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.
Jennifer McDonald
Incumbent: Yes
Age on Election Day: 47
City/Township of residence: City of Proctor
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Aspirus St Luke’s, Registered Nurse, Surgical and Procedural Care
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I was first elected to the school board in 2012. Over the last 12 years, I have held leadership roles including board chair, vice chair and clerk. In other board member work, I have shared roles on numerous committees and advisory groups:
Finance committee
Operations committee
Negotiations committee
Curriculum and Instruction
Policy Development
Rail Safe
Proctor Comprehensive Plan
In 2023, I was invited to present alongside the Minnesota School Board Association at the Consortium of State School Boards Association (COSSBA) National Conference in Tampa, Florida: “Deliberate Performance Evaluations: A Significant (and Underutilized) Tool to Strengthen Board / Superintendent Relationships.”
I am a past member of Essentia Health’s Family Centered Care Advisory Committee. I am a current member of the City of Proctor Parks and Recreation Committee, and provided inspiration and project oversight in the development of “A Playground for EveryBODY”, through grant writing, community and local business support and collaboration with the City of Proctor.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
The role of the board is to set policy and hire a superintendent to lead. School boards hire, direct, and evaluate the performance of the Superintendent, who manages the day-to day operations of the school district. The Superintendent is the person leading our school district operations. In conjunction with the administrative team, the Superintendent recommends items to the board for approval. As an example- through approval of agenda items, the board levies taxes, hires and discharges employees, adopts policy and approves curriculum among many other things.
According to Minnesota law, "the care, management, and control of independent districts shall be vested in a board of directors, to be known as the school board." Decisions that the school board makes needs to reflect what is in the best interest of all students and all citizens.
School boards are most effective when they remain focused on the overall goals of the school district. The primary work of the board is in creating policy, setting a vision and goals that align with our strategic plan.
Why are you running for office?
I am motivated by what is best for our community and students and am able to make difficult decisions. I embrace a willingness to listen and work well as a member of a team. Communication is key to any leadership position.
We made an oath to children. We promised them that their education was the very most important thing that we could give them to develop them into successful young people. I simply want to make things better.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
Running for school board should involve more than “one issue”, and should be approached with concern for greater good and a willingness to problem solve, with the intent of supporting student achievement. Having an agenda with “I promise” or “If elected, I WILL”, isn’t approaching school board leadership with the intent that it should. This position demands constant effort and a strong commitment to serving other people. That being said, I believe that student achievement should always be a priority for our school district.
As a board member, it is important to be prepared for each meeting. Hours are invested into reviewing and providing feedback on agenda items each week. The focus should be on student achievement, and the greater good for all.
A school board functions best as a team when clear goals and strategies are set. Each member is 1 of 7 votes at the table, and once a recommendation, discussion and vote has taken place, all members move forward in support of the majority vote.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Our school district provides amazing opportunities for our students. At our secondary site, We provide large school opportunities like construction trades as well as many courses that are paired with local universities to offer college credit while in high school. Through our pathways program, our students don’t just plan to graduate high school, they graduate high school with a plan.
Like many area school districts, we continue to be challenged with providing a variety of opportunities for our students while managing expenses that have struggled to keep up with inflation. Many mandated initiatives haven't been fully funded, which causes an even tighter budget in the end.
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 cannot think of a single year in my entire 12 year tenure on the board where we haven’t had to consider every single position or program and whether or not it fits the budget. It’s no different than planning a household budget: There is only so much funding provided by the state per pupil (income). There are fixed expenses like wages, utilities and repairs that impact the budget. It is not helpful to compare our district with some neighboring districts due to business tax impact.. Our school district does not have the Miller Hill Mall corridor or a Walmart or Target that helps bring individual impact down
Open enrollment can help our budget, though sometimes unpopular. We gain funding per student enrolled. If we can maximize our resources (funding) and help our budget by accepting more students, it can help the overall budget.
We aim to keep class sizes small. We do the very best we can. One to two students over a desired class size means at least $65,000 for the cost of wages and benefits to add another class. We carefully consider every single position added. We aim to be good fiscal stewards of the taxes our school district receives.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
Through our Strategic Planning process in 2020, we collaborated with stakeholders in our community which included students, teachers and staff, parents, community members, board members and administration. We want to be very transparent with the community. The Superintendent and School Board recognize the importance of developing professional goals to support their duties. After many weeks of work, we formulated belief, mission and vision statements along with five focus areas: student achievement, student support, workforce, facilities and communication. These goals and strategic planning guides are used to help guide the School Board in their decision-making process. We expect to reconvene to develop our next 4 year strategic plan in 2025.
