Brainerd School Board 2-year seats, elect 2

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

The first thing I’d like to accomplish — and I think we should all want to accomplish this — is building a safe and fun environment for our students to learn. I think there is a lot in the curriculum right now that isn’t necessarily appropriate for a student’s education. Whether it’s things like critical race theory, LGBTQ or equity, those are things that should be taught at home by parents and not in the schools. There are a lot of students and families who are not comfortable with what’s being taught in the schools, so I think parents need to be involved in the curriculum.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

I think we should form focus groups with parents, staff members and board members. If we are going to implement any new teaching methods or curriculum, we need to have it approved not just by board members but also by parents and staff members too. Many of the board candidates do not have educational degrees, and that’s where we need to use our staff and parents to bounce ideas off. Board members should not just be sending their agendas through. Parents should play an important role in their kids’ education, and we can make the school environment better by including everyone.

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

Through my past experience on the school boards in Crosby-Ironton and Shakopee, I’ve learned school board members have two main jobs, which are to govern the superintendent and to set policy. I learned a long time ago from an ex-school board member that a good board member always asks the tough questions. Everyone can ask the easy question, but answers to the tough questions are ones parents and students need to know.

Our students are at stake here, and they need to be ready to move onto four-year college, technical college or to enter the workforce after high school. We need their input in their education, especially once they are sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

First and foremost, I have school board experience, both in a smaller district and a larger metro school. I’ve had kids go through the Shakopee school district, so I don’t have kids in Brainerd right now. I’m doing this because I’m passionate about kids’ education, not for political reasons or to further any other agendas.

This is not about being Democrat or Republican, and I think a lot of people are making it out to be political when it’s not. It’s right versus wrong, good versus evil.

I will work with anyone on the board, regardless of what political party they are because board members should not have to claim a political party. Obviously we all have our own personal ideologies, but that should not come into play when we are talking about students’ futures.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

There are a lot of good candidates running for the board, and I just want to tell voters to educate themselves and get out and vote for what you think is best for our whole community, which includes the children and the taxpayers. I think we need to look at what is best for each, and I believe I am the best candidate simply because I’m very forthcoming, I’m very honest, and I’m very straightforward.

For the full, blunt, honest truth and what’s right for our children and community, vote Bonsante.

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

School Boards work collaboratively to make policy, set goals and monitor progress toward those goals while being responsive to community voices. These policies and goals must reflect the ultimate goal of improving student achievement. I expect to work with a team of people to make decisions on issues that affect the students and citizens in the community, in the absence of any personal agendas. My first order of business will be to take the time necessary to get to know and establish mutual trust with my fellow board members and the superintendent. I will also become informed on issues and concerns facing ISD #181 and participate in professional development activities designed to train myself on school board policies, procedures and school finance management. Being an effective, informed board member requires me to build relationships with school and community leadership and to orient myself on school board governance. Simultaneously, we as a board in partnership with the schools and community, need to make decisions about what strategies will help reduce the impact of the learning and instructional challenges resulting from COVID-19.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

• Set up meetings to establish relationships with board members and the superintendent.
• Visit schools and build relationships with district leadership, educators and support staff.
• Support our district's community engagement efforts by bringing the schools into the community and the community into the schools. 
• Review district policies and procedures that address school board governance.
• Familiarize myself with MDE legislative reports as it relates to District #181.
• Engage in professional development related to school board governance.
• Listen, observe and ask questions.
• Make and evaluate decisions that support students reaching their full potential. 

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

• Ensure all students have access to safe, compassionate, inclusive, high quality education, giving them the best chance to succeed, socially, emotionally and academically. 
• Establish, monitor and uphold school district vision and policy.
• Support the Superintendent in the day to day management of the school district.
• Manage resources to facilitate student success.
• Be responsive to community voices in public education in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the school district and the community at large. 

