Mahnomen School District 2026 Election Guide

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Contributed

Incumbent

Age on Election Day: 34

Community: Mahnomen

Employment: Bigstone therapies. Physical therapist and Clinic Manager

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

My education, professional experience, and community involvement have prepared me to serve on the Mahnomen Public Schools School Board. I hold a doctorate in Physical Therapy and work locally as a Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager, where I have developed leadership, communication, problem solving and team management skills while working with patients, families and staff.

I also serve as the Director of Mahnomen Just For Kix, where I work with local youth and families and provide opportunities for children to build confidence, discipline, teamwork and leadership skills. Additionally, I currently serve as the Vice Chair of the Mahnomen School Board, giving me firsthand experience working with district leadership, staff, families and fellow board members. This experience has strengthened my understanding of school governance, responsible decision making, collaboration and importance of putting students and advocacy for students.

These combined experiences have prepared me to continue serving our district with dedication.

Why are you running?

I am running for reelection to the Mahnomen Public Schools School Board because I believe strongly in our students, our school and the future of our community. As a mother of three young children in the district, the decisions made today will directly affect my family and our future students. Serving as the current School Board Vice Chair has given me valuable experience and understanding of the responsibilities that come with our school leadership, staff, families and community. I am committed to putting our students first, supporting our staff, encouraging open communication and making thoughtful and responsible decisions. I also believe it is important to honor and celebrate the Anishinaabe culture while ensuring all voice in our school community are heard and represented. I am running because I care deeply about Mahnomen and want to continue working toward a strong, positive future for all of our students.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters should choose me because I bring a combination of experience, leadership, education and commitment to our students and community. As the current Vice Chair of the School Board, I understand the responsibilities of the position and have personally experienced working with our district leadership, staff, families and fellow board members. I hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and work as a Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager giving me experience in leadership, communication, problem solving and making decisions. As the Director of Mahnomen Just For Kix, I also have the opportunity to work closely with local youth and families. As a mother of three young children in the district, I have personal investment in the future of our schools. I will listen to our community represent all voices, support our staff and keep students at the center of every decision. I am committed to serving with integrity, collaboration and transparency.

Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.

The School Board is responsible for providing leadership and governance for the district while keeping the needs and success of students at the forefront. Board members work collaboratively to establish policies, set district goals, approve budgets, over see use of district resources and make decisions that support a strong educational environment. The School Board also hires and evaluates the Superintendent, provides oversight of district operations and works to ensure the district meets state and federal requirements. Board members serve as a link between school district and the community by listening to students, families, staff and community members and representing the interests of the district as a whole. The role requires thoughtful decision making, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, transparency and commitment to supporting students, educators and families while planning for the long term success and sustainability of the school district.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Dolly Parton because I admire her commitment to children, education and giving back to communities. Through the Imagination Library she has helped provide millions of children with access to books and early learning opportunities. What stands out most to me is that she uses her success to create opportunities for others. She leads with kindness, humility and genuine desire to make a difference. Her example reminds me that leadership is not about recognition but it is about using your position and resources to serve others and make a lasting positive impact on your community.

What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.

If re-elects my priorities will be to keep students at the center of my decisions while supporting the continued success of the school district.

1. Support student achievement and opportunities by ensuring students have access to programs, activities and resources to show help them succeed in school and prepare for their future.

2. Support teachers and staff by listening to their needs, encouraging professional growth and helping create a positive working environment.

3 Strengthen communication and transparency between the School Board, administration, staff, families, students and community.

4. Practice responsible financial stewardship by making thoughtful decisions that protect the long term financial health of the district while prioritizing student needs.

5. Plan for the future by working collaboratively on sustainable solutions that strengthen our schools and community for years to come.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?

I feel the biggest challenges facing our district is balancing the needs of our students with limited resources while continuing to provide high quality educational opportunities. Like many rural districts we must be thoughtful about enrollment, finances, staffing and long term planning while making sure our students continue to have the opportunities they deserve. If elected, I will work collaboratively with the School Board, administration, staff, families and community to identify sustainable solutions. I will support responsible financial planning, carefully evaluate resources and programs and look for opportunities to maximize the resources we already have. I also believe strong communication and community involvement are essential to understanding our districts needs and building support for our school. My goal is to make decisions that are fiscally responsible while keeping student achievement, opportunities and the long term strength of Mahnomen Public Schools at the forefront.

What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?

One success I would continue to support as a board member is the opportunities Mahnomen Public Schools provides to students to grow, participate, and succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Our students benefit from academics, athletics, activities and other experiences helps build confidence, teamwork, leadership and important life skills. I have seen firsthand through my involvement with local youth how meaningful these opportunities can be for students and families. As a board member, I would continue to support programs and activities that give students opportunities to discover their strengths, build relationships and feel connected to their school and community. I believe a successful school district is one that recognizes that every student is different and provides multiple pathways for students to succeed. I would work to protect and strengthen these opportunities while ensuring they are sustainable and accessible to our students.

Incumbent

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Incumbent

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.