11 October 2023
SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
On Nov, 7 voters in the South Washington County School District will elect three board members from a field of 11 candidates.
General information about the Nov. 7 election is online at twincities.com/tag/elections. In addition, twincities.com/news/politics/elections will have a full voters guide with candidates for Ramsey, Dakota and Washington county races online this month. To find out where to vote, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online polling place finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.
Jaime Kokaisel
Jaime Kokaisel of Woodbury, candidate for District 833 South Washington County School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 46
What qualifies you to hold this position? As a mother of two school-aged children attending SoWashCo Schools for 10 years and non-public for three, I bring experience, perspective, and vision to see the big picture. I am a college graduate, a former manager, a current small business owner, and an active volunteer within my community.
What would your top priorities be if elected? The Student-Teacher-Parent triangle is integral to my top three priorities of achieving 1. Academic Excellence, 2. Building Safety, and 3. Parental Engagement. If we are to meet MDE standards of proficiency once again, then we must restore our focus on academics, limit distractions in the classroom, and enlist the help of our parents.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of a government public school is to provide safe learning environments while protecting and promoting individual rights to Liberty. The MN Constitution calls for the legislature to establish a general and uniform system of public schools. Adequate funding is important but not if it means imposing unfunded mandates on taxpayers.
Website or contact information: JAiMEforSCHOOLS.com
Satonia Moore
Age: 49
What qualifies you to hold this position? I have more than 25 years of experience serving in the District 833 and Minneapolis School District in multiple educational positions, including administrative paraprofessional, family parent liaison, and media specialist. I have a son who attends East Ridge High School. I received my B.A. in Education and will earn my MSW in April 2024.
What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities are to advocate for policies that promote safe and equitable schools, support for the mental health of our students, respect and fair compensation for staff and teachers, and to make sure that all students’ voices are heard. Our students should be at the center of all our decisions. I will put our kids first.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of the government is to provide for the health, education, and welfare of its residents.
Website or contact information: www.satoniaforstudents.com
Ryan Clarke
Ryan Clarke of Woodbury, candidate for District 833 South Washington County School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 44
What qualifies you to hold this position? I am K-12 public school educated, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master of Science degree in Technology Management. My wife and I have three kids in the public school system and are familiar with curriculum. I have mentored kids by volunteering at school, coaching baseball teams, and teaching traditional martial arts.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Refocus the district on academic achievement. Approximately half of school children are not proficient in math, science, and reading at grade level. We can do better. Parents are the foundation of public education. Parents rights are to be respected and we have a responsibility to support educators especially with student behavior.
What do you think is the primary role of government? Fundamentally, the government’s primary role is to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens against enemies both foreign and domestic. Governments are instituted with the consent of the governed to secure our peace and prosperity. The American ideals of freedom and liberty are to be pursued even when we’ve fallen short.
Website or contact information: ryancfordistrict833.com
Randall Johnson
Randall J Johnson of Woodbury, candidate for South Washington County School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 43
What qualifies you to hold this position? I’ve lived in the 833 area for most of my life, attended school there, as did my parents. So, I’m fully aware of yhe education that can be had… I’m just a dad, trying to raise his daughter the best way he see fit.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Making sure that the curriculum is the to support our future, not hinder them. I was held back a grade, it’s ok, not everyone matures at the same pace of level. Let’s make sure that everyone is getting the education they deserve.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of the government is to uphold our rights.
Website or contact information: none.
Simi Patnaik (incumbent)
Simi Patnaik of Woodbury, candidate for South Washington County School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 48
What qualifies you to hold this position? I’ve served on the board 4 years. Prior, I spent 10+ years volunteering in the district, including PTO president, Citizens Finance Advisory Committee, advocacy at the Capitol, phone banking/writing postcards for referendums. I am also a current district parent and volunteer. I own a small business and run a local collaborative, Woodbury Thrives.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Students come first. 1) Providing mental health support for students so they can focus on their academics. 2) Continue district’s upward financial trajectory so we can invest in what students need, now & in the future. 3) Foster academic excellence by setting clear expectations and provide students the resources they need to achieve and thrive.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of government is to promote the general welfare – especially important for schools, where students’ experiences often depend on factors beyond their control. Like Thomas Jefferson, I think public education is foundational for democracy. Public education is a constitutional right in Minnesota, and we need to ensure it works for our students.
