor focal point in discussions related to a sense of community, participation and in- volvement. Mr. Majerus observed that school districts provided education for all ages, from the cradle to the grave, and served to maintain or improve the wellness of the community. Ms. Edstrom observed that they also served as a challenge expressed by some community members to determine how to fit in, their family situations with or without children and how to feel connected in the community, in neighborhoods, and in community activities and events. Ms. Edstrom spoke of her personal ex- perience in not meeting her neighbors until the parent met at the school bus on their children's first day of kindergarten, and the community and neighborhood that created. Ms. Edstrom noted the need to achieve that sense of community through the schools and community events, through lifelong learning and intergen- erational involvement. Councilmember Ihlan arrived at this time. Mayor Klausing recognized the dark side of breaking or plugging into the commu- nity, if a household didn't have children in school, no matter their age group, and how hard it was to break into activities unless involved through similar interests, at least initially for new residents and/or families.