The
following six people applied for the District 3 Minneapolis Public Schools Board
of Education seat vacated with the resignation of Faheema Feerayarre >>>>>
>>>>>
Christin
Crabtree
Michael
Dueñes
Fatimah
Hussein
Kowsar
Mohamed
Lucie
Skjefte
David
Tilsen
All
applicants verified that the following statements are accurate:
●
I will be at least 21 years old prior to
day of appointment
●
I am an eligible voter in the State of
Minnesota
●
I reside within MPS election district 3
and will do so for the duration of the term
●
I am not a sex offender convicted of an
offense for which registration is required under MN statute section 243.166
●
I understand the duties of this office
and be willing and able to follow all applicable laws, policies, regulations,
and reporting requirements
Below,
readers will find responses given by applicants to the three questions
given on the application >>>>>
Christin
Crabtree
What
experiences and skills would you bring to the School Board?
Over
the past 24 years I have had the privilege to be part of the Minneapolis Public
Schools community in a multitude of ways:
as an educator, parent, and an organizer. Since 2000, I’ve had the opportunity to spend
time in many of our schools across the city, shadowing educators, spending
consistent time volunteering, and engaging in advocacy. Our family has attended a range of MPS schools--- magnet, community, and alternative schools. I began organizing in the district as my
eldest child entered kindergarten, and have been able to be part of a range of
activities, such as serving in leadership roles with school-based PTA/PTO’s,
grant writing to bring supplementary social emotional learning and art
activities into our schools, and conducting supply drives to supplement MPS
contract alternative high schools with educational materials and period
products.
These
experiences, coupled with an interest in education policy and deep belief that
public education is foundational to strong communities and a functioning
democracy, led me to advocacy on a systemic level. In 2023, I joined alongside other parents to
found Minneapolis Families for Public Schools (MFPS), a grassroots group with a
mission to engage Minneapolis families in collective and collaborative action
to create the public schools that our children, educators, and city both needs
and deserves. Our approach is to work to
strengthen our schools and work together with our educators to bring to
fruition a vison of fully funded and well-resourced Minneapolis Public Schools
that meet the diverse needs of our students, supports and respects our
educators, and is publicly funded, governed, and accountable.
Together
we have worked to bring together policy makers across jurisdictions, supported
organizing around the Gender Inclusion Policy, and built partnerships with
other groups across the city (such as COPAL, Colectiva Bilingue, New Justice
Project, and TakeAction MN).
My
professional background includes working as an Education Support Professional
and teacher in elementary Special Education, as well as teaching high school
social studies. I began my career as an educator in a charter school, so I
bring firsthand experience both with serving families who left traditional
public school districts--- and with
bringing them back to MPS. I understand
the impact of the privatization movement upon education. These experiences have driven my desire to
bring to light and further educate our community about what privatization means
and why it is so important for education (as well as other public goods such as
libraries and parks) to remain public.
In
addition to my background in education, I bring successful leadership
experience to MPS. My professional
expertise includes working in community-based organizing, the nonprofit sector,
and corporate roles. I have experience
with government relations, communications, compliance, and supply chain,
bringing a unique combination of skills to Minneapolis Public Schools that are
well-suited to serve our families, Board, and District in this moment. In my career, I have collaborated on award
winning initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, and agility, successfully
spearheading continuous improvement projects resulting in measurable cost and
time savings.
For
six years I served on the Board of Directors with the Domestic Abuse Project,
where I held a variety of roles including Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of
the Development Committee. Other roles I
have held include serving on the Board of the StepUP Program at Augsburg
University (a program for students in recovery from substance use disorders),
where I worked with key legislators in the state of MN and US Congress members
to allocate funding for the Augsburg College Capital Campaign. I am committed to transforming conditions away
from scarcity, strategic exclusion, and disinvestment, and towards building
life-affirming investment with our communities. Most recently, I have been serving as an
organizer with Nenookaasi, a collective of city residents dedicated to presence
and care with Minneapolis's most vulnerable unhoused populations by
facilitating access to services, affirming cultural practices, and relationship
building. In the past year we have been able
to
●
Maintain connections between government and nonprofit outreach service
providers and unhoused residents by facilitating access and communications
●
Bring peer recovery support specialists to serve our neighbors on a daily basis
●
Facilitate access to healthcare, treatment, detox, housing, community support,
and mental health services
●
Build a responsive, organized, and dynamic ecosystem of care and services
through collective efforts of existing nonprofit partners and mutual aid groups
●
Through our work, we have been able to assist over 200 individuals to access
housing, and an additional 70 people to access treatment/recovery services.
