How to Research Candidates
What matters in school board candidates:
- Immigration & Student Safety: Will they protect immigrant students from ICE enforcement? Do they understand schools are sanctuaries?
- LGBTQ+ Support: Will they support diverse curriculum and protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination?
- Fiscal Accountability: Do they understand the district's budget constraints and prioritize transparently?
- Teacher & Staff Support: Will they fund competitive salaries and working conditions?
- Equity: Do they commit to serving historically underserved students and families?
Use this page to find candidate contact info, forums, and detailed evaluations from Woodbury Indivisible.
School Districts in the Area
🟢 Recommended
🟡 Mixed Consensus
🔴 Not Recommended
📍 ISD 622 (Oakdale Area)
3 School Board Seats Open
Brittany LaBore
First-time candidate
Early childhood educator
Early childhood educator
✓ RECOMMENDED
Nina Potter
First-time candidate
Community involvement
Community involvement
✓ RECOMMENDED
Caleb Anderson
Incumbent
Vice Chair, 12 years experience
Vice Chair, 12 years experience
⊘ MIXED CONSENSUS
Veronica McFarland
First-time candidate
Production coordinator
Production coordinator
✗ NOT RECOMMENDED
Key Issues: Student safety during immigration enforcement, special education funding, mental health resources, support staff
→ Read Full ISD 622 Candidate Evaluations
Source: Woodbury Indivisible 2026 Voter Guide
📍 ISD 834 (Stillwater Area)
4 School Board Seats Open
Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro
First-time candidate
Doctorate in educational policy
Doctorate in educational policy
✓ RECOMMENDED
Alison Sherman
Incumbent
Board Chair, strong track record
Board Chair, strong track record
✓ RECOMMENDED
Christopher Lauer
Incumbent
Insurance professional
Insurance professional
⊘ MIXED CONSENSUS
Pete Kelzenberg
Incumbent
Realty owner
Realty owner
⊘ MIXED CONSENSUS
Ashley Cegielski
First-time candidate
Healthcare finance expert
Healthcare finance expert
⊘ MIXED CONSENSUS
Zack Dinzeo
First-time candidate
Operations professional
Operations professional
⊘ MIXED CONSENSUS
Amilee Ellis
First-time candidate
Parent of five
Parent of five
✗ NOT RECOMMENDED
Jillien Haroldson
First-time candidate
Event coordinator
Event coordinator
✗ NOT RECOMMENDED
Key Issues: LGBTQ+ student protection, fiscal accountability, teacher compensation, diversity in curriculum, budget constraints ($5M annual shortfall)
→ Read Full ISD 834 Candidate Evaluations
Source: Woodbury Indivisible 2026 Voter Guide
Key Evaluation Framework
Questions to ask about any school board candidate:
Immigration & Student Protection
- Will they support the district as a sanctuary from ICE enforcement?
- Do they understand that federal agents cannot enter school buildings without a judicial warrant?
- How will they support families during immigration enforcement operations?
LGBTQ+ Students & Curriculum
- Will they protect LGBTQ+ students from bullying and discrimination?
- Do they support diverse, inclusive curriculum and library materials?
- Will they oppose book bans and support intellectual freedom?
Fiscal Accountability
- Do they understand the district's budget constraints?
- Will they provide transparent reporting on spending and results?
- How will they prioritize funding: teacher salary competitiveness, support staff, mental health?
Equity & Representation
- Do they commit to serving students of color, low-income families, and English language learners?
- Will they collect and act on disaggregated data by race, income, and other factors?
- How will they ensure diverse perspectives in board decisions?
How to Get Involved
- Attend candidate forums – Ask your specific questions directly
- Review the Woodbury Indivisible guide – Detailed evaluations across multiple races
- Contact campaigns – Candidates should respond to constituent questions
- Talk to teachers and staff – They have direct experience with board decisions
- Vote early or on election day – School board elections matter for your community
- Volunteer for campaigns – Help get out the vote for candidates you support