Dive into the issues with the candidates for the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board

Prior Lake American

The general election is swiftly approaching and Prior Lake residents will have 11 candidates for four seats on the Prior Lake-Savage Area School Board on the ballot. The four candidates with the most votes win the seats.

Election Day is Nov. 6 and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prior Lake has eight voting precincts. Residents can go to the secretary of state’s website, www.sos.state.mn.us, for a sample ballot, voting locations and voter registration.

Candidates’ responses were edited and paraphrased for clarity and length.

Jonathan Drewes

Savage resident Jonathan Drewes has lived in Savage for 20 years, with his wife, Dawn. The couple has three children, two in college and one a freshman at Prior Lake High School. Drewes has a financial planning practice.

Q: How would you address growth in the district?

A:

A major step in addressing the issue was taken last fall with the passing of the referendum. I take pride in being a part of a community that said “yes” by a nearly 2-1 margin to supporting our kids. The board must now ensure those plans are executed efficiently, on budget and on time. The board must take a sensible approach to managing open enrollment.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

I believe in the power of public education to be a force for good in society. I believe our schools contribute to our quality of life in Prior Lake, Savage and the surrounding townships. I believe that every family who chooses to make our school district home deserves to receive the same outstanding education afforded to our family.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

Following the passage of a referendum, the school board’s role transitions to one of oversight. Budgets should be scrutinized to ensure public dollars are responsibly managed. During the construction process, the board should review progress regularly to ensure all projects are completed within scope, on budget and on time.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

Those who know me say that my strength lies in bringing people together, respecting all viewpoints and building consensus around solutions.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

A parent impacted by boundary changes contacted me last year. She knew I had no influence, but she also knew I was informed and would care. I listened before doing anything else. I considered how I would react if my family were faced with a similar situation. We discussed communication and processes that were involved in the decision, how parents were informed and how that could have been handled differently.

Andrew Ganfield

Prior Lake resident Andrew Ganfield was raised in the district and graduated from Prior Lake High School in 1991. He served in the United States Marine Corps before later returning to Prior Lake. He has been married for 24 years to his wife, Beth, and has two sons who are Prior Lake High School graduates. Ganfield works as a health and safety manager and communication and emergency manager.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

The rate of growth and what is currently being done with open enrollment are relevant topics I would like to explore further than has been done by the current board.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

I will bring what every parent in the district values more than anything else for their children, and that is their children’s safety. I specialize in public safety, emergency management and preparedness every day. In my review of the current district safety documents, we are reactive in every aspect. We need to set a proactive standard to address safety and preparedness.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

I will apply common sense solutions to every decision point. I will look for the reasons why a consultant is necessary at astronomical costs to the taxpayers. What I have heard throughout this campaign is that parents, teachers, and residents are most concerned with learning space and resources. They want a board that makes decisions about the referendum focused on education first, without unnecessary spending.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

I will place safety and security first. In board meeting after board meeting, the current board refused to address security planning as a starting point for referendum spending. We need a safe environment for the students that is proven, not assumed. I also believe in transparency and honest communication with the community. I have been dissatisfied with the lack of disclosure from the current board on issues of spending, debt, security and most recently the pool flushing debacle.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

I would follow the established school board and district protocol for communication with the public while remaining empathetic to their concerns. Every concern from every stakeholder is important and should be heard.

Jason Kwiat

Savage resident Jason Kwiat has lived in Savage for five years and has been married for 20 years to his wife, Christine. His daughter is a Prior Lake High School freshman, and his son, is a sixth grader at Hidden Oaks Middle School. Kwiat is a homemaker.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

The first step is to build a stronger partnership with the city councils of Prior Lake and Savage. I fully support growth and the opportunities and diversity it brings, but not if the resulting population increase results in schools bursting at the seams. The district will need to look at creative boundary changes to make sure enrollment balance is met at elementary schools. The board will need to begin planning in the next three to five years for another referendum should the explosive student growth continue.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

One major difference is that I am the only former teacher. I will rely on my classroom experience and appreciation for public education to guide my decision-making. Another contrast is that I will continue to take a proactive and vocal stance on social issues. Xenophobia, racism and bigotry will not be quietly tolerated. Finally, I am the only candidate committed to making this my full-time profession.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

We have been playing catch-up ever since our high school opened undersized and nearly at capacity in 2003. Worst of all, the new elementary is not scheduled to open until 2020, almost three years after voters approved it. A school board must be strategic and bold enough to address these issues years before they become problems.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

The biggest difference is that my primary focus will be on fighting aggressively for social justice in our district. I will work to create a progressive vision of eliminating educational inequity, promote inclusiveness and diversity, and establish classroom environments that are nurturing and supportive of all students and staff.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

The first step would be to get all of the facts. I would immediately reach out to the resident via phone call to determine the details of the problem. I would then reach out to the district employee who had control and expertise over the situation. I would also make sure to loop in the other six board members to begin creating action steps to resolve the issue.

Sarah Rippke Lloyd

Prior Lake resident Sarah Rippke Lloyd said she will not be campaigning for a seat.

