Molly Chase (District 5)
Molly Chase was one of two candidates in the 11 August Primary for the District 5 seat on the Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education and proceeds to the Tuesday, 3 November 2026, general election, as will her opponent (Becca Dryden).
The following is information obtained mostly from Chase's website:
About Molly
Chase
Right
person
Right now
Your
Candidate for Minneapolis School Board, District 5
I’m the
right nerd to meet this moment. Communicative and responsive, I’m committed to
shoring up our vulnerabilities and investing in our schools. The issues are
complex, but not insurmountable. I 💛
Minneapolis Public Schools and know all students can thrive.
Who I Am
I’m a
radically honest nerd who is forever drawn to working with people to
solve extremely challenging problems.
No
really, it’s a pattern.
Fifteen
years ago I moved to Minneapolis and it changed the trajectory of my life. I
left the corporate world behind and embraced work with greater meaning in
nonprofits. I met my husband here and we are raising our MPS kindergartener in
South Minneapolis.
I grew up
as a public school kid in Memphis and Atlanta. I sometimes wonder how today’s
test scores have rated the schools that gave me so much.
I owe the
growth of the best parts of me – curiosity, tenacity, creativity, and
responsibility – to my amazing teachers. I will never lose sight of that.
Why I’m
Running
For me,
School Board is not a stepping stone to a political future. It's an extension
of my commitment to service and public schools.
Minneapolis
Public Schools' challenges are urgent. Failure exposes us to further damage by
powerful corporate and political interests. Success is ours if we seize this
moment. We can build a powerful, thriving future.
The
moment is now. In times of crisis–whether grieving the Annunciation tragedy or
protecting our neighbors from ICE–we rally together. We must lean into our
collective Minneapolis instinct for solidarity and address this crisis on
several fronts at the same time.
We must
fight for our public schools. I’m committed to shoring up our vulnerabilities
and staying in the fight until we’ve built a strong, thriving future.
My
Priorities at a Glance
✔ Rein in
big tech. The Minneapolis School Board has approved millions for education
technology platforms and $13M+ on devices. Nearly all via consent agenda,
without public debate. A growing body of research questions 1:1 device use in
schools — yet we continue to introduce screens starting in Kindergarten. We
need a public conversation on how to responsibly deploy ed-tech and,
critically, counter AI's growing influence on students' ability to think and
learn independently.
✔ Boldly
invest in our schools. Chronic underfunding of our schools has led to an
approach of managed decline. Cuts to our educators, counselors and librarians
undermine our purpose. We must invest and present a clear path forward. Every
choice is an opportunity to persuade our city and state to rally around
Minneapolis Public Schools.
✔ Safety
and Freedom from Fear for Every Person in our Schools. Working conditions
include safety. We can take practical steps to reduce gun violence in all its
forms. And we can protect students, educators and staff from discrimination,
intimidation, and harassment.
✔ Open
Communication. I’ll host a
constituent listening session every month because I am committed to
transparency and two-way communication.
✔
Leadership through Crisis. Oversight that Never Quits. Minneapolis Public
Schools' challenges are urgent, but not insurmountable. I have the financial
rigor and tenacity to see us through to the thriving future everyone in our
schools deserve.
I’m
running because I believe Minneapolis Public Schools can, and will, lead in
excellence.
- Financials Across Sectors: Managing
Large Budgets within Complex Systems
- Expertise in Board Cohesion and
Strategic Vision
- Current work: Independent Consulting
for Nonprofits
- Experience Lobbying the Legislature
- A Lifetime of Civic Engagement
Qualifications/Values
in Action
- Overcoming systematic obstacles to
realize community vision
- Guiding an org from near-closure to
health
- Protecting public education from
being defunded
- Fighting off corporate interests
causing environmental damage to my small neighborhood
The
Issues
Why we
must
rein in
big tech
and boldly
invest
in our
schools.
The
issues are complex
but not
insurmountable.
