Three candidates are running in a special election for the Hastings school board in November’s election.

The candidates are Elaine K. Mikel-Mulder, Simone Rendon and Marty Weber.

General information about the Nov. 4, 2025, 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.

Hastings school board

Elaine K. Mikel-Mulder

Elaine Mikel-Mulder. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 34

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am well connected to the community and I am committed to hearing concerns, working diligently to understand issues from the community, and finding ways to creatively resolve the issues with the board and the community. I believe that as an attorney, I have the capacity to advocate for positions, even if I personally disagree with them. I also bring traits of a mediator that will be helpful in disagreements amongst the board and/or the community. To follow, I am passionate about education- the delivery of which I am constantly thinking critically about. Prior to law school, I worked for a critical thinking institute where I started as an admissions counselor, then moved into different roles as the director of admissions, a (socratic) mentor in the classroom, and ultimately became the director of operations. In these various positions, there was never a day that went by that there was not conversation about creative solutions and approaches to education that would ultimately equip our students with the tools they need to critically think, read, write and communicate with confidence.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

My top priorities are as follows: 1. To encourage a collaborative atmosphere amongst the community, the teachers and staff, and the board and 2. To find creative solutions to increase our students capacity to read, write, and comprehend and critically think about the various subject material presented to them.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I think this is a loaded question. I will speak only to the government of the United States and forgive me for stating what seems to be the “obvious”. The three branches of government have completely different roles. All branches of government are subject to the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution is subject to amendment by Congress with the ultimate support of the of the population. I think the government is what the people make it and the government is only as successful as the involvement and collaboration of the persons subject to.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

I ask good questions and remain genuinely curious. I do my best to remain in a position of understanding rather than judgement. I have lived in multiple countries and have made studying perspectives a pursuit of my life (through political science, philosophy, anthropology, sociology and religion).

Website or contact information: elaine-mikel-isd200.com.

Simone Rendon

(Candidate did not complete the form)

Marty Weber (this candidate has left the race)

(Candidate did not complete the form)

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