11 October 2023
STILLWATER SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL ELECTION
Voters in Stillwater will elect a school board member on Nov. 7. A special election will fill the seat vacated by member Eva Lee when she resigned last winter. Chris Lauer was appointed to fill out Lee’s term.
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.
Chris Lauer (incumbent)
Chris Lauer of Stillwater, candidate for District 834 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 52
What qualifies you to hold this position? I have served on the District 834 school board since being appointed in February 2023. My other service includes The Partnership Plan board, the Stillwater Planning Commission, Stillwater MTB board and Warm World Child Development Center board. Most importantly, I am a concerned citizen who believes that our children deserve our best.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Our district continues to growth, requiring us to replace two schools that are over 100 years old with new schools that can handle the increased demand and enhance security at other buildings. We also should expect better reading, math and science proficiency scores from our schools. I will support administration efforts to improve our results.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is codify and enforce the law of the land. At the school district level that means maintaining systems to achieve established educational standards for students and ensure a nurturing learning environment, while reflecting the local interests of the communities it serves.
Website or contact information: chrislauerforstillwaterschools.com
Jessica L. Johnson
Jessica L Johnson of Stillwater, candidate for School Board, ISD 834in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 45
What qualifies you to hold this position? Experience taught me elections mean self-governance; electing neighbors ensures representation; & we mustn’t defer to elitist “experts.” Board members need management, finance, negotiating and auditing skills. I bring decades of real-world experience in these areas. Engagement is vital; I’ve coached youth sports, volunteered & engaged in schools.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Reading, where all learning begins. We can’t abandon kids to failure. 10 years of decline needs addressing. Raising 3rd-grade reading proficiency from 51 to 100%, will ensure success. Children deserve to excel on their chosen path. I’m a staunch advocate for education & believe in fully funding reading, math, science, and history—my top priorities.
What do you think is the primary role of government? Government protects “Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Happiness” with consent. Reps must listen & act transparently. Excess government erodes self-reliance and divides. Schools should ensure academics, not impose beliefs. In school governance, we must set academic priorities to prepare kids for life learning & lead the district back to excellence.
Website or contact information: www.VoteJessica834Schools.com
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