Meet the Goodridge and Grygla School Board Candidates
Tue, 10/02/2018 - 9:59am
admin
With the November 6, 2018, Election right around the corner, meet the School Board Candidates on this year’s ballot.
For Grygla/Gatzke, the following people are not up for re-election and will continue to serve on their board: Karina Tinnes, Jeremy Rychlock and Andy Oslund. The ballot has the below four names on it, in which three will be voted in. (Charisa Limesand is not seeking re-election.)
For Goodridge, John Lovly, Tim Hruby and Terry Drangstveit are not up for re-election and will continue to serve on their board. The ballot has the below seven names on it, in which three will be voted in.
GRYGLA SCHOOL
Nicolette Leach (Incumbent)
Occupation: Risk Advisor, North Risk Partners
How long have you lived in this school district? 26 years
Do you have children in the school district? Yes. Hailea (25) and Hunter (22) graduated from GHS and Hudson (16) is currently a junior at GHS.
Years and positions on the Grygla/Gatzke School Board: I am fortunate to have been on the board for 23-25 years. I have held the positions of Clerk, Vice Chair and currently serving as Chairperson.
What motivates you to want to be a school board member? It has truly been an honor to serve on the Grygla School Board. Our district, even though small in numbers, is simply outstanding. What our students have been able to accomplish, both academically and personally, is a true testament to the dedication of everyone that is employed by our district. I am thankful to have been a small part in these accomplishments. It is a team effort.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? To have the ability to think outside the box. Due to our size, we have to be creative. Our funding is based on student count, so you have to be fiscally responsible when making the decisions that impact our students. In short, you have to be able to do a lot with a little. Also, have the ability to collaborate with other board members, staff and administration. Again, this is a team effort with the students’ success as our main objective.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? We have a very positive atmosphere in our district; I would like to be a part of maintaining that. There are the basics of education, but if a student can be surrounded by positivity, I feel that their success is elevated to a different level.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? One goal or vision that I hope could happen in our district is to do more ‘out of the classroom’ instruction. I do feel that the students of this generation are quick to learn and understand using the hands on approach. We have had the opportunity to do external instruction and I would like to see more.
Other community involvement/activities: I am a member of Grace Lutheran Church, serve on the Grace LYO Advisory Board, the ECFE Advisory Board, the NWRIC Advisory Board, a member of the Chix from the Stix Relay for Life Team and volunteer at the Pennington County Food Shelf.
Jim Verbout (Incumbent)
Occupation: Full-time Farmer
How long have you lived in this school district? All my life
Do you have children in the school district? Shantel Verbout (GHS graduate - 3rd year of college now), Peyton Verbout (12th grade), Tucker Verbout (9th grade)
How long have you served on the Grygla/Gatzke School Board? 4 years
What motivates you to want to be a school board member? To make sure the well-being of the students and school district runs as smoothly and successfully as it can.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? Being knowledgeable of what is going on in the school and our community and being open minded.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? Being the voice, not only for the kids, but the public. Being a board member, one should have an open mind and not be afraid to bring new ideas to the table.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? My goal is to just keep our school district striving and going strong.
Other community involvement/activities: Benville Township Board Member for approximately 13 years. Jaycee member for approximately 20 years. I have helped the Sportsman’s Club with gun training for about 8 years now, along with volunteering my time when/where needed during our Grygla Fall Fest.
Clinton Brobst
Occupation: Ranchhand, Brobst Family Farm
How long have you lived in this school district? Since 1994
Do you have children in the school district? Lakylie (6th grade), Kamdyn (Kindergarten), Blakelee (ECFE) & Whitley (ECFE).
What motivates you to want to become a school board member? I would like to be more involved with the school district as my children go through their school years. I would like to help make the decisions to keep our school safe and continuing to be better each day going forward.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? Being open minded, honest and straight forward with each member. Listening to others opinions and making decisions as a team.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? A new generation of thoughts and ideas.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? I want to see leadership and positive role models for our kids. A curriculum that is doable and where all students are equal. To better our education each and every day and maintain the high quality teachers and staff.
Other community involvement/activities: Grygla Go-Getters 4H and Grace Lutheran Church member
Tera Nordby
Occupation: I am an insurance agent at American State Agency. It’s been a wonderful career change for me and my family. Being able to be so close to home has been a wonderful bonus.
How long have you lived in this school district? I have lived in the school district area for 11 years now.
Do you have children in the school district? Three kids are enrolled in the school district – Hailey is in 10th grade, Landon is in 4th grade and Mauer is in Kindergarten.
