Eight candidates are running for four member-at-large seats on the Forest Lake School Board.

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.

Forest Lake School Board (elect four)

Tessa Antonsen

Age: 51

What would your top priorities be if elected? My first priority would be to address the root cause behind the sobering educational standards we have in our district. I would also look at ways in which the School Board could strengthen communication with the public that they serve. I would aim to gain a deeper understanding of the School Based Healthcare Model and promote transparency around this growing trend in our schools.

What qualifies you to hold this position? As an RN of 28 years working in the service of others I have learned that the path to solving problems at times includes asking challenging questions. I am an extremely good listener with strong communication skills, an eye for detail, a critical thinker, creative problem solver, well versed in the practice of self reflection and aim to be a lifelong learner..

What do you think is the primary role of government? I believe the primary role of the governement is to uphold constitutional law and the rights of the citizens.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?  I have always had an open mind for alternative viewpoints. I typically start by listening to understand then asking clarifying questions to lessen the chance of misinterpretation. I typically view most things as a learning opportunity. Respectful communication is possible, even when everyone doesn’t agree.

Website or contact information: https://tessa4schoolboard.com/

Julie Corcoran

Age: 61

Julie Corcoran (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? My priorities and to continue to work on ways to increase student achievement. By offering more support for students and staff. We need to look at ways to increase funding to keep our many important programs.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I have served on the Forest Lake Area School Board for 4 terms. I would be honored to be elected for another 4 year term.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Our role as School Board Members is set policies that offer a safe and supportive environment for the students and staff. Where each student can thrive and reach their highest potential.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? We are a bridge between the community, staff and the students. All groups need to work together to keep our school district strong.

Website or contact information: None provided.

Mark Kasel

Age: 63

What would your top priorities be if elected? Academic Achievement, Community Representation, Responsible Spending and Transparency.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a member of community whose children graduated from the district, am largely self educated and I have experience in critical thinking, purchasing, budgeting, information technology, policy, assessment and other items in manufacturing that relate to any business.

What do you think is the primary role of government? To protect the rights of the people.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Discuss concerns, find common ground, research solutions, base decisions based on facts and what is best for the students.

Website or contact information: http://kaselcampaign.org

Laura Ndirangu

Answers not provided.

Rob Rapheal

Age: 62

Rob Rapheal (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? Academic achievement, choices for kids, and every student belongs. Every student deserves an education that meets their needs in a welcoming and safe environment.

What qualifies you to hold this position? As board chair I have helped guide our schools through modernizing all our buildings, keeping our academics high performing, and making sure that kids have class choices that meet their needs.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Government’s role in schools is too ensure that every student get an education that helps them reach their full potential regardless of their background.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? It is critical for schools to listen to parents. By having community involvement in our Policy, Communications, Curriculum, and other committees we hear from a range of voices that helps shape our policy before it even gets to a vote.

Website or contact information: http://therangerteam.org

Jim Smith

Age: 68

Jim Smith (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Supporting a strong learning environment and high achievement for ALL students 2. Protecting and supporting the great things this district is already doing and improve them continuously 3. Supporting the staff, cultivate leadership from within and include not just our students but all of our staff in a learning culture that grows everyone youth and adult alike.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Education and learning are my life and passion. In Minnesota I was a middle school social studies teacher in public schools for 16 years and worked for another 16 years increasing learning outcomes as a teacher on special assignment, supporting teachers and learning communities in collaboration with teachers and learning teams. My education community is also nationwide and I’m recognized as an expert in the area of classroom assessment.

What do you think is the primary role of government? In the context of school boards, the role is to provide a public service, and promote the general welfare for all. School boards do not legislate education laws. The boards primary functions are three, to provide oversight to the operations of the school district, be a conduit for information between the community and administration, and to fulfill required state and federal mandates. School boards do not make the laws and rules governing schools, they try to make sense of the process and support the schools on their education journey.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Clarity, collaboration and open communication are central. When problems arise identifying the specific elements of that problem is a necessary first step before a solution can be found. If the problem is learning based, the solution must be supported by the research and monitored when implemented. Healthy disagreements are a part of the process and when they can be discussed openly and rationally, both sides can find common ground. I hold this expectation for myself as well.

Website or contact information: http://jimsmithforschoolboard.com

Gail Theisen

Age: 66

Gail Theisen (Courtesy of the candidate)

What would your top priorities be if elected? My priorities will be to continue to advocate for programs to help your child succeed by preserving what is working well and continue to build our students academic futures. I will use my position to advocate for fair funding formula and equalization at the Legislature to reduce the burden on our taxpayers; and to do what I have done since 2012 – be engaged in my community and be your partner in education.

What qualifies you to hold this position? Since being elected in 2012 and with the support of the community our Forest Lake Schools have made tremendous improvements in curriculum, facilities including school safety, and most importantly be a place where every student is welcomed and given opportunities to succeed and be prepared for life after high school.

What do you think is the primary role of government? As a school board member our primary role is to educate our children and prepare them for life after high school. That is a role I have supported and strengthened for our schools as a Board Member.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I have shown as a School Board member is it critical to listen to all points of view; be engaged in the community to understand the challenges and opportunities; and have respectful conversations on how to move forward. As school board members we need to set the example for our students on how to resolve different opinions while we work towards the common goal of educating our children.

Website or contact information: http://www.therangerteam.com

Daniel Tuott

Age: 37

What would your top priorities be if elected? Let’s talk taxes. The incumbents running for re-election are planning on using a newly appointed power (MN statute 126C.17) to renew the last property tax levy – WITHOUT THE CONSENT of voters. In 2018, I voted along with our community to nearly double the property tax levy for the next 8 years. However, we did not vote for a massive 16 year tax increase. To me, this feels like the incumbents waving their magic wand and causing money to disappear from everyone’s bank account. Instead, let’s clean up the budget; not by cutting teachers or programs, but rather by finding inefficiencies and eliminating wasteful spending. After this we can ask the community only for the money necessary to run a healthy district.

What qualifies you to hold this position? I’m a critical thinker who examines systems all day at work. Several of Forest Lake Area School’s challenges are: #1 Academic Excellence. OVER HALF of our students are failing MCA testing. Let’s examine districts around us who are doing much better to learn from them. #2 Wise Spending. Over the last few years, the school board has overspent the budget by more than 1 million yearly – bringing our general fund to nearly zero. Let’s find inefficiencies so we can afford to pay teachers more and have a healthy district.

What do you think is the primary role of government? Pave the roads, deliver the mail,… and stay off our lawns.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? School board members are NOT meant to be political mercenaries grandstanding on partisan issues. Instead, they are supposed to Re-Present the thoughts and ideas of the community they serve. This only happens with open communication between parents, teachers, community members, and the board. When disagreements arise, I will work tirelessly to hear everyone’s input, honor all parties involved, and look at every option in order to find the best solution. I believe we can find common ground because, in the end, our students are our #1 priority.

Website or contact information: Daniel4flsboard.com; contact Daniel.fls@proton.me or 763-568-5759

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