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ISD #623 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-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!

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Mannix Clark (NP)

Biographical Information

telephone 6122726805
Contact Phone 6122726805
Campaign Twitter Handle @@mannix4isd623

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

I am the best candidate for re-election because I bring experience, dedication, and a proven record of service to our schools. Since 2022, I have served on the school board, and I am currently serving as treasurer. These roles have allowed me to build strong connections with our students, families, and staff. During my time on the board, I have actively served on multiple committees, including the Finance Advisory, Community Education Advisory, Special Education Advisory, and Community Advisory. I also had the opportunity to participate in the district’s strategic plan. My experience, commitment, and collaborative approach make me well-prepared to continue serving our community and supporting the success of every student.

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

Special Education–Ensuring students with IEP’s and specialized support needs receive the resources they deserve. I will continue to be a strong advocate. Equity and Inclusion–I believe we must continue to have values that welcome everyone into our district no matter of race, religion, sexual orientation, languages they speak or where they are from. Financial Responsibility–Our community members entrust the board and district administration to be transparent in managing district funds.

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

If we were forced to cut our budget due to declining revenues, I would prioritize protecting services that directly support students—especially classroom instruction and programs that have proven effective for all students. I would also ensure that safety and security are not compromised. I would work with the administration to identify efficiencies in operations and ways to increase revenue before making cuts that impact learning. Finally, I would remain transparent and engage stakeholders.

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

I believe in ensuring adequate and equitable funding so that every student has access to high-quality opportunities. I would prioritize funding and expanding proven programs, such as AVID here in Roseville, and ensure that these programs begin early in a child’s education. I also strongly support professional development so teachers and staff have the tools they need. Whenever possible, these opportunities should be accessible to all students, ensuring fairness and consistency.

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

I would continue to have both formal and informal conversations with staff and families, and ensure students’ voices are included. For example, during the strategic plan process we gathered formal feedback from many stakeholders, and I believe that same approach should guide any significant changes moving forward. Teachers bring valuable insight into how decisions affect the classroom, while families provide the community perspective and combine those along with educational best practices

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Geida Cleveland (NP)

Biographical Information

Campaign Email GCfor623@gmail.com

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

As a proud mom of two neurodivergent children, an immigrant, and a first-generation college graduate, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful education can be when it’s inclusive, affirming, and equitable. My journey has been shaped by the belief that every student deserves a classroom where they feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. I’m running to ensure our schools reflect those values and to advocate for policies that uplift all students.

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

-Equity and Inclusion for All: Every student—regardless of race, gender identity, ability, or background—deserves a high quality education. -Support for Educators and Students: I’ll fight for strong special education services, mental health resources, and the tools our teachers need to succeed. -Community-Driven Leadership: I’ll ensure families and students have a real voice in shaping our schools.

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

Financial transparency is vital to create trust in our communities. As school board we have to be committed to being good stewards of our financial resources while still providing the best quality education, retaining talented educators and supporting the well-being of the community, which includes psychological, physical and emotional safety of all. If budget shortage is experienced we will need to still keep those priorities top of mind, however they might be stretched.

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

Our district must remain committed to equaity because is not optional, it’s foundational to student success and community trust. We must work to remove barriers for academic participation and engagement.

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

I’m deeply committed to community-driven leadership. I believe that educators, families and students should have a real voice in shaping our schools, and I will work to ensure transparency, collaboration, and accountability in every decision.

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Karl Crump (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.

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Michelle Morse-Wendt (NP)

Biographical Information

telephone 6126193480

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

I’ve been a teacher for 17 years and have two children in the Roseville Area Schools. Much of my life is invested in public education. And, I want to make sure we are always working towards maximizing the return on that investment.

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

1. Trust and support teachers. Teachers are drawn to the field to make positive changes and have the unique set of skills to do just that. We must let the teachers teach and listen to what they need to meet the needs of our students. 2. Support policies that equip all teachers and students to be successful. As a career educator, I know that all people want to succeed and when they have the tools to do so, they will. 3. Be financially secure and be good stewards of of our limited resources.

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

I would always look to what programs maximize return on investment. I would do this by looking at current research and other districts that have had to do the same.

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

1. Diversify the teaching workforce, curriculum, and media to be representative of the students. 2. Invest in our Pre-K programs and ensure they are accessible to all populations. 3. Train teachers on anti-bias and culturally responsive teaching strategies that accommodate different learning styles and backgrounds. 4. Use targeted interventions and programs that address basic needs such as health, food insecurity, and housing instability. 5. Engage families in communication and feeedback.

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

My job as school board member is to literally represent the interests of all community members, teachers, and students which I take very seriously. I will be consistently open to feedback and actively seek it when needed.