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

I have thoughtfully considered running for the school board because I want to use my professional experience as an educator to ensure all learners in District #181 continue to have access to compassionate, inclusive, evidenced based education. I have raised 5 children who attended Brainerd Schools and were active in extracurricular activities. I worked for 32 years in two area school districts as a school social worker. I am currently licensed as a School Social Worker with the Minnesota Department of Education and hold a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license with the State of Minnesota Board of Social Work. I feel I bring a unique perspective to the table having worked closely with school administrators and district leadership, side by side with teachers and support staff, all while helping families navigate the educational experience for their learners. I also want to support strengthening the trust between the community and District #181.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

Due to my tenure in the public school system, I was active in a variety of committees and school initiatives which included but are not limited to, membership on the Student Assistance Teams and Child Study Teams, building coach and set evaluator for the School Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Team, (SW-PBIS), School Assessment Coordinator, District Assessment Coordinator, District-wide Staff Development committee, District and School Crisis Response Team, Web Coordinator and membership on the superintendent's administrative cabinet. I also participated in developing and implementing trauma informed school practices at the school and district level.

I have spent my career supporting programs and educational opportunities that prepare school staff to nurture a culture of inclusion and respect that is welcoming to all students within their building and their classrooms. Initiatives that support a positive school climate, teach positive behavioral expectations and digital citizenship, and promote student's social, emotional, behavioral and academic wellbeing, while engaging families and caring adults, are essential to building safety in our schools. I also support holding students accountable for misbehaviors that interfere with the overall safety of the school community.

I am an advocate for students, families and educators. Being elected to the school board would give me an opportunity and a stronger voice to continue my life-long career of supporting our schools, our students and our community.

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

A. Accountability in finances. B. Safety. C. Curriculum.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

A. The entire finances need to be gone over, really good accountants or bookkeepers. Safety is everything that needs to be gone through. B. The disrespect to everyone, how kids are getting things in and out of school. More adult responsibilities. C. Our choices of curriculum needs to be gone through. What needs to happen is more parent involved conversations. Kids need to be heard and staff.

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

It is our responsibility to see that our kids are educated, engaged in studies, to be sure that all staff and everyone is all hands on deck. Every child has a learning curve and none are the same.

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

I have dealt with the school district in many ways over the last 30 years. I am not afraid to look, do research and say something when something is not right. I answer a question and to the best of my abilities, help answer questions, find ways.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

Our district is a huge endeavor and I have the time and energy and attitude to look into many different areas. I love to learn new ways and old ways. I love kids and love teaching life skills that one day they may use in the future. I have worked with kids of many ages and really love to see them shine in their own ways. I have many ideas and ways to use money wisely. I am a very positive person and think all children should be given the best education we can in many different ways. I am not afraid to stand up for people, I want to know all sides and options. I can have a 2 sided conversation and healthy debate. Our district needs attention on many avenues, but we can once again have a great district. I have worked with kids and parents nearly all of my life. I do not anger or live with my eyes closed to many things and changes that our district is going through and many more to come. Appreciation can go a very long way. I am very head strong in listening and seeking truth in answers. I do not bring politics into things at all. This is our kids and our district, currently we are failing many of our students from grade 5 to 12. In other programs we excel with higher standards. I live to hear fresh ideas to better give our kids a great start on this road called life. Our teachers and staff need help. Parents need help and students need many adults in their life to encourage them in many ways.

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

The first thing would be to ensure that each student has ALL the necessary tools & support for a successful school year.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

Luckily, Candidates have been told that folks want School Board Members to be MORE VISIBLE in the schools; and, I am absolutely THRILLED because that's exactly what I want to do! I want to talk with every single student, teacher, principal, nurse, "lunch lady," janitor, administrative staff member, bus driver - everyone who interfaces with students during their school day. Then work with Heidi to address all concerns.

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

I believe my "blue folder" said that the School Board sets POLICY and the Superintendent IMPLEMENTS policy; therefore, I would make Heidi my best friend (well, because I like her already, and) in order to truly understand all of the intricacies of "good" & "bad" policy-making choices and processes, and how they affect everyone on the playing field.

