ISD #271 School Board Member Choose 4
School board members oversee the care, management, and control of schools. This includes hiring, firing, and overseeing superintendents, who manage the day-to-day affairs of the district. They also set levies to fund the district and create school policies.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-school-boardIf your candidate didn’t fill in the guide below, visit the Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing site to find contact info. If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from the LWVMN!A forum for this race was held on September 25, 2025 - watch the recording here.
Biographical Information
telephone
6129916260
Contact Phone
6129916260
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/tomfortheboard/
Campaign Email
tomfortheboard@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
As an educator with over 20 years of experience and a current member of two public school boards, I've spent my adult life committed to championing our most vulnerable students, supporting their families, fostering strong schools, and valuing our dedicated teachers. I'm eager to continue this advocacy on the Bloomington School Board. As a parent with children currently in our schools, I have a deep and personal investment in their continued success, and in ensuring that parents have a strong voice in shaping the future of Bloomington Public Schools. In these uncertain times for public education, we need proven leaders who will stand up for public education and all of our kids.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Championing Public Education and all Students: Ensuring equitable access and resources for all our learners, from early childhood to graduation.
Securing Sustainable Funding: Advocating at the federal, state and local level for the resources our schools need.
Fostering True Inclusion: Cultivating a school culture where every child, from every background, feels safe, seen, wanted and valued.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
First, protect classroom resources and student services as much as possible. Make data informed decisions based on what has the least impact on students' academic and social-emotional learning and well-being. This difficult process requires a collaborative, transparent approach with parents, staff, and the community to ensure we preserve the core mission and values of our schools.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
To foster a school culture that celebrates diversity and provides every student, regardless of background, with the tools to succeed, I support a culturally responsive curriculum that reflects students' lives, making learning relevant. I also support restorative justice practices to address discipline equitably, focusing on repairing harm rather than punishment. Finally, expanding wrap-around services for mental health and basic needs to ensure vulnerable learners have the support to thrive.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I will continue to actively engage teachers, students and families as I see them as essential partners .Their invaluable insights are essential for sound decision-making, ensuring that board policies reflect the needs of our students, classrooms, and community.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
telephone
9527972154
Contact Phone
9527972154
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/mattforbloomington
Campaign Email
mattforbloomington@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I believe every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and inspired in our schools. My approach as a board member is grounded in collaboration, inclusivity, and transparency. I work to ensure that all voices—students, families, staff, and community members—are heard and valued. I am committed to equity, making sure opportunities and resources are accessible to every learner, regardless of background. I also believe in thoughtful stewardship of resources so we can provide strong academics, mental health supports, and safe, welcoming schools. What sets me apart is a proven record of leading with integrity and a deep passion for building a school community where every student can thrive.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top priorities are equity, student well-being, and academic excellence. By centering equity, we ensure every child in Bloomington can reach their full potential. Prioritizing well-being means healthier, safer schools where students are ready to learn. Focusing on academic excellence builds strong programs that prepare graduates for success beyond high school. Together, these priorities create schools where all students can thrive and our community grows stronger.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
If faced with budget cuts, my strategy would be to protect the classroom first—prioritizing student learning, mental health, and safety. I would advocate for a transparent process that engages staff, families, and the community in making tough choices. I believe in careful, equity-focused decision-making that minimizes harm to our most vulnerable students while ensuring long-term financial stability for Bloomington Public Schools.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I would continue advancing policies and practices that ensure every student—regardless of race or income—has access to opportunity. That means expanding academic supports, investing in mental health, and removing barriers to participation in activities. In Bloomington, where diversity is a strength, I believe equity and access must guide every decision. By listening to families, using data, and holding ourselves accountable, we can close gaps and create schools where all students thrive.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I’ve made it a priority to connect directly with teachers and families—whether through listening sessions, school events, or one-on-one conversations. These relationships guide how I approach decisions on the board. I believe teachers’ classroom expertise and families’ lived experiences must shape our choices. By keeping those voices at the table, we ensure Bloomington schools reflect the needs and values of our whole community.
