Tracey Ferguson, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Tracey (Breitsprecher) Ferguson. My husband and I have been long-time residents of Chatfield along with our four children. I am a 1998 graduate of Chatfield High School and our children either have attended or are currently attending Chatfield Schools, where they are very active in academics and sports.
I have been employed at Olmsted Medical Center Rochester Lab for the past three years where I float between the hospital and SE clinic. Prior to returning to work I did in-home childcare for many years.
Why are you running for office?
I have thought of running for school board for many years but the timing just never seemed right for me. While we are still a very busy family, my children are older now so it allows me more time to be involved in the things that I have been wanting to do. My dad, Craig Breitsprecher was also on the school board many years ago and I hope to be able to play a positive role on our school board now, as he did then.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If I am elected to the school board I hope to have a positive impact on our school by working closely with fellow board members, faculty, administration and the community to do what is best for our school, our children, and our staff to maintain a strong and safe learning environment.
Jill Harstad, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jill Harstad and my husband Andy and I have lived in Chatfield since 2014. We have three kids, Carson, Camryn and Drew. I own Harstad Bookkeeping & Payroll Inc. right in Chatfield. I am also a volunteer fighter for the Chatfield Fire Department. We love to go vacationing with our family in the summer and watching our oldest play sports while the younger two are still having fun cheering him on!
Why are you running for office?
I am running for school board to bring a sense of reason and fairness to the board. I want to be a voice for the people of Chatfield. With over 15 years of accounting experience, I hope to use this in some of the financial aspects of the board. I believe having a diverse group of candidates makes for a successful board. I am a candidate who wants to see success in the future of our children and schools.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
My goal is to accomplish change in a positive way for the community and help the people of Chatfield see their visions come to life.
Kiley Johnson, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised on a small family farm in Pine Island, Minn. I obtained my BS at UW-La Crosse and my MS at the U of MN to become a Genetic Counselor. I currently work for a Telehealth Genetic Counseling company where I am the VP of Clinical Operations. I married my husband Jeff, and we moved to Chatfield 16 years ago. We have two children, Kaisen (7th grade) and Jaya (5th grade), who have been lucky to have Chatfield as their home.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for school board as a mother of two children in the school district with a vested interest in helping to ensure all of our students gain a quality education. Our school district is facing many new challenges, never before seen in the history of education, with the COVID-19 pandemic. This is causing extra stress for our students, parents, teachers, coaches, administration and our community. There is no better time to do my part in giving back to the community.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
As a community member, I recognize and value the areas we can grow. I seek to improve transparency and communication on how decisions are being made. Gathering information from all vantage points and basing critical decisions on data is essential to ensuring that we make the best decisions for our students, staff and community. I will advocate for data collection, standardized policies/procedures and transparency, while asking thoughtful questions to garner the trust and confidence of the community. My goal is to continue to build a district that gives our community pride and sets our students up for success.
Tom Keefe, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I was raised on the family farm East of Chatfield and graduated from Chosen Valley (Chatfield) high school. I went on to get a college degree in wildlife management and worked for the MN DNR for 30 years, then took a position with a private software company for 10 years. I am semi-retired, but still running a small service business. My wife Julie (a Chosen Valley graduate) and I were able to move back four years ago and live in rural Chatfield. We have two daughters.
Why are you running for office?
I have always been supportive of education especially grades 1-12. I became a substitute teacher last year and found it challenging but very interesting. I decided maybe I could help more being on the board. I feel it will be challenging but rewarding, to help ensure our schools continue to meet our students, parents and taxpayers needs. In my career, I have dealt with major issues, projects, conflicts, budgets, legislation etc., and hope I can provide some useful input and have a positive impact on Chatfield’s educational goals.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
Frankly, I have no agenda or goals other than to do my best to serve the students, administration, and taxpayers. I anticipate it will take time to learn and understand the issues and needs for our school but I hope to provide positive leadership.
Laura Lanning, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Laura Lanning and I’m a 5th grade teacher at Kingsland Elementary School. I am married to Tim and have four kids, ranging in age from 9-16. When my children were young, I participated in the ECFE group, and continue to help support the school through fundraising and volunteering. We serve our community through Living Hope Community Church, as well as supporting local businesses whenever possible.
Why are you running for office?
