2022Archive

Minnesota Parents Alliance identifies and endorses school board candidates across the state who are aligned with our mission of prioritizing academic achievement, equality and parental rights in their school district. The candidates listed below responded positively to our questionnaire and are ready to stand up for students and parents and deserve your support.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Svetlana Kolesnikova

Eastern Carver County School District 112
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Svetlana Kolesnikova

I am running because I believe the decisions our school district made in the last few years have been dividing our community, our teachers, our parents and most importantly our kids. Politics and ideologies have been penetrating our schools for several years now. I truly believe if we let it continue, we will never find the common ground for what's best for our children. I am running because I want our schools to get back to what they are supposed to do, which is basics - writing, reading, math, science, art, music, etc. Leave the rest to the families to make their own decisions.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Luke Oakes

Milaca School District 912
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Luke Oakes

I am running because I value teachers, parents and students. As a former substitute teacher and coach in the Milaca school district, I have been able to see the gradual shift that has taken place in the classroom. Instead of focusing on academics, teachers have been burdened with many more responsibilities. Sadly, these responsibilities are being taken away from parents without their knowledge or consent, and vulnerable children are starting to embrace a morality and ethic that no longer matches their parents.
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Newly Elected

Brenda Solar

Warroad School District 690
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Brenda Solar

I want to make a difference in the education of our children, where teachers can do what they trained in their careers to do, educate – not indoctrinate. I support parents and citizens to have access to all the teaching materials that are used in their children’s education and should be given reasonable time for public comment at all school board meetings. Districts should prioritize retaining quality teachers and remove additional demands on their workload by eliminating policies and programs that shift teacher focus away from academic instruction. The parents are the experts on their children, not policies and government interference.
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Newly Elected

Lisa Liodolt

Sauk Rapids-Rice School District 47
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Lisa Liodolt

I’m running because I’m a mom of 2 children in the district and important decisions I make will not only affect them but all children. Our children are our future and they need strong and dedicated leaders that are invested in their future.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Pete Lemke

St. Michael Albertville School District 885
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Pete Lemke

My priority is to give parents a voice in the education of their children and how the district operates. A school board should be: accessible; parents and taxpayers will have a voice to address the board and be acknowledged and heard. Anyone who wants to address the board should be allowed to speak. Transparent; I will fight to bring transparency to the district governance starting with live-streaming meetings and providing more comprehensive minutes on discussions and decisions. Fiscally responsible; the board and administration should be more accountable to taxpayers. Cuts in administration should be identified as on the table too.
Pro-Human Badge

Zach Pierson

Shakopee School District 720
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Zach Pierson

I decided to run for school board because I want a better public school system for my kids. I'm not a politician, nor do I aspire to be one. I'm not affiliated in any way with the teachers unions or any other special interest groups. Simply put, I want a school system that will focus on preparing students for the real world. Nothing more, nothing less. We need to get back to basic education and preparing kids to be productive members of society. We need to get rid of the agendas and politics and teach kids HOW to think, not WHAT to think. If I'm elected, I will stand firmly on the values and principles that I believe in and that I've committed to upholding.
Parent Endorsed Badge

John Wilcox

South Saint Paul Special School District 6
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John Wilcox

Promote initiatives which support strong schools, accountability, and transparency with parents on curriculum and academic standards. I have an interest in improving the quality of our school system. I can help influence and hold the district accountable.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Thomas Willenbring

North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale School District 622
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Thomas Willenbring

I stand with parents, hard-working teachers, and others who are tired of failing schools that are more focused on 'woke' policies than teaching our kids.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Carrie Delaney

Byron School District 531
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Carrie Delaney

Students First. To empower Students to be the best version of themselves and invest in their own learning. Parents Always. Empower the parents, as they are their child's first and most influential teacher in their learning. Teachers and staff respected and revered. Empower Teachers and Staff with the tools and support they deserve to drive success and ensure each student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Melissa Gorman

