KAXE contacted every candidate twice using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office to invite them to participate in our Election Guide.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published as submitted.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics, though responses have not been uniformly fact-checked. With our small team of three, we are unable to proactively fact check every statement made by candidates. But 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 only includes candidates in contested races. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else is on the ballot.
Kevin Boyles
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: 56
City/Township of residence: Baxter
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Superior IRA & HSA, LLC - President
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
4 years on the Brainerd School Board, including two years as the board chair
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Governance and fiscal management of one of the 35 largest school districts in the state. The school board also manages and evaluates the Superintendent and governs the district through board policies.
Why are you running for office?
Because I feel that my board experience and non-partisan approach will be very helpful as our district faces the challenges coming at it over the next four years.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
1. Increase student performance by stabilizing the learning environment and keeping a strong focus on core curriculum, particularly in the K-3 space.
2. Work diligently with the school board and other stakeholder groups to intelligently address some major fiscal shortfalls that the district will face next year.
3. Continue supporting and deploying a comprehensive strategic plan that the district and board developed over the last two years.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
1. Student attendance, behaviors, and mental health are major issues that are getting in the way of producing higher achievement scores. We simply have to keep looking at ways to address these issues. This will require policy updates and stricter enforcement of things like cell phones, bullying polices, and other behavioral issues that impact the learning environment and hinder progress.
2. Student achievement (especially reading and literacy) has got to continue to improve, but at a greater pace than it currently is. This has been challenging over the years as funding has not kept pace with inflation, resulting in the loss of valuable classroom resources such as Educational Assistants. The key is following the strategic plan that pays out a process for improving on achievement.
3. Hard fiscal choices and the ongoing due diligence to determine if an operating levy on the ballot is the correct course of action to mitigate the impending financial shortfalls. The only way to overcome this issue is through intelligent and thoughtful cooperation with the entire board to make the hard choices to keep the impact of this issue as far from the classrooms as possible.
4. Hiring a new superintendent of schools in 2025
5. Bolstering the tradition of excellence in Brainerd Public Schools while battling the other challenges listed above. We can do this by making sure that our district is inclusive and inviting, but that we also make sure that “making room” for the views and values of some families and students does not marginalize or degrade the educational environment for any student.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Fiscal issues are tip of mind for this district. The Brainerd School Board has practiced admirable leadership and stewardship of the resources entrusted to them and has been doing so for decades. The harsh reality is that there are few low-impact cuts to be made and the path forward either includes additional taxes through a levy, a reduction in services offered by our school district, or some potential combination of the two. To be sure, every dollar that is provided to our school district must absolutely be spent as prudently as is feasible.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
As board chair, I pride myself on transparency. The best way to do that is to always tell the truth and to pull back the curtain so that the public not only gets to see and hear what the board is doing, but that they can also get an understanding of WHY the board is doing something. This requires diligent communication, which in turn builds trust in the community in the extent that is possible in an environment where political activist groups are openly working to tear that down.
Michelle Brekken
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: (Field left blank)
City/Township of residence: Brainerd, MN
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Retired School Social Worker
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
*Current incumbent
*I was a school social worker for 32 years and have experience working with district leadership and administration, side by side with educators while helping families navigate the educational experience for their children.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
*Establish, monitor and uphold school district vision and policy.
*Create and monitor policies that guide the district operations.
*Manage the financial resources of the district to support student success.
*Hire, monitor, evaluate and support the superintendent in the day to day management of the school district.
*Ensure all students have access to safe, compassionate, inclusive high quality education, giving them the best chance to succeed, socially, emotionally and academically.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for reelection to the District #181 School Board because I firmly believe I can use my professional experience as a school social worker of 32 years to ensure all students have access to evidenced-based educational opportunities that are compassionate and inclusive. I have had the privilege of serving on the Brainerd School Board for the past 2 years. Though I had first hand experience working in educational settings, I quickly learned there was much to learn about school district governance. The effort I put into listening and learning from various stakeholders these past 2 years makes me an excellent candidate to continue the work necessary to advocate for our students, families and staff.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
*In the next year our district will be tasked with recruiting and selecting a superintendent that is an educational leader who is prepared to support our district's vision, mission, core values and strategic priorities.
*We must educate the community on the current fiscal challenges facing the district and seek community input to determine the financial priorities while making a plan to address the budget shortfalls.
* A priority is to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming for all students. I will support initiatives and programs that ensure a positive school climate and promote student's social, emotional and academic successes giving them the skills they need to live and work in a diverse world.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Our biggest challenge facing District #181 is the budget shortfall. We must first educate the community on the current fiscal challenges. More than 90% of Minnesota school districts rely on voter-approved funds to support student learning. Currently, #181 is not one of those districts. Without additional financial resources, our district will be forced to reduce funding for programs and services that support student achievement. Enlisting community support to increase district funding through an operating levy referendum may be necessary.
