Four candidates are running for three seats on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board in November’s election.

The candidates are Robin Cerio, Leah Gardner, Sakawdin Mohamed and M. Tracey Plante.

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.

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board (elect 3)

Robin Cerio

Robin Cerio. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 51

What qualifies you to hold this position? 

I am qualified to serve as a school board director because of my background in education, nonprofit board service, and nearly a decade of volunteering on district committees and site councils. My experience prepared me to contribute immediately when I was appointed to the School Board in January of this year. I understand that effective board service requires listening carefully, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions. My focus is on building a school system where every student has the opportunity to thrive, and I will bring the dedication, transparency, and accountability needed to make that happen.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

My top three priorities are closing opportunity gaps, celebrating diversity, and increasing graduation rates. Every student deserves the chance to succeed, and that requires strong support systems and collaboration with teachers, families, and the community. I also believe it’s important to celebrate the progress we’ve made while staying focused on the work ahead, ensuring students at every level feel valued, prepared, and supported.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I believe the primary role of government, especially regarding public education, is to guarantee that every child has access to high-quality public education regardless of their background, income level, or zip code. Public education is one of the most powerful tools we have to create opportunity, foster civic engagement, and strengthen our communities. It is also something that benefits not only individual students but society as a whole. For that reason, the government has a responsibility to act as both a steward of resources and a champion for equity.

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

I listen carefully to understand opinions different from my own, asking questions and seeking clarity. I approach disagreements with respect and curiosity, focusing on shared goals. This allows me to learn from others, consider new perspectives, and work toward solutions that benefit all of our students, teachers, families, and the community.

Website or contact information: robinceriofor196.com.

Leah Gardner

Leah Gardner. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 45

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am honored to have been appointed and later elected to the District196 School Board last year. In my short time on the board, 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 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, our local teachers union and fellow board members.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Student and Family Engagement: I am committed to exploring ways to increase opportunities for two-way conversation with both students and families so we can better collaborate for student success. I also support bringing student representation onto 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. Budget Stability: While I am proud of our district’s track record of fiscal responsibility and budget transparency, I think it’s important to acknowledge that we are not immune to the challenges that lie ahead with the potential for budget cuts looming at the state and federal levels. We are fortunate to have a community that invests in our district, which I hope continues with this year’s technology levy so we can prepare our students for the future and remain on strong financial footing.

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.

Sakawdin Mohamed

Age: 47

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am a parent of school-aged current district students and graduates. I am uniquely qualified to serve because I bring a blend of governance experience, public finance expertise, and personal passion for education. I have proven experience, a deep commitment to public education, and a track record of collaborative leadership. As current ISD 196 board member, former treasurer, clerk and with various committee assignments, I have helped hire a superintendent, approve critical funding, expand safe school facilities, and advocate for programs that diversify our teacher workforce. With 20+ years in public finance, I offer strong fiscal oversight and accountability. As a former refugee, parent, and son of teacher, I bring a parent perspective rooted in equity, belonging, and a passion for ensuring every child succeeds.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

I am passionate about helping to ensure that our school district continues to provide the best education possible to all students regardless of their background/challenges faced. My top priorities for 2nd term are: 1. Educational Excellence – continue to advocate for secure and stable funding to address rising costs, expand mental health resources, and strengthen student support. 2. Teacher & Parent Partnership – put students first by supporting educators and amplifying parent voices in decisions. 3. Equity & Representation – continue to support district initiatives that diversify staff, close opportunity gaps, and ensure all students can thrive.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I believe the primary role of government is to serve people and strengthen communities by ensuring fairness, safety, and opportunity for all. Government should create the conditions for every individual to thrive — by providing quality education, public safety, health services, and infrastructure that improve daily life. Another important role is providing equitable and stable funding for schools, especially in challenging times, so that the future for our kids looks brighter. Education is the foundation of opportunity, and when government invests wisely in our children, it invests in the future of our state and economy. Good government should be transparent, accountable, and compassionate — using resources responsibly and listening to the people it serves. When government works with integrity and equity, it becomes a bridge of opportunity that ensures every child, family, and community can reach their fullest potential.

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

I believe the best leaders are also the best listeners. When people disagree with me, I see it as an opportunity to learn, not to argue. I make a point to listen with respect, ask questions, and try to understand the values and experiences behind someone’s perspective. In school boards, we need voices that would listen carefully, ask tough questions, and work tirelessly to make sure every decision put students and educators first. Personally, my approach has always been to focus on common goals rather than differences — because even when we disagree, we often share the same desire for strong schools and thriving communities. I’ve learned that collaboration and empathy build trust, and trust is what allows real progress to happen.

Website or contact information: sakmohamed.com/

M. Tracey Plante

Tracey Plante. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 54

What qualifies you to hold this position?

As I begin my 25th year of educating, I bring real experience, which is unique to a school board position. In order to meet the needs of all learners in the K-12 public school system, I have worked in multiple school districts and have multiple degrees in education, which include Doctor of Education Leadership from Hamline University, STEM certification, and a Culture, Language, and Development credential from the state of California. In addition, I am a lifelong learner who wants students to experience success by taking risks in an educational environment that promotes lifelong learning and long-term success for the community of 196. I use systems thinking and social action leadership, where I understand that schools are for students and their achievement, and I reflect on how my biases and power influence education and student achievement, especially for students from historically excluded groups. My real experience will bring real success to the students of District 196.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

MCA scores demonstrate that students, namely those from historically excluded groups, are failing in 196 and will not be able to compete on a global level. This impacts our entire community. As professional development and coaching are tied directly to student achievement, I would create policies around implementing components of the READ Act across content. For math, I would continue to support policies around having the new role of PreK-5 mathematics coaches to support closing these gaps. Also, I want to create close relationships with principals to support how they are using site funds to pull in-house professional development. As there is a need for STEM and understanding the diverse population of 196, principals and building leadership teams could better utilize their community for resources in professional development. If I create policies that promote this, then our community would become more collective, as there are many stakeholders taking ownership for the success and achievement of our children. Overall, I honor creating policies that promote student achievement since education is changing, and the student population has changed in District 196.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

As a school board member, my primary role would be governance and ensuring our students receive a quality education that prepares them for success in whatever path they choose. That means hiring and supporting excellent leadership, being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and creating policies that keep our schools safe and focused on learning. The school board’s job is to set strategic direction for the district while trusting our professional educators to do what they do best in the classroom. I believe in representing our community’s values while respecting that families in our district have diverse viewpoints, and making decisions that put student outcomes first rather than getting distracted by broader political debates that do not directly serve the educational and holistic success of our children.

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

I recognize that our society is politically polarized. Arguing and holding grudges do not lead to great outcomes for our children. When we come together as people who put children first and we honor their rights, we show them that we love them, that we create policies in education for them. In addition, I recognize that I have power based on my positionality and contributions to society from my education degrees to working in education. As a listening leader and someone who honors the voice of others, I lead with empathy. Therefore, as I collaborate and work with others who offer differences, I respect how differences in opinion can have great outcomes. I look forward to working with others who are different from I am so that we can come together collectively for the success and achievement of all children.

Website or contact information: traceyplante.com