Farmington Area School District 192
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Melissa Gorman

I am running because I am passionate about our student's education. I believe we need to focus on getting back to teaching the core fundamentals and keep personal politics out of the classroom. This will help in raising our standard academic achievement scores from the current below average percentage. I advocate for parents to be involved in their child's learning plan and curriculum while allowing the teachers flexibility in creating a safe and fun learning environment. I would like the opportunity to keep our administration responsible for upholding the policies set in place to keep our children safe when it comes to bullying and assault. Finally, we need to make sure we are a fiscally responsible district.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Matt Oven

Independent School District 318
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Matt Oven

Running for school board has always been in the back of my mind since the day our oldest started school. Just in the last two years however, the thought turned into more of a passion due to the rise of parents not being heard when it comes to what we want for our children. I want to be the voice for parents for the lone fact that we deserve to be in control of how, what, and when our children learn certain matters other than what should be taught within the school walls. I also understand that this doesn't start in our district, it starts with the State of Minnesota. I do believe that as a district if we stand together and fight for one cause which is OUR CHILDREN, this will help the State hear our voices louder and stronger than ever!
Pro-Human Badge

Michael Thom

New Ulm School District 88
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Michael Thom

The children of our community are the foundation of our future. Every member of our community has a vested interest in seeing that they become productive adults who love their country and are able to do their best for the good of society. I believe that I can be a voice for a segment of parents in our school district who are currently not represented on our school board.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Chad Almjeld

Waconia School District 110
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Chad Almjeld

I am running because ISD 110's finances (our tax dollars) have been mismanaged and the district lacks checks and balances, woke nonsense is trickling into our schools, and I am 100% against mask mandates unless people are dropping dead in the streets. I am standing up, stepping in, and lending a leadership hand because I think I can help.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Anthony Bonsante

Brainerd School District 181
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Anthony Bonsante

I want to build a student environment that is safe, educational, secure and fun. I want academics first.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Corinne Hennen

Jordan School District 717
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Corinne Hennen

My kids are in school now and I want to play an active role in their education and ensure all kids in our community have equal opportunities in learning.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Melanie Hagen

Waconia School District 110
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Melanie Hagen

We (Tyler Chad and Melanie) are running for the Waconia School Board because we want to be a voice for parents in the community! We value transparency and academic excellence. Together 110 wants to promote Equal resources and opportunities for all students. We want to support teachers and give them the resources they need to succeed and do their jobs exceptionally well. The school districts finances are ultimately the public's finances and we take that responsibility very seriously. We care about positive curriculum and want to eliminate any outside political or religious indoctrination.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Tanya Simons

Osseo Area School District 279
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Tanya Simons

I am running for re-election because my primary goal is to improve academic outcomes for all scholars in ISD279. As a first-generation American, I understand the opportunity for success that a strong school district provides for every child. We can and must create safe and innovative environments for all scholars and teachers to thrive including high standards of academic rigor and conduct. I believe in increasing the voice of parents and teachers in identifying concerns and creating and implementing solutions. Every scholar in ISD279 and in Minnesota deserves the right to an education that prepares them for their future.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Casey Root

Monticello School District 882
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Casey Root

I am running for the Monticello School Board because I believe there needs to be a multi-faceted approach to achieve a strong education to ensure success for both the students and the community. This extends from the clarity and direction of the curriculum, to how our tax dollars are spent. Too often the voice of the parents is left out in regards to their children's education, and the community is only made aware of budgetary shortcomings after the money is spent, leading to referendums with little or no structure other than vague threats of the school in peril.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Mark Branson

Monticello School District 882
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Mark Branson

Monticello has been home for our family for nearly twenty years with the public schools being a large part of the reason we live here. All five of our children have enjoyed their years in the classroom with excellent teachers and administrators. I want to do my part to keep Monticello schools great. I believe academic excellence and safety for both students and staff should be top priorities. Parents should have a role in their child's education. Accountability for the use of financial resources needs to be clearly disclosed to the public. I will use my influence to make sure these points are front and center. I will be a voice for the parents.
Pro-Human Badge

