12 October 2023
Voters in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district will elect four members for their school board on Nov. 7 from a field of 12 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.
Sachin Isaacs (incumbent)
Sachin Isaacs of Burnsville, candidate for District 196 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 45
What qualifies you to hold this position? As a current member of the Board, I have gained invaluable experience over my almost eight-year tenure. During this time I have served on several committees – as chairperson of the Curriculum and Instruction Advisory Council and as a board representative on several advisory councils. I have an M.B.A. and extensive executive leadership experience.
What would your top priorities be if elected? If elected, my top priorities will be safety and security in our schools, improving academic outcomes, closing the achievement gap, continued support of our staff, and effective fiscal management.
What do you think is the primary role of government? I continue to believe that the primary role of the government in education is to adequately provide funding and infrastructure to meet the educational needs of students. Additionally, the government needs to ensure that each student has equal access to high-quality education and that the constitutional rights of students and teachers are protected.
Website or contact information: https://www.facebook.com/SachinISD196
Craig Angrimson
Craig Angrimson, candidate for School Board in ISD196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan) in the Nov. 2017 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 68
What qualifies you to hold this position? Was on the board 2 years ago. Folks reached out to tell me they need me back on. Need better communication.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Take politics out of school boards. Our teachers union of the same 9 members as always picks who should win. Then says if we don’t endorse you, you should consider dropping out to not split the vote. This is against a group of conservative candidates being back by conservative money. How about work with everyone and do what is best for all!!!
What do you think is the primary role of government? This election is non partisan. I think because I think everyone has an opinion that matters, neither side will endorse me. I will not cater to a particular side. As people know, I answer all emails and calls. EVERY VOICE MATTERS TO ME!!!!
Website or contact information: email- [email protected] or web site-craigangrimson.com
Cory Johnson (incumbent)
Cory Johnson of Eagan, candidate for School Board, District 196 in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 37
What qualifies you to hold this position? -Current School Board Chair -14 years of public service as a Military Intelligence Officer (US Army) -Appointed to and serving on the following District 196 councils and committees: Legislative, Equity, Community Education, Policy Review, and Gifted and Talented -District Director for the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA)
What would your top priorities be if elected? 1) Making significant and measurable progress in reducing the opportunity gap among our learners 2) Ensuring our schools are welcoming and accessible to all students 3) Remain fiscally responsible to the community, financially solvent, and operate a balanced budget
What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of a school board member is to represent the views of the community to the district administration. The school board is responsible for policy, governance, and oversight of the district while empowering the administration with managing day-to-day tasks.
Website or contact information: https://coryfor196.com
Anna Williams
Anna Williams, candidate for School Board (Rosemount – Apple Valley – Eagan) in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 51
What qualifies you to hold this position? As a 20-year parent in District 196, I was a licensed substitute teacher, served on site councils and Community Education Advisory Council. I’m currently on the Dakota Children and Family Clinic board. I’ve worked in corporate communications, sales & marketing, and I’m a DEI consultant and trainer and run an executive leadership advisor program.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Increase community engagement by identifying gaps, removing barriers, and creating structures for diverse collaboration. Advocate for and support policies, plans and actions that provide a safe and welcoming school environment for all students and staff. Advocate for formal student representation on the school board.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of the school board is to help set the vision; design education policy; hire, advise and hold the superintendent accountable to delivering on strategic goals, approve budget and curriculum; monitor and assess performance and academic achievement; and advocate for the community’s educational needs through ongoing stakeholder engagement.
Website or contact information: annawilliamsfor196.com
Lori Urkiel
Age: 51
What qualifies you to hold this position? I am deeply concerned about the direction of our schools and children. As a mom of three adult children that graduated from District 196 they are all successful in their endeavors and are productive citizens of society. For that I am proud. I want the same for all children.
What would your top priorities be if elected? First, kids need to be allowed to be kids it’s simple. I will strive for a better classroom with improved education for our children and a healthy, safe environment for our teachers and staff while encouraging productive relationships between parents and the district.
What do you think is the primary role of government? First, we are a constitutional republic. There should be limited government involvement and not decide what should be taught or how school should be organized. Local parents and schools need to be the primary drive as they know what is best for their community.
Website or contact information: www.Lori4letkidsb.com
Kim Bauer
Kim Bauer
Age: 44
What qualifies you to hold this position? As a parent, business owner, substitute teacher, and leader in my community, I’m equipped with the skills to make meaningful contributions in the district through strategic thinking, creative problem solving, active listening, and being a team player. I’ll focus on my top 3 priorities: Achievement, Parent Involvement, Transparency & Accountability.
What would your top priorities be if elected? STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: the foundation for student success begins with solid literacy, math, and science skills. PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: to ensure diverse viewpoints are represented, respected, and reflected in the district’s plans. TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY: to build on our culture of honesty, integrity, and excellence.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government as it relates to the local School Board is to be responsible for developing policy to ensure the proper care, management and control of district affairs, and supporting the mission of educating our students to reach their full potential.
Website or contact information: kim4education.org
Gina Swaney (Candidate information not available)
Melissa Field
Melissa Field of Lakeville, a candidate for ISD 196 (Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan) School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 44
What qualifies you to hold this position? I’ve lived in the district for nearly 20 years, I’ve sent 2 sons through the district schools. I’m a retired police officer of 20 years and have had the opportunity to work with people of all walks of life. I’m experienced in services available to the community. I stay active in the community by volunteering regularly in various programs.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Encourage parental involvement by empowering them to take an active role in their children’s education, afford educators the opportunity to teach the necessary skills of on-grade learning and beyond, and ensure the safety of every child so education can be the primary focus.
What do you think is the primary role of government? To ensure our God-given, human rights are upheld. It is to be an entity that assists in providing for the people what we cannot or are not able to provide for ourselves – such as a military, to protect the people that it serves.
Website or contact information: www.melissafield196.com
Teressa Schlueter
Terèssa Schlueter, candidate for School Board District 196 (Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount) in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 41
What qualifies you to hold this position? I have two children in high school (Eastview) and I have been very involved in the school district with: site council, coaching, athletic boards, classroom volunteering – since my children started kindergarten. I’m a business coach with a masters from Saint Mary’s of Minnesota, in Organizational Leadership. I am also a tax payer in this district
What would your top priorities be if elected? Increasing competency in core academics (math, reading, writing, science). Ensuring parents are actively involved and the district is transparent about syllabus. Challenging policy and procedure that creates unsafe school environments for students and staff. Lastly, transparency of district spending.
What do you think is the primary role of government? My thoughts on the primary role of the school board is to ensure students leave 12th grade prepared to be a highly productive part of the workforce. The board does this by supporting strong academic achievement and challenging poor policies / putting policies in place that make sense for the greater good.
Website or contact information: schlueter4isd196.com
Jackie Magnuson (Candidate information not available)
Charles McCready (Candidate information not available)
Leah Gardner (Candidate information not available)
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