Voter Guide

Find Your Races

ISD #276 School Board Member Choose 3

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-boardA candidate forum for this race will be held on September 8, 2025, at 6:30 pm (location). A recording will be posted here as soon as it is available.If 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!

Voter Guide

Candidate picture

Karen Jordan (NP)

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.

Voter Guide

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Taunya R. Kolbinger (NP)

Biographical Information

telephone 5073829282
Contact Phone 5073829282

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

As both a middle school teacher & a parent with kids in our district, I have seen firsthand how school board decisions ripple into classrooms and impact families. I believe our schools work best when every child has the chance to thrive, when teachers are supported, & when parents are partners in the process. I am passionate about ensuring students' well-being & am skilled in fostering strong partnerships between classrooms, students, & caregivers. I currently volunteer on the district's Mental Health Advisory Committee & the Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee, helping highlight issues that have a significant impact on our children. I know what it means to ensure educational excellence and safe learning environments for all.

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

My top three priorities would be student-centered excellence in belonging and connection, student-centered learning opportunities, & smart budget decisions. These are my top priorities because they are the keys to students having the chance to discover their strengths and actively participate in their educational journey while having supportive policies that protect the well-being of each child. I will ensure budget decisions minimize the adverse impact on students in the classroom.

If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)

I have recently joined the CASE team and will be advocating at the capitol for more funding for public education. Along with that, I will look to our experts in the district who have been creative with funding- they work hard to find ways to maintain our budget without adding the burden on to taxpayers. Most importantly, I will vote “yes” on the building bond referendum to improve safety and security throughout the district.

How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)

As a teacher I have seen these disparities firsthand. The most impactful way to solve this issue is to offer high quality professional development for teachers & staff to learn about ways to combat the disparities. These training sessions have been transformative in my teaching, as we cannot fix what we don’t know. We need evidence-based, best practice opportunities that center on cultural awareness & the power of connection and belonging- our kids thrive when they feel seen & heard.

Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)

I love being out in the community, connecting & engaging with families. I have been hosting listening sessions during this campaign that have been powerful in understanding the needs of our community. I will continue to do this if elected. I also plan to be out in the schools as much as possible connecting with teachers & staff. In order to make impactful change, leaders need to be connecting with those doing the work- that’s where I want to be and it’s where I love to be, in schools.

Voter Guide

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William G. Schumer (NP)

Biographical Information

telephone 5136735727
Contact Phone 5136735727
Campaign Email williamgschumer@gmail.com

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

Running for school board is not simply about holding a position--it is about serving our students, families, educators and community with vision, dedication and integrity. I believe my personal and professional experience uniquely prepares me to represent our community. My candidacy is built on experience grounded in perspectives to make informed, balanced decisions for smart and focused investments; while ensuring our schools and educators have the funding, they need to deliver high-quality, safe and inclusive education. I will advocate for rigorous instructions, forward-ready learning pathways and innovative programs that prepare our students for tomorrow's economy.

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

My top three priorities are: 1. Smart, transparent investment decisions 2. Safe and support schools-- welcoming, inclusive 3. Academic excellence- build on core fundamentals, expand forward-ready learning pathways to support diverse learners and prepare them for the real-world

If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)

As an experience executive with Fortune 25 companies, regularly challenged to manage funding, against revenue streams and core priorities, I would conduct a thorough review of the budget, examine spending by line item and their impact, engage key stakeholders early in the process to understand priorities and potential impact. Prioritize reductions based on minimizing impact to student learning and well-being. Explore alternative informing key stakeholders.

How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)

As a school board member, I would work to close racial and economic gaps by ensuring equitable access to resources, strong academic support, and safe learning environments. I’d champion policies that prioritize inclusion, expand opportunities for all students, and partner with families and the community to remove barriers so every child can thrive.

Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)

Build two-way communication connection points and show feedback influences action. Involve teachers and families early in the process; holding listening sessions, scheduled "coffee chats" with a Board member; shadow classroom time; ensure the parent, teacher and Board goals are aligned to impact student success. Continue to implement the annual survey to uncover gaps and areas of concern.

Voter Guide

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Meghan Selinger (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

As an incumbent, I have School Board experience, including Chair and Vice Chair positions and participation in a variety of District committees. I also have a Master of Arts degree in Education and spent 12+ years teaching and holding leadership roles. I am a resident parent of two students, and have a vested interest in the long-term success of the District and in being a faithful steward of resources. I maintain focus on student and staff success and am an engaged Board member. I am prepared for meetings and actively participate by asking questions and offering ideas that are driven by data, community input, and my background as an Educator. I am objective, responsive, an effective communicator, and regularly model civil discourse.

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

1. Maintain an excellent education for all students while facing budget challenges through various programming options, including support, enrichment, and experiential learning opportunities. 2. Foster student well-being via policy, joint work with mental health organizations, and a comprehensive social emotional learning plan for students. 3. Continue to be transparent, communicative, and open-minded while interacting with constituents through both traditional and innovative means.

If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)

Non-classroom cuts should occur first, followed by creative reductions like restructuring positions for efficiency. Given 88% of our budget pays for employee salaries and benefits, we cannot totally insulate classrooms. If we are forced to reduce staff, it has to be done in an intentional manner: examine ramifications such as how many students are impacted, and aim to minimize them. For example, offering a larger class biannually would be preferable to discontinuing a course.

How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)

The best way to address disparities is to offer strong foundational academic programming with well-trained teachers who have the capacity and resources to meet students’ needs. It is also necessary to have supports in place to individualize learning and address any barriers to learning. All students need to feel connected and valued at school and be encouraged to challenge themselves. The school system should also facilitate families finding community supports to foster student success.

Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)

I engage with constituents in both formal and informal ways. I analyze all District survey results, including reading comments submitted. I participate in structured engagement opportunities, such as listening sessions, and advocate to make Board events more accessible, such as live-streamed Study Sessions. I also regularly engage with community members informally via conversations. I relay feedback to District Administration and the Board as appropriate and use it to inform Board discussions.

Voter Guide

Candidate picture

Chris Vitale (NP)

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.