>>>>>
Why do you want to be appointed to the School Board?
When
I learned that there was a vacancy on the school board, I felt called to apply.
I bring a unique range of skills,
talents, and experiences that can bring constructive perspective to our Board
in this critical moment in Minneapolis. Minneapolis
Public Schools are on the forefront of a moment of transition; the unknown can create fear, but it is also an
opportunity to build the world we envision. My passion for public education is
rooted in a deep commitment to build the kind of community we are all worthy of--- one that affirms, uplifts, and empowers. Through collaborative and collective work with
families, educators, students, staff, and policymakers across jurisdictions, we
can stabilize Minneapolis Public Schools, retain families and educators in our
district, and bring the 42% of eligible students in our city who are currently
choosing schools outside of our district back to Minneapolis Public Schools.
I
am excited to bring accountability and transparency to the district, to deep
dive into our finances, and to actively engage with our community. Public education is the foundation of a
thriving democracy, and as such, schools should be fully resourced and publicly
funded, controlled, and accountable. Every
child has a right to a high-quality public education; a strong public school system is both a
liberatory and antiracist project. It is
through a well-rounded and accessible education system that Minneapolis
develops informed, engaged, and responsible citizens with the knowledge and
critical thinking skills necessary to make informed decisions.
The
significance of public education extends far beyond individual achievement; it is central to the fabric of our
communities, serving as a cornerstone for social interaction and mutual
understanding. Schools are the hubs around which community life revolves,
bringing together students, parents, teachers, and local residents. They provide a space where diverse groups can
converge, engage in constructive dialogue, and foster a sense of belonging and
shared purpose. Public education
supports community development by offering resources and opportunities that
extend beyond the classroom. From adult education programs to community events
hosted at school facilities, public education plays a vital role in lifelong
learning and community engagement.
MPS
creates a network of support that benefits not only students but also families
and the wider community. Ultimately,
public education is a communal investment in the collective well-being, and I
am passionate both to build and maintain MPS as a public good in Minneapolis. MPS strengthens social bonds, promotes
economic development, and enhances the quality of life for all members of the
community. As such, maintaining robust
public education systems is essential for fostering connected, vibrant, and
resilient communities capable of facing future challenges together.
>>>>>
Do you plan to run for the seat in the 2026 election?
Undecided
Michael
Dueñes
>>>>>
What experiences and skills would you bring to the School Board?
I
am a policy expert with many years of experience creating, implementing, and
working with complex budgets. I
understand how to write, read, interpret, and explain budgets to people. I have worked as a student organizer,
professor, and college dean who is collaborative, maintains clear lines of
communication, and involves all stakeholders in decision-making.
I
also have a successful track record of greatly reducing racial educational
disparities in my work in higher education. As a third generation Mexican American, I have
never forgotten my own or my parents struggles in education. My father has an 8th grade education and my
mother, who attended Minneapolis public schools in District 3, was unable to
graduate from high school. I graduated
from Harding High School on St. Paul’s Eastside. I was the first person in my family to earn a
four-year college degree and did so at Macalester College. I also earned a Ph.D. in political science
from The University of Michigan.
My
parents deeply value education, but they had nobody to advocate for them in the
system when they were K-12 students. MPS
students, families, and educators need a board member who wants to build
relationships with them and advocate for them. I am invested in doing this as well as making
MPS a district that families flock to, rather than leave. In addition to my experience in complex
budgets, I am a Spanish-speaking Latino parent who invested in MPS by having my
own child attend District 3 MPS K-12 schools. Last year, he graduated from South High and is
now a freshman in college.
Students
from Latin America are increasing enrollment across MPS. They have a multitude of complex needs. It is a priority for me to work collaboratively
with families and educators so that they stay in MPS. In addition, I would like to work with, and
advocate for, all of the diverse communities that make up District 3 and I have
a track record of doing this successfully and collaboratively in my work.
>>>>>
Why do you want to be appointed to the School Board?
Currently,
42% of children residing in Minneapolis attend schools somewhere other than
MPS. This is unconscionable. I know that there are complex reasons for this
and I believe that it is vital that we work in the short and long term to keep
our current students, bring back students who have left, and attract new
students to our schools in every neighborhood in Minneapolis. This is a major
reason why I ran for school board in 2020 and it continues to be a major
priority for me. I have not given up on
MPS and know that we can be successful in this.
