ISD #508 School Board Member at Large 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-boardWatch the candidate forum recorded on September 9, 2025.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!
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
5073514218
Contact Phone
5073514218
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/kate.martens.5
Campaign Email
Katejmartens@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
My career focused on students. After I retired, I wanted to bring my perspective to the St. Peter School Board. In my first term I worked with the Policy and Education committees and several others. Serving as Clerk, we passed the Mend the Middle Referendum. We conducted a superintendent search, hiring Dr.Graff. The budget is monitored to avoid the unexpected, while most districts are suffering. My educational background helps me collaborate with curriculum and programs to enhance and increase enrollment. I recognize and support the need to provide diverse offerings and attract/retain staff so students can feel safe, see themselves and thrive. I see critical thinking as vital for the Board and students to succeed now and in the future.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Sustaining the excellent programs available in St.Peter to maximize student preparedness (Academies, Transfer Curriculum, etc) will also attract new students
Advocating legislatively is critical to unfunded mandates and other policies which impact schools in a different way than businesses. Our advocacy statement will assist in clarity for legislators.
Collaborating with the stakeholders is vital to student success. We have great connections to the community, which must be nurtured and expanded
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Since district funding is tied to legislative action, advocacy for distinct requirements of school districts is essential. We developed a legislative agenda to do so. Levers are in place to anticipate budgets and plan for the least possible impact on student learning. Communication between stakeholders (parents, businesses, etc,) must be improved regarding how the district funds are used and what the implications of reductions would be. The best interest of the student is paramount.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I serve on the Native American Parent Advisory Committee and the Educational Equity Advisory. My volunteer activity in St. Peter focuses on racial/economic disparities. The schools are working on Culturally Responsive Teaching training, evaluation and implementation. The cultural Joy Days events have provided bridges to cultures. Equity has been a component of my entire career, and I participate actively in our comprehensive Strategic Plan of Equity, Inclusion and Cultural Responsiveness.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Whenever I volunteer in the community, I am able to hear the perceptions of the district. People are comfortable voicing concerns/ issues to me, my familiarity with policies and programs is a benefit. I spend time with students, especially at the Middle School, and visit with teachers. Establishing new lines of communication while furthering existing collaboration is critical. My contact information is available to anyone, I welcome personal communication as a current Board member.
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
7632500078
Contact Phone
7632500078
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/share/1CP46ATcJ9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Campaign Email
marciaranft2005@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I bring a deep commitment to public education, a collaborative spirit, and a strong belief in equity and transparency. As a licensed teacher, parent, community leader and advocate, I understand the challenges our schools face and the importance of listening to all voices—students, families, and educators. I am a licensed K-6 Elementary Educator and K-12 Library Media Specialist and have extensive experience working with students who are new to the country. I will work tirelessly to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of background. My approach is data-informed, student-centered, and grounded in real-world experience. I’m ready to lead with integrity, accountability, and a vision for inclusive excellence.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Equity – to close opportunity gaps and ensure all students thrive.
Teacher support – to retain and empower high-quality educators.
Fiscal responsibility – to maximize resources for student success.
These priorities reflect my belief that strong schools build strong communities.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
I would prioritize protecting classroom instruction and student services. My strategy would include transparent community engagement, a thorough review of non-essential expenditures, and exploring alternative funding sources (including maximizing our efforts to increase enrollment and the number of families who submit the Educational Benefits Application). Every decision would be guided by equity and impact on student learning with input from teachers.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I would advocate for equitable funding, culturally responsive curriculum, and targeted support for underserved students. Data transparency, inclusive policies, and community partnerships would guide efforts to close achievement gaps and ensure every student has the tools to succeed. In 2024, I received the MSU Award for Excellence in Social Justice Education due to not only my efforts within my own classroom but also for my leadership in community groups aimed at lowering disparities.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I will create regular opportunities for dialogue through town halls, surveys, and advisory groups. I believe in listening first and making decisions collaboratively. Teachers and families are essential partners in education, and their insights will shape policies that reflect our shared goals. I will continue to form relationships with community groups and members in order to build more trust and mutual respect to ensure all students, teachers and families truly feel valued and represented.