Cassie Fredregill

Little Falls Community School District 482
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Cassie Fredregill

I'm a proud mother of four, wife of an active guard member, former business owner of my own company. I've gone through many life coaching courses, resilience training and I'm not afraid to say no and stand up for what is right. I'm the best candidate for this position because I'm not afraid to speak up, I listen to others in the community and fight for those all here in Little Falls at our local level, I'm passionate and I believe here in Little Falls I can make the change we need and give our children back their future! Ending CRT, ending the indoctrination not only with students but also on the teachers, this isn't only about the kids it's about all of us as a community. I know what it means to sacrifice and I'm willing to go to battle for what is right, giving hope in confidence back in the education system for our next generation and making schools where teachers love to go also.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Dan Johnson

Sauk Rapids-Rice School District 47
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Dan Johnson

Strong communities build strong schools. Public schools should be apolitical. It should focus on teaching children how to, not what to think. Parents entrust school board members to operate districts that do not overstep their responsibility to educate their children. Board members must never forget they serve at the will of the community.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Daniel Schilling

Little Falls Community School District 482
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Daniel Schilling

I am a RET 20 yr veteran of the MNARNG, husband, and a father to an 11 yr old daughter. I swore an oath to protect our country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic when I joined the MNARNG. My oath does not have an expiration date. Our children are our future and as such, I will continue to serve my oath, and fight for them to receive the highest quality of education they deserve, free from political or idealogical biases. Support for me for District 482 School Board, is a vote for our children's future.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Tom Knisely

Centennial School District 12
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Tom Knisely

The most important issue facing our schools is to make up for the learning loss our children have experienced since being locked out of our schools. Nationwide, math and reading scores have declined sharply. Despite valiant efforts by our teachers, in a very difficult situation, we've seen similar declines in Centennial. We need to get all our students back on track and caught up to where they should be. To do this we need to put our focus on academics and not activism. Let's keep politics out of the classroom and focus on learning.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Marie Richey

Bemidji Area School District 31
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Marie Richey

I'm a happily married homeschool mom of 3 with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. In 2020 I was thrust into the fight for parents' rights in schools on behalf of my little brothers who attend public school in my area. I spoke at my local school board meeting and was shocked at the disrespect and lack of response from the board to the parents they purport to represent. Our public schools need to respect parents, we have to get back to basics and teach our children the subjects that matter.
Pro-Human Badge
Incumbent

Melissa Curtis

Monticello School District 882
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Melissa Curtis

I am running for re-election on the Monticello School Board to continue to be a part of the decision making process for our schools. I value our students' academic education, the staff that work in our buildings, and our community's tax dollars. As a current board member, I have one child that graduated last year from Monticello, one in High School and one in Middle School. I want every child to succeed and I will serve on the board as a compassionate, ethical and accountable school board member.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Jan Guse

Owatonna Public School District 761
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Jan Guse

I want all students to succeed. I want parents to know they have an advocate for their children, I look forward to having honest and engaging conversations. I am willing to ask the hard questions, and dedicated to being part of the solution when difficult decisions need to be made. Moving forward from the pandemic, I want our children to feel safe, confident and prepared. I want to ensure there is mutual respect in our classrooms, resulting in academic excellence for all. I want to encourage effective communication which will result in building trust, providing clarity and resolving conflict.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Elizabeth Hedlund

Owatonna Public School District 761
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Elizabeth Hedlund

I am running for the school board because I have questions and concerns about what is happening in our schools, including curriculum topics and social media exposures, ideologies unrelated to basic education, poor behaviors and disrespectful attitudes. There are many concerned parents in the community, and I hope to be a voice for them too.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Becky DeWilde

Farmington Area School District 192
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Becky DeWilde

