ISD #742 School Board Member at Large (Special Election) Choose 1
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: Voting Local Matters: Why Vote for School Board | League of Women Voters 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
Campaign Email
ginaacevedofor742@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
My professional background in equity, community engagement, and collaborative leadership has prepared me to approach challenges with both insight and intention. I live, work, and raise my children in this district, giving me a deep understanding of our community’s strengths and needs. Having experienced school systems outside of St. Cloud, I bring a broader perspective that can inform creative, inclusive solutions. I am committed to ensuring that every student in our district has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Ensuring Access and Opportunity: Every student deserves the chance to reach their full potential with the right resources and support that meet their individual needs.
Safe and Inclusive Schools: Students learn best when they feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves, without fear of violence, harm, discrimination, or bullying.
Strong School-Family Partnerships: Collaboration between schools, families, and communities builds trust and helps every student thrive.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
If budget reductions were required, I would approach the process with intentionality and transparency, prioritizing the well-being and success of students above all else. Decisions would be guided by data, equity, and thoughtful collaboration to minimize the impact on classrooms and essential student supports.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Addressing racial and economic disparities begins with acknowledging that these inequities are real, and impact student opportunity and outcomes. We must intentionally allocate resources where the need is greatest, ensure representation and belonging across all programs, and strengthen partnerships with families and communities most affected by inequities. This means looking at data, listening to lived experiences, and removing barriers to access.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Engaging teachers and families starts with listening with intention and curiosity. Teachers see firsthand what students need, so creating space for honest feedback builds trust. Families are vital partners, and I’m one of them. As a parent in the district, I understand their hopes and challenges. Leading with empathy, transparency, and clear communication fosters stronger, more effective engagement.
Biographical Information
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I am the only candidate or board member offering a conservative perspective and bring 13 years of experience on the school board. As a small business owner with a strong background in finance, I have served on the finance committee throughout my tenure, helping deliver balanced budgets every year without seeking an excess levy. I’ve worked collaboratively on several construction projects including Tech High School—all completed on time and under budget—and with Apollo’s major renovation underway, my experience is invaluable. I’ve also represented the district at MSBA and before the state legislature. Beyond time and service, my business and I have donated over $60,000 to District 742 programs in the past five years.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
As a board member, my top responsibility is hiring, supporting and retaining strong leadership. Our last two hires—Willie Jett, now Minnesota’s Commissioner of Education, and Dr. Laurie Putnam, the 2025 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year—reflect our district’s excellence. I am committed to giving educators the tools to provide a world-class education, maintaining financial discipline, and ensuring quality results during Apollo’s construction process.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Budgeting requires a conservative approach and careful planning to maintain balance. While I don’t expect revenues to decline, they may not keep pace with inflation, making it essential to live within our means. If cuts become necessary, I will work to ensure they remain as far from the classroom as possible, protecting students and learning first.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I’m proud of the incredible work happening in St. Cloud schools. Our staff serves students facing challenges like poverty, homelessness, special needs, and learning English—yet they deliver dignity, respect, and high-quality education to sudents every day. We challenge our top learners with AP and Talent Development, support those who struggle, and help every child grow to be the best they can be. Our kids are resilient, our staff is dedicated, and our community is stronger because of them.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
As a board member, my role is to provide oversight and leadership while the superintendent and her team manage daily operations. I am always available to listen to teachers and community members, but it would be a boundary violation to bypass the chain of leadership. While I cannot act alone or speak for the entire board, I listen carefully and share perspectives so all voices help guide board decisions.
Biographical Information
Contact Phone
3202828500
Campaign Email
peterhamerlinck@hotmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I am a strong believer that public education is a building block in the foundation of our society. Our public education system addresses the needs of our young people now and in the future. Without it, we become weaker in every aspect of day-to-day life.
I have supported my belief through active participation in bond and levy teams, PTA leadership, District 742 committees, employment by the District and as a member of the 742 School Board.
I am not someone with a single issue focus. My focus is on the goal of providing all our students the education they need – and deserve – to thrive as a student and in life after high school.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Student and Staff Safety. Our entrances are safe and secure. Student and staff safety while inside the building will always be a focus. We need to continue to implement processes that insure everyone is safe inside our buildings
Fully Funding Special Education. The state is obligated to fund Special Education mandates – it’s time that they do so.
742 is a Destination. We must continue to celebrate our strengths and share those stories.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
My strategy would be to follow a fact-based process that includes discussions among all stakeholders. There needs to be some agreement as to what areas are off-limits to cut (think anything that directly impacts student learning) along with areas that could be trimmed back. The emphasis would be on agreements among all involved.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I have faith that the staff of the Department of Equity Services is doing everything possible to address these concerns in 742. As an individual, I alone cannot change a system. But through conversation, collaboration and cooperation, I can be part of the process that works to address such disparities.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
My “door” is always open. I’m happy to meet in person or have a phone conversation. I’m open to attending PTA or site council meetings. I will never claim to have immediate answers but instead will listen. I will research answers and follow-up when asked to. One of the greatest qualities of a Board member is listening – a quality I’ve shown in the past and will continue to show.