ISD #761 School Board Member Choose 4
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 (https://candidates.sos.mn.gov/). If you reach out, ask candidates to complete their Vote411 Voters Guide from LWVMN!
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.darrenalbersforowatonna.com
Campaign Email
dalbers_03@yahoo.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I approach challenges with an open mind and seek to understand the issue and the impact potential solutions may have. My goal is to be a strong advocate for student success across all grade levels. I believe effective leadership requires listening to stakeholders, considering diverse perspectives, learning from experts and experienced educators, and understanding the potential impact of decisions before taking action. I will make thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect the best interests of our students, schools, and community.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top priorities are improving academic achievement and strengthening community involvement. Owatonna students perform well, but I believe we can do better. We should focus resources on academic development and student success. Stronger community involvement can unite the district, build support for our schools, and celebrate student achievements both in and outside the classroom.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
My approach would be to evaluate every program and expense based on its cost, effectiveness, and impact on students. I would look first for programs that no longer achieve their intended purpose or expenses that can be reduced without affecting student success. I would also look for ways to give teachers more time to focus directly on students while reducing operating costs. Any cuts would be carefully considered across the entire district.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
Our district has programs and fundraisers that help address economic disparities, and I would support their continued evaluation and improvement while seeking additional opportunities. I would also use student data and community input to identify racial disparities in achievement or access and address them. Strong community involvement can help bring families together, build understanding, and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Understanding a problem and its potential solutions starts with understanding who is affected and how. I would maintain an open dialogue with educators to learn what is working well and what challenges they face. Their experience can help the board focus on practical, long-term solutions. I would also seek meaningful input from families about how decisions affect their students both in and outside of school.
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
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
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
Campaign Website
http://leeforowatonna.com
Facebook (Full URL)
http://www.facebook.com/LeeforOwatonna
Campaign Email
Info@LeeforOwatonna.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
I believe I am the best candidate because I bring a mix of real world experience, local roots, and a willingness to ask hard questions. I am a lifelong Owatonna resident, an OHS graduate, and a dad with two kids in this district. I have served in public safety, including as a School Resource Officer, spent more than 17 years in technology and leadership, and currently serve on ISD 761’s Transportation Safety Advisory Committee. I am not running to push a personal agenda. I am running to listen, do the work, support our teachers and staff, and make decisions that prepare every student for success while respecting families and taxpayers.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top three priorities are student safety, academic excellence, and fiscal responsibility with transparency. Students need to feel welcome and safe before they can learn. They also need high expectations and the right support to succeed. At the same time, taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going and why. I want the board asking hard questions, supporting teachers and staff, and making sure every dollar is tied back to student success.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
I would start by protecting the classroom and looking hard at everything outside of it. I would want clear data on what programs cost, what results they produce, and where duplication or inefficiency exists. I would ask tough questions before asking families for more. Cuts should be strategic, transparent, and focused on preserving student learning, safety, and the people who work directly with students whenever possible.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
I would start by looking honestly at where students are falling behind and why. Every student should have access to strong instruction, support, and opportunities, regardless of income, background, or neighborhood. That means using data, listening to families and staff, removing barriers where we can, and directing support where the need is greatest. Fairness does not always mean giving every student the same thing. It means giving students what they need to succeed.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
Teachers and families should not hear about major decisions only after they are made. I would listen early, ask questions, and make sure the people closest to students have a real voice in the process. That includes teachers, support staff, parents, and students when appropriate. I also believe board members need to be accessible and willing to explain their decisions. Good leadership means listening, being transparent, and being accountable for the outcome.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
aprilst.martin4owatonna@yahoo.com
Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)
Just like those citizens seeking more input from the city council, parents are also seeking more input when it comes to decisions regarding their children. I believe parents have the primary responsibility for raising their children and should have a strong understanding of what they are taught and what they are exposed to. I will bring a different perspective to the school board and I will stand firm on my values. I will listen, ask hard questions, and have difficult conversations. I don’t have all the answers, but I pledge to keep an open mind even when I disagree.
If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)
My top three priorities: transparency, communication, & parental rights. Parents deserve transparency and a meaningful voice, while our teachers and staff deserve to be heard and respected for the important work they do. My focus will be ensuring students receive an excellent education and meaningful opportunities, while also being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. Ultimately I want parents, educators & community members to know their voice matters.
If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)
My strategy is to prioritize outcomes first, make data driven reductions and redesign how services are delivered so it doesn't necessarily mean loss while staying true to my convictions.
How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)
We have been focusing entirely too much on race and need to focus solely on the educational needs of the students. Period.
Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)
I want students, parents, educators and community members to know their voice matters. I pledge to listen, ask questions, stand by my principles, and work to make decisions that put our students and the future of Owatonna at the center.
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
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.