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About this race
The school board is responsible for setting the school district budget, adopting district policies and hiring and overseeing the superintendent.
Lloyd Kongsjord and Pamela Thompson are the incumbents in this race.
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.
Age on Election Day: 44
Community: Deer River, MN
Employment: USDA-Forest Service
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
The experience and knowledge I have gained throughout my career have provided me with valuable skills in financial management, union relations, Human Resources, budgeting, and long-term planning. My current role as a supervisor has strengthened my ability to navigate complex situations, make informed decisions, and work effectively with others. My previous employment has given me additional experience in labor relations and budgeting, while earning my bachelor’s degree has provided me with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute in a variety of professional capacities.
Why are you running?
I am running for a school board position at ISD 317 because I believe our district is at an important point where thoughtful leadership and a clear direction are needed. I want to help make our school board more representative of the students, families, staff, and taxpayers we serve. I also want to help create an environment that attracts more families, students, and resources to our community.
Why should voters elect you?
If elected, I will listen to the voices and concerns of our community and use that input to help guide my decisions. I understand that difficult choices will sometimes be necessary, but I believe those decisions should be made with a focus on the long-term health and success of our district. I will work to establish clear long-term goals, protect the resources our students and schools need, and pursue stable and sustainable funding solutions for the future.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The school board shall carry out the mission of the school district with diligence, prudence, and dedication to the ideals of providing the finest public education to the community.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
One leader I admire is Franklin D. Roosevelt. During the Great Depression and World War II, he expanded programs and reforms that provided economic relief and strengthened communities. His commitment to public service inspires my belief that strong leadership can make a lasting difference.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
If elected, my priorities will be to secure sustainable funding, strengthen educational resources, and provide the leadership needed to support our schools and community.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
One of the greatest challenges facing our district is student enrollment. I believe we must attract more families by making our schools welcoming, accessible, and well-balanced. A strong school district benefits not only our students but also our entire community.
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
My goal is to ensure every student graduates prepared for success, whether they choose to attend college, enroll in a trade school, join the workforce, or pursue another career path. Every student deserves the opportunity to build a successful and independent future after high school.
Age on Election Day: 43
Community: Leech Lake Reservation
Employment: ISD 317- Student Support, Special Education
Editor’s note: Under Minnesota statute, a school board member can only be employed by the district if they expect to earn no more than $20,000 each fiscal year.
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I am a life long resident of the #317 school district and have children attending both King Elementary and Deer River High School. I have worked within both school buildings, collaborating with staff across multiple departments, students, families and community members. My experience as AFSCME Vice President has given me a deeper understanding of both the strengths of our district and the challenges me must address together.
Why are you running?
I am running to provide a voice for our students, staff, and community members.
Why should voters elect you?
I am committed to transparency and will continue to advocate for our community. If elected, I will make decisions based on what is best for the students and the district, even when those decisions are difficult.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Ensuring transparency throughout the district.
Setting district policies. Providing budget oversight and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Focusing on governance and district policies rather than day-to-day management of our schools. Representing our community's interests is a priority.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
George Goggleye Jr. I have observed his commitment to our community, families, and public service, and respect the dedication he has shown throughout his career. He has served in leadership roles in education, tribal government, and cultural preservation. These qualities are beneficial in helping our diverse district reach its full potential.
The quality that I most admire is his willingness to listen to the community we are elected to serve.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
Ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the district and the community.
Representing the interests and concerns of students, staff, families and taxpayers.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Transparency and accountability across the district.
Having the hard conversations and communicating with our community to bring those concerns forward so that they can be addressed.
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
Student Support Services
Incumbent
Age on Election Day: 46
Community: Talmoon
Employment: RK Construction / Lloyd's Landscaping
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Current school board chair
Why are you running?
Our district has made great progress with the challenges it has faced but there is still important work ahead. I am a graduate from DRHS and want stay focused to address our ongoing challenges and see these through for our students and our community.
Why should voters elect you?
In my eight years on the board, we've overcome challenges, but important work still lies on the road ahead. I am running so I can continue leading with positive solutions that move our schools and community forward.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
My goal is simple—connect our board with our school leadership, build common ground, and deliver the best for our entire community.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Theodore Roosevelt...he lived by "DONT QUIT" every day. He believed real leadership isn't about sitting back—it's about stepping up, facing tough challenges head-on, and refusing to quit.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
I want to keep working with our staff as we navigate state regulations and unfunded mandates.
To protect our school, I want to reopen the conversation about moving to a four-day school week. Given our current budget challenges, this could save jobs and keep class sizes manageable for our staff and students.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Unfunded state mandates have left us with tough choices: a referendum or cuts. I would like to reopen the conversation on a four-day school week which gives us an option to save jobs and protect our classrooms
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
Our admin team and school board have had to make some tough financial decisions, but we worked through them together. Because of those decisions, our S&P credit rating has actually improved and that shows the choices are paying off and keeping our district financially healthy.
The district came out stronger on the other side. I am proud to be apart of ISD 317 and to help serve our communities.
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Incumbent
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
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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