As a mom to four kids (4-18), I will bring an experienced parental perspective to the Farmington School Board. I would implement policies that focus on the basic foundational skills of education beginning with the 3 R's: reading, writing and arithmetic. We must return an objective, rigorous standard of learner expectations. I would advocate for integrity within the schools. Student curriculum, assignments, books, surveys and programs must be made available. Parents must be allowed engagement and a voice. I would approve a fiscally responsible budget where funds are directed to primary instruction and curriculum.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Annette West

Saint Francis Area School District 15
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Annette West

I am running to ensure our students will graduate with a confidence that they can thrive independently without external interventions. They will be equipped academically to be leaders in their communities. Every student has a strength and a purpose that will be tapped into and fostered for success. Parents play a key role in their students success and need to be involved every step along the way.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Mike Herman

Owatonna Public School District 761
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Mike Herman

The past couple of years have been extremely challenging for the students, families as well as the teachers and administrator's of our schools. I feel that these challenges have greatly contributed to decisions made by our school districts that have had a dividing and negative effect on our education system as well as the families and communities for which they serve. Politics and ideologies have become more of a priority than the academic, physical and emotional growth of our students. Our schools need to focus on the core pillars of education and leave the politics and ideologies outside our schools. We need to provide a safe and desirable environment that students want to be a part of and are provided the education that will allow them to succeed after High School.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Craig Johnson

Centennial School District 12
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Craig Johnson

I believe in educational success for every child. Children must "learn to read" in the first few years of school and then use that knowledge‚ "reading to learn‚" all the way up to graduation. Distractions inside/outside of the classroom can have a major impact on their learning path. I want to focus on improving proficiency in the classroom. When under 50% of the students in our state are reading at their grade-level proficiency, I cannot sit back and watch it continue to spiral downward. I believe in public education and I will do everything I can to improve Centennial Schools.
Pro-Human Badge
Incumbent

Scott Schwarz

Saint Francis Area School District 15
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Scott Schwarz

I have been an elected school board member for the past 4 years and am running for reelection in ISD15. We pushed the limit on no masks in our district and believe masks are making learning difficult for our students. I support a no vaccine mandate, equality-you can't determine outcomes of students, we are all equal. I believe parents are to be involved in their children's education, what is taught and actions of the school district, the schools should concentrate on reading, writing, and math. Thank you.
Pro-Human Badge

Nick Stepka

Shakopee School District 720
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Nick Stepka

I am running to drastically increase public transparency into school finances. I also believe that our test scores are on the wrong track and would like to improve them. There was also no reason for masking to go on as long as it did. I would uphold my constitutional oath and not vote for another mandate.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

DJ Dondelinger

Brainerd School District 181
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DJ Dondelinger

As a proud life-long Brainerd resident and active community member, I care deeply about the future of our district. The dips in progress, values, and standards in education across Minnesota are alarming. It is time to get off the side-lines and back to the basics. I will defend and promote parental rights, support our great teachers, and stand for choice. We owe it to our students to provide them with the education they deserve by teaching them how to think, not what to think. By effectively working together, we can elevate the success, opportunities, and outcomes for our great district.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Troy Berning

Becker School District 726
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Troy Berning

As a twenty-year resident of ISD726 I want what is best for our students and community. Recently, I've noticed some concerning trends in our schools and have been approached by fellow community members who have the same concerns. Many aspects of our schools remain great, but some seem to be focusing more on politics and activism rather than providing a well-rounded education to our students. I believe that by listening to the broader community and not just special interest groups, and by working closely with my fellow board members, teachers, and administrators that we can make the necessary course corrections.
Pro-Human Badge

Jo-ell "Jo" Flitter

New Ulm School District 88
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Jo-ell "Jo" Flitter

I am running for the NU School Board as a small business owner, tax accountant and a parent who has a child currently enrolled in the NU school system. I believe a common-sense voice and approach is needed to prioritize the basic skills our children need. Politics and other distracting agendas need to be removed from our classrooms so teachers are able to teach and our children are able to learn. I am proud to be an Eagle Parent and believe our children need to be taught how to work hard, have fun, succeed and be proud of all their accomplishments.
Pro-Human Badge

