Four candidates are running for three seats on the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board in November’s election.
General information about the Nov. 5, 2024, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.
To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board District 191 (Elect Three)
Annemarie Anderson
Age: 44
What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Educational Equity: I will work to identify and address disparities in funding, programs, and opportunities, particularly for students in MLL and SPED programs. 2. Transparency: I will advocate for clear communication regarding board decisions, budgets, and policies. 3. Lobbying: I think the school board should increase their efforts in lobbying to the legislature, including rallying the community to join them in encouraging state lawmakers to make investing in our schools a top priority.
What qualifies you to hold this position? As a parent with two sons in the district, I have firsthand experience navigating our district’s educational system. I’ve served on the PTO board at Gideon Pond Elementary for three years, working with parents and teachers to serve the school community. As a Minnesota Reading Corps volunteer, I work directly with students, gaining insights into their needs.
What do you think is the primary role of government? The government should serve as the voice of the community. Specifically regarding the school board, the tasks of the school board members include setting and maintaining the district’s vision, establishing policies and hiring and evaluating the superintendent, I believe the real role of the school board member is to be a voice and advocate for the members of the school community. Within all the decision making, it is crucial that the focus remains on what makes for the best learning environment for all students.
How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I hold a MS in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction. My training has refined my ability to remain an objective listener and thoughtful discerner. I can listen to diverse perspectives, participate in constructive dialogue, and make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of our community as a whole.
Website or contact information: facebook.com/share/ZRuddD8whzq7dS13/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Rachael Mikkelsen
Age: 54
What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities would be graduation rates, safety, test scores, and student retention.
What qualifies you to hold this position? I am a parent to three children who have graduated or are attending District 191 schools. Therefore, I have experience with elementary, middle, and high school. Also, my career experience as a CPA can be put to use for the budget process and to look at issues from multiple perspectives that are brought to Board.
What do you think is the primary role of government? From the perspective of a School Board member, the role is to provide the direction and budget for the District, which the Superintendent and faculty then implement. And that direction for the District needs to provide for the needs of each student equally.
How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? First, I consider anyone who takes the time to voice their concerns or opinion is doing so because they want the best for the students and the District. I also recognize that each family’s experiences are unique. These perspectives help me to keep an open mind and a willingness to listen and consider each person’s ideas. I am humble enough to realize that I don’t know everything so I will need input to be an effective Board member.
Website or contact information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?is=61564098869469&mibextid=ZbWKwL (Rachael Mikkelsen for School Board on Facebook)
Christopher Peach
Age: 60
What would your top priorities be if elected? Vanguard Special Needs Education Increase graduation rates Promote and guide students through the Pathways program to become Workforce Ready, Trade Ready, and College Ready.
What qualifies you to hold this position? I have spent the last 30 years teaching in Asia, both Japan and China. I worked for a number of schools in a variety of positions including teaching Special Needs, Exam Preparation, Business English, and Kids, also I worked as an Assistant Trainer, Trainer, Recruiter, Director of Studies, Course Developer, Marketeer, Service Manager, and New School Designer.
What do you think is the primary role of government? Provide leadership that strikes a balance between citizens wants and needs. Act as a governing body that safeguards individual rights and promotes the common good. Deliver essential services that might not be adequately provided by the private sector, like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sanitation.
How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Use techniques that involve asking people open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and dialogue, instead of providing information or facts. Act as a facilitator or guide, encouraging people to consider different viewpoints and arguments. Socratic method.
Website or contact information: www.chris-peach.com
Anna Werb (incumbent)
(Candidate information not provided)