12 October 2023
Voters in the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School Ditrict will elect four members of their school board on Nov. 7 from a field of five 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.
Barbara Kessler had filed to run for a school board seat but has since moved out of the district and dropped out. Her name will appear on the ballot, though.
Byron L. Schwab (incumbent)
Byron Schwab, of West St. Paul, candidate for ISD 197 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 75
What qualifies you to hold this position? 12 successful years of service on ISD 197 School Board, representation of ISD 197 on Intermediate 917 School Board (5 yrs) and EMID School Board (6 yrs). Principal in ISD 197 (13 yrs) and WSTP resident (40 yrs). I have experience/expertise in education, history/knowledge of ISD 197, and passion/commitment to continue service. Degrees BA/MEd/SEd.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Oversee financial impact of the two ISD 197 referendum questions on Nov. 7 ballot; support ISD 197 focus areas: Social-Emotional learning & support, Equitable systems & support and E-12 career exploration & preparation; and champion ISD 197 beliefs in Caring Relationships, Equitable Practices and High Achievement. Progress, innovation, & success.
What do you think is the primary role of government? Government both State and Federal must assure all children receive a free public education, free of discrimination, barriers and racism. Fully fund all State and Federal mandates. Establish State and National curriculum learning standards with the help of highly qualified educators. Support full access to equitable tech. and curr. resources.
Website or contact information: byronschwab.com
Morgan Steele
Morgan Steele of West St. Paul, candidate for ISD 197 school board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 38
What qualifies you to hold this position? I am the parent of two children in the district; one is in kindergarten this year and the other is in third grade. I’m also a teacher who has spent 17 years in public education. I care deeply about public education and ensuring that all students have what they need to be successful in their futures.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Transparent communication with all stakeholders and strengthening contracts for staff so we can retain and attract both teachers and support staff of all positions.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary roles of a school board member is to attend school board meetings, school events and listen to community members when writing or revising policy. It is not within the role of the board to implement policies. It is important to make sure that decisions keep students at the center.
Website or contact information: Www.MorganSteeleforISD197.com
Rowen Elsmore
Rowen Elsmore, candidate for School Board in District 197 in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 38
What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a high school teacher, mother of a child in the district, and renter. As a member of the queer community, I have seen firsthand how important policy is in protecting our marginalized students and staff. I have been endorsed by labor, and by the West Saint Paul Federation of Teachers.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Our policies need to strongly represent the needs of all of our students, including our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students. Our equity policy needs to be evaluated and strengthened. Specific protections should be named and put in place for our marginalized students. School board members need to be directly advocating for our needs with the legislature.
What do you think is the primary role of government? This varies at different levels, the role of the school board is one of governance. The board sets the policies that guide the district’s work as we work to educate our students. Though it is a governing body, school board members must work to engage stakeholders across the system to understand their needs and the impacts of policy.
Website or contact information: rowenforschoolboard.com
Randi Walz
Randi Walz of West St. Paul, candidate for ISD 197 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 46
What qualifies you to hold this position? With experience as a teacher, paraprofessional, and varied educational settings, I offer valuable insights for policy development. As a parent and active community member, I understand diverse perspectives, enriching board discussions with informed inquiries and relevant expertise.
What would your top priorities be if elected? My top three priorities will be to 1) actively listen & learn, 2) facilitate support for all stakeholders, and 3) provide continuity of the work of our district’s Strategic Framework with a fresh perspective moving our district upward with policies/initiatives that promote well-being and achievement for all students at a high level.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of a school board is to support our community of stakeholders and create policies, initiatives and conditions that enable high student success that is equitable and inclusive. The focus of celebrating our achievements and addressing our challenges are essential to creating a strong educational foundation for our community.
Website or contact information: randiwalzfor197.com
Tim Aune
Tim Aune, candidate for ISD 197 School Board in the November 2023 election. (Courtesy of the candidate)
Age: 60
What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a strong supporter of Public Schools, both as a student and parent. I attended Grand Rapids Senior High and have two sons in ISD197. I attended The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BSEE ’85, and have chaired alumni boards. I am a critical thinker, not afraid to ask questions. I want to help make a great district even better.
What would your top priorities be if elected? Create a compensation framework that will attract and retain talented teachers and staff. Defend curriculum and DEI. Properly structured DEI policies do not create exclusions, they create opportunities that benefit everyone. Advocate, telling the community about their schools and inviting them to participate. Connected we thrive.
What do you think is the primary role of government? I am a big fan of the Preamble (School House Rock). It does a very good job summarizing what government should strive to provide. The Constitution was our second attempt. Too much “I” and not enough “We” first time around. If We all participate, and have the courage to participate in civil discourse, we will have a more perfect Union.
Website or contact information: www.timaune.com
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