Trevor Mulholland

Brainerd Public School District 181
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Trevor Mulholland

It is time for change in our schools. Our children and parents along with our teachers need to be the #1 priority in ISD 181. Our community needs to feel like they are being heard and that their opinions matter. I will work with my fellow board members to make the right changes to ensure a great educational experience for ALL STUDENTS! Our Children, Our Community, Our Future
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Randy "RJ" Heidmann

Brainerd Public School District 181
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Randy "RJ" Heidmann

To create an environment so that every student is on a path to graduate and be educationally equipped to lead a productive and successful life. This starts with teaching the core subjects of math, reading, writing, proper history, computer skills, trade skills, and critical thinking skills. Let parents decide how they want to handle the social engineering discussion with their children, not administrators and teachers. As a board member I want to preserve and improve the quality of ISD 181-Brainerd. This can be accomplished by working collaboratively with other board members, the superintendent, school district staff, and involved parents.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Abram Daigle

Independent School District 318
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Abram Daigle

We need to restore the relationship between the school boards and their communities. Parents, students and faculty voices need to be heard ever more in this shifting world we live in. It's time for a shift in the right direction!
Parent Endorsed Badge

Lawrence (Larry) Becking

Stillwater Area Public School District 834
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Lawrence (Larry) Becking

I am running for the Stillwater school board because I believe that our students are the future of our great country. Every student, regardless of their race, ethnicity, skin color or economic status, deserves a quality education, so they can compete in the marketplace when they become responsible adults. School should be a place of safe enjoyable learning where everyone is treated equally and not a please of division and indoctrination.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Dawn Shea

Pine Island School District 255
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Dawn Shea

I desire to see Pine Island schools be successful and thriving; turning out students dedicated to producing their finest work and becoming motivated members of a strong community. I hope to assist in bringing academics back to the forefront of education and establishing a new precedent for transparency and accountability within the district, starting with the school board.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Jake Rude

Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public School District 2805
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Jake Rude

I have decided to run for School Board because healthy discussion, attempting to see things from various perspectives, along with critical thinking creates structure for the most successful Boards. We are not well served by a Board that approves unanimously most everything put before them, with no questions asked. We need board members who encourage respectful questioning and discussion because listening, engaging, and responding will lead to greater transparency and further community trust. I will be this type of board member!
Parent Endorsed Badge

Christina Jordan

Edina School District 273
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Christina Jordan

I have over 30 years' experience as Minnesota public school teacher and a National Education Consultant developing best practice solutions in education nationwide. I've seen what works and what doesn't. We can do better in Edina. Edina's test scores and resident enrollment are decreasing. We owe it to ALL students, educators, and our community to analyze the gaps in our system and strategize for growth focusing on student achievement ensuring everyone can thrive. We need to go back to asking the hard questions, even if the answers are difficult to hear. Partisan decision making has no place in this space.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Lynda Boudreau

Faribault Public School District 656
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Lynda Boudreau

I am running for the Faribault Public School Board to: improve academic proficiency, place K-12 curricular materials online, establish a curriculum review process, redirect K-12 "equity" agenda to one of "equality," eliminate indoctrinating lessons that promote racial division and affirm transgenderism by changing students' values, attitudes, beliefs. MN standardized test score results reveal a pattern of crumbling student achievement levels. The district's focus on "equity" curriculum and social emotional learning is a distraction of the real problem. The loss of student enrollment has caused financial challenges that threaten future academic success.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Russell Kurhajetz

Esko Public School District 99
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Russell Kurhajetz

The mission of every school should be allowing each student to reach their highest potential. I believe the secret to solving many of these issues is transparency, involving all stakeholders. While I have many opinions, as a board member my role is to advocate for their opinions. I'm interested in holding regular town halls, but also would proactively reach out to community members. Some districts chose to send a survey to during the trying policy decision making over the past few years. This not only allowed them input, but freed the board and administration of being unqualified to make decisions.
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Curt Rebelein, Junior