What motivates you to want to become a school board member? With my kids being in school, I want to be able to be a voice for their education and extracurricular activities so that they have a bright future in all aspects of life.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? A successful school board member is one that is a good listener, understands the needs and concerns both in the school and throughout the community. There is always going to be a difference in opinion, whether it’s at home with your own family or with an entire community and you have to take each of those into consideration, but also have the confidence and knowledge to be able to take those opinions and focus on the ones that are the most effective.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? More awareness on mental health. There are so many varying levels of mental health, so the way to take care of one issue may not be right way to take care of the next issue and so on. I would like to see more knowledge, training to all members including students, teachers, parents, etc.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? I feel that no matter what age we get, we are never too old to stop learning, with that, I would like to see more community education programs.
Other community involvement/activities: I teach Sunday School at Grace Lutheran Church, a member of the Fourtown/Grygla Sportman’s Club and a member of the Grygla Sports Boosters. I am also on the Special Education Parent Advisory Council as the Grygla ISD rep. This is near and dear to my heart as I have a strong love for Special Education. I hope to be able to have more resources and spin-off groups for members in our community who have children with Special needs.
GOODRIDGE SCHOOL
Roxann Coan (Incumbent)
Occupation: Digi-Key/Procurement Associate (Purchasing)
How long have you lived in this school district? I have been part of this community for 23 years.
Do you have children in the school district? Vivian (10th) & Jordan (9th)
What motivated you to become a school board member? My dad was a member/Chairman of the Gonvick-Trail & Clearbrook-Gonvick School Board for many years. His passion for the community, education & school district always held a special place in my heart growing up. I felt like I had a lot of the same qualities that would make me a good member of our local school board. The kids of our community are a big motivator for me. I enjoy getting to know them and supporting them in their academics, athletics and other events outside of school. I know personally how important it is to keep a school alive and well in a community. It is the basis of any community.
How long have you served on the Goodridge School Board and what positions have you held? I have served the board for 4 years. The various committees I have served on during this time are the NW RIC Board, Certified Staff Negotiations, Paired Sports Committee, Interview/Hiring Committees for both Classified & Non Classified Staff, Technology Upgrade Committee & Gym Surface Refinishing Committee.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? To be a successful board member you have to be involved in the community and happenings of the district. In order to make good sound decisions you need to fully understand the processes. You also have to be very open to different opinions and suggestions. We are voted in by the voters of our district therefore we represent our community and their families. That feedback needs to be discussed with the board & administration. Anyone is welcome to call, email or swing by our place if there is a comment, suggestion or you just want to talk. The door is always open. My contact information is 218-686-5078 (cell), 218-378-4156 (home) & rrcoan@gvtel.com.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? I don’t feel I have just one thing to bring to the board table. I feel I’m very involved on a daily, weekly basis. If I feel something needs attention I do reach out to that individual for clarification or request that we discuss at the next board meeting. When contacted by voters of our district in regards to comments or concerns I do bring the information forward.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? I believe we as a district have overall goals & visions for the future. We discuss and then move forward on the goals. I believe the School Board Members, Administration & community keep an open dialogue. I feel like a joint collaboration between all and act in the best interest of our students. Our goal at the end of the day is to provide the best possible education for ALL of our students.
Other community involvement/activities: Goodridge Area Development Board (Secretary/Treasurer), Faith Lutheran Church (Financial Treasurer), Digi-Key Cares (Community Volunteer Program). I have also previously served as a Sunday School Teacher (20 years) & Inter County Community Council Board.
Thanks for your previous support. I would appreciate your vote November 6.
Neil Jensen (Incumbent)
Occupation: Farmer
How long have you lived in this school district? My entire life
Do you have children in the school district? Carly - 1st grade, Nels - Preschool
How long have you served on the Goodridge School Board and what positions have you held? I have served for 13 years on the board. I currently hold the position of Vice Chair.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? To always put the student’s needs first, and keep an open mind.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? My goal has always been and will continue to be, to support and improve student achievement, and the financial stability of the district to ensure that our doors stay open for years to come.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? To keep up with technology in the classroom.
Other community involvement/activities: I am a member of the Goodridge Fire department, Highlanding Township Supervisor and a member of Ekelund Church.
Dale Manderud (Incumbent)
Occupation: Farmer
How long have you lived in this school district? My entire life
Do you have children in the school district? Dylan 18 (2017 GHS Graduate), Riley 15, Chase 12
How long have you served on the Goodridge School Board? This is my 8th year.
What motivates you to want to be a school board member? I believe I have a strong interest in the community and the best interest for kids in the school district – I care what’s going on in our community.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? Someone that listens to the community. The people vote us in to make decisions in our school district and it’s up to us to represent them and follow through with where we want to go.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? I’ve always said that I have an opinion and you’re going to hear it. I’m not intimidated by other people’s views.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? Stay on top of updating things so we can stay current with how society is working.