Rein in
big tech
A growing
body of research questions 1:1 device use in schools — yet we continue to
introduce iPads with headphones starting in Kindergarten.
EdTech in
Classrooms
Special
Education: Focus on Quality
Teaching
vacancies, budget cuts, and disproportionality rightly capture attention. We
must also focus on the quality and consistency of the education and experience
that MPS delivers. Read more is coming soon »
Enrollment
Decline: Focus on
Growth
We must
expect more than managed decline. Focus on retention and growth leads to better
outcomes, now and in the future. When we gain a student, we gain a family.
Family by family, we build our community schools. Read more is coming soon »
Financial
Crisis: In-Depth
Oversight & Legislative Advocacy
From
staffing to transportation to food, all costs are rising. All while state and
federal dollars decline. Financial oversight and MN Legislative advocacy are
two of the Board’s most important roles.
Transformation: Navigate Change
Board
members elected this November will inherit Transformation, including potential
school consolidation and closures. Responsible leadership will be essential in
mitigating enrollment loss and potential negative effects on families and
neighborhoods.
School
Safety: Prevent
violence
MPS could
be doing much more to prevent gun and other types of violence through
education, more supports in middle and high school, and community building.
To
address MPS’s challenges, I offer:
- An in-depth understanding of complex
issues: historical, present, and future implications.
- Experience in financial, policy, and
organizational oversight.
- Dedication to communication with
constituents and MPS families.
- A positive, longterm vision for
Minneapolis Public Schools.
What I
bring to the table
MN School
Board Experience. I loved serving a 4-year term as a governor-appointed board
director at Perpich Center for Arts Education (2020-2024). While there I:
- Expanded free lunch and breakfast,
increasing student opt-in rate for meals from approx 40% to 80%.
- Chaired the Government Relations
Committee.
- Successfully advocated with GOP and
DFL legislators to save Perpich from closure.
- Attended and actively engaged in
board meetings (40+) and committee meetings (30+), missing only 2 in four
years.
- Co-crafted meaningful annual board
retreats that connected the board in shared vision and tactical next
steps.
Track
record of taking on extremely challenging projects that require community
outreach and investment and working within confining structures.
Examples:
- 825 Arts in Frogtown, a 15-year
uphill project. I worked within the community to write a comprehensive
plan that integrated: 500+ community member’s combined vision, foundation
funding requirements, government funding requirements, individual
fundraising efforts, capital fundraising feasibility plans, deferred
maintenance plans, construction plans, and more.
- Massive trash incinerator project adjacent
to a densely populated area already hit hard by environmental injustice.
This fight took approximately four years and involved persuasion of
elected officials and the media, as well as coalition-building among
neighborhoods.
·
15-years experience making boards more effective.
I’ve worked with dozens of boards on building:
- More effective financial dashboards
- Designing and facilitating
meaningful and productive working/planning sessions
- Providing administration oversight
that’s both respectful and effective
- Managing conflict constructively
while aligning around core values and goals
Budget
oversight experience that’s extensive, including forecasting, tracking and
auditing. Within a career that spans for-profit, non-profit, and governmental
financial processes and reporting.
Independence.
I’m running this campaign on my own, without either influence or support from
outside organizations. No PAC is funding me. I’m not a secret Republican.
(Yes, people have asked!)
TL; DR:
I’m showing you what I’m promising. I work hard and I don’t mind an uphill
battle.
Qualification
Details
- Financials Across Sectors: Managing
Large Budgets within Complex Systems
- Expertise in Board Cohesion and
Strategic Vision
- Current work: Independent Consulting
for Nonprofits
- Experience Lobbying the Legislature
- A Lifetime of Civic Engagement
Specific
Examples/Values in Action
- Overcoming systematic obstacles to
realize community vision
- Guiding an org from near-closure to
health
- Protecting public education from
being defunded
- Fighting off corporate interests
causing environmental damage to my small neighborhood
Wait.
Shouldn’t there be a ton of logos here?
Yes!
Experienced politicians and political organizations line up endorsements.