Forest Lake Area School District 831
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Curt Rebelein, Junior

I have been active in our schools for several years. I've been a volunteer coach, worked with special education, contributed to various district policies, attended board meetings and provided feedback, worked with teaching and learning, (unknowingly) helped pilot hybrid learning, participated on a levy committee, and more! I feel that my involvement with our schools in combination with my professional experience could help unlock the potential that has yet to be realized. Our schools need a heightened focus on their primary directive, educational excellence. I can provide the leadership to help make that a reality for our students once again.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Dan Achtor

Orono School District 278
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Dan Achtor

Like many other families, we moved to Orono for the great schools. The Orono School District has always had a reputation for providing an excellent education. The last few years, however, have been tough on students, families, and teachers. From transitioning between different learning modes to managing the ever changing health policies. Now more than ever, we need to put our kids first - getting back to the basics with an emphasis on academics and make up for setbacks of the last few years.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Nicole Jaranson

Bemidji Area School District 31
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Nicole Jaranson

Our kids are our future they deserve every opportunity to have the best education available. The schools need to get back to the basics for the best academic achievements possible. We also need to give our kids a safe learning environment. I feel we need to put the responsibility back to the parents; we also need to improve on discussion and communication with parents, teachers and the community.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Kevin Ronken

Pine Island School District 255
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Kevin Ronken

We need to see more transparency from the school and school board so taxpayers and especially the parents know what the children are being taught.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Todd A. Kullmann

Hastings School District 200
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Todd A. Kullmann

I have discovered through helping others campaign in the past, how many residents of Hastings are not aware of the radical changes taking place in our public schools. After coming off two years of complete shut downs during the Covid19 situation, our students have fallen behind on every subject being measured. We do not have time to teach personal ideologies or values in the class room. We need to focus on educating our children to prepare them to be useful and respectful future citizens. Stop teaching radical ideologies and indoctrinating our youth!
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Amy Bullyan

Prior Lake-Savage Area School District 719
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Amy Bullyan

As a parent who has been actively involved in all aspects of my children's education over the last 15 years, including being a consistent volunteer and advocate, I am running for school board because my voice, and the voices of other parents, teachers and district staff, are not been being heard, and at times even censored and silenced. I believe everything rises and falls on leadership, and I have a passion for effective servant leadership. My husband and I are 100% vested in our community. We are business owners, home owners, and we believe that the health of our school district directly impacts the health of our entire community. If elected to the school board, I promise to be a servant leader who will listen, a team player, and someone who will always put the education, safety, and needs of all our children first.
Pro-Human Badge

Samantha Casillas

Hutchinson Public School District 423
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Samantha Casillas

I am running because I believe children should be taught how to think, not what to think. Politics need to be left out of school, but have not been. I believe strong academics needs to be the focus, not CRT, sexual ideologies, or politics. I also believe children have gotten far behind in education these past couple of years and the main goal needs to be to catch them up and to excel.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Ken Lucier

Moorhead Area Public School District 152
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Ken Lucier

I am deeply concerned with the direction our recent Boards have taken us. I will advocate for more parental involvement, and less external to the district control in all aspects of the education process. I will not abdicate my duty that the legislature and the voters charge me with. I will not be a rubber stamp for any state or federal unelected agency that attempts to usurp their delegated authority. We can do better with less. I will balance the needs of all stakeholders with priority to the students and parents.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Greg Petrie

Eastern Carver County School District 112
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Greg Petrie

The past few years have been a challenge for our students, their families, and the faculty members who have given so much. I believe there are those in positions to make decisions for our children who saw this as an opportunity to implement policies that align with their agendas rather than focusing on what was best for our students and our district while concern for the academic growth of our students was put on the backburner. Due to declining enrollment and an aggressive budget forecast, I have concerns regarding the future financial integrity of our schools. I am running for school board to serve as a voice for the parents and to do what I can to have the focus shifted back to getting our kids the academic advantage they need to succeed in life. Also, I will demand fiscal responsibility.
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Newly Elected

