ISD #709 School Board Member District 1 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 VotersIf 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
telephone
218-341-2014
Contact Phone
218-341-2014
Facebook (Full URL)
http://facebook.com/RosieForDuluthSchoolBoard
Campaign Email
rosieforschoolboard@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Now, more than ever, we need local leaders with experience and commitment to boldly advocate for public education and the many programs under attack that impact our students, families, staff, and community.
As a first generation college student, I want all students to have the opportunity to further their education and have many pathways to graduate. I have a Master’s degree in Social Work and my professional career has been advocating on behalf of children and families. With my 12 years of experience on the School Board, parent of 4 children that graduated from the Duluth Public Schools, and my diverse community relationships, I look forward to continuing to advance our District with steady future-focussed leadership.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
Ensure our schools are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all students and staff.
Expand community partnerships to support our students and staff.
Responsibly represent the best interests of our School District in financial matters to make sure our staff have the resources they need. With my priorities, I will continue to advocate for policies & programs that continue to improve academic success for ALL and provide vision & strategic direction that represents our community values.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Budgetary oversight is a key role of boards.Working with District Administration to gain input from staff, families & students to make sure our process is thoughtful & student focussed. Any budget cut proposals are reviewed with needs of students & staff across the District. Our District budget focus: prioritizing classroom needs, maintaining social emotional & mental health supports, advancing equity efforts, aligning funding with district priorities, seeking efficiencies & new funding sources.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Advancing Equity, Supporting Every Student, Improving Systems is our focus from our community driven Strategic Plan. Working with our District leadership and Board I will continue to support decisions that invest in programs & support policies that ensure every student, regardless of background, has access to resources and support for academic and personal success. My priorities are to continue to expand community partnerships and advocate for more opportunities for all students to thrive.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I value family engagement and our staff’s professional expertise and experience. I continue to seek input through 1-1 conversations, in person listening sessions, emails, phone calls, District advisory groups & attending school events. I am active with school PTAs, volunteer at schools, and encourage parents/caregivers/staff to participate in District wide committees. I strive to listen to learn. This Input helps me provide direction and make informed decisions representing diverse views.
Biographical Information
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/GoVoteFrancesWittenberg
Campaign Email
wittenbergfrances1@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
We must reprioritize spending to improve student outcomes. Only 45% of students in our district are proficient in math and 56% in reading. Even more concerning, just 48% of third graders are reading at grade level—a failing grade signaling serious early gaps. We should aim for at least 65% proficiency so students exceed standards and are prepared for college, the workforce, or skilled trades. Since 2015, our district has never reached this benchmark. With experience in organizational leadership and the Air Force, I bring an objective perspective and will advocate for fiscal discipline, quality education, accountability, transparency, and innovation to help every student succeed.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
1. Focused on building strong foundations in reading, math, and science so every student can succeed.
2. Ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and ensure we invest directly in student achievement and school safety.
3. Uniting schools and community (parents, families, community leaders) through shared involvement and decision-making.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
Before making any recommendations, I would visit schools to see challenges firsthand, work with stakeholders to prioritize student needs, and review positions and spending to ensure resources support student achievement. I would protect programs and fill positions that are proven to boost learning—like middle school music, media specialists, and paraprofessionals—and work with superintendents and together address the city and state leaders to solve state unfunded mandates.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
We should focus on student outcomes and results, not labels. My goal is to give every student the resources, opportunities, and guidance they need to thrive, ensuring access to quality education regardless of background. We should empower principals and teachers to identify gaps in achievement—whether they stem from teacher effectiveness, curriculum, or the learning environment—and ensure superintendents develop targeted strategies to address them effectively.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
If elected, I will visit every school in District 1 alongside the superintendent to understand daily challenges. I will set ambitious goals for school leaders to ensure students and teachers receive the support needed to improve proficiency in reading, math, and science. I will also make recommendations when standards or district goals are not met. Staying engaged, following up, and developing "champions" within the district are key to strengthening our school community.