2024 School Board Elections (ISD 834 and ISD 622)

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Woodbury for Justice & Equality has invited all school board candidates for ISD 834 & ISD 622 to complete a survey question to help voters learn more about their stance on equity. 

All candidates were asked: What are the most critical equity issues for your district, and what can the school board do to support equity issues?  

Surveys were due 9/13, and answers that most closely align with the W4J&E mission are published on our website.

Three of three candidates responded and we are pleased to support Rob Parker, Sarah Grcevich, and Katie Hockert in the 2024 ISD 834 School Board Election.   Please read their responses and check out these great candidates.  There are three seats open in this race. 

Four of six candidates responded and we are pleased to support Kita Yang, Char Nitardy, Miriam Janechek, and Katie Swor to support in the 2024 ISD 622 School Board Election.  Please read their responses and check out these great candidates.  There are four seats open in this race. 

Important voting dates!

• SEP 20: Vote by mail or in person September 20 through November 4
• OCT 15: Register in advance by October 15 to save time on Election Day
• NOV 5: Election Day

Listening Session for ISD 834 candidates:

Thank you to the ISD 834 candidates and community members for attending the Listening Session on September 26, 2024.  It was a great conversation focused around pressing issues including the achievement gap.  Please check out these great candidates and remember to vote!

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 

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.

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