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.
Craig Bakke
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Andy Bjorgaard
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Kayla Leader
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Melissa Weleski
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 43
City/Township of residence: Newfolden/New Maine Township
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
DigiKey, Senior SEO Analyst
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I am confident that the diverse roles I have held have equipped me with the knowledge and experience necessary to excel in this position. These roles include serving as an internal auditor, an active community member, a mother, an AWANA teacher, and a Cub Scout leader.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
As a school board member, my role is to collaborate with school administrators to make informed decisions that prioritize the needs of students while also considering the best interests of the community. This includes working together to ensure that policies and initiatives serve the educational goals of the district and reflect the values and concerns of its residents.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to become more informed and actively involved in the decision-making process. My goal is to enhance productivity and transparency between the district and the community, while bringing fresh ideas and a new perspective to the board, its operations, and the issues it faces.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
My priorities, if elected, include improving transparency between the district and the community, while actively listening to and addressing the specific concerns of parents, students, and the community as a whole. Additionally, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the administration and other key roles within the district, in order to evaluate and enhance processes and procedures where necessary.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
I believe some of the challenges facing our district is effective communication. Additionally, managing the budget carefully, particularly with the new building additions and updates, is essential. We must also remain attentive to student and staff issues and ensure that policies are up-to-date and responsive to their needs. My approach will involve fostering open dialogue, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and staying proactive in addressing concerns within the district.
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.
My knowledge of taxation in our district and region is currently limited, but I am eager to learn more and develop a deeper understanding. I am committed to ensuring that tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively, and I look forward to working with others to make informed decisions that balance the needs of the community with responsible fiscal management.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
I plan to improve transparency and trust in the school board by fostering better communication, actively listening to all stakeholders, and encouraging greater input and involvement from students, staff, and the broader community. Ultimately, my goal is to create the best possible learning environment to prepare our youth for success in the outside world.
Kelsi Wilson
Incumbent: No
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.