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

I come with zero existing biases since I just moved here (June 2021) and have spent all my time "recovering" from "The Cities" (laugh) and getting situated in my new life super close to my family cabin. I don't have my mind made up about anything. I'm a sponge with super problem solving skills, an excellent track record in fostering fantastic relationships and making a huge positive impact on boards, committees, teams, workgroups, task-forces - you name it.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

My life adventures include wetting the bed, successful potty training, swimming, crawling, walking, t-ball, riding a bike with, (AND without!) training wheels, Girl Scouts, Church Children's Choir, softball, fast-pitch, band, choir, walker-patrol, DARE, musicals, Student Council, soccer, basketball, Ski Club, Church Youth Group, Church Band, Math League, A.P. classes, obtaining college credits, Peer Tutoring, driving the boat, fishing, water-skiing, dropping a ski, tubing, volleyball, badminton, croquet, cards, (LOTS of cards Up North when we can't have a fire,) Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA), All Colors United (ACU), cheerleading, Marching Band, Pep Band, Gospel Choir (as a student & as a community member), Target softlines (backup cashier & backup jewelry counter,) and (phone) Operator, MN Dept. Of Revenue, (verifying tax form information, 700/hr when standard was 100/hr,) PetCo, O'Gara's, Greenmill, Blimpies, Jimmy John's (in-shop & delivery), babysitter (no kids/pets were injured on my watch), The Lounge, T.G.I. Friday's, NE Palace, Gastof zur Gemutluchkeit, Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG) - trains students to be active citizens, non-partisan, 501c3 non-profit - Treasurer, Executive Committee, Hiring Committee, Personnel Committee, Strategic Planning Process Improvement, organizational development & restructuring, Full-Time Chemical Engineering Student working 5 jobs at the same time, Society of Women Engineers, Dean's List, 3M Non-Wovens Technology Center, 3M Home & Commercial Care, Yoplait Packaging R&D - invented packaging that blocks free radicals from light rays which alter the flavor of yogurt, Pinnacle Engineering - Ethanol Facilities, Site Security Plans, Risk Management Plans; Combined Charities Coordinator (@MPCA), Labor Management Committee Minnesota (LMC@MPCA) Government Engineering Council - Board Member, Treasurer, Executive Committee, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) - Reviewed and approved air emissions factors for several Hazardous Air Pollutants based on performance test data from 13 fuel ethanol manufacturing facilities; Completed complex applicability determinations for a variety of state and federal rules, regulations, and statutes; Crafted individual criteria pollutant permit limits designed to be below thresholds for PSD/NSR program for the following production equipment: corn receiving, cleaning, and handling equipment; fermentation tanks, distillation columns, thermal oxidizers/heat recovery steam generators (TO/HRSGs), dryers, flares, boilers, and cooling towers; Reviewed and approved a Top-Down Best Available Control Technology (BACT) Analysis for the relaxation of startup/shutdown carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides BACT limits on a combined cycle combustion turbine for a major energy company;

Trainings: Principles and Practice of Air Pollution Control, New Source Review/Prevention of Significant Deterioration, Control of Gaseous Emissions, Nitrogen Oxides Emission Control from Stationary Sources, Control of Particulate Emissions, Industrial Cleaning, Smoke School, Certification of Visible Opacity Reading, Visible Emissions Evaluation, Maximum Achievable Control Technology, Stationary Reciprocating Engines, Incinerators, Fugitive Volatile Organic Compound Inspections, Combustion Evaluation, Project Management, Kaizen Facilitator, Problem Solving Using Continuous Improvement Tools, Creating a High-Level Process Map, Creative Brainstorming and Affinity Diagram, Customer Focus, Cause and Effect Diagram, Relations Diagram and Criteria Decision Matrix, Impact Wheel and FMEA - Flawless Consulting, Continuous Improvement Overview, LEAN 101, Office Emergency Plan, Employee Survey Analysis, Fire Evacuation Plan, Records Management, Office Ergonomics, MPCA Business Practices, MPCA Culture, Fire Extinguisher Training, Emergency Coordinator Training, Data Practices, First Aid and AED, Defensive Driving, PC Security, Incident Management Application, Risk Communication (same training US President gets!!)

After all that, I took care of my grandma full-time until she went to a memory care facility & I moved up here so her house could be sold for her care. After she was put in hospice, I decided to run for the ISD 181 School Board. She was an English Teacher.