I
have also been frustrated with the lack of cohesive representation from
District 3 for many years on the school board. This has led to a lack of community outreach
and engagement with the many diverse communities in District 3’s schools and
neighborhoods. I would like to build
consistent representation and relationships in this District, as this is a
community I am deeply a part of and care about. Because of this, I am committed to put in the
work by showing up to board meetings regularly as well as working with and for
my constituents.
Do
you plan to run for the seat in the 2026 election?
Yes.
Fatimah
Hussein
>>>>>
What experiences and skills would
you bring to the School Board?
My
name is Fatimah Hussein, and I am a proud graduate of Minneapolis Public
Schools and a current parent in the district. My educational journey through Minneapolis
Public Schools has profoundly shaped my life, and I am deeply thankful for the
great education and invaluable experiences I received.
After
graduating from Roosevelt High School, I pursued higher education, earning a
Bachelor's degree and a Master's in Health and Human Service Administration
from Saint Mary’s University. As a
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), I have cultivated a diverse background
serving our community across both nonprofit and government sectors. I have dedicated my professional career to
community service, focusing on improving educational access and social equity.
My
experience as a social worker has equipped me with skills in advocacy, conflict
resolution, and crisis management, all of which are important for a role on the
Minneapolis Public Schools School Board. I have worked closely with families and
children from various backgrounds, listening to their needs and addressing
systemic barriers that hinder educational success.
As
a coach, I am a firm believer in the power of sports to unite our community. I
have seen firsthand how being part of a team can foster teamwork, leadership,
and resilience among young people. My initiative to start an all-girls open gym
at the Brian Coyle Community Center in South Minneapolis has provided a safe
and loving community for girls and women of all ages to build confidence and
pursue their passion for sports. This
program not only helps girls and women from our communities prepare for school
sports but also respects their religious beliefs, showing that inclusivity is
possible in athletics. Recognizing the
unique challenges faced by young Muslim girls in sports, I co-founded the Asiya
Sport Hijab. This initiative was born
out of the need for culturally appropriate sportswear, empowering our girls to
participate in physical activities without compromising their identities.
Through
ASIYA, a social impact initiative I helped create, we have educated the
community about the importance of sports hijabs, which led to increased
awareness and options for young Muslim athletes. Partnering with major sports
companies to introduce sports hijabs to the U.S. market not only addressed a
critical need but also provided young girls with greater opportunities to
compete.
My
background in Health and Human Service Administration has given me insight into
policy analysis, program development, and resource management. I understand how to design and implement
effective programs that cater to the needs of students and their families. My experience in navigating complex systems,
whether in government or non-profit sectors, equips me to advocate for policies
that foster educational equity, mental health support, and community
engagement. I am a strong proponent of
collaboration. I believe that effective
change comes from working together with students, parents, educators, and
community members. I have experience
building coalitions that bring together diverse stakeholders to tackle pressing
issues in our schools. My ability to
facilitate dialogue and foster partnerships ensures that all voices are heard,
promoting a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
>>>>>
Why do you want to be appointed to the School Board?
I
am seeking an appointment to the Minneapolis Public Schools School Board
because I love Minneapolis Public Schools and am passionate about advancing
student achievement and addressing the opportunity gap in our schools. My commitment to ensuring that every child in
our community receives a high-quality education is rooted in my belief that
education empowers individuals to excel and shape their futures. In today’s rapidly changing world, our
students need unwavering support, strong advocacy, and the assurance that their
community stands firmly behind them, committed to their success. If given the
opportunity, I will serve our community with joy and a commitment to ensure
that all students--- regardless of their
backgrounds--- have equal access to
opportunities that will enable them to succeed. This belief is not merely a goal; it is a core value that guides my vision for
our schools.
I
am motivated by the need to close the opportunity gap and create an educational
community where every child can thrive. This
requires intentional action, effective policies, and a collaborative approach
that involves students, educators, families, and community stakeholders. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the
importance of knowledge through a Somali proverb: “Aqoon l'aani waa iftiin la'aani,” which
translates to "To be without knowledge is to be without light." This powerful saying underscores my belief
that education is the bedrock upon which our students build their futures. It reminds me that we must strive to create an
individualized path for every student, providing them with the knowledge and
skills they need to navigate the complexities of life. Education is not just a
personal value; it is a communal responsibility. I am dedicated to serving as a voice for all
students, families, educators, and the broader community.