Ajay Mandal

Savage resident Ajay Mandal moved to Savage in 2010 from South Minneapolis. He is married with three children. Mandal runs a technology consulting firm in Savage.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

I will evaluate the need based on data, present it to the community and get their buy-in before implementing any solution. The analysis will include projected student and population growth, finances, current infrastructure, district commitments and our ability to provide quality education and programs.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

I have two master’s degrees. I have more than eight years of corporate experience working for large financial corporations and 10 years in successfully creating and running a technology business. I have saved thousands of dollars for corporations, working on financials, auditing projects and implementing technology solutions for cost savings. I am the only candidate with minority background and believe we should have a minority voice on the board.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

I will evaluate all the financials for the current projects. I will get involved with the finance committee that oversees the referendum funds and projects. I believe, with my finance background, I can provide value to this committee in ensuring public money is spent wisely. I will initiate a process for periodic audit of financials.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

Encourage greater community involvement and participation in the decision-making process and greater emphasis on school security and safety. Benchmark curriculum and programs against best-in-class school districts and implement changes. Get feedback from teaching community on their needs for training and student programs.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

I will try to understand the issue and get as much information as I can, including any supporting evidence or documentation. As per the protocol, I will present the issue at the right platform — this could include the school board, management or school staff — and follow up. If the issue is applicable to the entire community and no privacy issues are involved, communicate the issue and mitigation steps to the community.

Michael Nelson

Savage resident Michael Nelson has lived in Savage for 15 years with her husband, Andy. The couple has three children, two at Prior Lake High School and one at Hidden Oaks Middle School. Nelson works as a designer and coach for small businesses.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

The current board and district staff have already begun addressing the issues of growth through their ongoing planning, the referendum efforts (approved by voters) and continued projections on where growth will go in the future. And while the referendum made it possible to move forward with creating more physical space and resources, I support continued planning and monitoring of data and projections.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

Exploring relationships in order to learn is how I approach anything I do, and it was critical in my work during the referendum effort. I am steadfast in my commitment to making the needs of the students, and in turn the district, the No. 1 factor in making decisions. I am also clear that the board exists to govern, not manage.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

I know that the funds are continually reviewed by the board members. There are also committees within the board that deal with this in even greater depth. Changes in staffing, and operational needs are brought before the board for consideration and approval.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

I have great respect for the current board and the tireless work they have put into helping our district thrive. I would be a frequent visitor to the district’s main office, talking with the administrative staff who manage the day-to-day work and asking questions when I need clarification. I would also hope to spend time with the teachers and staff. I would like to visit with more parents.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

I would listen. What is important to remember is that after listening, there are established protocols for addressing concerns as a board member. If a resident felt their concerns weren’t adequately addressed, it can move up the ladder of personnel and resources.

Michael Peterson

Prior Lake resident Michael Peterson and his wife of 35 years have lived in Prior Lake for 15 years. The couple has a daughter attending school in the district. Peterson is a design and development engineer for hard disc and solid-state drives.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

We are overcrowded, and have more than 1,000 open-enrolled students. Open enrollment should have been closed a while ago. Assuming linear growth will continue is a mistake. Community educational growth projections are currently incorrect and do not factor in all outside variables. We do a disservice to our kids and our teachers when we overcrowd schools.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

The board requires integrity, leadership by example, and understanding of education, finance and demographics that make up our incredibly diverse community. I meet this with my education, background, knowledge and years of genuine experience — including with other Minnesota school districts and acquired from 35 years managing large budgets and demonstrating organizational leadership. I’ve taught STEM in various capacities, mentored science and engineering students and am strong advocate for arts and music.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

The board’s obligation is to ensure referendum and lease-levy funds are maximized so the greatest percentage of funds goes into infrastructure, not to contractors. We have a fiduciary duty to receive and review detailed financial spend reports, not summary aggregate levels with no accountability. Our responsibility is to ensure all who receive our taxpayer dollars meet their obligations and agreements.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

I would heavily promote open, thorough discussions in public meetings on key issues. I will maintain my independence in my voice and my vote, which will be thoroughly researched and independent. Best decisions are thoroughly discussed, include different viewpoints and have strategic vetting to fully understand potential consequences.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

By actively listening, with an open mind always available and never forgetting whom we represent. Board-level issues should be openly discussed at our study sessions, but not all issues belong to the board. We should respect the administration and ensure they tried to resolve the issue. Yet many parents aren’t comfortable speaking directly to our school administration for fear their involvement will have negative consequences for their children. That should never happen.

