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Advocacy - Honesty - Transparency
Who I Am
Hi, I'm Mike! I am a resident of Inver Grove Heights. I am also a father to two girls, both enrolled in ISD 199, and a husband to an ISD 199 teacher. I come from a family of educators and grew up in a single‑parent household in South St. Paul where education played a defining role in shaping my future. Those experiences taught me how powerful a strong school system can be and how much opportunity it can create for every child.
I also bring a perspective that’s very connected to everyday life in this district. My children go to school here, and my wife works in the district, so I see how decisions made at the board level show up in real time in classrooms, in staff workloads, in communication home, and in the experiences families have throughout the year. I’m involved in the daily parts of school life like any parent, but I also hear directly from someone who works inside the system. That gives me a clear view of how policies and decisions affect teachers, students, and families in practical terms.
My professional background includes project management, policy work, and leading teams through change. I believe those skills can be a valuable asset to the board, helping bring thoughtful decision-making, collaboration, and long-term planning to the challenges facing our district. My commitment to this role, however, comes from being a parent and an active member of the community.
At my core, I believe in community, collaboration, and the responsibility we all share in supporting the success of our students. My personal experiences give me a grounded, real‑world understanding of what strong, healthy schools require both in the classroom and at the decision‑making table.
Why You Should Vote for Me
I’m running because I want to bring steady leadership, practical experience, and a values‑driven approach to the school board. I believe in being honest, transparent, and willing to speak up when something doesn’t make sense. Families and staff deserve clear communication and decisions they can trust, and that’s the mindset I bring to every conversation.
A big part of who I am is advocacy. I believe every student should have access to opportunities that help them grow, and every educator should have the support they need to do their best work. I’m committed to asking direct questions, pushing for clarity, and making sure community voices are part of the process.
My professional background is a big part of why I feel prepared for this role. I have experience in project management, policy and legislative work, leading teams, and bringing together people with different perspectives to achieve shared goals. That experience has taught me how to listen, collaborate, stay organized, and make thoughtful decisions when facing complex challenges. I believe those skills would be a valuable asset to the board and the community as we work together to support our students and schools.
That work has taught me how to:
Understand the details without losing sight of the big picture
Break down complicated challenges into clear steps
Communicate directly and openly
Work with different groups of people
Stay focused on long‑term impact
These are the same skills needed to make thoughtful, responsible decisions for our schools. Having someone who already knows how to navigate complex systems and keep things moving in the right direction just makes sense for a role like this.
If elected, I’ll work hard, listen closely, and stay grounded in the values that matter most to me: advocacy, transparency, honesty, and the long‑term success of every student in ISD 199.
Goals and Issues
Budget & Responsible Use of Resources
Budget & Responsible Use of Resources
One of my biggest priorities is making sure our district’s budget is used in a way that truly supports students and staff. I want to ask the right questions, understand where money is going, and make sure we’re using our resources wisely. I also want to look at new revenue paths and explore adjustments to our current structure so we’re not always reacting to financial pressure, but planning ahead. Strong schools need stable funding, and I want to help make sure we’re building that stability.
Class Size & Classroom Experience
Class Size & Classroom Experience
Class size has a huge impact on learning. When classrooms are overloaded, students lose individual attention, teachers lose time and capacity, and resources get stretched thin. I’ve seen how the right class size can completely change the experience for kids — it creates space for connection, support, and real learning. I want to focus on keeping class sizes at levels that help students thrive and give teachers the ability to do their best work.
Teacher Retention & Support
Teacher Retention & Support
We’ve lost great teachers in ISD 199, and it’s something I’ve seen up close. When strong educators leave, it affects students, families, and the overall stability of our schools. I want to focus on what keeps teachers here — support, respect, manageable workloads, and a sense of belonging in the district. Retaining great teachers strengthens everything else we’re trying to do, and it’s a priority I care deeply about.
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