Serving on a school board is one of the most important responsibilities that a citizen can undertake. Deciding to run for this public office requires a commitment to public education, thoughtful consideration and an understanding of the board’s role and responsibilities.
What does a School Board member do?
School Board members hold authority as a group; no individual board member has authority. The role is one of governance – setting policies, ensuring the district’s fiscal strength, and hiring and evaluating the superintendent, who is the board’s sole employee.
The superintendent then oversees day-to-day operations.
- Minnesota Statute 123B.02, Subd. 1, states that “the board must have the general charge of the business of the district, the school houses, and of the interests of the schools thereof. The board’s authority to govern, manage, and control the district; to carry out its duties and responsibilities; and to conduct the business of the district includes implied powers in addition to any specific powers (of which there are many) granted by the legislature.”
What makes for an outstanding board member?
Are you passionate about public education, committed to functioning as part of a team and a believer in the democratic process? The best board members are these things and more, according to the Minnesota School Boards Association.
Red Wing School Board belongs to MSBA, which has served districts across the state for more than a century. School Board members are the only elected officials designated by law to receive ongoing training. A key component to that training is understanding that the most effective boards make decisions that reflect what is in the best interest of all students and all citizens.
Red Wing School Board comprises seven citizens elected at large by voters living in the District.
Members serve four-year staggered terms, with elections held every two years. At the end of a four-year term, members may run for re-election.
Voting takes place at general elections in November, and terms begin the first Monday in January thereafter.
Ten people are running for four open seats. In alphabetical order they are:
- Kayla Anderson
- Stan “Stosh” Doty
- Kim L. Hudson
- Jeremy Koenig
- Lisa Larsin
- Michael Jay Lickness/Holmes
- Ryan Riester
- Jennifer Tift
- Phillip White
- Natasha Yates
Voters may vote for up to four, but no more. All candidates run at-large.
The four winners will be sworn in after Jan. 1, 2025.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Voters will cast ballots for up to four School Board candidates who will serve 2025-2029.
The Red Wing School Board is not part of the August primary election.
Candidates must file a campaign certificate of filing no later than seven days after the election. On this form, the candidate or committee treasurer affirms that either 1) all required campaign finance reports have been filed, or 2) the candidate or committee did not raise or spend more than $750 in that calendar year.
Once a candidate or committee raises or spends $750, they must file campaign financial report.
Learn more about these and any additional steps from the Minnesota Secretary of State.
