Minnesota and North Dakota Voter's Guide

Forum Communications Co., in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and of North Dakota, is providing this voter guide to help keep you informed ahead of the 2024 election.

  • Learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
  • Build your ballot before voting. Print or email the information to use as a reference when you actually vote.

We do not save your information; it will be lost when you leave this page. Only candidates that appear on your ballot will be listed. Additional information may be available for your area so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for other voters’ guides.

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Voter Guide

ISD #728 School Board Member at Large {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

School board members oversee the care, management, and control of schools. This includes hiring, firing, and overseeing superintendents, who manage the day-to-day affairs of the district. They also set levies to fund the district and create school policies.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-school-board

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

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    Leah Colby
    (NP)

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    Shari Knip
    (NP)

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    Monica Madsen
    (NP)

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    Joel Nelson
    (NP)

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    Mike Nordos
    (NP)

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    Shane Steinbrecher
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

If forced to cut the budget in the face of declining revenues, what would be your strategy? (500 characters)

How would you address any racial and economic disparities in our education system? (500 characters)

Please describe how you will engage teachers and families in your decision making process. (500 characters)

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Campaign Website http://mikenordos.com
Contact Phone 763-515-1033
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558485909751
Campaign Email michael.nordos.728schools@gmail.com
I’m the best candidate because I’m dedicated to refocusing ISD 728 on academic excellence, safety, and transparency. As a parent in the district, I’ve witnessed how ineffective board decisions have impacted our children’s education. I bring a practical approach, ensuring that administrative spending is right-sized and reallocated to better support teachers and classrooms. My focus is on improving core academic proficiencies and fostering a safe, supportive learning environment for all students. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community values, I will ensure resources are used where they are needed most.
My top three priorities are: 1. Improving academic proficiency by focusing on core subjects like reading, writing, and math. 2. Enhancing safety with clear discipline policies that ensure a secure learning environment for students and staff. 3. Increasing transparency by involving parents and the community in decision-making processes. These priorities will strengthen our schools and prepare students for future success.
My strategy would focus on protecting classroom resources and teacher support by first reviewing administrative spending and non-essential expenses. I would prioritize reallocating funds from overhead to ensure that cuts do not impact students’ education or safety. By focusing on fiscal responsibility and thoughtful adjustments, we can maintain high academic standards even in challenging financial times.
I believe in providing opportunities for all students to succeed, focusing on lifting low achievers without bringing top performers down. In our district, the achievement gap is primarily economic, not racial, so my focus would be on ensuring that students from all economic backgrounds receive the support they need. By promoting inclusive programs and resources, we can help every student reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
I will actively engage teachers and families by fostering open communication and creating opportunities for their input. This includes holding regular listening sessions, forming advisory boards, and ensuring transparency in decision-making. By involving those directly impacted by school board decisions, we can make informed choices that reflect the needs and values of our community, leading to better outcomes for students.
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Powered by League of Women Voters Education Fund

The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and North Dakota crafted the questions sent to the candidates in the Spring of 2024. They reached out to candidates based on contact information in their public candidate filings. Candidates with email addresses were invited and reminded with emails. Candidates with only mailing addresses were sent a letter. Candidates with phone numbers received a phone call as well.

Candidate responses are published as they responded and have not been edited, except when responses were longer than the given character limit. In those cases, the responses are truncated.

VOTE411 is brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and League of Women Voters of Minnesota Education Fund. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office.