ISD #621 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-boardA forum for the candidates in this race will be held on September 22, 2025 (location; submit a question)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)
I am the only educator currently serving on the Mounds View School Board, which gives me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our district. I have worked in education since 2003, starting with a Bachelor’s Degree in education, and have held roles across St. Paul Public Schools, Mounds View Public Schools, and South St. Paul Public Schools. Currently, I work in Adult Basic Education, helping incarcerated adults earn their GEDs I have served on the Mounds View School Board for nearly eight years. My background as an educator allows me to approach policy decisions with a practical understanding of how they impact classrooms, teachers, and students. My educational credentials further strengthen my ability to serve.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
School safety, Keeping students and staff safe is essential.
Mental Health Supports, We’ve made important progress, but there is still more work ahead in meeting students’ social and emotional needs. Supporting and Retaining Excellent Teachers. Our teachers are the heart of our schools
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
My strategy would prioritize protecting classroom instruction and student support services while seeking efficiencies in non-essential areas. I would review programs and operations for cost-saving opportunities, engage staff and stakeholders for input, and ensure decisions are equitable and transparent, minimizing impact on students’ learning and well-being while maintaining the district’s long-term financial stability.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I would address disparities by prioritizing equity in resource allocation, supporting culturally responsive teaching, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction and support services. I would engage families and communities in decision-making, monitor outcomes to identify gaps, and implement targeted interventions so every student, regardless of race or economic background, has the opportunity to succeed.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I will engage teachers and families by maintaining open, transparent communication and actively seeking their input on policies and programs. I will attend meetings, host forums, and use surveys to gather feedback, ensuring diverse voices are heard. By collaborating with educators and families, I can make informed decisions that reflect classroom realities and community needs while fostering trust and shared ownership in our schools.
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
507-407-3535
Contact Phone
507-407-3535
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/TaschaJustForSchools
Campaign Email
taschajust1@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I bring a unique combination of professional expertise and community commitment. As a school psychologist for over 20 years, I’ve supported students across Minnesota in academics, mental health, and crisis response. Locally, I’m a proud Mounds View parent, board secretary for the Native American Parent Committee, and a volunteer with district programs. I also serve statewide as President-Elect of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association and on the Children’s Justice Act Task Force. These roles give me the skills to bridge local voices with statewide advocacy. I know how schools work, what students need to thrive, and how to lead with transparency and care so every child feels safe, supported, and prepared for the future.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top priorities are student safety, academic excellence, and community trust. Safety comes first - from secure entrances to protecting against the 60,000 cyberattacks our district blocks each month. Academic excellence means tackling middle school math while ensuring neurodivergent, multilingual, and advanced learners all thrive. Finally, trust is built when families, staff, and students are heard - just as we saw with the collaborative cell phone policy and new recognition of holidays.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
With 75 cents of every dollar already going directly to instruction and student support, cuts must be approached with transparency and care. I would prioritize protecting classrooms, student safety, and mental health services while engaging families, staff, and the community in identifying efficiencies. I would also advocate at the state level for fairer funding formulas, especially around special education and transportation, so local dollars are not stretched beyond reason.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Equity means ensuring all students - 40% of whom are students of color and 25% economically disadvantaged - have the same chance to succeed. I support expanding access to advanced coursework, targeted interventions in areas like math, and culturally responsive teaching. Recruitment and retention must also remain a focus. By building inclusive classrooms, addressing discipline disparities, and supporting family engagement, we create a district where every child feels seen and valued.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Teachers and families are essential voices in decision-making. I’ll build on what already works in Mounds View—like the collaborative cell phone policy and the community-led effort to add Diwali to the calendar. I’ll continue using open forums, surveys, and advisory groups, and I’ll visit schools to hear directly from educators and parents. By creating clear channels for input before policies are set, we ensure decisions reflect shared values and build lasting trust.
Biographical Information
telephone
6129648802
Contact Phone
6129648802
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579643267013
Campaign Email
votemarksacay@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
My unique combination of professional expertise, firsthand experience as a parent in the district, and a deep passion for community service makes me the best candidate.
My 33-year career in the insurance industry gave me expertise in financial transparency and fiscal responsibility, a critical skill for a school board member. As a parent who guided three children through our school system, I have a personal and intimate understanding of the student and family experience. Finally, my extensive volunteer work demonstrates a deep commitment to giving back. This well-rounded perspective is essential for making sound decisions for our schools and our students.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
I am committed to three priorities. First, fiscal responsibility by making transparent, data-driven decisions that maximize every dollar spent on student development. Second, academic excellence, ensuring all students have the tools to succeed and continuing support for concurrent enrollment options like ARCC and AP. Third, prioritizing mental health by expanding on-campus resources for students and providing critical wellness support for our teachers.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
In the face of declining revenues, my strategy would be a collaborative and transparent one. I would work with the board to identify areas where we can reduce spending without compromising the core educational experience. Our focus must be on curtailing non-essential operational and administrative expenses to protect classroom resources, student-facing programs, and teacher support. Any budget reductions must be strategic and data-driven to ensure our students' education remains our top priority
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
My approach to addressing racial and economic disparities would be data-driven and collaborative. I would begin by analyzing student outcome data to identify specific trends and addressable gaps. From there, I would work with the board and community stakeholders to explore innovative, research-backed strategies that benefit student success. The focus must be on ensuring every student has equitable access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I believe genuine engagement with teachers and families is essential. I'd seek to involve them as partners by using proactive communication and transparent dialogue. I'll advocate for structured forums and advisory groups so the board's decisions are informed by teacher expertise. I would also create community listening sessions and use digital platforms to gather feedback from families, ensuring we are transparent in how their input is used.