Red Lake School District 2026 Election Guide

Contributed

Age on Election Day: 34

Community: I live in Red Lake, MN.

Employment: I have been employed with Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganinaadog for the last 9 years. I am currently the Program Manager for the Waabinoowigamig Binesii Waadiswan (WBW) program. The WBW program is Ombi's first Adult Foster home. We provide services for those on a CADI waiver and an Elderly waiver. Before stepping into this role in May 2026, I worked in our Intake and Response (Child Protection) department.

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

I've worked with youth all of my adult life. I coached Junior High girls basketball since 2012 and that was my first job. I just recently resigned from that position in Oct. 2025. I have an Associates degree in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Medical Fitness. I believe I am qualified because I am apart of the community, not only do I live here, I participate. I see people the way I see myself; I see other people's children the way I see my own.

Why are you running?

I am running for school board because I know we need change. The community needs someone who listens, someone who holds accountability to the highest standard, someone who includes ALL children, and someone who cares. I believe I can be that person. I am a special needs parent. Our children with disabilities are often overlooked/forgotten in the school system and we need to do right by them. As a special needs parent, I am also often overlooked. I want the best for all of our children, neurotypical or neurodivergent, our children deserve all of the opportunities and to be treated fairly.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters should elect me because I make sure things get accomplished. I make sure the community, the parents, the teachers/staff and the youth are seen. Most importantly, I listen. I will make sure to have a professional relationship with all students and staff within the school district. I will be present in the schools to maintain those professional relationships. I will make sure the community has a seat at the table. I will provide transparency, updates on meetings and pressing issues. I will make sure the community feels welcome.

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

The roles and responsibilities include management, oversight and control over the public schools within in the district. The School Board is the school district's governing body. Another one of the school board's role and responsibilities is to create long term goals that serve student achievement and meet community standards. The school board is also responsible for upholding the policies already set in place or implementing new ones. The school board is responsible for business transactions made by or with the school district. The role of the school board is provide oversight and authorization for contracts, new employees, hiring and resigning.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Vernelle Lussier - Red Lake Tribal Treasurer. I admire Vernelle because all of the things she has campaigned on, she has followed through. She is transparent, she is empathetic and she is really making a difference for the future generations. Vernelle is smart, kind, personable, outgoing, easy to talk to, understanding, and transparent. Vernelle has always been someone I looked up to since I was in High School and I am so proud to know her.

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

If elected, my top priorities would be to provide clear communication, accountability, being a voice for special needs students and their parents, and being more involved with the community.

- Clear Communication - I will be transparent when asked questions unless it is something I cannot discuss.

- Accountability - I will uphold the policies surrounding this topic.

- Being a voice for Special Needs Students and their parents - I will continue to advocate for fair opportunities for our special needs families. I will get training offered to the community and our families, eg: how to read IEPs.

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

I believe the biggest challenge is the lack of upholding policies, the ability to follow through and not updating the community on new things happening within the school. I plan to stick to policy, implement new ones if old ones aren't working and I will not bend rules. I will provide follow through on every issue I address or that is brought to my attention. I will keep the community updated on the things that go on within the school because I believe parents have the right to know anything that involves their children.

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

The one success I would offer support to as a school board member is the new level 4 ASD program that is currently being built. It is a program that will be designed specifically for children K-12 on the Autism Spectrum. It will be made for children who are our most vulnerable and require substantial care even while at school. It will have a sensory room, a mock apartment to teach independent living skills for the older children. It will be finished with construction in Winter of 2026 and will be open for enrollment for the 2027-2028 school year.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Age on Election Day: 67

Community: Little Rock, Red Lake Mn.

Employment: Retired Ojibwe culturist teacher

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

I have been in education for the past 32 years, until May 2026, I was an Ojibwe culturist. My experiences/education include Ojibwe language and culture teacher in Red lake and Bemidji middle school, home/school advocate, parent committee member, mentor, reading tutor and attended National Indian Education Association and Minnesota Indian Education Association for several years. I have received my Ojibwe eminence license and psychology degree.

Why are you running?

I am running for School Board because education matters. Every student who walks through our doors should feel welcomed, valued, and have a sense of belonging.

Our students deserve a safe, healthy learning environment where their well-being and educational goals are supported. Our teachers and staff also deserve the resources and training they need to do their best work - building relationships, empowering students, and honoring the unique identities of every child.

This year, 41 students graduated - the largest graduating class since 2017. that is something our community can be proud of, and I want to see that success continue to grow. Every student should have the opportunity to experience the pride and accomplishment of reaching graduation.

It takes a village to raise our future generations. Through our language, culture, traditions, families and schools, we can help every student succeed.

Miigwech

Why should voters elect you?

I believe voters should choose me because I bring 32 years of experience in education and a genuine commitment to our students and families. I believe every student deserves a quality education and the support they need to reach their educational goals.

Strong schools are built on teamwork. That means open communication between our schools and families from Early Childhood through 12th grade, working together to help every student succeed.

As your school board member, I will be approachable, supportive and ready to listen. I value your ideas, your concerns and your voice, and I will always do my best to represent our community with honesty and respect.

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

The Officers approve minutes of the board meetings, they set policies, they listen to financial reports and program budgets, they vote on hiring and non-renewal of superintendent contracts and make decisions that also reflect the interest of the community members. This is only a few example of the roles and responsibilities of the board.

Name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Dr. Anton "Waagosh" Treuer because of his efforts to revitalize the Ojibwe language, spirituality and culture. He is a great roll model for a whole generation of young Anishinaabeg. He is known for the many books that he has written on native culture and language and has presented at conferences and gatherings throughout the United States on this topic.

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

My priorities are the students and being available to families and my goal is to have more contact with students and families. Another priority is to continue the rise in graduation rates, my goal is looking at and maintain what has been successful and work on what needs to be improved. Another priority are the many students who have left our district, I would like to identify who they are, gather data with the ultimate goal of retaining them back to our district.

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

The biggest challenge to me is community and school communication. How this can be addressed is by a greater response time of communication between parents and school staff, having school/community gatherings and possible student lead activities.

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

One success has been implementing Ojibwe language and culture into the classrooms, and throughout the building and I will continue to support and advocate for this success.

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.

Incumbent

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KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.