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 #518 School Board Member {_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.

  • Candidate picture

    Darla Agard
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Ann Mills
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Eric E. Parrish
    (NP)

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    Stephen Schnieder
    (NP)

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    Kristin Walerius
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Matthew Widboom
    (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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Contact Phone 6512602926
Facebook (Full URL) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565185142014&sk=about
Campaign Email darla.agard@gmail.com
As a Worthington High School graduate, I have roots in this community and understand both the challenges and opportunities we face. With corporate leadership and education technology industry experience, I bring a fresh perspective to the school board, blending strategic vision with a focus on student success. My approach emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I’m committed to ensuring every student in District 518 receives the best education possible by supporting teachers, encouraging data-driven solutions, and using our resources wisely. Together, we can build a district that every student, educator, and family can be proud of.
Student Achievement: Ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed by investing in personalized learning, educator development, and expanding pathways like CTE. Equity: Closing achievement gaps by targeting resources to support underserved students. Resource Management: Ensuring fiscal responsibility by aligning our budget with student outcomes, maintaining transparency, and engaging the community.
I would begin with a thorough budget review to identify areas where cuts would have the least impact on students. Prioritizing essential academic programs and teacher support is key. We could explore operational efficiencies and partnerships to minimize the effect. Transparency and community input would guide the process, ensuring decisions are thoughtful and focused on maintaining student success.

Addressing disparities requires targeted support and resources. I would prioritize professional development to equip educators with the skills to meet diverse needs. Expanding access to innovative programs like CTE can provide alternative pathways for underserved students. By fostering stronger partnerships with families and community organizations, we can ensure every student, regardless of background, has the support needed to succeed.
I believe in creating a culture of openness and collaboration. I would regularly seek input from teachers and families through surveys, open forums, and advisory committees. By fostering strong partnerships and maintaining transparent communication, I will ensure that decisions are grounded in the needs and priorities of both educators and the community. This approach will allow us to work together to continuously improve our schools and support student success.
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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.