Biographical Information
telephone
6128368086
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576136782613
Campaign Email
tedforbloomington@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Public schools thrive when we take a whole-of-student approach. Academic success cannot be separated from social and emotional needs. Students must feel safe, seen and supported; and trust their teachers, their schools and the district. We must be partners in education with our students, centering the values of respect, consistency, engagement, inclusivity and equity.
These principles drive my commitment to build strong schools for all students. We all want rigorous academics and high test scores, but we also need to develop resilient, confident individuals. Academic, social and emotional learning are co-equal in producing future-ready students.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
(1) Early literacy assessment and intervention. Every child needs strong literacy skills; we can only achieve those outcomes with individualized instruction informed by accurate assessment.
(2) Student well-being. Mental health needs continue to outstrip capacity. We need a multi-tiered approach for student well-being.
(3) Strengthen the workforce. Public education has a pipeline issue, and it has a retention issue. Attracting and retaining teachers has to be a priority for our public schools.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Engage parents, students, teachers and district administration to identify priorities and clarify how each expenditure supports our strategic plan. Budget cuts must be equitable, transparent, and focused on preserving classroom instruction. I would assess program effectiveness, seek grants, pursue cooperative resource sharing (like ISD 917), and plan long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Racial and economic disparities in educational outcomes are among the most persistent features of education in America. They cannot be hand-waived away with neutral policies. Rather, school board policy must center these disparities. We must implement data-driven solutions, and then we must monitor for efficacy and be willing to pivot if those proposed solutions do not show results.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Outside of the monthly listening sessions and engagement from district administration, it is important that board members be visibly and publicly accessible in less formal situations.
Each board member is an ambassador to several sites throughout the district, including schools and the transportation office. Be in those buildings. Attend staff meetings. Attend PTA meetings. Attend school events. Ask questions when you meet people and then listen.
Biographical Information
Contact Phone
952-297-2365
Facebook (Full URL)
http://facebook.com/Steigaufforschoolboard
Campaign Email
steigaufforschoolboard@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I bring leadership experience to the table. This is my twelve year on the school board where I have served as chair twice and vice chair three times. I am a 2025 recipient of the Minnesota School Board Association's President's Award. Previous to my election to the school board I served as the board president of the Autism Society of Minnesota and chair of their Advocacy Committee. I represented them at the Coalition for Children with Disabilities. During this time I was appointed to three Minnesota task forces and chaired the Minnesota Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force. As a parent volunteer in the district I served as vice chair of the Curriculum Advisory Committee and chair of the Special Education Community Advisory Council.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
1. Adequate, stable funding. Funding shortfalls combined with increased student needs is an ongoing problem. I will continue to advocate for funding at the state and federal level.
2. I will continue to prioritize making sure every student feels safe, supported, welcomed, and like they belong.
3. Student Success. Our students need to graduate with the skills they need for success. Success may be defined differently for individual students.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Our board and administration worked together to develop our guiding change document. It has worked well in the past and I would support continuing to use it when making budget decisions. I will continue to listen to the recommendations of the administration, outside experts, stakeholders and my board colleagues. I will ask questions when appropriate.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Bloomington Public Schools has an Achievement and Integration Plan with the Minnesota Department of Education.
We also have an Office of Educational Equity to promote student achievement. Our district is one of four districts approved as a Minnesota Department of Education Innovation Research Zone District. This work focuses on ways to reduce or eliminate disparities and improve outcomes for all students. As a board member I will continue to review and adopt policies that support all students.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I visit our classrooms frequently and attend events at our schools and in the community. I attend the PTA meetings at my ambassador schools. I listen to concerns and suggestions. Our board holds a monthly listening session. When our district developed a new strategic plan over 90 community members were involved and others had the opportunity for input through online surveys. Additionally, I am endorsed by our teacher's union.