Election 2023: Hastings School Board (Elect 4)

Voters in Hastings will elect four board members to their school board on Nov. 7 from a pool of nine 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.

Matt Bruns

Matt Bruns of Hastings, candidate for ISD 200 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 35
What qualifies you to hold this position? With 14 years of hands-on education experience, an administrative education, and a personal stake as a parent in the district, I possess the unique blend of expertise, dedication, and empathy needed to drive positive change and ensure our schools meet the needs of every child.
What would your top priorities be if elected? If elected, my top priorities would be innovative secondary programming, inclusive curriculum and programs, teacher support and development, safe and sustainable schools, and transparent and community-driven decision-making.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to ensure equity, foster inclusive education, and empower communities. I aim to promote innovative, student-centered policies that nurture growth and prepare students for a diverse, evolving world.
Website or contact information: www.mattbruns.org

Mariah Ring (Candidate not available)

Brandy Wentzler

Brandy Wentzler, candidate for ISD 200 School Board in Hastings in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 48
What qualifies you to hold this position? I have had the privilege to work in service to students & educators for the last 30 years. I have experience working as an ASL educational interpreter, Youth Leader, PreK assistant teacher, and Dakota County Library worker. My focus has been on community building and education.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Dignity & Access – Children deserve the freedom to learn as best suits their diverse needs. Teachers & staff deserve respect as dedicated professional educators; Observation & Exploration – Kids at the heart of every decision within the district strategic plan; Looking Forward – Eyes fixed on the growth of Hastings schools.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of government is meant to be in service of it’s citizens. If elected officials are non-experts, it’s vital to lean on various researchers, real data, & citizens to make sound decisions on behalf of all people, from all protected classes. It’s important to make sound financial decisions that bring return on investments back to the people.
Website or contact information: [email protected]

Matt Seeger

Matt Seeger of Hastings, candidate for ISD 200 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 41
What qualifies you to hold this position? I know what it means to be mindful of how the public’s dollars are spent. I have spent the majority of my years in public service (since 2007) seeking ways to spend wisely and cut unnecessary costs through empowering individuals to acquire new skills and reduce their reliance on publicly funded services and programs.
What would your top priorities be if elected? I will seek to ensure every student has access to the most appropriate support needed to thrive in their education. I’ll work to restore the community’s trust in its local school board. I want to have an open and continuous dialogue with all school district stakeholders; parents, staff, administrators and students.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The main function of government should be to protect the rights, freedoms and securities of the nation’s citizens.
Website or contact information: [email protected]

Pamela J. Onnen (Candidate information not available)

Nancy Blanchard

Nancy Blanchard of Hastings, candidate for Hastings School Board ISD 200 in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 72
What qualifies you to hold this position? As an educator in the public and private sectors, I have 40 years of experience in working with children of all ages and adults with varying abilities, talents and desires. This has afforded me a wide spectrum with various learning challenges. I am a past business owner, public servant in multiple capacities and currently employed in River Falls.
What would your top priorities be if elected? To support teachers, students and parents, diminish classroom disruptions, increase academic grades, have budget transparency and lessen political agendas.
What do you think is the primary role of government? To serve the people, to adjudicate responsibly for all and to fairly deal with all situations without harshness or ridicule.
Website or contact information: nancy.blanchardisd200.com

Philip Biermaier (Candidate information not available)

Melissa Millner

Melissa Millner of Hastings, candidate for ISD 200 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 49
What qualifies you to hold this position? Being a wife, mother of 4, chiropractor and business owner for 25 years qualify me as a great addition to the Board. I have excellent fiscal responsibility from creating and managing our multi practitioner health center. I have the ability to see through many different lenses. I am impartial, compassionate and I will be a good voice for all.
What would your top priorities be if elected? All students, teachers and staff need to feel safe, supported and valued. My priorities are to curb bullying and behavior issues, support academic success, retain amazing teachers, keep class sizes manageable, and reduce the number of families that opt-out of ISD 200 by identifying the source(s) of the issues and creating solutions.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of government is to protect the life and property of the individual. This includes a person’s physical safety, finances, property, local and national security. The government should maintain law and order, support the economy and promote the rights and well-being of its citizens through fair policies and infrastructure.
Website or contact information: https://www.melissamillnerisd200.com/

Jenny Wiederholt-Pine (Candidate information not available)

Related Articles

Election 2023: Inver Grove Height School Board special election

Election 2023: Inver Grove Heights School Board (Elect 4)

Election 2023: West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School Board (Elect 4)

Election 2023: Rosemount-Apple-Valley-Eagan School Board (Elect 4)

Election 2023: Rosemount City Council Special Election