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.
Michael T. Egan
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Kristine Galatz
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Cassie Liubakka
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Kim (Kotonias) McLaughlin
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: (Field left blank)
City/Township of residence: Hibbing
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Minnesota North College - Business Manager
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
●I’m a CPA and a CFE with a Bachelor of Accounting degree from UMD.
●I’m an experienced, passionate, and engaged member of the Hibbing School Board, serving as its treasurer and chair pro-tem. I’m on the district’s finance and school leadership committees. During the last two negotiation cycles, I was one of the board members who negotiated with the district’s largest unions, reaching settlements respectfully, amicably, and expeditiously.
●I’ve gained experience and deep understanding during my tenure on the Hibbing School Board at the board table; attending MSBA trainings; serving on committees; visiting classrooms; conversing with stakeholders; and building relationships with area board colleagues and state-level elected officials.
●I’ve represented the Hibbing Schools in area groups such as RAMS and other collaborative workgroups.
●I have an understanding of the complex educational landscape, working in public education for nearly 27 years, first as an auditor and now as a business manager.
●Iron Range roots instilled in me deep-seated personal values including honesty, integrity, ethics, transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, pride, work ethic, and giving back.
●I’m the parent of a proud Bluejacket alumna who competed in athletics, academics, and the arts and who has completed college and professional school. I most fully understand the importance of student-centered decisions.
●I’ve demonstrated I’m poised to make critical decisions and have difficult conversations.
●I respect and value the work and role of every person, respecting/appreciating differences; understanding the importance of working together collaboratively to find common-ground to most effectively advance the district.
●I co-chaired HHS’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, recognizing 100 years of excellence and Bluejacket pride.
●I’m one of the co-founders of the Hibbing’s Boys & Girls Club. I serve as the local advisory board chair and am a director on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland board.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
As defined by the Minnesota School Board Association, the responsibilities / duties of the school board, collectively, are as follows.
-Hiring of the superintendent, who is an ex‐officio member of the board, and delegate authority,
-Overseeing human, financial, and facility resources,
-Setting policy and judicial review,
-Maintaining community relations and advocacy, and
-Collective bargaining.
I believe it is the responsibility of each board member to be knowledgeable, well-versed, and engaged in order to support each of these collective roles and responsibilities.
Additionally, I believe it is the responsibility of each school board member to be engaged in the school they are representing as well as in their community, to be passionate about education, to engage in student-centered decision making, and to be a champion for the school district.
Why are you running for office?
My decision to run for school board was a very natural decision.
-I am passionate about education, about our schools, and about our community, and I am deeply engaged in each. I recognize that schools are a cornerstone in all communities and the impact they have in rural communities is of heightened importance.
-My skills and my background strengthen the Hibbing School Board.
-My core values include, but are not limited to, ethics, integrity, and transparency. I have demonstrated that as an elected official, I effectively discharge the duties with nothing less than the highest level of fiduciary responsibility and in a manner that is faithful to the public trust that has been bestowed upon me.
-My overarching objective continues to be doing my part to ensure each and every one of our young people are afforded the opportunity to reach their fullest potential and be best prepared for their tomorrow. During my tenure on the Hibbing School Board, significant progress has been made in the Hibbing Public Schools towards this end.
-It is my goal to continue to utilize the strengths, attributes, and demeanor that I bring to the table in order to continue the advancement of the Hibbing Public Schools in a fiscally responsible and financially sustainable fashion, leveraging resources and working tirelessly to advocate for new and additional federal and state funding in order further advance our district.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
My vision for our district is to continue to provide students with a top-notch education and educational experience, one that best prepares them for their tomorrow by working as a cohesive and collaborative team in order to add to those which have been achieved over the course of my tenure on the Hibbing School Board. A list of these can be accessed by visiting my candidate profile found on the Hibbing United Educator’s Facebook page.
My vision is to continue to move the district forward in a fiscally responsible, financially sustainable, and transparent fashion that also includes accountability measures.
All of this said, I believe that the best vision is a shared vision. Approximately 5 years ago, the Hibbing Schools engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process, welcoming both internal and external input. Working with families, students, and educators, I have learned a great deal about matters most important to stakeholders as well as the factors that increase the likelihood of achieving shared goals.
I believe this participatory strategic planning process served our district well, and I believe that looking ahead to the next chapter of strategic planning will only strengthen what has been started. Therefore, in order to set strategic direction, create a unified vision, and prioritize initiatives and efforts, I fully support engaging in a comprehensive and inclusive strategic planning process. This, I believe, will provide the vision and the roadmap for continued student and organizational growth and success.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
I’m proud of the students, faculty, staff, administration, and community who, together, are woven into the fabric of the Hibbing Public Schools.
Significant forward progress has been made by the Hibbing School District. Yet, there are challenges and opportunities remaining before us. Not unlike public schools in so many rural Minnesota communities, one of the most significant challenges facing our district is that of continuing to maintain and advance our academics and operations, provide and grow services and opportunities for students, and maintain reasonable class sizes, all in a manner that’s fiscally responsible and financially sustainable.
