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VOTE411 Voter Guide

ISD #273 School Board Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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!

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    Michael Birdman
    (NP)

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    Emily Christie
    (NP)

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    Karen Gabler
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Peter Hulbert
    (NP)

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    Elaine Olson
    (NP)

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    Sarah Quayle
    (NP)

Biographical Information

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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Campaign Website http://www.peterhulbert.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @hulbertpeter
I am an Edina High School alum, lifelong resident, and parent of two current Edina students. Currently I serve as a Commissioner on the Edina Parks Board. Like the School Board, we advise on long range planning and multi year public projects, we review operation activity, and advise on policies, programs, and facilities. Professionally, my legal career spans decades of providing sound legal counsel with working extensively in corporate compliance, contract negotiation, privacy and security. I will bring a steady, independent approach focused on student success and responsible governance.
1. Strong academics: keep high expectations, measure progress and give help where needed to maximize student potential. 2. Fiscal stewardship: protect classrooms, fund what helps students learn as well as develop and support educators. 3. Two-way communication: listen to teachers and families, then explain board decisions in plain language.

These priorities matter because student outcomes, a sustainable budget, and public trust are the core work of the board.
Protect classroom instruction first. I would require a transparent, multi-year analysis of enrollment, class sizes, program costs, and outcomes before any cuts. Review non-classroom and low-impact spending, then consider consolidations only with clear data and public explanation. Avoid short-term patches that create larger problems later. Any reduction should be explained in plain language so families and staff understand what is being preserved and why.
Every student should have an equal opportunity for academic success. Start with data on achievement, access, and advanced coursework, and honestly assess disparities wherever they exist. Then advocate for targeted help where gaps appear, focus on strong teaching, early intervention, and maintaining high expectations. Expand what works, drop what does not, and give families a clear way to get support.
Listen first, thoughtfully review, then decide. I will meet with teachers and families, attend school events, and take public comment seriously. Before major votes, I want the options, costs, and tradeoffs explained in plain language with time for input. Teachers know classroom realities; families know how policies land at home. Engagement should be ongoing and two-way, not a survey after the decision is already made.
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Professionally, I lead AI workforce transformation and change, giving me a front-row seat to how technology is reshaping expectations, skills, and careers. Through my leadership with Achieve Twin Cities, we work to expand college and career opportunities and advance equitable outcomes for students. I am committed to safe learning environments as a Gun Sense Candidate. I also bring years of service to Edina schools as a classroom, arts, and athletics volunteer and member of the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Committee. Having experienced our schools from early learning through graduation, and with two children still in the district, including a third grader, I will remain invested in our schools for more than a decade to come.
(1) Maintaining academic excellence while preparing students for a rapidly changing future; (2) Ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability through strategic planning and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources; and (3) Supporting safe, inclusive schools where every student feels they belong and has the opportunity to thrive. These priorities will help keep Edina strong while ensuring all students are prepared for success.
I would first look for opportunities to strengthen enrollment, expand revenue-generating programs such as Virtual Pathways, and identify operational efficiencies before reducing services that directly impact students. If cuts become necessary, I would prioritize protecting high-quality instruction, excellent educators, student support services, and school safety. Decisions should be guided by data, student outcomes, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.
Educational equity means ensuring every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of race, income, or background. As Board Chair of Achieve Twin Cities, I've seen how access to academic support, mentoring, career exploration, and postsecondary pathways can change outcomes. In Edina, I would focus on closing racial and economic achievement gaps through early intervention, targeted supports, family partnerships, and accountability for results.
I believe effective leadership starts with listening. Through my years leading one of Edina's largest parent networks, I've worked to bring people together, understand different perspectives, and build common ground. Teachers are at the front line of the student experience and their insights should help shape decisions. I would actively engage educators, families, and community members, seek out diverse viewpoints, and make decisions that are transparent, thoughtful and student centered.