Sarah Gabardi

Hibbing School District 701
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Sarah Gabardi

I'm running because every parent, student, and community member should trust that what's happening inside the school is in the best interest of the student's education, safety, and health without a political agenda attached.
Parent Endorsed Badge

Brady Haislet

Orono School District 278
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Brady Haislet

Transparency in education is vital to trust of the institution. Educators and parents should be clearly aligned in their goals to empower our future generation with the tools to succeed. As a school board member, I plan to bring back the voices of the parents and ensure that their concerns are heard and met with action to meet our goals for academic excellence at Orono.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Julie Houle

Columbia Heights School District 13
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Julie Houle

I am running to bring a fresh perspective to the school board. As a professional CPA, I will promote strong fiscal stewardship and transparency, and I will work to ensure the funding received is focused on student academics. I will work diligently to ensure the school district provides a safe learning environment and promotes educational excellence. Our community is best served when we have high performing schools. When our students excel, our community prospers!
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Sarah Mitchell

Osseo Area School District 279
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Sarah Mitchell

I'm running because I care about the well-being of all our students, not just my own 3 children. I desire to help grow a culture where it's the norm that all families are invested in our schools and work together to ensure the success of all our learners. To this end, I would advocate that our schools keep the main thing the main thing: quality education taught to high standards. Our school board and administration must represent all students equally and work with parents and families to support them. Families need transparency and accountability from our schools!
Parent Endorsed Badge
Newly Elected

Danny Olmstead

Hutchinson Public School District 423
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Danny Olmstead

I'm running for school board because I'm passionate about education and parents' right to choose. I want to get the focus back on the fundamentals and high quality curriculum. I will fight to oppose CRT and pre-mature sex education. I want to see fiscal responsibility within the district, prioritizing education with students first. I'm committed to open and transparent communication within the community.
Pro-Human Badge
Newly Elected

Amanda Holweger

East Grand Forks Public School District 595
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Amanda Holweger

I believe that my unique perspective will bring new energy, ideas, collaboration and action to our school board. When I dedicate my time, I immerse myself and prepare to the fullest. In preparation for my school board campaign, I have been taking classes on how school boards run and how they can run effectively in conjunction with the community. I do not want my politics nor anyone else’s politics in the education of our students. I want our schools to focus on the students and those educators that help our students achieve their best.
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Thomas Covington

Proctor Public School District 704
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Thomas Covington

I'm running for Proctor School Board because I believe what happened in our schools over the last two years was wrong. Closing school doors and creating a distance learning situation should never be allowed to happen again. School decisions should be made at the local level, not at the demands of state and federal politicians. I believe local parents, students, and teachers should have a say in what happens in their school. School board decisions should be transparent and easily accessible to the public. Students should learn facts, not someone's opinion of fact.
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Dean Waymire

Eastern Carver County School District 112
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Dean Waymire

Just like every family in our district, the past few years have been difficult for my family. Specifically in regards to our school district, we have witnessed our district implement policies that are harmful to our children and their classmates’ education and mental health. I will listen to the parents in our community and contribute to help find solutions. Most importantly, every decision I make will be based on what is best for our students and their families.. I’m not running for School Board Member to add it to my resume. I am putting my hat in the ring to help right a ship that seems to be on the brink of capsizing.
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Lowell Smith

Brainerd Public School District 181
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Lowell Smith

I have gotten into the race because I feel public education is mired in partisan political distractions. With no political aspirations, I simply want to get involved to influence positive change within our current public school system. Public education is supposed to be a bipartisan effort to improve the lives of our children and, in turn, our future community. If elected I will work for our parents, educators, and students to return to a focus on education and academic excellence, not indoctrination. I will support parents being partners in their child’s education and hear their concerns. I support full curriculum transparency, removing politics from the classroom and empowering our teachers and staff to ensure our children are independent thinkers, who are either career or college ready. My focus is on parents as partners, academic excellence and transparency.
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Erin Shelton