Another hurdle facing public education is the social/emotional health of our educators and students. Educators are highly trained and highly qualified. They are often undervalued and unappreciated by the general population which impacts their overall morale. They are challenged to meet the diverse needs of students' learning which can be difficult and stressful. There is an increase in students struggling with stress, trauma and other mental health issues. Budget constraints have impacted the resources that are needed to support our struggling students. Districts must continue to find ways to invest in the social/emotional health of our educators and students. Fostering trusting relationships between educators and the community will result in staff feeling valued and appreciated.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Fiscal responsibility is a priority of school board governance. However, school districts have been impacted by inadequate funding at the state and federal level. Most districts in Minnesota rely on voter approved funding to support student learning. Inadequate funding for schools disproportionally places additional financial burdens on local school districts resulting in reducing funding for programs and services that support student achievement. Do we perceive our tax dollars that go towards public education as being an expense or an investment? Our cities, neighborhoods and schools are stronger and safer with the citizens of the community work together to support our youngest learners to be good citizens, achieve academic success and thrive in our global world.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
A critical way to improve the public education system in our district is to continue to build trust and strong relationship between the school and the community. Schools must be safe and welcoming for all. Priority needs to be given to strengthening the parent/caregiver, educator partnerships within the district. We must use a variety of platforms to connect with all of the stakeholders. Our district can be intentional about conducting surveys of family experiences to get feedback, be transparent about sharing those results and make action plans based on the data collected. We need to be good storytellers, showcasing the many opportunities students have at BPS and sharing the many stories of success.
Stephanie Etterman
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 59
City/Township of residence: Brainerd
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Self-employed small business owner
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have been involved in a variety of different BLA community groups, non-profit boards, and volunteer efforts. I have three grown daughters who were all graduates of Brainerd High School. I am a small business owner and believe that the best way to make a difference is to get involved.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
As a school board representative, it will be my job to consult with parents, teachers, community members and students in order to make decisions about curriculum, budget, policy, leadership, and overall student success and safety.
Why are you running for office?
My community involvement and passion are what motivate me to take on a new role. I am running for the Brainerd School Board because I feel passionately about helping students succeed. I strive to be an advocate for kids of all skill levels and backgrounds.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
My top priority is to understand the needs of our teachers and students in order to ensure that our students are proficient in all subjects at their current grade level. My other priority is to understand why so many students have left our school district. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn at the highest level, and I want to ensure that the Brainerd School District is providing that.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
One of the top issues that I feel passionate about is teaching our children how to think, not what to think. In order to do this, I believe that we must get back to the basics. We need to focus on core subjects and find ways to support our teachers. Student and teacher safety is another one of my primary objectives in order to enhance the classroom experience for every grade. I am also a fierce advocate for elevating and empowering female athletes. I believe in protecting the safety, fairness, and opportunity in competitive sports for girls and women.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Before we go back to taxpayers asking for more money, we need to address the issues and spending at hand. One of which is the acknowledgment of the 979 students that have left our district. Increasing student enrollment would increase funding and allow us to allocate that to improving the education and resources that our students need to succeed, rather than returning to the taxpayers and asking them for more money.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
I am not a politician nor a public speaker, I am a community member that cares about our students. If I am elected to Brainerd School Board, I hope that the community will believe in my mission that is student-centric and trust me to be an advocate for parents, teachers, and students.
Jody Kalenberg
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Andrew Mendez
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 22
City/Township of residence: Nisswa
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
I am the owner of SafeSchools Analytics.
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I attended the district just 4 years ago and have an intimate knowledge of how the district works for students. I went on to college to get a degree in statistics so that I could learn how to use data to drive government and public health policy. I started my own company to help schools collect and analyze data on sexual violence to evaluate prevention curriculums and outreach programs.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
In Minnesota, school board members play a crucial role in governing and overseeing the operations of a school district. Their responsibilities include developing and adopting policies that guide everything from academic programs to student discipline, ensuring the district aligns with state regulations and educational goals. They also have significant financial oversight, approving the district’s budget and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet educational priorities while monitoring fiscal health and spending.