Early. A lot of endorsements. That’s smart politics. Respect.
I’m
active in politics, but haven’t reached the endorsements tier of connections
and savvy.
That
said, I’ve built a reputation for working hard and solving complex challenges.
So I’ve
asked some people to share their experience as Community Endorsements.
Okay, but
one reason I look at endorsements is to gauge where a candidate stands
politically. What’s your deal?
Fair! I’m
a Warren variety of Democrat. I’ve voted Dem/DFL in every election since I
first qualified to vote. I’m running because I believe I’ll do an excellent job
as a Board Director.
I’m not
financed by a corporation or a PAC. I’m not secretly a Republican. Or MAGA. Or
a book-burner. Or someone who claims to love public schools but undermines them
with voucher schemes and other nonsense.
I’m the
kind of person who wrote thank-you notes to my public school teachers. I
genuinely thrill to to dig into the appendix of 80-page presentations. Nerd,
y’all. Big time.
But you
don’t have to take my word for it . . .
Community
Endorsements
Will
Roberts, Public School Teacher and District 5 Community Member
“I've
known Molly for 15 years, and I know her as someone with a very rare amount of
integrity and wise humility, who is not afraid to criticize wrongs and make
hard decisions. In a time where MPS has been in crisis for years, she is the
kind of caring and tough person we need looking out for Minneapolis kids.”
……………………………………………………………………….
Amy
Stedman, Chair of DFL Senate District 47
My name
is Amy Stedman, and I serve as Chair of DFL Senate District 47. Though I live
outside Minneapolis, I am writing as a friend, an educator, an advocate and a
former colleague of Molly Chase — someone I have known for over 15 years and
trust completely.
I believe
she is ready for this work and the Minneapolis School Board is exactly the
right place for her.
I
witnessed first-hand Molly’s dedication. From 2011 to 2018, she served in an
unpaid, part-time leadership role for an artist-led startup theater, all while
working full time. In seven years, she helped grow that organization's annual
budget from $100,000 to over $660,000 — not by cutting corners, but by doing
the slow, methodical work of community building, strategic planning, and earned
trust.
I share
this because this is how I know Molly Chase has the right skill set for
Minneapolis Public Schools. The skills that grew that theater —listening deeply
to community, translating values into sustainable systems, persuading skeptical
stakeholders, and showing up to do unglamorous work without a title or a salary
— are precisely the skills a school board member needs.
And Molly
Chase has them. I have watched her for over 15 years as a teacher, an advocate,
and a colleague who never flinches when something hard needs to be said or
done. When difficult issues have come forward, she has stepped toward them, not
away. That is rare. It is also exactly what Minneapolis Public Schools needs at
this moment.
She is
not running for school board to launch a political career. She is running
because she believes — as I do — that public schools are worth fighting for,
and that this community is capable of building something powerful if the right
people are willing to do the work.
……………………………………………………………………….
Naomi
Grishman, Educator and Public School Advocate
“Molly
has always been committed to examining issues by listening to others, doing
research and standing up for her convictions.
“When I
reflect upon Molly, as one of my high school students, the first memory that
pops up is when she was going to compete in a public speaking scholarship
competition hosted by a conservative, male-dominated organization. She and I
were the only females in the room. I beamed with pride as she stood before
everyone with composure and confidence.
“She
eloquently shared her open minded convictions with this very politically
conservative group. Though she was clearly the most articulate contestant, a
young man was chosen as the winner. But Molly and I left the hall feeling like
winners because in the face of conservatism, a rational, compassionate young
woman was not afraid to speak up.”
Note:
Naomi
Grishman (above) is my former History teacher, dept lead, assistant principal,
and mentor to many.
Described
best by another former student, Cassandra Sweet: “Grishman was really a part of
a group of committed teachers who were not willing to abandon Atlanta Public
Schools, and believed that Atlanta Public Schools should be a place of openness
and diversity and excellence.”
……………………………………………………………………….
