10 candidates file for 4-year positions on Bemidji School Board
Aug. 24—BEMIDJI — Three four-year positions for the
Bemidji Area Schools
Board of Education will be on the ballot for the general election set for Nov. 8.
Following an Aug. 16 filing period deadline, 10 candidates including two incumbents and eight newcomers are vying for these spots on the board.
Incumbent Jeff Lind is not seeking reelection.
Incumbent Carol L. Johnson, 63, has served on the board since 2005 and has retired from 37 years at Ken. K. Thompson Jewelry.
"I think we need to market Bemidji Area Schools showcasing our highly qualified staff and all of the opportunities offered to students from academics to athletics to the arts and everything in between," Johnson said. "We need to 'sing our own song.'"
If reelected, Johnson wants to enhance positive relationships with all stakeholders in hopes of increasing enrollment and supporting financial stability.
"I want to continue to build on my 18 years of experience on the school board supporting students and staff," she added. "I look forward to the future of our district under the leadership of our new Superintendent Jeremy Olson."
Incumbent Sarah Young, 51, has served on the board since 2019 and is an associate professor within TRIO Student Support Services at Bemidji State University.
If reelected, Young wants to address enrollment, specifically by expanding preschool capacity.
"Expanding preschool helps parents with childcare, starts children on their path toward graduating and establishes an early connection with (the district)," Young said.
Regarding graduation rates, Young mentioned, "I also pledge to work collaboratively with our dedicated teachers, staff and administration toward the ideal of 100% graduation rate. Together, we can do it."
Ashley Brue, 37, is a software development engineer for the Minnesota State System of colleges and universities.
Brue highlighted certain challenges surrounding the recruitment and retention of staff members throughout the district.
"Passionate educators and staff drive Bemidji Area Schools and its students to thrive," she said. "Over the past few years, Bemidji has struggled to find staff to fill vacant positions. If we want excellent staff in Bemidji Area Schools, we need to support a school environment that our existing staff are passionate about and that new staff are excited to join."
Jenny Frenzel, 42, is a licensed pre-primary and elementary teacher and a business owner.
"If elected to the board, I plan to work toward rebuilding trust and respect between the board, school staff and the community," Frenzel said.
Frenzel also detailed her concerns regarding the district's budget and helping the public understand where money is being spent throughout the district.
Focusing on students, Frenzel left off, "as a board member, I want to help ensure the best education possible is being provided to the students in (the district)."
Kerin Hanson, 35, is a middle school science teacher at Heartland Christian Academy.
"As a parent of students in the district, I have a vested interest in the current issues that have not been addressed that affect many students, not just my own," Hanson said. "My main priority is straightening out the budget.
"(This) will help us hire more staff to help our teachers, staff, and most importantly students, ensure we keep important programs related to literacy, art and music, and provide the materials to teachers that are needed in the classroom."
Hanson also wants to address bullying and figure out why families transfer out of the district.
Nicole Jaranson, 36, works in health care.
"I have a personal interest in improving the quality of our schools as my children go to school in the Bemidji School District," Jaranson said. "I believe we need quality public education for our children as they are our future."
Citing her interactions with staff, students and administration throughout the district, Jaranson added, "I feel we need to put the responsibility back to the parents. We also need to improve on discussion and communication with parents, teachers and the community."
Meredith Kehoe, 73, is a recent retiree from the Bemidji Area School District where she taught for 50 years and also teaches Academic American English for international students at Bemidji State University.
Referencing challenges from the past couple of years, Kehoe stated, "I believe education has the opportunity to evolve and adapt to the current needs of students."
Kehoe's main purpose for running for school board is to support students and added that, "every decision the board makes should be rooted on what is best for the kids."
Anna Manecke, 38, is a registered nurse.
"I am running for school board for all school kids including my three children, parents and guardians, the staff and the taxpayers of the Bemidji School District who need a new voice and listener," Manecke said.
Manecke emphasized her knowledge and ability to build integrity between the school district and the broader community.
"I want to bring transparency and accountability from the school district to the community, academic excellence to increase performance and excel in achievement, (and) safety to the staff and students to carry out a stronger learning environment," she left off.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Pioneer was unable to reach Wesley Newell for comment.
Dave Wall, 56, is a financial worker at Beltrami County Health and Human Services.
"I see that public education is being undermined and turning from objective learning that develops good critical thinking skills, to a one-sided indoctrination that is based on feelings, fear, and subversion of solid American values," Wall stated.
Wall detailed two action steps he would take if elected to the board.
"One, seek to direct the school district from the administration, faculty, staff and students to focus their efforts to promoting the exceptionalism that America was founded on," he detailed. "Two, ensure that school curriculum contributes to the development of students as contributing, moral and responsible citizens of these great United States."