I
believe it is necessary for our children to have advocates who listen to their
needs, support their aspirations, and empower them to express themselves. As a member of the School Board, I would work
tirelessly to ensure that every student feels valued and heard. I am incredibly passionate about community
engagement and strongly believe that quality education requires the inclusion
of diverse voices in conversations and decision-making processes. The perspectives of students, families,
educators, and community members are vital in shaping policies that truly
reflect the needs of our students. I
envision a School Board that fosters genuine and impactful conversations, where
community ownership is not just a phrase but a practice. By involving parents, students, and local
organizations in the decision-making process, we can cultivate stronger, more
resilient communities and schools. I am
committed to building partnerships that will enrich our educational programs
and create a support network that uplifts our students.
Advocacy
is at the heart of my mission. I believe
in standing up for the rights of our students and ensuring they have access to resources
that promote their academic and personal growth. This includes advocating for mental health
services, equitable funding, and comprehensive support systems that address the
unique challenges faced by our diverse student population. Through my work as a Licensed Graduate Social
Worker (LGSW), I have developed skills in advocacy, policy development, and
program implementation. I have seen the
direct impact of supportive interventions on student outcomes, and I am
committed to translating this knowledge into actionable strategies on the
School Board. My experience in both
non-profit and government sectors has equipped me with the tools needed to
navigate complex systems and effect meaningful change.
Education
is a powerful tool for social change, and I hold a strong conviction that it is
key to uplifting everyone in our community. By providing our children with the best
education possible, we are effectively preparing them to become engaged citizens
and future leaders. This commitment
extends beyond the classroom; it
encompasses the social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of education that
contribute to a holistic learning experience.
I believe that our schools should reflect the diversity of our community
and provide culturally relevant curricula that resonate with all students. It is essential that our education system not
only acknowledges but celebrates the rich tapestry of experiences and
backgrounds that our students bring. By
fostering an inclusive environment, we can empower all students to excel
academically and develop a strong sense of identity.
As
I seek this appointment to the School Board in District 3, I do so with a deep
sense of responsibility and a clear vision for our educational future. I am dedicated to contributing my skills and
experiences to enhance our education system, ensuring that every student has
access to high-quality learning opportunities. In this role, I will work tirelessly to
advocate for the needs of our [End of Submission]
>>>>>
Do you plan to run for the seat in the 2026 election?
Undecided.
Kowsar
Mohamed
What
experiences and skills would you bring to the School Board?
Greetings,
my name is Kowsar (ko-saar) Mohamed (she/her/ayada) and I’m a social scientist,
educator, culture bearer, and inclusive economic development practitioner in
the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.
I’m
also a direct product of District 3.
From
K-12, I was enrolled in District 3 schools, starting at Cooper Elementary,
where I experienced my first district-led school consolidation. I then joined Longfellow Elementary, which
would also face closure years later. I
also witnessed the unique space consolidation merger between Anne Sullivan
School (Sullivan STEAM) and Anishinabe Academy. Despite these various changes, my family and I
remained committed to the district and completed my MPS journey at South High
School’s Liberal Art program.
My
experiences in the district supercharged my ability to interrogate systems,
work towards identifying localized solutions, and work across differences. With much of my formative years shaped by
uncertainty, my peers and I chose the path of resiliency. Amid shifts in district zoning and the overall
lack of youth-centered development in the South Minneapolis neighborhood of
Cedar Riverside, where we grew up, we formed the first youth-led neighborhood
council. Through the council, we broke
our silence to address rising gun violence, deferred public improvements, and
nonexistent youth workforce development. As a cofounder of the council, I was able to
create career pathways, educational resources, and direct connections to public
service-related initiatives for youth in the neighborhood.
One
example was a youth-led enterprise for the community, built and founded by the
council, called Triple C Café. It was intentionally designed to train and
employ youth in Cedar Riverside, ensuring they had the skills and equitable
wages to become active members of our economy. These pinnacle moments of my upbringing have
kept me rooted in community and serving across sectors to push for more
inclusive, future-forward solutions to our grandest challenges. For the last decade, I’ve been an active
contributor and leader in areas related to public policy, finance, and resource
management in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.
