by Mike Knaak
news@thenewsleaders.com
A slate of three candidates who say they want change and accountability plan to run for the Sartell-St. Stephen school board.
Two of the three, Emily Larson and Jen Smith, are parents and founding members of Kids Over Politics, a group that for the past year has been critical of the district’s education equity effort. The third candidate, Scott Wenshau is a parent and wounded Army veteran serving currently as a law enforcement officer. Wenshau has been more recently involved in the group and is “running to bring increased school security and a common-sense approach to the issues at hand,” according to a statement from the group.
There will be three seats on the six-member board up for election on Nov. 8. Those seats are currently held by board chair Patrick Marushin, clerk Jeremy Snoberger and board member Amanda Byrd. Filing for the seats opens Aug. 2 and ends Aug. 16. The election is Nov. 8.
Kids Over Politics members have criticized the equity process, claimed that the effort lacked transparency and that it strayed from addressing bullying. Superintendent Jeff Ridlehoover recently announced an action plan to address a wide range of issues including bullying, curriculum, school culture and climate and social media. The action plan was produced by a 90-member committee of adults and students who met since September. Ridlehoover formed the committee after Kids Over Politics members and others objected to a survey and report produced by consultants Equity Alliance MN.
The three candidates say they are running to ensure accountable and transparent leadership, create actionable policy and protocols to address bullying, restore apolitical classrooms, promote parental rights and improve security in schools.
