Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan ISD 196: School board election 2023
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The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district serves schools in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, Inver Grove Heights and the central part of Dakota County.
There are 12 candidates — including three incumbents — running for four open seats in the 2023 election. Current board member Joe Albright is not running for reelection.
MPR News emailed each candidate in this race and asked them questions about their qualifications, priorities and the most critical issue their district faces. The following responses were edited for length and clarity to provide a closer look at each candidate’s priorities if elected as a board member.
Craig Angrimson
“I am running because many folks have reached out to me saying my voice is needed back on the board. I was well respected by all,” Angrimson told MPR News. Angrimson previously served on the board and is currently a director on the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission.
“Our current district has a need for more communication of where the money is being spent. We just passed a huge bond for building new schools and expanding some existing schools,” Angrimson said of the most critical issue the district faces. He said creating a more condensed budget for people could be done.
Kim Bauer
Bauer has not responded to MPR News as of Oct. 25.
Melissa Field
Field has not responded to MPR News as of Oct. 25.
“As a retired law enforcement professional, I've trained and had invaluable lessons involved with the human element. I've held three board positions with local and statewide non-profit organizations as well as numerous leadership positions,” Field told League of Women Voters. “But most importantly, I strongly believe the education of our children is a litmus test for the future success of our nation.”
“My top three priorities are to protect and maximize parent involvement in their children's education through transparency and open communication, to allow and empower teachers to set high expectations for their students through a structured classroom and an excellent basic education, and to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all student and staff,” Field told League of Women Voters
Sachin Isaacs (current board member)
“As an immigrant, I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to call America, and specifically Minnesota, my home,” Isaacs told MPR News. “Serving on the school board for almost eight years has been a tremendous privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to this community that has given me so much.”
“Restoring and improving student achievement outcomes. The pandemic significantly eroded years of the progress in this area,” Isaacs said of the most critical issue the district faces.
Isaacs participated in the League of Women Voters forum on Sept. 13.
Cory Johnson (current board member)
Johnson is the current chairperson for the board and serves on several committees. Previously, he spent 14 years as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army.
“Our communities are changing and growing, the most critical issue the district faces is how to respond to the unique needs of these growing communities,” Johnson told MPR News. “We need to ensure we are meeting the needs of our diverse learners while also providing multiple paths and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel.”
Johnson participated in the League of Women Voters forum on Sept. 13.
Jackie Magnuson (current board member)
Magnuson has not responded to MPR News as of Oct. 25.
“It has been my privilege to work with and serve our community for the past 34 years,” Magnuson told League of Women Voters. Magnuson is a former middle school teacher and holds a master’s degree in education.
“Continuing our record of high achievement while seeing our administration cost and property taxes comparatively low,” is one of Magnuson’s priorities, she told League of Women Voters.
Charles McCready has withdrawn from the election but will still appear on the ballot.
Teressa Schlueter
Schlueter has not responded to MPR News as of Oct. 25.
Gina Swaney
Swaney has not responded to MPR News as of Oct. 25.
Swaney participated in the League of Women Voters forum on Sept. 13.
Lori Urkiel
Urkiel has not responded to MPR News as of Oct. 25.
Urkiel participated in the League of Women Voters forum on Sept. 13.
Anna Williams
“My cultural, academic, professional and volunteer experiences uniquely qualify me for our school board,” Williams told MPR News. She has experience as a DEI consultant, a corporate communication professional and as a substitute teacher in the district.
Reading proficiency is the most critical issue facing Minnesota schools, Williams told MPR News.
Leah Gardner has withdrawn from the election but will still appear on the ballot.
Watch: League of Women Voters forum
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