Other community involvement/activities: Volunteer on the Fire Department, Township board, Snowmobile Club member, and involved on numerous committees in the community.
Stacy Anderson
Occupation: Digi-Key Electronics
How long have you lived in this school district? 25 Years
Do you have children in the school district? Sadie Anderson 8th grade & Brooke Anderson (NCTC)
What motivates you to want to become a school board member? To provide every child with the education they deserve.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? Keeping up on educational needs and working together with the members of the board and Administration to make sure they are implemented and met.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? One program I would like to see implemented is job shadowing for Juniors/Seniors. Other schools have done this for a while now and in listening to young adults that have been able to participate in a job shadow have sometimes changed their career choice.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? To be able to give our young adults heading off to college or the workforce the tools they need to be successful.
Other community involvement/activities: Goodridge Area Fire and Rescue, Goodridge Area Development, and former Elementary Girls Basketball coach.
Nicole Kiesow
Occupation: Physician Assistant (MPAS)
How long have you lived in this school district? 20 years
Do you have children in the school district? Alexis Kiesow, 20, GHS 2017 Graduate; Kayla, 16; Hunter, 12.
What motivates you to want to become a school board member? I want to make more of a difference in the education of the children of our district. We have good kids and we need to help them reach their full potential.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? I think a good understanding of the educational system and the willingness to work hard to get what we need, to think outside the box, to use the strengths that we have as a district to make up for the things we lack.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? It would have to be get back to doing the essential things well and then work on all the extras. We spend so much time working on the extra activities that we forget that the children are here to learn and this is the basis for the rest of their lives. They need to graduate and be good functioning members of society.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? I would like to see our athletic teams to be top in the state in the GPA. It is good to win games, but being good at school and winning games is even better.
Other community involvement/activities: I am active in the Goodridge Lion Tamers and the Goodridge/Grygla 500 Race committee.
Jason Kotrba
Occupation: Self Employed Farmer and Owner Operator Kotrba Ditching
How long have you lived in the school district? I have lived in the school district my entire life, I graduated from Good-ridge School in 1994.
Do you have children in the school district? Yes, I have four daughters in school in Good-ridge. Kylie Delage Grade 8, Gemma Kotrba Grade 3, Layken Kotrba Kindergarten, Kyra Kotrba Pre K 3
What motivates you to want to become a school board member? I feel no matter what profession, club, institution, or board you are a part of there is always room for improvement and the school our kids attend is no exception. We should always strive toward improvement. In order to improve sometimes changes need to be made. I would like to be a part of the forward change and constant improvement in Goodridge.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? An open mind, and the ability to objectively do what’s best for our school and the kids in our community. Also, the ability to be able to listen to others opinions and be objective about the goals at hand.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? To be able to look at issues with a fresh set of eyes.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? My goals are to make constant leaps towards improvement and always be looking at what we can do better to prepare our kids for their futures outside of school.
Other community involvements/activities: Goodridge Area Fire and Rescue, Good-ridge Lions Club, Vice President of Church Council Ekelund (Goodridge Area Lutheran Parish), Bray Gentilly Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors member
Joe Rubischko
Occupation: Farmer
How long have you lived in this school district? I have lived in the Goodridge School District my entire life of 34 years.
Do you have children in the school district? Carson 7th grade, Evan 4th grade, Gavin 2nd grade
What motivates you to want to become a school board member? I have three sons active in the school. I am very involved with my children’s activities and education. While attending the various activities for them I have heard numerous parents and students talking about improvements, or that sometimes they feel unheard when approaching the board. I have an approachable personality and try to put myself in the other person’s shoes before making decisions. I believe that this is something that I could bring to the board - a voice for the quiet and common sense for all. I also believe that education is very important. There have been many successful people that have graduated from our school district in many different fields and all add something to the community and I would like to help this continue.
In your opinion, what are the basic requirements for a successful school board member? Someone who listens to people and makes decisions that will put the district and students in the best position for education and life experience. Also must be able to vote for things that maybe is not what you personally want but know that it’s what the people want or is the best for the district.
What is one thing you want to bring to the board table? I would bring common sense.
Any goals or visions you have for education in our community? To make sure that all students are given the opportunity to achieve a good and well-rounded education that will send them down the road of life successfully.
Other community involvement/activities: I am an active member of the Ekelund Lutheran Church, Ekelund Church Council, Goodridge Fire & Rescue team, President of the Goodridge Creamery Board, Northland Community & Technical College Farm Business Management Advisory Board and coach elementary basketball.