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.
Dawn Jensen
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Rachel Jorgensen
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Hannah McCurdy
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 41
City/Township of residence: Waskish
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Senior Director of Marketing at Lumen Technologies
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
Seeking a way to give back to our amazing community. Here is what I will bring to the table: strong business acumen, leveraging data to make decisions, organization, ability to transform and reorganize when needed and a passion for the Kelliher school district and the surrounding community.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
School Board Member
Why are you running for office?
Seeking a way to give back to our amazing community. Here is what I will bring to the table: strong business acumen, leveraging data to make decisions, organization, ability to transform and reorganize when needed and a passion for the Kelliher school district and the surrounding community.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
I have been reviewing and researching the incredible board has been up to for the last couple years. When elected, I plan to ask school employees, students and the surrounding community for their input. I have ideas around how we rally around supporting students, new programs and ensuring we are providing the students with everything they need to be successful in school and once they graduate. There is room to improve the tie between school and community,
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
I would like to take time to learn and see what work is in flight. From there we would work together to identify our top challenges.
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.
Every program or initiative likely will have an impact to our school, students and/or staff. Diving into data and creating business cases with hypotheses will aid the school board and leadership to make the best decisions and ensure funding brings a maximum return.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
I believe we need to promote and make space for the community to feel welcome to attend meetings, provide input and learn what the school and school board are working on.
Kevin Waldo
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 43
City/Township of residence: Kelliher Township
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
West Wind Resort-Owner/operator, Kelliher-Northome School- Head Girls Basketball Coach, Kelliher Fire and Rescue- Volunteer Firefighter
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have previously served on the school board for 8 years. I am also on PILT/ConCon Board, Blackduck Ambulance Board and VP of the Upper Red Lake Association.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The role of a School Board member is to serve the people of the district to make sure all of the kids are getting the best education possible while preparing them for life. Making sure that we are fiscally responsible along the way when achieving this goal.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I care about the district. I am born and raised here and want to see a vision for our district. Kelliher school has always been a great place to learn and work and I want to continue to provide that!
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
Priorities and goals I have are to maintain a standard at Kelliher School. I want to make sure Kelliher School is a place where staff wants to work, students want to learn and where parents want to send their kids.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Staff shortages are probably the biggest issues all over the state. Having and hiring good administration and mentors will help Kelliher School become a destination for teachers and staff.
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.
Tax dollars should be spent to get the best education possible for our students and this includes paying staff fair and equitable wages. Technology and safety are also at the top of maintaining a great district. I believe if we can plan for the future and maintain our budget we can make all of this a possible and keep taxes as low as possible.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
Communication, I believe some of that has been lost over the years. The Board, Administration and Staff should all work together without division for one goal.
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.