Community
in the Arts
“Molly
Chase is someone I have know for a decade plus. She is smart, kind, gentle,
fierce, clever, silly and patient. She is same one who I would trust to run my
company, to be my confidant or to be my scene partner on stage.” - Sarah McPeck
……………………………………………………………………….
“In my
time of knowing and working with Molly, I've seen firsthand what true,
community-based collaboration looks like: she brings a sharp and thoughtful
ear, she leads with kindness, and she combines those with an incredible work
ethic. We're very fortunate that she's turned her sights on improving our city
in this way and will be an incredible asset to our school board.” - Ian Fishman
“I have
known Molly Chase for over a decade as a colleague and mentor. My reaction to
learning she was running for School Board was, ‘Yes, of course! She belongs in
that room!’ Her deep-seated passion and empathy are channeled through her
equally-ingrained focus and pragmatism. In other words, Molly is adept at
actually getting important things done. District 5 would be fortunate to have
her.” - Sean Dillon
……………………………………………………………………….
“Molly is
authentic. Her open and inclusive communication, her acute problem-solving
skills, and positive nature make her someone you want to know. And more
importantly want on your side!” –
Maureen
Tubbs
……………………………………………………………………….
“I
endorse Molly fully and deeply! She has the heart and mind to make the best
decisions for children and families in District 5!” - Taj Ruler
……………………………………………………………………….
“I’ve
known Molly as a dedicated [improv theater] teacher. She will make a wonderful
representative.” - Susan Roberts
……………………………………………………………………….
“As long
as I have known and also been aware of Molly which is for 16 years now, she has
been known to me as a true community builder, a fundraising LEGEND, and an
organizer for the ages. She is warm, kind, thoughtful, smart, willing to listen
to others, and a strong advocate for those without voices. She is the person I
look to if I’m looking for someone who is going to not only get something done,
but to get it right with precision and intent. With Molly in a position like
this, I see only incredible and lovely things for this lucky community.” -
Lizzie Gardner
Endorsements
Wait.
Shouldn’t there be a ton of logos here?
Yes!
Experienced politicians and political organizations line up endorsements.
Early. A lot of endorsements. That’s smart politics. Respect.
I’m
active in politics, but haven’t reached the endorsements tier of connections
and savvy.
That
said, I’ve built a reputation for working hard and solving complex challenges.
So I’ve
asked some people to share their experience as Community Endorsements.
Okay, but
one reason I look at endorsements is to gauge where a candidate stands
politically. What’s your deal?
Fair! I’m
a Warren variety of Democrat. I’ve voted Dem/DFL in every election since I
first qualified to vote. I’m running because I believe I’ll do an excellent job
as a Board Director.
I’m not
financed by a corporation or a PAC. I’m not secretly a Republican. Or MAGA. Or
a book-burner. Or someone who claims to love public schools but undermines them
with voucher schemes and other nonsense.
I’m the
kind of person who wrote thank-you notes to my public school teachers. I
genuinely thrill to to dig into the appendix of 80-page presentations. Nerd,
y’all. Big time.
But you
don’t have to take my word for it . . .
Community
Endorsements
Will
Roberts, Public School Teacher and District 5 Community Member
“I've
known Molly for 15 years, and I know her as someone with a very rare amount of
integrity and wise humility, who is not afraid to criticize wrongs and make
hard decisions. In a time where MPS has been in crisis for years, she is the
kind of caring and tough person we need looking out for Minneapolis kids.”
……………………………………………………………………….
Amy
Stedman, Chair of DFL Senate District 47
My name
is Amy Stedman, and I serve as Chair of DFL Senate District 47. Though I live
outside Minneapolis, I am writing as a friend, an educator, an advocate and a
former colleague of Molly Chase — someone I have known for over 15 years and
trust completely.
I believe
she is ready for this work and the Minneapolis School Board is exactly the
right place for her.
I
witnessed first-hand Molly’s dedication. From 2011 to 2018, she served in an
unpaid, part-time leadership role for an artist-led startup theater, all while
working full time. In seven years, she helped grow that organization's annual
budget from $100,000 to over $660,000 — not by cutting corners, but by doing
the slow, methodical work of community building, strategic planning, and earned
trust.
