I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members, parents, teachers, and the broader community to ensure that our schools provide an environment where every student can thrive.”

Matt Bruns

Departing from the board are Chair Lisa Hedin, Vice Chair Stephanie Malm, Clerk Becky Beissel and Treasurer Brian Davis.

Voters ushered in a new era for the Hastings School Board, with four new directors poised to be seated in January.

With incumbents declining to run for re-election, a robust election season came to a close with the election of Jenny Wiederholt-Pine, Melissa Millner, Matt Bruns and Philip Biermaier to the Hastings ISD #200 Board of Education. Departing from the board are Chair Lisa Hedin, Vice Chair Stephanie Malm, Clerk Becky Beissel and Treasurer Brian Davis.

The terms of three other directors, Jessica Dressley, Carrie Tate and Mark Zuzek run through 2025, so there won’t be a school board election next year.

ISD #200 voters also approved a referendum allowing the district to spend $2 million annually for 10 years for technology purposes. It allows for investments in student and staff learning devices and building safety and security. It also allows the district to move technology expenses from its regular budget, opening up funding to be used for other educational purposes. The measure passed 3,535 to 3,089.

Superintendent Dr. Tamara Champa commented, “On behalf of students, teachers and staff, thank you for your support for the recent technology levy. The support will ensure that Hastings Public School students will have the necessary tools in an ever-changing digital world. Cyber and physical security will also be enhanced to the greatest extent possible. We are grateful for your trust and confidence.”

The school board election in 2021 saw two incumbents being defeated when Dressley, Tate and Mike Reis won board seats. After a tumultuous several months, Reis resigned after being censured by the board, with Tate and Dressley voting against the censure resolution. Zuzek won a special election last fall for that open seat.

“Anytime you don’t have any incumbents running with four open seats, there’s a lot of change on the horizon,” said Champa. “We’re fortunate as a community to have nine candidates that were passionate and committed to Hastings Public Schools. The four new board members will have a number of training opportunities in early January, and the entire Hastings Board will also begin professional development as a team in January.”

The Journal reached out to the four election winners by email, and Bruns was the only one to respond.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Hastings Public Schools School Board. This selection represents a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity, and innovation within our educational system. I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members, parents, teachers, and the broader community to ensure that our schools provide an environment where every student can thrive. My focus will be on implementing policies that address the diverse needs of our students, make us strong with the powers of employee retention and recruitment, and empower educators to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences. Together, we can work towards a school district that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” he said. “I believe the election results send a powerful message of collective aspirations for positive change within our school district and community. The voters have expressed a desire for a school board that prioritizes transparency, collaboration, and a student-centered approach. This outcome signals a call for increased community engagement and a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of our diverse student population. As a school board candidate, I am deeply attuned to this message and dedicated to working collaboratively with stakeholders to implement policies that enhance the quality of education, promote inclusivity, and ensure that the voices of all community members are heard and valued in shaping the future of our schools.”