Jim Podgornik
Incumbent: Yes
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Tammy Sundbom
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 52
City/Township of residence: Canosia Township
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Chief Development Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
With over 25 years of experience in communications, fundraising, and media relations, I have built a career across diverse sectors, including non-profits, education, and healthcare. Currently, I serve as the Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland, where I’ve had the opportunity to develop impactful programs, such as a youth mental health initiative, and lead strategic efforts that have raised the organization’s visibility and strengthened its community presence.
As a mother of four and a proud graduate of Proctor High School, I have a deep, personal connection to this community and our school system. I’ve witnessed firsthand how a strong educational foundation can empower young people to succeed, and I believe that every student deserves access to the tools and resources needed to thrive.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
Board members on the Proctor School Board have a range of responsibilities focused on the governance and oversight of the school district. Their primary roles include:
Superintendent Oversight
Setting Policy
Budget Approval and Financial Oversight
Strategic Planning
Community Representation
Curriculum and Program Oversight
Advocacy
Legal and Ethical Compliance
Evaluation and Accountability
Proctor School Board members play a critical role in shaping the direction of the school district, ensuring sound fiscal management, and representing the community in decision-making processes.
Why are you running for office?
I’m seeking a position on the Proctor School Board to bring my expertise in communication, fundraising, and community engagement to the table.
My goal is to work collaboratively to expand opportunities for all students and ensure that the district is equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
I am committed to supporting policies and initiatives that will strengthen our schools, enhance educational resources, and foster a learning environment where every student can reach their full potential.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
If elected to the Proctor School Board, my primary goal would be to actively listen to the needs of parents, students, and teachers, while supporting the policies set by the district.
With over 12 years of experience working with boards to impact youth positively, I know the importance of collaboration and responsiveness.
I would be a strong advocate for enhancing mental health resources within our schools. The district has already made impressive strides, and I would work to build upon those efforts.
Given my experience in developing and launching a mental health program for the Boys & Girls Club, I understand how essential these services are for student well-being and success. Mental health plays a critical role in a student’s ability to thrive academically, and I would look for every opportunity to support, expand, and strengthen these vital resources.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Proctor Public Schools, like many youth-serving organizations, faces the critical challenge of adapting to the post-pandemic learning environment. The pandemic has exacerbated issues of learning loss and mental health struggles among students, making it harder to maintain academic standards and ensure student well-being.
According to the Minnesota Department of Education, less than 50% of all public school students are proficient in reading, and only 46% are proficient in math. Addressing these concerns requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy that focuses on both academic recovery and mental health support.
To tackle these challenges, I would propose a collaborative approach, which includes:
Expanding Mental Health Services: The pandemic has intensified mental health issues among students, which in turn impacts their learning. More wellness programs—such as mindfulness, stress management, and peer support—will provide students with the tools they need to thrive both emotionally and academically.
Increasing Access to Targeted Tutoring: One of the most effective ways to combat learning loss is by providing targeted tutoring programs. Implementing small-group instruction and offering after-school or weekend tutoring will allow students to catch up at their own pace.
Strengthening Community Outreach and Partnerships: Proctor Schools can benefit from stronger ties with local organizations that offer resources to support students and families. By building partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and community groups, the school district can access additional funding, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities.
Addressing the challenges of mental health and learning loss in a post-pandemic world for all schools will require dedication, creativity, and collaboration. Through these steps, Proctor Public Schools can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, both in the classroom and in life.
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 stance on taxation is centered on responsibility, transparency, and efficiency. Northern Minnesotans, like many others, are rightfully concerned about rising taxes and their impact on household budgets. While adequate funding for schools is essential for delivering quality education, it's equally important that tax dollars are used wisely and with clear accountability.
Here are my specific thoughts on taxation and ensuring the effective use of funds:
Balanced Taxation:
I believe in finding a balance between meeting the financial needs of the school district and being sensitive to the tax burden on our community.
Efficient Use of Funds:
I would advocate for regular, thorough audits and financial reviews to ensure that every dollar spent is maximized.
Long-Term Planning:
I believe in strategic long-term financial planning, ensuring that tax dollars are invested in sustainable projects with lasting value for the district.
