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.
Amy Gordon
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Roger D. Hoplin
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Carrie Maurer-Ackerman
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: 43
City/Township of residence: Pine River, Walden Township
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
First American Title, UX Research
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I have been on the Pine River-Backus School Board since the spring of 2024. I am experienced in strategic planning, goal setting and policy making. I have extensive experience in public speaking, teamwork, and collaboration which has provided me with comprehensive decision making and active listening skills.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The responsibility of the school board is to assist in governing the district, make decisions that are in the best interest of the school and the students, establish strategic goals for the district, advocate for students, and create school policies.
Why are you running for office?
The Pine-River Backus school provides a sense of belonging and community that I am proud of. I want to be a contributing member to continue that and advocate for the student’s success and experience. I want to help maximize the overall student experience and opportunity.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
I would work with the school board, district staff, students, and community members to first determine the needs and what current resources are available. I think it's important to gather input and ideas from all on what could be done to address those needs and how to obtain the resources needed.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
One major issue that the Pine River-Backus school district is facing is funding and budget cuts. Inflation and legislative requirements have added increased costs for districts. Another issue that Pine-River Backus faces is the lack of transportation staff, which puts a hardship on the district families and the district 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.
I think it's important to prioritize the needs of the school over the wants and monitor the budget closely and ensure responsible spending.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
By promoting open communication and encouraging all students, teachers and community members to ask questions, voice their concerns, comments and ideas to the school board.
Brent Passarella
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
David Sheley
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.
