Two candidates are running for the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board District 196 in a special election in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 5, 2024, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

Melissa Field

Melissa Field. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 45

What would your top priorities be if elected? As an ISD 196 School Board member, my top priorities would include district transparency (parents/teachers/residents should never have to wonder about what the intention of the board is when implementing policies, approving learning plans, or how our hard-earned tax dollars are spent), prioritize education (on-grade education with an engaging curriculum should be the first priority, teachers should have time to teach with minimal disruptions while having the support of their administration to managerial decisions in their classrooms), safety for all (first-rate security protocols for every building in the district), and fiscal responsibility (ensuring hard-earned tax payer dollars are used wisely, especially with the state’s largest bonding referendum recently passed in the district).

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a retired, 20 year law enforcement officer with many years of experience in training, leading, and supervising. As a supervisor with the largest Sheriff’s Office in the state, I was charged with supervising paid and volunteer employees, as well as maintaining a large operational budget. I was a Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor for 6 years, helping me to understand what youth need to be successful in their endeavors and to become the next generation of leaders in their community. I’m currently serving on two volunteer boards as an executive officer (Chair and Vice President), so I understand what it means to understand the mission of the organization while listening to the needs of the community the board serves. I currently work for the MN Senate and have learned the inner-working of our state government, helping me to better understand the process for making and implementing laws that effect school districts (students and employees) around the state. Most important, I’m the parent of 2 children who have graduated from ISD 196 (my youngest graduating in 2024) and we’ve been district residents for over 20 years. I’ve seen the great things the district has to offer, what hasn’t worked, and what we could improve on.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of our government is to ensure every American is provided basic needs for our country remains a vibrant, beacon of opportunity to anyone who want who wants it. That includes ensuring it’s citizens are safe, provided with basic healthcare, necessary infrastructure in realized, and we have an excellent education system so that our next generations obtain marketable skills on the global stage.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I have lived my life and worked in my career with the motto of “communication is key”. No one should be disparaged because of a differing opinion as we all come from different life experiences that shape our view of the world. 20 years as a police officer has given me the experience needed to have a conversation with nearly anyone I’ve encountered to come to some sort of a resolution. In some cases, compromise is key. In some cases, those put in a position to lead have to make hard decisions that may not be popular. But keeping the line of communication open so that no one is left in the dark is paramount when you’re in a position such as a board member.

Website or contact information: melissafieldfor196.com, melissa@melissafieldfor196.com

Leah Gardner

Leah Gardner. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 44

What would your top priorities be if elected? Student and Family Engagement: In my short time on the school board, I’ve heard many valid questions from parents and ideas for improvement from students. I am committed to exploring ways to increase opportunities for two-way conversation, including student representation on the school board. A Nurturing School Environment: Unfortunately, we are seeing an unprecedented number of students facing mental health challenges. We are also seeing the number of students in need of special education services continue to grow. It is critical that we have adequate staffing to meet all our students’ needs, including school counselors, paraprofessionals and other support staff. Close the Opportunity Gap: If we want to achieve the 196 mission to educate all students to reach their full potential, we must confront our achievement gaps by race and income. Although our results are above state averages, I believe we can do better. I believe our district has the tools and commitment to lead the charge in moving toward better outcomes for all students.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am honored to have been appointed to the District196 School Board this March. In these past few months, I’ve gained invaluable insights and experiences that have fueled my passion to achieve even more in this role. I will continue to leverage my experience in hunger relief, including leading the Hunger Free Schools campaign, to identify and remove barriers to student success. In my area of work and as a Voices for Racial Justice apprentice, I have experience advancing systems level change to address inequities and meet strategic goals. I have a track record of strong collaboration as evidenced by my endorsements from area elected officials, labor representatives including our local teachers union and fellow board members.

What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to provide public goods to our community, such as our parks, highways, protection and access to education. As a school board member, I believe that our public schools play an essential role in our society. Access to quality education improves an individual’s earning potential, health outcomes and overall quality of life. It also reduces things like crime and income inequality which benefit all of us.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? As a school board member, I serve as a liaison between the district and community stakeholders including parents, students, staff and community partners. We are a large and diverse district, and therefore must strike a balance between a variety of needs, interests and beliefs among community members. Even when we disagree, I believe we can gain understanding by offering more opportunities for input and dialogue as we make important decisions. We must always remember our core values, including centering what’s best for students in all decisions.

Website or contact information: leahgardnerfor196.com

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