I’ve
had the unique privilege to lead and serve transformative collaborative efforts
(e.g. City of Minneapolis Southside Green Zones, City of St. Paul MSP TechHire,
City of St. Paul Cultural Destination Areas, Brookings Metro and the Center for
Economic Inclusion Regional Inclusive Growth Network) with multiple
public-private partners working together to move the bar on technological,
social, environmental and governance strategies. Serving as an economic development
professional in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region, I’ve also garnered the
tools, relationships, and insight to identify existing system gaps and
organizational management challenges, and solutions to solve for incongruent
social impact strategies, or the lack thereof. I’ve utilized a multitude of tools to
reconfigure, stabilize, and at times deconstruct systems so they can be
assembled to work in a more efficient and resilient form. I’ve overseen public and private-sector
projects ranging from $50K to $1.5M all working to identify solutions to
economic, workforce, transportation, and environmental inequities.
I
lean on knowledge from my ancestors and contemporary tools gained from
institutional settings to diagnose challenges and identify aligned solutions in
shared learning and understanding. A few
of the tools I utilize are equity diagnostic assessments, inclusive risk
forecasting and management, economic modeling, and systems change thinking and
management. With these tools, I’ve
overseen processes that have led to the bold and pragmatic reconstruction of
programs, practices, and policies that once resulted in inequitable outcomes
and disparities for under-resourced communities. In tandem with my work as an inclusive
economic development practitioner, I’m a PhD student at the University of
Minnesota in Natural Resources Science Management and serve as an Adjunct
Instructor at the College of Liberal Arts. When teaching, I ensure my classroom is a
space for discovery, self-actualization, and healing. I work to show up in ways that my Minneapolis
Public School teachers did for me, and that was leading with love and showing
up continuously. In this role, it’s my
duty to instill the importance of collective stewardship in our learning
objectives, materials, and discussions, to build a generation of learners who
are committed to societal improvements and recovery.
With
the myriad of skills, tools, and relationships I nurture, I want to become an
active contributor to the Minneapolis School Board as the District 3 board
member. I believe the collective vision I have will complement the ongoing
efforts of the board and support advancing more resilient solutions for our
families, staff, students, and overall surrounding communities.
>>>>>
Why do you want to be appointed to the School Board?
I’m
seeking this opportunity to be appointed to the Minneapolis School Board
because I am uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between the community and
the institution, drawing on my lived experience as a first-generation Black,
Somali, Muslim woman and my expertise in public policy, finance, and inclusive
economic development. Having grown up in
District 3 and witnessing school consolidations and closures firsthand, I
understand the gravity of the decisions the School Board faces, particularly
those affecting students, families, staff, and our surrounding communities.
My
background enables me to contribute actively by offering nuanced,
equity-focused, and culturally responsive insights into the challenges and
opportunities our district must navigate.
My expertise in public policy and finance equips me to analyze critically
and contribute to discussions around the school district’s budget, including
advocating for the financial sustainability of Minneapolis Public Schools. I can play a vital role in the School Board’s
budgetary decision-making processes by applying my knowledge of systems change
and resource management. With experience
overseeing multimillion-dollar projects, I am adept at identifying gaps in
funding strategies and advocating for solutions that work within current
ecosystem constraints while pushing for systemic change. I will work in partnership with members of the
board and our community to ensure that resources are allocated in a way that
intentionally recognizes the needs of historically underfunded schools and
students, making fiscal responsibility align with equity goals.
One
immediate priority I plan to champion is rallying our legislative partners to
secure more robust investments and support for MPS. By engaging with policymakers and utilizing
relationships fostered across public-private partnerships, I will continue to
advocate for legislative actions that sustain and expand investments in our
schools. I want to speak hope into the
Vote YES for Kids ballot initiative, believing that when it passes this
November, it will create a wave of momentum for Minneapolis Public Schools,
enabling us to garner even greater investments. However, if the ballot were not to pass, I am
prepared to partner deeply with my fellow board members, other policymakers,
institutional partners, and the community to reimagine other opportunities for
resource allocation and financial sustainability that we can explore. Navigating the complexities of district
finances and operational challenges requires more than just technical
expertise.
As
a member of the School Board, I will bring the insights of someone who
understands the socio-economic determinants that impact our schools and
communities. My experience working at
the intersection of policy, finance, and equity, coupled with my lived
experiences, gives me the lens to identify and advocate for solutions that will
benefit all of our students. I will also
ensure that the voices of families in District 3 are not only heard but
centered in decisions around resource allocation, school closures, and program
funding. My desire to join the School
Board stems from a commitment to deepen my service to the community and the
district that raised me. I’m committed
to sharing the skills, resources, and insights I have in a space that has the
capacity to enact greater change, alongside other staunch champions of
Minneapolis Public Schools. I am ready
to partner with other members of the board to help advance the district toward
financial resiliency, educational excellence, and a brighter future for all our
students. #Onward
>>>>>
Do you plan to run for the seat in the 2026 election?