Website or contact information: votesimi833.com
Melinda Dols (incumbent)
Melinda Dols, candidate for re-election to the ISD 833 School Board (Woodbury) in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 52
What qualifies you to hold this position? I graduated from this district and so have two of my children. I’ve had one child in Special Ed and one in accelerated programs, so I have insight into various challenges faced by parents. I’m a volunteer in our schools and community. I have 25 years experience in Social Work, Education, and Mental Health, and I’m a current Mental Health therapist.
What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities are Safety, Academics, and Fiscal Responsibility. I support programs that foster a safe physical and emotional climate that empowers all students, despite where they came from or how they learn. I will continue our work to reduce the academic achievement gap and will strive for optimal utilization of our financial resources.
What do you think is the primary role of government? It is to make, interpret and implement laws that are in the best interests of the people. It includes managing financial resources for the general welfare of the people, including funds for education. The School Board operates under a policy governance structure where their primary duty is to set policy for administration to implement and manage.
Website or contact information: dolsforschoolboard.com and www.facebook.com/dolsforschoolboard
Molly Schaefer, of Woodbury, candidate for South Washington County School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Molly Schaefer
Age: 35
What qualifies you to hold this position? I have worked in education for over a decade with students from prek-12 and college and understand the complexities of educational system and the curriculum needs. I have a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Multicultural Teaching and Learning. I the mother of 4 children who currently attend or will attend school in our district.
What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities are school safety, a balanced budget, and a building a strong collaborative relationship with parents, families, students, and the community. Creating a safe environment that addresses physical, emotional, mental well-being, and equal access within budget leads to overall student success.
What do you think is the primary role of government? I think the primary role of government is to listen to the people and implement policies that support the needs and wishes of many of the constituents. Government has an obligation to protect and provide equal access for all people that promotes the well-being of individuals impacted by the policies.
Website or contact information: https://mollyforsowash.com/
Fekadu Kassa Ayichew (Candidate information not available)
Anthony Mahmood
Anthony Mahmood, of Newport, candidate for District 833 SchoolBoard in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 54
What qualifies you to hold this position? I have owned and operated my own business for the last 21 years, I have been on Newport’s Planning commission for the last 10 years, I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, having morals, and common
sense.
What would your top priorities be if elected? #!. Transparency on the budget but most importantly on curriculum.
#2. Focus the curriculum on the basics, reading, writing, math, science, and history. #3. Streamline the administration.
What do you think is the primary role of government? To do the bidding for the people.
Website or contact information: anthonyfor833schoolboard.com
Chad Borseth
Chad Borseth, candidate for ISD 833 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 48
What qualifies you to hold this position? I bring diverse experiences, a strong commitment to student well-being, and a comprehensive set of priorities to improve our public schools. With a background that blends both the private sector and public teaching experience, I will bring new ideas. I am dedicated to building relationships that will be the foundation for a strong school culture.
What would your top priorities be if elected? We will genuinely commit to establishing strong school cultures. We’ll start with increasing opportunities to build relationships. We’ll reestablish our routines and reduce attendance issues. We’ll increase the visibility and accessibility of school leaders. These are critical to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to serve and protect the best interests of its citizens. This includes ensuring safety, promoting inclusivity and equity, and making sound financial decisions. The government must create environments where ALL individuals can thrive; this is particularly important when it comes to public education.
Website or contact information: www.iLikeChad.com
Priscilla Kathryn Dimbo (Candidate information not available)
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