Being both a parent and a teacher, I am familiar with most aspects of the education system, and am hoping to put the focus back onto the students and what is best for their education. I feel that my educational background will offer a unique perspective, while my parental role ensures that I will continue to put the needs of the students first. I have recently begun to question decisions that have been made, and I feel it is my responsibility and duty to advocate for those that feel unheard.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
My ultimate goal is to put the focus back onto the students as well as what is best for our community. To accomplish this, I’d like to closely examine the school’s budget, and adjust the spending in ways that increase education rather than appearance. I’d like to increase continuity between both the elementary and high school, communicating with students, parents, and community members of the ultimate goals of our education system. This, in turn, would likely bring unity back to our community, allowing us to keep education first.
Rick Lowrey, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I’ve been married to my wife Lorri for nearly 23 years. We moved to Chatfield 16 years ago from Colorado in search of a small-town environment and a better education system to raise our children in. I am a father of three children Jason (21), Maggie (20), and Aaron (18). All three are Chatfield graduates.
I am a heavy-equipment operator by trade and member of the IUOE Local 49.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I still want to give back to the community that we raised our children in. I would like to use the tools that I have learned in my first year on the school board to further support the next generation of students.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I hope to continue supporting the trades education program. And, to keep providing my knowledge and aid to the school district’s spending to ensure that taxpayer dollars are still being spent sensibly.
Krista Oehlke, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Krista Oehlke. My husband and three daughters are Chatfield alumni. My husband is a current volunteer coach for the wrestling program. I work in Chatfield and have for the last 10 years. My husband and I own a small acreage outside of town and I enjoy a peaceful life in the country.
Why are you running for office?
The reason I am running to be a member of the school board is because I believe in neutrality in decision making. I believe that we live in a community that has been misrepresented by the current board members. Elected officials need to make decisions with the students’ best interest in mind, instead of using personal feelings as a reason.
I have seen many decisions made by the school board, not always agreeing. As a grandmother of future Chatfield students, I am hoping to help make their time at school both educational and enjoyable.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If I am elected, I am hoping that when difficult decisions need to be made, all district patrons will be heard and taken into consideration. I am hoping to represent all residents of the Chatfield school district, both those with school aged children and those that don’t, but still care.
Katie Priebe, Candidate for Chatfield School Board
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Katie Priebe. I am a Chatfield native, graduating from CHS in 2001. There, I met my husband Chris, and we married in 2006. We moved back to the area in 2014 after finding our “fixer upper” and are the proud parents of six beautiful children, ages six months to 10 years.
I spend my working days at St. Marys Hospital Emergency Department where I practice as a physician assistant. I find balance at home with family. Our favorite days are spent lakeside at our cabin in northern Minnesota.
Why are you running for office?
If elected, this will be my second term on the Chatfield School Board. I chose to run for a subsequent term as I feel my experience both as a board member and as a medical professional can help support our district through these challenging times. Certainly, I have a vested interest in the community and the success of our schools as our children will be attending for the next 18 years. I hope to continue to be a thoughtful representative for Chatfield residents and families and have enjoyed building relationships with staff members in the district.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
At this point, I would like to continue to focus on getting our children back to school in a healthy manner. We need to provide the best education possible, given the circumstances, and I will work collaboratively with administration and staff to support student academics whether learning in person or at home.
In addition, I hope to address our upcoming budget and make responsible financial decisions that have the least negative impact on our students, while actively promoting their education and activities, both of which are instrumental components to student success.
Aaron Bishop Candidate for Fillmore Central School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up just south of Harmony and graduated from Fillmore Central in 2009. After graduating with a geology degree from the University of Hawaii, at Hilo, I returned to Harmony to co-manage the family business. In 2015, I was nominated to the Harmony Area Community Foundation Board and served for four years. For several years I wrote monthly commentary titled “Devil’s Advocate…” in the Fillmore County Journal. If you’d like to learn more about me (beyond this 100-word limit), my articles can be found at fillmorecountyjournal.com/author/aaron-bishop/. My wife Amy and I currently reside in Harmony.
Why are you running for office?