Undecided.
Lucie
Skjefte
>>>>>
What experiences and skills would you bring to the School Board?
I
bring a wealth of experience and skills to the Minneapolis Public School Board,
including
1.
Educational Background: With degrees in Advertising, Graphic Design,
and WebInteractive Media, I have a strong foundation in communication and
design that supports effective outreach and advocacy.
2.
Leadership Experience: With over 5 years experience as the Chair of
the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), I have demonstrated my
ability to lead, collaborate, and make informed decisions that enhance the
educational environment for Minneapolis students.
3.
Cultural Advocacy: I am committed to integrating diverse
perspectives into education, ensuring cultural representation and inclusivity
so that Minneapolis students feel valued and supported.
4.
Community Engagement: My experience in fostering collaboration among
parents, educators, and community leaders showcases my ability to build
partnerships that enhance student success and well-being.
5.
Focus on Mental Health and Discipline: I advocate for culturally competent mental
health services and restorative disciplinary practices, reflecting my
understanding of the unique challenges faced by many Minneapolis students.
6.
Vision for the Future: I emphasize the need for a long-term strategic
plan that incorporates cultural knowledge into curricula and prioritizes
language revitalization and relevant STEM programs to align education with
future needs.
7.
Design and Communication Skills: My design background enables me to identify
creative solutions that raise awareness and drive change, which is essential
for effective advocacy. Overall, my blend of leadership, cultural advocacy, and
community-focused approach positions me as a strong candidate for the
Minneapolis Public School Board, ready to advocate for all students and enhance
educational equity.
>>>>>
Why do you want to be appointed to the School Board?
I
believe I should be part of the Minneapolis School Board because I bring a
unique combination of experience, skills, and a deep commitment to educational
equity, particularly for American Indian students. As Chair of the American Indian Parent
Advisory Committee, I have effectively advocated for marginalized communities
and created inclusive educational environments. I focus on integrating Indigenous perspectives
into the curriculum to promote cultural relevance and a sense of belonging
among students. My commitment to mental
health support and restorative discipline reflects my understanding of the
challenges students face, ensuring that their emotional and academic needs are
prioritized.
Additionally,
my background in design enhances my ability to communicate and engage with
diverse stakeholders, fostering community partnerships that are crucial for
student success. With a vision for
long-term educational improvements, I am dedicated to culturally competent
practices and would be a valuable asset to the Minneapolis School Board,
advocating for a brighter future for all students.
>>>>>
Do you plan to run for this seat in the 2026 election?
Yes.
David
Tilsen
>>>>> What experiences and skills would you bring
to the School Board?
My
name is David Tilsen.
I
was elected to the Minneapolis Board of Education citywide in 1983 and again in
1987. I had the endorsement of the MFT,
the Central Labor body, the DFL and the Star Tribune. I chose to not seek reelection in 1982, and
instead supported Bill Green for my seat. I served as Clerk, treasurer, and chair. I was elected to leadership in six of my eight
years. Since that time I have been an activist for equity and strength in our
city and schools.
I
have supported candidates for election in the city and have played a constructive
role in the culture of the city. My three
children attended K-8 in our schools, graduating from South High School. I have lived here in South Minneapolis since
1971. I am knowledgeable, experienced,
and will be a board member that seeks compromise and good decisions by
listening and studying the facts. I will
not have a strong learning curve. I do
not seek this as a step to higher office, only to improve and protect the
education of our students. I believe the
primary rolls of a BOE member is to hire, guide and evaluate the superintendent,
pass policy, and advocate for the district, especially when there is a
referendum before the voters, as is the case next year.
Of
course performing due diligence on the budget and financial decisions is also
important, but micro- managing is a mistake. We hire competent administrators, and if the
Board does not have confidence in them, then it is time to talk about change,
not undercut them. I am experienced,
mature, and on board with the goals of the district. I will not seek another term, or any other
elected office.
>>>>>
Why do you want to be appointed to the School Board?
I
wish only to contribute and serve.
>>>>>
Do you plan to run for the seat in the 2026 election?
No.