A key responsibility of school board members is hiring and working with the superintendent, who manages the day-to-day operations of the district. School board members evaluate the superintendent’s performance, ensuring they are effectively leading the district toward its goals. Additionally, school board members act as representatives of the community, engaging with parents, students, staff, and other stakeholders to address concerns and advocate for the needs of the district. They also ensure that the district complies with state and federal laws, including those related to curriculum standards and student safety.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for school board because we need a board member who understands the realities of today's students. The current slate of candidates are out of touch with today's students as they have not been in a classroom in 20-30 years. Because of this lack of understanding our current board members have neglected some of the biggest crises our district has ever faced. I am running to solve these crises as soon as possible.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
I have three main priorities: mental health, the budget, and selecting the right superintendent. Youth mental health is in crisis, with the U.S. Surgeon General calling it "the defining public health challenge of our time." In our district, 17% of high schoolers and 12% of 8th graders have attempted suicide, and nearly 40% have seriously considered it. This is an urgent issue, and I have a 27-point plan to make mental health a top priority and improve support for students.
Our district is also facing a budget crisis due to declining enrollment. To address this, I propose expanding the donor-funded model used for some sports to all extracurriculars. By partnering with the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation and local businesses, we can secure funding and provide career opportunities for students, reducing the budget strain without cutting valuable programs.
Finally, choosing the right superintendent is critical. We need someone with not only strong administrative skills but also a deep understanding of the public health challenges students face. A superintendent with a background in social work or public health can better address issues like mental health, bullying, and violence, ensuring student well-being is at the forefront of our district’s priorities.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
The three biggest challenges facing our district are mental health, our budget, and choosing a superintendent.
I have a 27-point plan to address the mental health crisis, with three different phases. These include the foundation, expansion, and transformation. Some of the ideas include mental health screening during hearing and vision tests, increasing access to academic accommodations, and creating a free after-school therapy program.
Our district is also facing a budget crisis due to declining enrollment. To address this, I propose expanding the donor-funded model used for some sports to all extracurriculars. By partnering with the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation and local businesses, we can secure funding and provide career opportunities for students, reducing the budget strain without cutting valuable programs.
Finally, choosing the right superintendent is critical. We need someone with not only strong administrative skills but also a deep understanding of the public health challenges students face. A superintendent with a background in social work or public health can better address issues like mental health, bullying, and violence, ensuring student well-being is at the forefront of our district’s priorities.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Considering that the cost of living in recent years has skyrocketed I will refuse to unilaterally increase taxes. In the instance that our budget requires more funding, I will move to put that decision in the hands of the voters through a referendum.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
Improving transparency and trust with our school board is essential to rebuilding the relationship between the district and the community. I believe in fostering open communication by providing clear, accessible updates on key decisions, policies, and financial matters. Regular town halls, increased public input opportunities, and easily accessible meeting minutes can ensure that parents, students, and staff feel heard and involved in the decision-making process. By prioritizing honesty and accountability, we can rebuild trust and ensure that the school board serves the best interests of our students and community.
Michael Stromberg
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
John Ward
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: 74
City/Township of residence: BAXTER
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
RETIRED
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
CURRENT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, SERVED IN MN HOUSE, TEACHER/COACH FOR 34 YEARS AND SERVED IN A NUMBER OF OTHER ELECTED POSITIONS.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
TO SERVE AND ADVOCATE FOR THE STUDENTS, STAFF, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ISD 181.
Why are you running for office?
PUBLIC EDUCATION HAS LONG BEEN MY PASSION. I WANT TO HELP MAKE SURE OUR STUDENTS CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE BEST WORLD CLASS EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY THAT WE CAN PROVIDE FOR THEM.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
HIRE A NEW PERMANENT SUPERINTENDENT, DEAL WITH AND FIND ALL POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO OUR FINANCIAL CRISIS, DEAL WITH ISSUES THAT MAKE THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT LESS THAN POSITIVE, RETAIN AND RECRUIT THE HIGHEST QUALITY STAFF POSSIBLE, LISTEN TO AND REACH OUT TO OUR STAFF, PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO GET FEEDBACK ON THEIR OPINIONS ON THE NEEDS OF OUR DISTRICT.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
INADEQUATE FUNDING OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS THAT HAS NOT KEPT UP WITH INFLATION AND HAS CAUSED HIGHER CLASS SIZES, REDUCTION IN STAFF AND CURRICULUM OPPORTUNITIES, NOT ENOUGH MENTAL HEALTH AND GUIDANCE PROFESSIONALS AND MUCH MORE.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
I HAVE HELPED CRAFT STATE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD HELP SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH A HIGH PERCENT OF SEASONAL RECREATION PROPERTY AND THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PASS AN OPERATING LEVY REFERENDUM, RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AID FROM THE STATE. THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS A PRIORITY FOR A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
BY LISTENING TO ALL, DOING MY INDIVIDUAL HOMEWORK AND RESEARCH, KEEPING AN OPEN MIND, RESPECTING OTHERS IDEAS AND VIEWPOINTS, WORKING AS A TEAM PLAYER, USING MY SKILLS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PROBLEM SOLVING AND WALKING THE TALK!!!
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.