In a time that is plagued with unfunded and under-funded mandates, a funding formula that challenges districts with enrollment that has declined over time, and the sunsetting of COVID-19 relief funds, all which are exacerbated by growing needs and rising costs, we must work smart and we must work hard to leverage resources and lobby for additional federal and state funding necessary to sustain academics, supports, and operations as well as other one-time funding to supplement more permanent funding sources in order to help finance additional district needs.
Over my tenure on the Hibbing School Board, I am proud to say the Hibbing School District has secured several sources of additional funding, in order to advance our district without overburdening our local taxpayers.
Moreover, I have and continue to prioritize being present at the table when showcasing our schools to and sharing our needs with state-level elected and other officials. I’m also proud I’ve made the trip to St. Paul to testify before various committees of the state legislature on behalf of the Hibbing Schools to share the needs of our students, educators, and district. With your help I will continue to share our story and fiercely advocate for the Hibbing Public Schools.
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.
As a taxpayer, I share the concerns of the many Northlanders. City, county, and school levies, it’s the same taxpayer bearing the burden of all. Without expansion of the tax base, small increases by each, when aggregated, has a much larger burden on an individual taxpayer. Since day one on the Hibbing School Board, fiscal responsibility and financial sustainability have been of utmost importance.
Balancing the operating budget and keeping a watchful eye on how it’s trending over the course of the fiscal year has been a priority. Prior to decisions being at the board table, I believe it’s imperative to understand the funding impact as well as the source of funds. When making the conscious decision to dip into the fund balance it’s important to understand whether the use of funds will be a one-time investment or if it will result in ongoing expenditures.
Ensuring there is a solid long term facility maintenance budget is also extremely important, not only from a financial perspective but also to ensure our schools and other district facilities are adequately maintained.
Lastly, I believe that public input and transparency are essential whenever there may be the need for a capital project. Garnering public input from inception is essential and we must understand how any project will be funded prior to moving forward.
As elected officials we must be responsible stewards of public funds.
Currently, and over the course of the last seven years, I’ve served as the treasure of the Hibbing School Board. I’m also a representative to the finance committee.
I am proud that in the Hibbing Schools we are forward thinking and act responsibly as budgets are developed and adopted. Moreover, numerous projects and initiatives have been completed and in a fashion that hasn’t burdened the taxpayers of ISD 701.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
Transparency and trust are two values I believe are essential attributes of school board members, individually and collectively. Public trust and confidence must be earned. I believe, in part, it’s earned through transparency; operating in an environment of no surprises.
I believe the manner in which I approach Board responsibilities has earned the trust and respect of stakeholders. I’ve worked to promote transparency. I have a deep seeded understanding of what it means to be a responsible steward of public funds. This trust has been earned, in part, through transparent and candid conversations, all contributing to a ‘no surprises’ environment.
In the Hibbing Schools we’re fortunate to work with a School Leadership Team that likewise is committed to a high degree of collaboration and transparency. This highly effective and well-functioning leadership team is comprised of approximately 30 individuals representing each of the Hibbing Public School buildings. Members include School Board Directors, administrators, counselors, teachers, and others.
Meet and Confer sessions have also been held and provide an amicable question and answer platform.
As an individual school board member, I welcome and encourage participation during the public comment portion of school board meetings.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, as a school board director I also believe it’s important to show up and be engaged. I prioritize being present at as many school and community activities as practical and in such a way that I’m approachable for listening or for questions. My contact information is readily available. I believe these too, as a school board member, contribute to transparency and trust.
Therefore, I humbly ask for your vote of confidence in affording me the privilege, the opportunity, and the honor of continuing to help carry forward the momentum that is present in the vibrant Hibbing Public Schools.
Sierra Napoli-Thein
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 31
City/Township of residence: Hibbing
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Essentia Health, Community Health Specialist
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
Volunteer experiences: President & Board Member, Friends of the Hibbing Public Library; Board Member - Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability; Board Member - Minnesota Discovery Center; Board Member - College Possible Corps Alumni Council; Girl Scout Troop Leader; GED tutoring. Employment experiences in youth mentoring organizations, healthcare, and local government.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
School Board Member - From the National School Board Association: "school board members are elected by people in their community to represent their values, views, and desires for the public schools in their district. As selected leaders in their community, they consistently communicate with the public to keep community members abreast of challenges, ideas, and progress."
Why are you running for office?
I'm running for Hibbing School Board to ensure our young people receive a quality public education. I believe in fostering a healthy and supportive educational environment. My passion for community well-being drives me to ensure that our schools are places where every student can thrive.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
Improving Educational Outcomes
Community Engagement and Transparency
Safe and Inclusive Schools
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Our residents need the opportunity to invest in our young people. By increasing engagement and transparency in decision-making, folks of all ages in Hibbing will be able to take pride in the community we've created together.
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 echo that we need to invest in our young people, while understanding the financial struggles of many community members. We need to thoroughly review expenditures for immediate cost and long-term investment. I'm dedicated to honoring the past while building for the future.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
We need to address the barriers that are currently keeping community members from engaging with the school board. Formal meetings can be intimidating and inaccessible. As a member of Hibbing's school board, I'll seek public participation at a variety of times and locations to accommodate the needs of our residents. Members of our community should know how their input will be collected, how it will be used to find solutions, and what opportunities exist for future collaboration.
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.
