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BRAINERD — Randy “RJ” Heidmann, a longtime Baxter resident, filed for a four-year seat on the Brainerd School board Monday, Aug. 1.
“As a board member I want to preserve and improve the quality of ISD 181,” Heidmann said in a news release. “This can be accomplished by working collaboratively with other board members, the superintendent, and school district staff.”
Heidmann was born and raised in Gaylord and graduated from Gaylord High School in 1969. He attended Mankato State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975. He moved to the Brainerd lakes area in 1977 and started working with Universal Pensions Inc. He also worked for Wolters Kluwer Financial Services, formerly known as Bankers Systems Inc., in St. Cloud.
“My main responsibility during my 45 years of employment with these two organizations was teaching employees of banks, credit unions, insurance companies, mutual fund companies and related trade organizations the rules and regulations regarding Individual Retirement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts. I retired in May of 2022,” Heidmann said.
Heidmann’s wife, Lorna, is a Brainerd High School graduate, as are his two sons, Zachary and Taylor. His sons continued their education at Central Lakes College. Zachary received his Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in sports and business leadership from North Dakota State University. Both of his sons currently live in Baxter.
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Heidmann played minor league baseball with the Minnesota Twins, mentored confirmation students at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, coached little league baseball teams in Brainerd, served as president of the Victory League and enjoys watching sports, golfing, camping and fishing with family.
Key issues for Heidmann, relating to the school district, include removing progressive politics from the classroom; being laser focused on academic excellence; supporting teachers in regaining control of their classrooms; fiscal transparency; continuing public comment in school board meetings; an open-door policy to maintain a high level of trust; improving communication to eliminate “drama;” creating an environment that is enjoyable and friendly for all; treating all students with respect, compassion and kindness; remaining vigilant regarding student safety; and promoting and encouraging extracurricular activities.
“I look forward to working with our new superintendent, Heidi Hahn, and all the staff in the school district,” Heidmann said, in a news release. “I will continue to communicate and provide updates to the taxpayers of ISD 181 as we move forward toward election day. … I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, including parents and grandparents of children within the school district on the campaign trail.”