I share
this because this is how I know Molly Chase has the right skill set for
Minneapolis Public Schools. The skills that grew that theater —listening deeply
to community, translating values into sustainable systems, persuading skeptical
stakeholders, and showing up to do unglamorous work without a title or a salary
— are precisely the skills a school board member needs.
And Molly
Chase has them. I have watched her for over 15 years as a teacher, an advocate,
and a colleague who never flinches when something hard needs to be said or
done. When difficult issues have come forward, she has stepped toward them, not
away. That is rare. It is also exactly what Minneapolis Public Schools needs at
this moment.
She is
not running for school board to launch a political career. She is running
because she believes — as I do — that public schools are worth fighting for,
and that this community is capable of building something powerful if the right
people are willing to do the work.
……………………………………………………………………….
Naomi
Grishman, Educator and Public School Advocate
“Molly
has always been committed to examining issues by listening to others, doing
research and standing up for her convictions.
“When I
reflect upon Molly, as one of my high school students, the first memory that
pops up is when she was going to compete in a public speaking scholarship
competition hosted by a conservative, male-dominated organization. She and I
were the only females in the room. I beamed with pride as she stood before
everyone with composure and confidence.
“She
eloquently shared her open minded convictions with this very politically
conservative group. Though she was clearly the most articulate contestant, a
young man was chosen as the winner. But Molly and I left the hall feeling like
winners because in the face of conservatism, a rational, compassionate young
woman was not afraid to speak up.”
Note:
Naomi
Grishman (above) is my former History teacher, dept lead, assistant principal,
and mentor to many.
Described
best by another former student, Cassandra Sweet: “Grishman was really a part of
a group of committed teachers who were not willing to abandon Atlanta Public
Schools, and believed that Atlanta Public Schools should be a place of openness
and diversity and excellence.”
……………………………………………………………………….
Community
in the Arts
“Molly
Chase is someone I have know for a decade plus. She is smart, kind, gentle,
fierce, clever, silly and patient. She is same one who I would trust to run my
company, to be my confidant or to be my scene partner on stage.” - Sarah McPeck
……………………………………………………………………….
“In my
time of knowing and working with Molly, I've seen firsthand what true,
community-based collaboration looks like: she brings a sharp and thoughtful
ear, she leads with kindness, and she combines those with an incredible work
ethic. We're very fortunate that she's turned her sights on improving our city
in this way and will be an incredible asset to our school board.” - Ian Fishman
“I have
known Molly Chase for over a decade as a colleague and mentor. My reaction to
learning she was running for School Board was, ‘Yes, of course! She belongs in
that room!’ Her deep-seated passion and empathy are channeled through her
equally-ingrained focus and pragmatism. In other words, Molly is adept at
actually getting important things done. District 5 would be fortunate to have
her.” - Sean Dillon
……………………………………………………………………….
“Molly is
authentic. Her open and inclusive communication, her acute problem-solving
skills, and positive nature make her someone you want to know. And more
importantly want on your side!” –
Maureen
Tubbs
……………………………………………………………………….
“I
endorse Molly fully and deeply! She has the heart and mind to make the best
decisions for children and families in District 5!” - Taj Ruler
……………………………………………………………………….
“I’ve
known Molly as a dedicated [improv theater] teacher. She will make a wonderful
representative.” - Susan Roberts
……………………………………………………………………….
“As long
as I have known and also been aware of Molly which is for 16 years now, she has
been known to me as a true community builder, a fundraising LEGEND, and an
organizer for the ages. She is warm, kind, thoughtful, smart, willing to listen
to others, and a strong advocate for those without voices. She is the person I
look to if I’m looking for someone who is going to not only get something done,
but to get it right with precision and intent. With Molly in a position like
this, I see only incredible and lovely things for this lucky community.” -
Lizzie Gardner
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