ISD #11 School Board Member District 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: Voting Local Matters: Why Vote for School Board | League of Women VotersWatch the candidate forum recorded on September 10, 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!
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Lorraine Coan
(NP)
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Kacy Deschene
(NP)
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
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I am a lifelong resident of Anoka-Hennepin and a dedicated parent with a strong history of involvement in our schools and community. My qualifications are shaped by a professional background in financial services audit and risk management, and my experience as an alumnae, parent, PTO leader, and board co-chair. I believe in collective wisdom: listening to all voices, fostering genuine collaboration, and placing trust in our experts to guide transparent and responsible decisions. My actions are rooted in my unwavering priority: the success and well-being of each student in our district. I know this district well and I am ready to keep showing up and working hard to make it even better for the next generation.
My top three priorities would be: 1. A continued focus on student achievement, ensuring that each student is successfully prepared for their future. 2. Oversight of the budget and responsible use of district funds aligned to student needs and staff support. 3. Open communication and information sharing with teachers, school staff, students, families and the community. These priorities will continue to leverage the power of public education for the good of all students.
My strategy would include collaboration with teachers, principals and the community on their priorities and flexibility for each school while continuing work to stay efficient centrally. Also, long-term we should offer voters the chance to weigh-in on local funding to support additional services as well as offset the fast growing cost increases that cause the district to have to keep up with less funding (insurance costs, inflation increases on transportation, etc.).
As a school board member, I first would acknowledge that disparities exist in the educational system. I would support the use of data to identify and quantify these gaps and then engage with affected families alongside the educators who know what works to make a difference. Making sure all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities, supported by policy and funding is important.
The best decisions are made when we bring a variety of stakeholders into the discussion. I have demonstrated an ability to build meaningful relationships with teachers and families. I will continue to be accessible and available in order to build trust and be responsive to our community's needs. A good school board member should actively listen, and seek input through regular forums and surveys which allows for a wide sample of perspectives.
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