I believe quality education is the most critical aspect of any successful society. In grade school I felt I was only one of several students who actually enjoyed academics. As it turns out, not everyone learns the same way. We can view this as a barrier to education or an opportunity. At University, I discovered that certain methods of teaching simply didn’t help me learn, and I needed to self-educate with other tools. YouTube of all places helped supplement my calculus studies. As a board member, my role would be to further support and encourage a healthy learning atmosphere.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If elected to the Fillmore Central School Board, I would like to work with and complement the skillsets of the other members. Committees that I would be interested in serving on include: “curriculum,” “technology,” and “staff development,” among others. I will work to keep the curriculum relevant and engaging. Technology has been critical to distance learning during this global pandemic, and I will work to help ensure that our students, staff, and parents are getting the help and resources they need.
Victoria Musel Candidate for Fillmore Central School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I have been proud to call Fillmore County home since moving here in 2010. Our goal in moving to Preston was to raise our kids in a rural community focused on kindly neighborhoods and a slower pace to life.
Shortly after moving to Preston, I joined the Preston Emergency Services as an EMT. I enjoy serving my community in this way. I have also been fortunate to coach for the Fillmore Central Lanesboro dance team, going on three years now.
We have three energetic kids, two currently attend Fillmore Central. Our eldest daughter is in her second year at SDSU.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for the Fillmore County School Board in an effort to be of service to the local community and especially the students in our area. I have worked with the school board and administrators during many activities and projects, which has helped to prepare me for a role on the school board. Volunteering at the school, and working with the Preston and Harmony Area Community Foundations on the Buddy Bench project has given me an insight as to how important the school board is to ensuring the growth and health of the Fillmore Central students and families.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If am fortunate to be able to serve on the Fillmore Central school board, I look forward to growing the options for students to attend more relevant trade skills and preparedness courses. Financial preparedness, home management, auto mechanics, farm and agricultural training and other skilled labor courses are imperative to our students and the growth of our local area. I also look forward to finding additional ways to support the staff and families in the online and distance learning challenges they are currently presented with, as well as celebrating and highlighting their successes.
Stuart Weist Candidate for Fillmore Central School Board
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Stuart Weist. I have been married to my wife Michelle for 15 years and we have three children in the district. My family and I moved to Preston about 5 years ago when I was called to be the Pastor of First Baptist Church. I love being a Pastor but my background is not in religion. Up until the last five years I have worked as a skilled tradesman as a maintenance mechanic with a specialty in hydraulic and electrical systems. I enjoy sailing, camping, and outdoor activities along with time spent with family and friends.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because I see missed opportunities at Fillmore Central. The District doesn’t offer advanced classes to underclassmen and has not made it their goal to prepare students for higher education, leaving some of the brightest ill-equipped. This spring, the district missed a tremendous opportunity with distance learning. The district has an abundance of technology but limited both teachers and students use of it. What should have been a template for the future unfortunately ended in frustration for everyone. I have made my concerns known but I believe it’s time for a fresh perspective where we stop missing these opportunities.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If elected I hope to improve the quality of education in our district. It is unacceptable that our district is satisfied with one in 10 dropping out of school (in a previous meeting they set the graduation rate at 90% to be a success). I believe this change must start with the board. If the board properly equips, trains, and supports educators; then students will be challenged. New ideas will be allowed to grow and institutional scores will improve. I believe it’s time that Fillmore Central strives to educate and graduate better farmers, doctors, lawyers, and citizens for our community.
Gwen Howard Candidate for Kingsland School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I am married to Dennis Howard, grew up in Spring Valley, graduated, and have lived my adult life here. We both had children that graduated from the Kingsland School District. I attended Winona State and the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Special Education; have spent 30 years in the education field teaching Physical Education, coaching, working as a Special Education teacher and teacher of visually impaired. Previous experience in leadership involved being the president for the Kingsland Teacher’s Union, a Spring Valley City Council member, and previous Kingsland board member.
Why are you running for office?
I wanted to provide the voters of the Kingsland School District with a wider field of candidates to choose from than what there were. I also feel there are areas of improvement that can be made within the District that can provide Kingsland to be a more competitive educational choice where parents want their children to attend and learn.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I would work closely with the other board members of Kingsland to build a stronger bond that holds the needs and education of all our District’s students and staff as a high priority. Building on the communication to all members of our school District and ensuring that all involved have Kingsland’s mission as well as interests in sight.
