Meet Darcie Baumann: A Vision for Inclusive, Equitable Education in ISD 110

Hello, I’m Darcie Baumann, and I’m running for the Waconia School Board (ISD 110) because I believe every student deserves a learning environment where they feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

I grew up in Norwood and have spent most of my life in Carver County, currently living in Waconia for the past 11 years with my wife, Kris. As a proud parent of a preschooler attending Wildcat Preschool, I understand firsthand the importance of a strong, inclusive school system that listens to families and provides all students the tools they need to thrive.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Organizational Studies and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership, I’ve spent years advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and community spaces. As the first woman and person of color to serve as the board chair for Twin Cities Pride, I’ve led efforts to foster collaboration, understanding, and equity across intersections of race, gender, ability, and socioeconomic status. These values are at the heart of my vision for ISD 110.

In addition to my work in the LGBTQIA+ community, I’ve been a community liaison for Carver County, facilitating inclusive data collection for the County Health Assessment and County Resource Center. I also serve on the Health Equity and Community Engagement Committee. I am  proud to be a co-founder of Carver County Pride, where I continue to advocate for spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

My platform for ISD 110 focuses on four key areas:

1. Equity and Inclusion
   I am committed to ensuring that all students, no matter their background or identity, have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. I will work to create inclusive school environments that celebrate diversity and embrace all perspectives.

2. Transparency and Accountability
   Families, staff, and students deserve clear communication and transparent decision-making from their school board. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative dialogue that builds trust and ensures that all voices are heard and respected.

3. Supporting Students and Educators
   As our community grows, it's vital that our schools evolve to meet the diverse needs of students and staff. I will work to ensure that our policies reflect the values and lived experiences of all families, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported. By prioritizing student well-being and providing educators with the resources they need, we can create a thriving school culture that fosters growth, understanding, and success for all. Together, we can build schools that adapt to our changing community while ensuring every student and educator has the opportunity to excel.

4. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
   As a lifelong learner, I believe education doesn’t stop at graduation—it’s a journey we all share. I am committed to not only promoting learning opportunities for our students but also continuing to grow and develop my own knowledge and skills. As a member of the school board, I will bring my expertise in governance and leadership, collaborating with my colleagues to share best practices and foster a spirit of continuous improvement. By supporting a learning culture among students, staff, and the board itself, we can build a district where innovation and growth are encouraged at every level. Together, we can create a school system that reflects our evolving community, prepares our students for the future, and leads with integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning.

I believe that through equity, transparency, and collaboration, we can build a stronger, more inclusive ISD 110 where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential.

I hope to earn your support in this journey toward educational excellence for all. Let’s create schools where every student, teacher, and family is valued.

Thank you,
Darcie Baumann
Candidate for Waconia School Board, ISD 110