Kris Leisen Candidate for Rushford-Peterson School Board
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kris Leisen. My husband Dan, who is a disabled Army veteran and I have lived in Rushford for 32 years. We have three children, two of which graduated from Rushford-Peterson Schools. Ben is a motion graphics designer, Nick owns a Snap Fitness gym, and Leah works in healthcare. I’ve worked for the Winona County Sheriff’s Office for the past nine years and previously for six years at the Rushford-Peterson Middle School as an administrative assistant. Some of my community involvements include a Rushford-Peterson Booster Club board member and church activities.
2. Why are you running for office?
I’m running for school board to be an impartial voice in the policy decisions as it relates to all students, staff and as it affects the community. I’m not intimidated by outside forces or opinions. I’ll study each subject in front of the board and my decision will be made in the best interest for all students and staff not just a few. I feel parenting two of our children through the Rushford-Peterson School system and my time at the middle school has given me a good perspective on student experiences which is invaluable.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
I don’t have a specific agenda, but if elected, my responsibility is to provide common sense that will help guide my decisions that are in the best interest and welfare of all students and staff. Knowing some of the current staff, I know Rushford-Peterson will continue in its tradition of creating a valuable learning experience and preparation for a successful life no matter what challenges lie ahead. As parents, staff, and school board members, to take that lightly is a failure with consequences.
Nancy Snyder Candidate for Rushford-Peterson School Board
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Nancy Snyder. I have lived in Rushford my entire life and am retired from teaching at Rushford-Peterson schools, having taught at both the elementary and middle school levels. I have three daughters, all married and living in the Twin Cities metro area. All work in the health care field, two being surgical nurses and the third, a genetic counselor for Mayo Clinic. Although I am retired my interest in public education and opportunities for our children remains. Throughout my adult life I have been involved in several community organizations and church activities.
2. Why are you running for office?
I’m running for the board because I feel the need to make certain all students and taxpayers in the R-P district have a voice. It is critical that issues brought before the board are evaluated in a way that is fair to everyone involved, not just in reaction to a few voices that may be louder and more insistent. I feel my experience in the classroom gives me a perspective on student life and learning that would be valuable in the process of determining what is best for all, not just a few.
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you get elected?
If elected, my hope would be that I could play a common sense role in continuing to make the R-P district the best that it can be. R-P has a legacy of being a school that promotes student preparation for world citizenship. The majority of our kids don’t stay in this little SE MN corner. Our responsibility is to prepare them for life with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. To do less is to restrict the fullness of lives and careers our students have to look forward to.
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