Transparency and Communication:
Taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money is going. I would push for clear and accessible financial reports to be available to the public, along with regular community meetings where taxpayers can voice concerns or ask questions about district spending.
Innovative Solutions:
Exploring cost-saving innovations.
Community Input:
As a board member, I would actively seek input from the community before making any decisions that impact taxation. The school board’s decisions should reflect the community's values and economic realities, ensuring we’re not asking taxpayers for more than they can afford while still delivering a high-quality education.
In conclusion, my focus as a school board member would be to ensure that tax dollars are used responsibly to benefit our students, while being mindful of the financial realities that many Northern Minnesotans face. It’s about maintaining the right balance between fiscal responsibility and providing the best possible education for our children.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
With my extensive background in all aspects of communications, I am well-equipped to bring these experiences to the Proctor School Board. Improving transparency and trust will be at the heart of my approach, and I have outlined several key strategies to achieve this:
Open Communication Channels: I plan to ensure that the board maintains clear, open lines of communication with the community. This includes regular updates via public forums, newsletters, and social media, where parents, students, and community members can easily access information on board decisions, budgets, and district performance.
Community Engagement: I would encourage more community involvement by organizing listening sessions where residents can voice concerns and provide feedback. Transparency is about more than just information—it's about actively engaging with the community to understand their needs and ideas.
Improving Access to Information: I would advocate for easily accessible online resources, including detailed meeting minutes, financial reports, and board decisions.
Accountability Measures: As a board member, I would push for regular reviews and assessments of the board’s actions and decisions.
Transparency in Decision-Making: I believe in explaining the “why” behind key decisions. By clearly articulating the rationale behind board actions—whether it’s budgetary decisions, curriculum changes, or district policies—I would help build trust with the community by ensuring that decisions are both well-considered and communicated effectively.
Fostering Trust Through Consistency: Trust is built over time. I would work to consistently deliver on promises, maintain transparency, and be available to answer questions or concerns. By being responsive and accountable, I hope to foster long-term trust between the board and the community.
My commitment is to ensure the Proctor School Board operates in a transparent, accountable, and responsive manner, reflecting the needs and concerns of the community while delivering the best possible outcomes for our students.
Cindy Lee Olson
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 64
City/Township of residence: Grand Lake Township
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
Executive Director
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
In my role at ARCC, I help support public K-12 schools. We provide support in the administrative areas of payroll, finance, budgeting, legislative analysis, student projections, technology, E-Rate funding and student information systems.
I have been at ARCC for 26 years, five as the administrative assistant, eight as the Finance Funding and Management Specialist and 13 years as the Executive Director.
I understand how state and federal funding works for school districts and the struggles they face working to meet the diverse needs of their student bodies. I also understand the impact that federal and state requirements have on their day to day operations.
I listen and before I make decisions I want to understand the impact to all stakeholders.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
A simple explanation of school board responsibilities would be that we hire the superintendent, help implement a vision and mission for the district, set budgets that support the district’s mission and adopt policies for the district.
Why are you running for office?
I am passionate about public education. It is the one thing that can level the playing field for students and it is the foundation for our democracy. It is important that students graduate with the ability to look at data pushed at them. It is important that they are able to evaluate it critically, to be able to understand where it came from and if it factual. We can do this by providing the tools they need in an environment that allows them to flourish.
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific goals.
1. Provide an environment where students feel safe and welcome
2. Provide the resources staff need to succeed
3. Provide paths for career and technical options as well as college
4. Be fiscally responsible
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing your district, and how do you plan to overcome them?
The biggest challenge for public education is finding the resources to do everything that needs to be done. The result of the pandemic has been an increased need for mental health services and learning loss. The loss of the extra pandemic funding will be a fiscal cliff the district needs to deal with at the same time the need for increased services is seen. The district will need to weigh student needs against the funding available and make decisions that impact students in the most positive way possible.
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.
Rural Minnesota school districts do not have the same ability to raise additional funding per pupil unit that metro school districts have. This means we have to be careful in how we spend funding. It also means we have an opportunity to educate the legislature understand they have a duty to make this more equitable.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in your school board?
Initially I want to learn how the school board operates and see if there are things that need improvement. Most issues with transparency and trust revolve around communication, so in the capacity we are legally allowed to, I would work with administration and the board to provide open honest communication.
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.
