KAXE contacted each candidate at least twice to invite them to participate in our Election Guide, using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office.
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KAXE's Election Guide includes contested races in communities with at least 100 people. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else will be on the ballot in November.
About this race
The school board is responsible for setting the school district budget, adopting district policies and hiring and overseeing the superintendent.
Wendy Fultz and Amanda Koop are the two incumbents in this race. Fultz has served on the Board since 2011. Koop is seeking reelection for a second term. Current Bagley School Board Director Andrew Bennett did not file for reelection.
The top three candidates will begin their four-year terms in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Incumbent
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Incumbent
Age on Election Day: 30
Community: Bagley, MN
Employment: Bemidji Middle School — Teacher
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
As a current Bagley School Board member seeking reelection, I have experience serving our students, families, staff, and community. I hold a master’s degree in education, with an emphasis on special education. My background as a special education teacher has given me an understanding of student needs, school operations, and the challenges schools are facing today. My experience on the board has strengthened my knowledge of district policies, finances, and long-term planning.
Why are you running?
I’m running for reelection because I want to continue helping our schools move in a positive direction. I care about our students, staff, and community and believe our schools should reflect the values and priorities of the people they serve.
Why should voters elect you?
I am dedicated to our schools and community and genuinely want to see Bagley schools succeed. I am committed to serving our community, listening to different perspectives, and making decisions that support the success of our students. I have a strong understanding of school policies and laws, as well as the needs of our district. I want to help make Bagley a school district our community can be proud of.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The school board is responsible for providing oversight to the district. We establish policies, approve budgets, negotiate contracts, monitor performance and make decisions that support our students, staff and families. We work closely with the school superintendent and administrators to ensure the district is running smoothly.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Laura Bush. I admire her passion for education, children, and families. As a former teacher, she understands the importance of strong schools and communities, which are values I share.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
If reelected, my priorities are: Supporting a safe and positive school, finding ways to increase enrollment, keeping families and the community informed, involved and proud of our schools.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
I believe declining enrollment is one of Bagley's biggest challenges, with school choice, online learning, and open enrollment giving families more options. We need to make Bagley a school people want to choose. The board needs to ensure we are investing in our students, keeping our schools welcoming (and well-maintained), keeping our strong partnerships with local businesses, and keeping the community informed and involved.
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
One success I would support is the districts commitment to providing opportunities for our students both inside and outside the classroom. I would support anything that aims to protect and expand programs and activities for our students and families.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Age on Election Day: 48
Community: Clearwater County
Employment: ISD #162 as a substitute teacher
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have an A.A.; a B.A.; and a MPH. I also have been a chairperson for a citywide council working to improve Las Vegas’ cooperation while responding to emergencies.
Why are you running?
As an alumni of Bagley High School, I care about the continued success of the district but more importantly, I want the best for the students of our community.
Why should voters elect you?
As a substitute teacher in the district, I have the unique ability to see the needs of the students and the staff. I care deeply about Bagley Schools and I want to see them change and grow into the future.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
I believe that the primary responsibility of the school board is to set clear and concise goals for the district, the schools, the staff, and the students. Then once a vision is defined, the school board should provide the policies and oversight to ensure those goals are achieved.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
I have very difficult time choosing only one person for this question. I think that anyone who is able to balance their personal and professional responsibilities without compromising their own moral compass is amazing and should be admired.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
I would like to see Bagley High School investigate alternative learning options to keep students who prefer online school in the district.
Much of my previous professional experience is in Emergency Management so I would like to see the existing plans and procedures updated to reflect the new technologies in the district and best practices.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
The cohesion of the different schools into a unified district.
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
The Emergent 3 application within the district is an amazing opportunity to ensure the safety and security of staff and students in emergency situations.
Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found at candidates.sos.state.mn.us.
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