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 Barnard
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 55
City/Township of residence: Nevis Township
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Operations Director, Department of Human Services/Direct Care and Treatment
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
Over 25 years of leadership experience i in administrative efficiency and financial solvency which are vital skills on the school board.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
My experience spans over twenty-five years in healthcare leadership. I have been a proven leader in private, not for profit and state entities which has proved me experience in administrative efficiency and financial solvency which are vital skills on the school board. An effective and successful school board member is one who is willing to listen to and work with others as well as be an effective problem solver. My role will involve facilitating open communication channels between the superintendent, the school board, and the community.
Why are you running for office?
I believe a school board member makes a difference in the overall quality of education that the school is providing. Although I do not have children in the school district, I want to serve and support the district. It is critical to ensures that policies and initiatives focus on preparing students to be critical thinkers, responsible community members, and lifelong learners. Together, we can tackle the challenges facing our schools. We can work towards a future where every student thrives.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
I am passionate about living in a community that thrives. Nevis School District and Nevis School Board are going to be challenged in the coming months to create a proposal that looks at needs of our school facilities and student enrollment. I am confident that I possess the experience to help create a strategic plan to address the needs.
I am also passionate about wellness. Nevis School District teachers and staff are dedicated to ensuring an excellent educational experience for our students. Our workforce is our most important resource in achieving educational excellence which requires us to foster a culture of appreciation, connection, and support within the school community. My experience in healthcare leadership has taught me focus on well-being can create spaces that promote holistic health, build stronger school communities, and optimize learning outcomes. Focusing on preparing students to be critical thinkers, responsible community members, and lifelong learners. I am dedicated to advocating for programs that promote more than just academic achievement. These programs will support the overall well-being of our students.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
The top issue on many voters minds is how is Nevis School going to address the districts facility needs. Many of us participated in listening sessions, community meetings, staff surveys and community surveys as part of a long-range planning process at the start of 2024. The development of a final plan that will go before voters of our community is on everyone’s minds. My role will involve facilitating open communication channels between the superintendent, the school board, and the community.
I am also hearing from many voters that quality teachers and staff are needed to ensuring we are preparing our students for life after school. It is critical that Nevis School Board ensures that policies and initiatives focus on preparing students to be critical thinkers, responsible community members, and lifelong learners. Together, we can tackle the challenges facing our schools. We can work towards a future where every student thrives.
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.
Many of us participated in listening sessions, community meetings, staff surveys and community surveys as part of a long-range planning process at the start of 2024. The development of a final plan that will go before voters of our community is on everyone’s minds. My role will involve facilitating open communication channels between the superintendent, the school board, and the community.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
My role will involve facilitating open communication channels between the superintendent, the school board, and the community. Respectful communication is and kindness are critical.
Benjamin Hass
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Karrin Lindow
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
David McGee
Incumbent: Yes
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.