Mark Holmen Candidate for Lanesboro School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I reside in rural Lanesboro on our sixth generation family farm with my wife Becky, and sons Ryan (12th grade) and Carter (9th grade). I was a graduate of Lanesboro High School in 1990, and graduated from the U of MN in 1994. I’ve been working in Agricultural Sales and Management for almost 30 years, and currently work in the beef genetics field. We own and operate a small purebred cattle operation, and raise showpigs on the side as well.
Why are you running for office?
The Lanesboro community and Lanesboro School system has a rich tradition of family values and small town appeal. As my sons are finishing their high school years, I felt obligated to give back to see continued success in our education system. Lanesboro’s strong core of educators, extra curricular sports and activities, and community involvement continues to prepare graduating seniors to be successful going forward, whether in a college setting, or trade and workforce field. We need to continue to invest in our young people and make them successful leaders for the future.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
With the passing of the bond referendum in Lanesboro, and the completion nearing of the school addition and renovations, the improvements are important in attracting new young families to the area. Strengthening our school enrollment, and retaining our best educators are key for a small town district to continue to provide quality education, in a fiscally responsible model. With the challenges of COVID in 2020, we need to continue to look at ways to safely reopen our teaching models, promote extra curricular events, and bring normalcy back to the students that have missed a lot of life experiences this past year.
Jeff Lepper Candidate for Lanesboro School Board
Tell us about yourself.
My family and I moved to Lanesboro 10 years ago and have fallen in love with the town. Our three kids are all enrolled in the Lanesboro elementary school, where my wife and I have also volunteered in different capacities since we moved here. For the past 10 years, I have taught in the English department at RCTC. In that time, I have helped shape curriculum and worked closely with administration as the chair of the English department. Two years ago, I was named Outstanding Educator at RCTC for a commitment to student-centered learning and inclusion within the classroom.
Why are you running for office?
My background in the community college system has allowed me a lens into how curriculum, budgetary priorities, and strategic planning have an impact on access to education and equity in education. Minnesota has one of the largest achievement gaps in the country. As a small, rural district, we might like to think that we’re immune from the implications of those numbers, but those gaps exist here too. We have to be aware how those gaps impact students and the opportunities available to them. I would like that to be a focal point of any decisions made by the school board.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If elected, I would like to focus on how we define student and district success, and the metrics we use to measure those things. While assessments like standardized tests are mandated, they shouldn’t guide the policies we adopt. We need to focus on the whole student. I would seek to expand opportunities for students with diverse interests. To that end, I would like to work with teachers and administrators who are willing to take chances on implementing innovative programs. Finally, I believe it’s important that we continue to attract, retain, and incentivize faculty who devote themselves to our kids.
Sarah Peterson Candidate for Lanesboro School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in rural Fountain, left for a decade and then moved back to rural Lanesboro. I love living in this area. I’m grateful for everything Lanesboro offers our community, from arts and nature to a strong school district for our kids.
Why are you running for office?
I was originally asked to fill a vacancy on the board a little less than a year ago. It’s not something I sought out. I think a lot of our school district and would like to see it continue to serve all of our kids well. I know that for that to happen they need people to take active roles. I just see this as a way for me to do my part.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I don’t have a list of goals. I would just like to be a part of helping the school remain a great place for our area kids to learn and grow.
Christine Troendle Candidate for Lanesboro School Board
Tell us about yourself.
I, along with my husband Pat and brother Ben Taylor, operate a dairy farm just outside of Lanesboro. I am a graduate of Lanesboro High School and the University of Minnesota. I have three sons: a senior at Lanesboro, a senior at South Dakota State, and a recent graduate of Iowa State currently employed by Land O’Lakes. My involvement with youth includes significant time with 4-H and Sunday School programming and I have coached the Math Wizards team.
Why are you running for office?
I am on the school board because of my deep respect for education and for educators. Lanesboro sits at a point of transition as we complete our building project and work through the challenges of educating during a pandemic. I believe my eight years of board experience, which will make me one of the senior members of our board, will be helpful as we connect past experiences, current efforts, and future plans.
What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
Through my tenure, I have seen great community support for our school. I believe a primary goal must be to maintain the trust that the community has in our board. I hope to see Lanesboro continue to focus on ways to best serve our children and our families.
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