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.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published exactly as submitted, including typos and formatting.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics. We will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
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.
Emily Lindley, Scott Ray Mai and Malisa Schue are the current school board members whose seats are up for election. Mai and Schue are running for reelection. Lindley is not.
The top three candidates will begin their four-year terms in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Age on Election Day: 60
Community: Birchdale, MN
Employment: I am a retired federal law enforcement officer, the owner/operator of a small accounting business, and a beef cattle farmer.
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I hold a B.S. in Secondary Education with a major in History. I have 23 years of law enforcement experience, including service as a Firearms and Use of Force Instructor. I am also a small business owner with accounting experience.
Why are you running?
To represent our community's taxpayers and students, and to ensure we are getting full value for our tax dollars.
Why should voters elect you?
I will advocate for taxpayers and sound management practices in District 363. I will also champion high-quality education that develops critical thinking skills in our students.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
As a school board member, my primary responsibilities would be to represent taxpayers and ensure they receive strong value for their tax dollars, and to make certain that students receive a high-quality education and practical skills that prepare them for the next steps in life—whether college, trades, or the workforce.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Charlie Kirk. He stood up for his faith, defended his beliefs and would respectfully discuss, debate issues.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
My top priorities are:
• Finding practical ways to make our tax dollars go further through careful budgeting and good management.
• Exploring partnerships with neighboring districts to share or combine programs where it benefits students and taxpayers.
• Finding ways for students in the the northern portion of District 363 to not be permanently open enrolled in other districts.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Budget shortfalls and declining academic performance are major challenges facing our district and many others across Minnesota. These problems are made harder by unfunded state mandates and a declining local population and tax base. Potential help could come from the return of seasonal recreational property tax revenue to school districts and from the School Trust Lands (Permanent School Fund) ballot measure if it passes—but neither is a guarantee of success without strong fiscal restraint by the school board. If elected, I would push for careful spending, seek efficiencies, and encourage focused instruction on the fundamentals: reading, communication skills, arithmetic, trade skills, and life skills. I also believe strong parent involvement in teaching and guiding their children is essential for student success, and I would support efforts that encourage and strengthen that partnership.
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
I would strongly support continued progress toward improved academic scores and building long-term fiscal resilience for the school district.
Age on Election Day: 59
Community: Northome
Employment: Self Employed/Farmer/ Residential Contractor/Convenience Store Owner
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have served on the School Board for 8 years. I have a strong understanding of finance. I am able to listen to community concerns and make sure their concerns are addressed.
Editor’s note: Jourdan served on the school board previously but is not a current member.
Why are you running?
I have lived in this community my entire life. This is my home. I graduated from the Northome School and my children graduated from Northome. My grandchildren are starting at the Northome School. I would like to continue to see the students succeed at Northome School.
Why should voters elect you?
With all the financial concerns that our schools are facing in the years to come, I feel my experience as a business owner and a resident of the community, I will be able to make the choices that our best. For our community, students, and our school.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The responsibility of the school board is to represent the people of the community and give the school the direction that meets the needs of the students.
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
There is no one specific that I admire. Any individual that tries to help others and not just themselves, these are the people I look up to.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
To maintain adequate staff and make sure the students are getting the best education possible.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Finances and making sure the students have adequate choices for their classes.
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
I believe our biggest success is the small class sizes. The students are able to receive more help, if needed. The high school students know the elementary students.
Incumbent
Age on Election Day: 52
Community: Birchdale
Employment: I'm currently employed with PCA I'm a millright
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
8 years with current school board
Why are you running?
I was talked into 1 more term
Why should voters elect you?
I care about the education of our children
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
School board
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Ronald Reagan, because I believe he was a man of the people
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
The continuing education of the students in ISD 363
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?
Communication, more involvement with the local community.
What is one success in the district that you would offer support for as a board member?
More industrial arts (shop) for skilled trades.
Incumbent
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
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.
-
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Sept. 29, 2026, we enjoy reports of a swimming garter snakes, changing autumn colors and the fall equinox. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Essentia Health announces merger; Detroit Lake school board introduces 'viewpoint neutrality' policyPlus: Lost hunters rescued near Hibbing. -
Contributed/Bob Dunlap via iNaturalistDuring the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 29, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on overwintering butterflies, changing colors, and hummingbirds. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Detroit Lakes School Board rescinded its July 2026 action that prompted an ACLU lawsuit as it prepares to amend its policy on non-school materials.
