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VOTE411 Voter Guide

ISD #535 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!

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

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    Joe "Joe(Y)" Christenson
    (NP)

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    Justin M. Cook
    (NP)

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    Pat "Pot" Farmer
    (NP)

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    Ana Folpe
    (NP)

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    Flora Howie
    (NP)

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    Josh Koestler
    (NP)

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    Joe LaForge
    (NP)

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    Jean Marvin
    (NP)

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    Cathy Nathan
    (NP)

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    John Peck
    (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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I don’t know if there is a “best” candidate for school board, but I have the passion, experience and leadership skills to continue serving our students and community well. I was an RPS classroom teacher for Rochester’s amazing students for 40 years, served 3 terms on the RPS School Board, including being elected chair and vice chair, and I maintain a deep commitment to providing all kids—and all means all--the quality education they need and deserve. I’m ready to continue working hard to ensure we have the policies, protocols, programs and budget needed to provide that quality.
1.Ensuring the District provides all students with the resources and support they need to gain mastery in literacy, math, and deeper learning skills, and also provides opportunities to explore subjects they don't yet know they love! 2. Providing safe, engaging environments so all students want to come to school and know they are valued and have purpose 3. Preparing students for life after graduation with the skills and mindsets that will serve them in the workplace and/or higher education.
First, continue to work with legislative bodies to increase funding for public education. Research shows providing quality education for children pays off financially and socially long term. Then convene community members, business and organization representatives, students, school staff and District leaders to determine which cuts could be made farthest from classroom and whether any programs lost could be provided elsewhere.
School systems are microcosms of the communities in which they exist. Racial and economic disparities in schools reflect those in the District. Our schools must continue to offer curriculum and teaching strategies that are culturally responsive and inclusive. Students should see themselves and their experiences in the teaching materials, lesson plans, and school staff. RPS and community organizations need to continue to collaborate in this critically important endeavor.
Over my years in Rochester, I’ve come to know and work with thousands of our District’s families. I continue to listen and learn from frequent attendance at community events and agenda-focused gatherings, and I always welcome phone conversations and emails. I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of the teacher's union, REA, and our I'm grateful for the positive relationship with staff. Listening to and respecting the voices of students, staff, families and community members is my priority.
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