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

I want to make ISD 181 a great experience for all students, staff and parents. We also need to support our teachers and let them do what they do best. And we need to gain trust back from the community.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

Focus needs to be put back on preparing students for real life scenarios with basic life skills and education. Preparing them for real life and put them on a path for successful and fulfilling lives, regardless of their path after high school. Earn community trust assuring everyone their voices are being heard and that their input is valuable in making the district a success for years to come. The community needs to know the district has an open-door policy and all are welcome. Then we can truly make Brainerd Public schools a place that everyone feels they belong.

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

School Board members need to work on a strategic plan with input from the teachers and community. They also need to ensure that policy stays up to date and is followed by all parties.

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

As a parent and lifelong lakes area resident I have a vested interest in our community and the success of our students. I am eager and willing to participate in meetings to work on the best outcomes for our children, parents and staff. I bring a unique and fresh perspective to the board. Some of my strengths are my willingness to learn and understand so I can make the best educated decisions for all students. I am also willing to take on any task and hold myself accountable to see them thru to the end.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

My number one focus will always be on what is best for our students, parents and teachers.

Our Children, Our Community, Our Future.

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

Before anything is accomplished, there needs to be a collaborative foundation in place between all elected board members, new and old, to foster a safety-first, positive, forward-thinking mindset to ensure policies are in place and are being enforced. Most importantly, we need to solidify a Comprehensive Strategic Plan that encompasses Financial, Academic, Communication, and Enrollment goals. These should be policy-driven goals which will create a more transparent outline to what the district is striving to accomplish. Communication with families and the community regarding safety concerns in the district builds trust and transparency between those district shareholders. As a true believer in public education, I believe that declining enrollment is the district’s most pressing issue. There is a business aspect to the public school system and having students in seats is a direct reflection on budget and funding. Without a stabilized enrollment, ISD 181 will continue to lose funding that is directly related to enrollment. After passing a 200+ million-dollar referendum for building upgrades, we need to ensure that we can utilize those facilities. Decreasing enrollment puts that into jeopardy.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

I would collaborate directly with the MSBA or firm chosen to assist with the Comprehensive Strategic Plan, district legal team, and the other elected board members to understand the limitations in which we handle the policy writing procedures. Once clear and concise guidance is given, I will strive to incorporate community input into the Comprehensive Strategic Plan. My plan to address the enrollment issue would be to collectively create a Brainerd Lakes Area collaborative marketing team that markets, both, the school district, and the business community to draw families to the area. The more families we have in the area, the more likely we are to increase enrollment. Growing options such as homeschooling and private school options play a role in this, however, we need to show why we are the better option or at least a co-option.

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

Board members oversee the Superintendent and ensure that the district policy is being adhered to. It is a board’s responsibility to collaborate with the superintendent to ensure the safest environment for our learners to be educated in the most fiscally-sound, educationally-equitable environment possible for ALL students regardless of background. I also believe that it is a board member’s responsibility to continue to be a liaison between the school district and concerned parents and community members when issues, questions, and concerns are brought forth.

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

It is my belief that it is time for young, motivated, parents to take initiative in representing our school district on the school board. I am a true moderate, non-partisan, young parent with children in the district, who wants politics removed from the decision-making process. I am committed to ensuring community involvement in the upcoming Comprehensive Strategic Planning process and feel it very important to take into consideration what the rest of the community has to say. I can confidently say that I am one of the candidates consciously running to fill a non-partisan position, leaving politics aside.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

I am a representative of the collaborative effort between all district entities to provide the most fiscally responsible, educationally equitable, and safest learning environment that we can provide for our students, parents, and educators. Please educate yourselves on the candidates you are voting for! Again, every voice should be heard, and if given the opportunity to serve on the board, one thing is for sure, I will serve the district with integrity and with fair and impartial decision-making processes. I am open to conversation on a variety of topics. Thank you and hope to earn your vote on November 8th.

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

The first thing I would accomplish if elected to the school board is to learn everything I can about what we are doing well and what areas we can improve on. I want to ensure our public schools provide the best possible educational opportunities for our children and provide a safe working and learning environment for everyone. It starts with hiring the most qualified teachers and having a professional staff that can support them. Our curriculum must remain relevant and challenging to best prepare our students for success after high school. Finally, building strong relationships with all stakeholders is key, as community support is a critical piece to public education and good public schools ensure success for the community!

