2023 School Board Elections (ISD 833 and ISD 834)

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Woodbury for Justice & Equality has invited all school board candidates for ISD 833 and 834 to complete a survey question to help voters learn more about their stance on equity. 

All candidates were asked, “How should public schools approach issues of diversity in the student population including race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation?” 

Surveys were due 9/15, and answers that most closely align with the W4J&E mission will be published on our website and social media pages. Candidates whose survey responses, platforms, and community engagement align with W4J&E goals will be invited to attend an in-person meet-and-greet on October 15th at Edgewater Park. 

We are pleased to share that we have selected Simi Patnaik, Melinda Dols, and Satonia Moore to support in the 2023 ISD 833 School Board Election and Chris Lauer to support in the 2023 ISD 834 School Board Election.  Please read their responses and come meet them in person on Oct 15!

School boards shape the curriculum, policies, and culture that impact our kids' futures. Yet many critical school board elections see dismal voter turnout, allowing extremist groups to get candidates elected through organized mobilization. These officials then make decisions that don't represent mainstream values. 

It's time for reasonable, civic-minded citizens to fight back. We must pay attention to school board elections and do our research on candidates. Find out who funds their campaigns, and what values and beliefs they will bring. Support candidates who believe in giving students an accurate, well-rounded education based on facts, not political agendas. 

Our kids deserve school boards representing our community's diverse perspectives. Officials who will make responsible decisions instead of pushing misleading curriculums or dangerous policies. Together, we can elect smart, reasonable members who put students first. But it takes engagement - voting in elections, attending board meetings, and staying informed. 

The future of our children is worth the effort. With some groups promoting narrow agendas, we can't overlook the importance of these school board elections. Let's ensure school boards represent our community's real mainstream values. Our kids are counting on us.

Stay tuned for more info and please join us to meet candidates on October 15th!

• SEP 22: Vote by mail or in person September 22 through November 6
• OCT 17: Register in advance by October 17 to save time on Election Day
• NOV 7: Election Day

To see a sample ballot for your address, go to Voter Information Portal (mn.gov)

To find your polling place, go to Polling Place Finder 

South Washington County School District (ISD 833)

• Vacancies – Three School Board Seats
• Bond Referendums
  • SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION 1 (ISD #833): Approval of School Building Bonds Secondary Schools
  • SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION 2 (ISD #833): Approval of School Building Bonds Elementary Schools
  • SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION 3 (ISD #833): Revoke and Replace Capital Project Levy Authorization for Technology

Stillwater School District (ISD 834) 

• Vacancy – One School Board Seat
• Bond Referendum 
  • SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION 1 (ISD #834): Approval of School Building Bonds

Some reasons why school board positions are so important include:

• School boards make important decisions about curriculum, funding, hiring, and policies that impact students. Controlling school boards allows groups to shape education to align with their values and priorities.
• School boards act as a stepping stone for higher political office. Board experience helps build local profiles and political networks. 
• Local elections typically have lower turnout. Motivated minority groups can more easily elect preferred candidates by mobilizing supporters.
• Interest groups see school boards as an avenue to influence young minds on sexuality, race, and religious beliefs. Shaping school curriculums allows them to instill certain ideas in students.
• Decentralized nature of school boards. With around 13,500 school districts nationally, interest groups can target specific regions to push policies, circumventing statewide reforms.
• School boards control billions in spending. Interest groups can get a foothold on directing funds toward favored programs and vendors. 
• Education is a highly political issue, so school board victories are symbolic. Interest groups can claim a mandate for their positions and values.

The localized nature of school boards, low voter turnout, and control over curriculum and spending make these positions a prime target for special interests seeking to shape education policies and debates. Minority groups have realized the importance of these elections for advancing their agendas.

Help us raise awareness of our mission and programs by sharing our website, social media pages, and events with your friends, family, and colleagues.