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.

Start Over

Voter Guide

ISD #656 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

    Michael Cross
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Candace Knudson
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Tabitha Kuperus
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Janet Moline
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Richard Olson
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jerry Robicheau
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Casie Steeves
    (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)

{_btnLabelFor(compare1, _isInSelection(compare1))}
{_btnLabelFor(compare2, _isInSelection(compare2))}
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
I would not classify myself as better or worse person than anyone else. I believe that unless someone stands up to do the job nothing will change. I just want to help to empower our teachers and students to foster growth and education.
Firstly, I would like to appropriate more funding to teachers and students to meet their needs. Secondly, would like to implement a more basic learning structure to support teachers and students in the classroom. Finally, I would like to work on empowering our students and teachers to create a safe and secure learning environment.
I would concentrate on centering the budget on the teachers and students. I feel this is where the focus of funding should be directed.
I would address any disparities by having a simpler and more adaptive curriculum and more funding in the classroom. This would allow teachers and students to work together to form a cohesive and inclusive environment.
Having multiple avenues for teachers, students, and parents to voice their needs is important. Listening to and addressing the needs of these groups is important to me. I would be happy to hear from people in the district so that I can be more informed and make better decisions to make changes to any issues that are facing teachers, students, and parents with regards to the education of our students.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Contact Phone 5073344403
Campaign Email profjwr@gmail.com
I am a lifelong learner. I know the value of education and how it can positively impact a person's life/career goals. Consequently, it is critical that the education they receive is relevant and aligned with preparing the learners with the goals they hold. The most significant issue I see is to ensure that the education our students receive and continue to receive is of the highest quality. That they learn in a Culture of Educational Excellence. An educational environment where all students are accepted and engaged and taught by compassionate caring educators. This is the most significant issue I wish to address and advocate for as a school board member.
Top priority is that student learning is the foundation of all decisions. Student learning is why the district exists, if we do not have that as our fundamental focus we have lose sight of the reason for existence. Student’s voices are a part of our educational decision making system. We need to hear the voices of our students. We must have a culture where we do it “with” student rather than “to” students. Parent(s) are an “active partner” in the education of their student.
First and foremost I would want to be sure our limited resources are being allocated to teaching and learning and the education of students. This is a multi step process. First step is to ensure budgeted resources are allocated to the "classroom." Second, is to evaluate how our resources are supporting the classroom. Third, determine if the board is being fiscally responsible considering the direction on enrollment. Fourth, is to advocate for appropriate allocation of state dollars.
I see the way to support diverse learning is to ensure that our educators are culturally competent. That they understand and appreciate diversity and can be inclusive in their teaching. Moreover, they set high expectations for ALL students. High Expectations for academic achievement, behavior and attendance. All three need to be clear and understandable for all. We need an educational system that is engaging and student focused. Further, we need to be sure our teachers have the needed resources
It takes parents (families), student and teachers to have a comprehensive educational system. Parents and families, however one defines a family, need to be communicated with daily. This requires giving teachers the time and resources to communicate with families. It includes more than ‘how my child is doing” but what can we do to engage you more actively in your child education. A lesson to be learned from earlychilhood programs.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
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.