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

I would start by meeting with our school principals to understand how they are being supported. I would make myself available to the teachers to better understand what they need to enhance their classrooms and their careers. I would seek inputs from our parents, businesses, and community members to ensure we are preparing our students for success beyond high school, whether they enter the work force, learn a trade, or attend college. I would dig into our budget process and existing contracts to ensure we are making the best use of our limited, but valuable resources. I would review existing policies to ensure we have the right safety procedures in place and engage with local law enforcement to better understand current and emerging threats. I would work hard to establish open lines of communication with students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community to ensure we ALL remain vigilant in keeping our schools and children safe.

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

The school board’s role is to set policies, manage the budget, and advise the superintendent to enable the teachers and staff to provide the best educational environment for ALL students. I also see my role as a board member to be an advocate for transparency and would seek inputs from our parents, businesses, and community members to ensure they all have the opportunity to be heard and that they have a “say” in what we are trying to achieve as a school district. Good communication is key!

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

My experience as a retired military officer, substitute teacher, volunteer, and coach will bring a unique perspective to the board. I am running for a 2-year seat on the board because I want to be more involved in supporting District 181. I have always wanted to teach and coach and since retiring from the Air Force I finally have that opportunity. I have been substitute-teaching, volunteering, and coaching in Districts 181 and 182 the last five years. I have enjoyed working with and getting to know the teachers and staff in our district. Being selected to the Board will put me in an even better position to support them. My experience as an Air Force Colonel has taught me how to lead in challenging environments, make critical decisions, and manage limited resources. I am confident I can make tough decisions that are both fair and impartial and I will work hard to push back on policies that do not serve the best interests of our school district.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

I am married to Christy, we have a daughter Annabelle and son Jonathon. Minnesota is the third state our daughter has attended school and the second for our son. We have enjoyed being a part of all the school districts we have belonged to and our children have been blessed with getting a quality education through the public-school system from some amazing teachers. I am proud of my public-school education which opened the door for me to receive my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the US Air Force Academy and Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. I am also proud of my 29 years on active duty, serving in 7 states and 2 countries, including a deployment to Iraq. I have also traveled throughout numerous other countries during my time in the military learning first-hand about different cultures, languages, and people. I spent the last 15 years of my career in executive leadership positions managing multi-million-dollar budgets, enforcing policies, and leading large organizations. During one of my assignments I was the commander of a group of over 1,500 maintenance personnel, responsible for 58 aircraft and the execution of a $240 Million flying hour program. My last duty assignment was at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., where I supported the $400 Billion F-35 aircraft program. My career has provided me amazing leadership experiences and educational opportunities that I can bring to the District 181 School Board. I am invested in our schools and this community and would be honored to serve the community by joining the Board in December!

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

My wife, Sally, of 48 years and our 4 children, moved to Brainerd in 1987. All of our kids graduated from BHS and have had very successful professional careers, which BHS had a big role in playing.

Sally and I both had the honor and pleasure of teaching in ISD181 for many years. I was a teacher/coach/advisor for over 20 years of my 35 years in public education at ISD 181. Sally was a Speech Clinician. I was very lucky each and every day to observe the amazing students/athletes demonstrate many remarkable accomplishments even though they sometimes failed trying. They mostly lived by the adage, “You never fail until you stop trying.” I had the joy of not just talking the talk about doing your best and not sweating the rest, but walking the walk. So, when I hear things like, “We need to take our district back” OR “ Our district is headed in the wrong direction,” I question that. I have worked in four different districts and by far Brainerd has been the best. The Brainerd School District has been known as a top shelf, leading, innovative district which has always kept our students as its top priority. Do we need to constantly review and evaluate? Do we need to ask tough questions? Do we need to do our fact finding, homework, research, listen to everyone’s opinion especially our parents. Do we need to keep an open mind, build a team that works together, respect each other and the chain of command, compromise if needed, problem solve, advocate for our children, lobby for our children, work with our community members/businesses and so much more as a School Board Member? ABSOLUTELY!!!! But we ALL must do these things in order to provide our children with the best public education journey we can fiscally afford to provide for them. The old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” in my opinion, has never been more true.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

