Laura Knudsen
Alexandria, ISD 206
| Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. My family’s journey with Alexandria Public Schools began 21 years ago in Early Childhood. I worked as a paraprofessional from preschool through high school, served as President of the Early Childhood Parent Advisory Committee, helped pass local referendums, and led the Carlos Elementary playground upgrade. During COVID I founded Parents United 206, a grassroots group of more than 1,200 members focused on parent choice and high-quality education.
After COVID, I exercised that same parent choice and enrolled my children in a public charter school. I remain committed to District 206, which educates the vast majority of local children, and to the principle that parents—not systems—decide what is best for their child. In the age of AI, students need more than tools that generate answers. They need actual intelligence: the ability to read closely, reason clearly, weigh evidence, and think for themselves. That comes from rigorous instruction in reading, math, science, history, and civics—not from politics or ideology in the classroom. I will keep fighting for fiscal responsibility, safe schools, and an education that prepares every child to become a lifelong learner and capable citizen. Leadership that puts kids over politics. |