Wayzata Public School District 284
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Erin Shelton

I am running for school board in Wayzata because I want to make sure that each one of our tax dollars and each one of the hours in the classroom is devoted to helping every child achieve his or her best, starting with reading and math literacy. I will honor parents as the chief stakeholders and interests in their children’s educations and ensure that the innocence of young learners is protected. All course materials should bring increased unity and community, never division. Our classrooms should be politically neutral places where each child is welcomed and valued as an individual.
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Lynne Lommen

Alexandria Area School District 206

Lynne Lommen


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Mike Bueckers

St. Cloud Area School District 742

Mike Bueckers


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Newly Elected

Travis Liffrig

Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public School District 2805

Travis Liffrig


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Jessica Johnson

Stillwater Area Public School District 834
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Jessica Johnson

After attending and watching school board meetings, I found myself asking why there is little talk about academic goals and results. My neighbors agreed. I felt compelled to offer my voice to speak on behalf of those who cannot or will not. So I stepped up to lead the conversation. By focusing on academics, beginning with reading proficiently, our teachers and students will gain the confidence necessary to tackle math, science, and the study of history from all perspectives. I'm ready to lead by example, set goals and be accountable to them. The academic success of children is the future.
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Jessi Schau

Tri-City United School District 2905

Jessi Schau


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Newly Elected

Laura Knudsen

Alexandria Area School District 206

Laura Knudsen


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Newly Elected

Pete Weismann

Becker School District 726
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Pete Weismann

I am running for school board because our district needs a reset. It needs to remember we are there to provide a fair, unbiased, and uniform atmosphere for all. This includes students, teachers, staff, and administrators. We need a district where all kids can be given the opportunity to feel safe, learn, and enjoy their educational experience free of favoritism. A district where every teacher follows the same code of ethics, and keeps their personal preferences and bias out of their lesson plans. Finally, we need a district that continues to empower its parents. Parents should be the sole decider on what is best for their kids. They deserve to know what is going on with their kids in our classrooms, hallways, and buildings.
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Justin Hoover

Bemidji Area School District 31
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Justin Hoover

My vision is to help bring transparency in all of our communication with the community, to help create safe schools, build a supportive environment for teachers and staff, support parents in having the authority to make health decisions for their children, and create learning environments which are free from any political agenda in order provide the greatest academic excellence possible to our students.
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Newly Elected

Dave Wall

Bemidji Area School District 31
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Dave Wall

My motivation for running for school board comes from a growing concern I have with the direction our country is headed on many different levels. The grassroots level of that direction is with the education of children. I see that public education is being undermined and turning from objective learning that develops good critical thinking skills, to a one-sided indoctrination that is based on feelings, fear, and subversion of solid American values.
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Rae Parker

Rochester Public School District 535
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Rae Parker

My decision to run for school board was through concern for my grandchildren. They face a multitude of issues along with all students in the district from violence, academic issues, indoctrination of gender fluidity, gender identity and oppressor/oppressed ideologies. All students deserve a safe environment to learn in. Teachers deserve a safe place to teach in. A place without politics and personal agendas squeezing out academics. Let's give all students the chance to excel in life through focusing on the basics of academics, discipline and accountability.
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Elena Niehoff

Rochester Public School District 535

Elena Niehoff


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Nicole Rierson

St. Cloud Area School District 742
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Nicole Rierson

I am running because it’s time to stop minding my own business and get to work trying to make the changes many in our community feel are necessary to change the direction of our schools. As a teacher and parent, I also have concerns with where the district is putting its focus, especially as our proficiency and graduation rates are falling. I am concerned with how teachers are being supported especially with behaviors. Another concern is how the district seems to limit voices that aren’t completely positive. I believe parents should be involved in their kids education.
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