So how do we get there? We start by respecting, truly listening to each other and being kind to each other. We need to check things out rather than just believe what we hear. We need to visit our schools, attend parent conferences, talk to and ask our children about their school day. We need to support and thank ALL of our staff, educators, support staff, bus drivers and everyone who comes in contact with our children each and every day. We need to recruit and retain the very best educators and support staff, knowing that the most valuable tool for our children is the very best, licensed educator, professionally trained educator we can find. We need to start building trust within each other again. We won’t and don’t need to always agree, but we do need to once again start working together for the good of our children. As a School Board Member, this is how I will operate in order to continue to move our great district forward for our children.

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

I feel my years and years of public school experience and my daily walking the walk, not just talking the talk, separates me from the other candidates. My life long passion for our children’s public school experiences, my knowledge, my God given talent and educational skill sets, my leadership and mentoring skills, my communication skills, my elected positions (especially legislatively) and connections, my energy and enthusiasm, my team building ability and more, make me a very viable candidate for the Brainerd School Board. EXPERIENCE MATTERS!! I humbly ask for the consideration of your vote and support on November 8th. Thank you.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

Thank you to our community for investing in our children.The passing of the recent Building Bond is/was huge evidence to our children about how much we care about their public education journey. You have provided not only updated, modern facilities, but more public safety measures to work to keep them safe. There is no better investment in our future than in our children!

What is the first thing you would like to accomplish as a School Board member?

The first thing I would like to accomplish if elected, is to gain the communities support and involvement in the school board. I feel if we have that, then most of the other issues will be resolved as a consequence. If people in the community support what is happening, then I am sure we are headed in the right direction.

Specifically, how would you accomplish that task?

Ways to accomplish support and involvement would be to reach out to the community through the students for parent involvement. I would look to the teachers to see what needs and struggles they have and look for ways to increase learning abilities. We need to stand behind our teachers and also hold them accountable when necessary. I would look for ways to reach out to local businesses for the needs that they have from our schools by bringing them into the schools so they know what the district does, and to have a first person point of view. Also, to listen to the students and gain there trust on “Why” we make the decisions that we do. The why is the important part for me.

What do you see as the role School Board members play in public education?

The role of the school board simply put, is to be the voice for the community and find out what they want from the school district. To represent their views on the issues we face, to listen to them, and to look for guidance from them. To do the homework necessary to have a good understanding on the issues and make the best decisions to move forward on those issues. The school board should hold people accountable when necessary and to be fiscally responsible on behalf of the community.

Why are you the best choice to represent the district?

I am a parent of two children in the district and have a special interest in the school district because of that. However, I feel it is extremely important that the board represents what the community is looking for from the school board. I would like to be able to reach out to the community and get answers to questions or concerns from students, parents, teachers, business owners and the tax payers of this district. I am honest, hardworking and want to be more involved in the school district and be a voice from a parent’s point of view.

Tell us anything else about yourself you would like voters to know.

For those who don’t who I am, my name is Brent Yaunick and I have always been in the Brainerd area. I graduated from Brainerd High School in 2002, then went to Trade School in Wadena to become an Electrician. I graduated in 2004 and went to work for a local company, Holden Electric. I worked there until 2015 and moved to Brainerd Public Utilities, where I work today as an Electrician. In 2006 I married Heather and we now have 2 children. Ella is a sophomore at Brainerd High School and Livi is a Forestview 8th grader. I started teaching a night school Electrical Apprenticeship program in 2014 at Central Lakes College for IBEW Local 242. I joined the Garrison Fire Department in 2016 and Zone 1 first responders in 2017. I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with my family, camping, and four wheeling around the area. I see school as an opportunity for kids to get experience and knowledge to help prepare them for life after High School. I feel with community involvement and effort, it will help the school board make decisions for the community and what the community want the school district to do. This will allow us have a school district that best suits Brainerd. I want to help get it there. This is what I want for my kids.