Mark Pexa

Prior Lake resident Mark Pexa has lived in Prior Lake for four years. He and his wife, Jessica, have two children. He is an information technology supervisor of security and infrastructure.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

We must analyze data and projections to ensure that our facilities and student-to-staff ratio are optimized to meet the primary goal of providing high-quality education and opportunities to students enrolled in our district. Open enrollment is a dynamic element in public K-12 education, which requires careful oversight and review to ensure efficient and effective use of space and resources.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

I work in the public sector with experience in education, local government, and managing budgets with respect for taxpayer money. I hold a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and a master’s in information security. I believe board members must collaborate to provide our children with high-quality education and opportunities in safe environments, because that is the basis for success after graduation. As a father of a young family, I relate to the challenges and concerns of local families.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

I’m an analytical person who evaluates issues by asking questions, researching options and considering the effects of possible choices. Decisions must be made with a keen eye toward the future and the consequences of potential decisions. Board members must be cognizant that they are representing the community and must engage stakeholders. Collaboration is key to success.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

At present, there is a lack of transparency, communication and accountability from the board. There have been issues since the referendum was passed, which have caused delays and adversely affected project timelines. Community members expect and deserve open communication and the sharing of information from administration and vendors.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

School board members are elected by the community and must be accessible and engaged with the community. I would gather information on the topic, determine the number of affected students or families, discuss with the board and district administration and then communicate the course of action and response to the stakeholders. I am open to meeting with stakeholders and respect their concerns and ideas.

Stacey Ruelle

Savage resident Stacey Ruelle serves on the board and has since 2010. Ruelle has lived in Savage for 19 years with her husband, David. The couple has two daughters who both graduated from Prior Lake High School. Ruelle has been Prior Lake Soccer Club administrator for nine years.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

I would ensure that our administration continues to monitor and project out our growth for the next five to 10 years with resources such as demographic planning and stays connected with the city of Prior Lake and Savage staffs. We need to ensure that our class sizes stay the same or lower as we have our new classrooms come on board over the next two years. We will need to continue to limit open enrollment.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

I have done the work of the board over the last eight years and have been intimately involved with decisions around growth, enrollment, hiring a superintendent, building and construction projects as well as understanding the role of a school board member. I have had experience on many different sub-committees such as facilities, policy, and the executive committee. My goal is to continue to build on and strive for excellence for all of our students.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

We have monthly building bond reports brought to the board each month that show the referendum funds and how the money is being distributed and planned on being distributed. All projects are monitored to make sure they are within budget and on time.

Q: What would you do differently than, or similarly to, current board members?

A:

The school board has thoroughly debated many decisions in the last few years. I expect that to continue, and rightly so, as we all are seven different individuals who represent all stakeholders in Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. After a decision is made by the board, it is critical to move ahead with one voice in the direction that was voted on.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

I would ensure that I listened to the resident and heard their concerns. The next step would be to see if they have had any contact with the superintendent or other administrators to which the concern may pertain. I would also make sure that the board chair was made aware of the situation.

Enrique Velazquez

Prior Lake resident Enrique Velazquez has lived in Prior Lake since 1999 with his wife of 19 years, Sarah. Three of the couple’s children attend school in the district. Velazquez also has a daughter who is a teacher and lives in Burnsville.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

First, inspect what we expect. We should validate if the board’s projections for natural growth are on pace. Second, perform cost-benefit analyses of open enrollment to determine what is the appropriate mix we can reasonably accommodate without negatively impacting quality of education or services. Third, look at how to manage the growth through a mix of rezoning, school expansion or future school additions.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

Experience. I have three children in three different levels of school within the district and can provide insight into these varied experiences. With a child enrolled in the LifeSkills Special Education program and another with a 504 plan, I can speak knowledgeably on behalf of parents and their students in need of vital resources. I bring relevant board experience from both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Lastly, I understand government finance, contracting, information technology.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

I would implement a balanced scorecard through the different milestones and phases of development so we can continuously focus on the results we expect.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

The district did well by creating the Facilities Task Force after the failed referendum in 2016. I would take this effort further by visiting schools regularly to experience the issues and pinch points firsthand. Secondly, engage the community through a series of listening sessions. Lastly, once a plan is developed, go back to these same groups.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

I would listen to determine if the issue is unique to this individual or may impact others, or whether the issue is a result of a failure in a policy that the board has implemented. Depending on the root cause, the actions will be different. Regardless, I will remain in contact with the resident to see if I can be of help.

Josh Welch

Prior Lake resident Josh Welch has lived in the district for 13 years, with the last eight years spent in Prior Lake. He is married and has two children who attend school in the district. Welch is a software developer for a financial services company.

Q: How would you address growth?

A:

Our best approach is continual monitoring and forecasting of growth to assure that we are planning appropriately. As we consider our plans for growth, I would advocate for a conservative approach to minimize the likelihood of building beyond the needs for the district.

Q: What differentiates you from the other candidates?

A:

A willingness to learn. I’m not going into this with the assumption that I have all the answers for what’s happening in the district. I am committed to investing this time and effort to make the best possible decisions.

Q: How do you plan to oversee referendum funds and projects?

A:

My expectation for district projects of any substantial size would be that a project plan is created with milestones tied to time- and cost-based measures. The Finance, Facilities, and Long Range Planning Committee should be tasked with the active oversight of these projects.

Q: What would you do differently than or similarly to current board members?

A:

Engaging in thoughtful dissent. It’s important that we have voices on the board that are willing to question and challenge in a constructive fashion.

Q: If a resident came to you with an issue or a concern, how would you address it?

A:

I’d work with the resident to determine if there are existing channels within the district to pursue their concern and guide them appropriately. If the resident had already pursued existing channels without satisfaction, I’d seek to understand if the resident’s concern deserved additional consideration. Our residents deserve to be heard and to know why the district acts as it does.