The Hastings Journal wants the community to have the opportunity to get to know the nine candidates for Hastings School Board.

Over the next two weeks, we’re posing questions to each candidate. In the Nov. 2 edition of the Hastings Journal, each candidate will be offered a 500-word “pitch” to voters. There will be no Letters to the Editor published that week on anything directly related to the election.

Running for four open seats on the Hastings School Board, in alphabetical order, are Philip Biermaier, Nancy Blanchard, Matt Bruns, Melissa Millner, Pamela Onnen, Mariah Ring, Matt Seeger, Brandy Wentzler and Jenny Wiederholt-Pine.

On to the questions!

How will you support our teachers and staff to ensure they can provide the best possible education for our students?

Nancy Blanchard

The answer to this question is neither simple nor singular.  I believe our Hastings teachers are proficient and accomplished in their endeavor to meet the education needs of every one of their students, being well equipped and dedicated.  Besides the teachers, this leaves the curriculum, the administration and the students.  After speaking with several students and parents, my understanding is that the most difficulties ley with several students who believe that they can behave any way they see fit and have no significant or consistent consequences. This situation has resulted in regular interruptions throughout class periods, making it almost impossible for any teaching to occur and the students who desire to learn, cannot.  I think that a protocol needs to be instilled for all disorderly students that is followed by all, teachers, parents and administrators.  The system we have right now, is neither complete nor effective and perhaps, not being followed.  I would also encourage and support the superintendents' decisions and guidance to instill a stronger methodology to address this situation.

There is also the practice of sending students forward to the next grade who are not able or capable in the grade they are currently in. This began with the best intentions and is not confined to Hastings by any means. I hope that the negative results have proven this system of 'making everyone feel good' is not working life is full of successes and failures. We are not supposed to be successful in everything.

We, as individuals, are meant to have abilities and achievements that help one another, encourage others and fit together to make a successful community.  I believe it is important to train a child in all matters of life including success and failure.  It is during these years that we, as adults, have the opportunity and responsibility, to guide children in balancing emotions and appropriate responses.

A third concern I have is the integrity, or the lack thereof, for our buildings and those who work diligently to make them safe and pleasant, for the teachers by students who seem to think it's ok to treat anyone however they want to including other students and for the lack of respect for administrators and even themselves. I realize there are many students who do not fall into these scenarios, but there are just too many who do.  I think the majority of our students are wonderful, strong, focused, kind and competent individuals who Hastings community is very proud of.

Jenny Wiederholt-Pine

As a board member I would have ongoing communication between teachers, school staff, and administration to ensure we are addressing their immediate needs and issues they’re facing on a regular basis. I would collaborate with all staff and advocate for proper classroom support. 

Matt Seeger

Our teachers and staff are truly the lifeblood of our schools and the success of our students. That's why supporting them will be one of my top priorities if elected. First, we need to ensure teachers have the resources, training, and tools necessary to provide engaging, high-quality instruction and support. I will advocate for budgets that prioritize funding for professional development, technology, curriculum, and classroom materials. 

Second, we need to think creatively about how to attract and retain our district's talented educators and support personnel. This could include initiatives like teacher tuition reimbursement, competitive compensation packages, and leadership career pathways. We need to listen directly to what would help recruit and keep our excellent teachers.

Finally, we need to do more to recognize their invaluable contributions and provide environments where they can thrive. As a board, we should celebrate great teaching and staff achievements. And implement policies that reduce unnecessary burdens, empower teachers with autonomy, and show deep appreciation for their work. Our students succeed when our staff succeeds. I am committed to ensuring this.

Mariah Ring

I hope to support our teachers and staff by ensuring that we are carrying out the goals set in the district's strategic plan. We can provide support for this by ensuring we pay a livable wage to our teachers and staff, which will help retain current employees and acquire new employees in the district. We also need to ensure that we provide staff with the means to attend staff development and enrichment programs and that their classrooms are stocked with the things necessary to teach our students without the need to put their funds into acquiring the supplies. I also think this can be achieved through an open dialogue with our teachers and staff about their needs, concerns, and ideas. Our teachers and staff are on the front lines, and they know better than anyone else what they need to provide the best education and environment for our students, and we need to lean into their expertise. 

Matt Bruns

My foremost commitment is to cultivate a supportive and empowering environment for our educators. I aim to implement comprehensive professional development programs, equitable compensation structures, and robust mental health support to foster a thriving community of teachers and staff. By encouraging collaborative decision-making, promoting inclusive practices, and fostering a culture of innovation, we can ensure that our teachers have the necessary resources and autonomy to provide the best possible education for our diverse student body.

Brandy Wentzler

As board members, we set the tone for our schools. If we are to truly support our schools then it starts with supporting the educational professionals that have been hired. We will need to understand what kind of training our teachers and para-professionals may feel they need to provide better support to the students. We need to explore avenues that other districts have found lead to success for students and teachers as well. Our teachers have a unique ability to get to know the learning styles of each child in their classroom and meet them where they are. I've had 20 years of experience as both an ASL interpreter and assistant teacher. I love seeing a professional teacher at work. As board members we need to understand that we are not all educational experts and we need to be willing to learn more about our supportive role in Hastings schools. 

Philip Biermaier

I first want to address the “Trust Teachers” signs now planted in many yards in our district. I had three children graduate from this school district and they have constantly given credit to all the teachers who help mold their readiness for life post High School. No one candidate, or four candidates for that matter, owns trust. If we are asking voters for trust, there must be transparency between the district and it’s  taxpaying constituents. A board needs to help create policies to help teachers regain the control of their classroom and provide a safe and positive educational  environment for teachers and students. Educators need to know we support their domain, the classroom. 

Pam Onnen

• Support Teacher Training: I want to make sure our teachers can get continuing education to improve and stay current with their licensure. We should applaud and support training that is requested to expand classroom methods and strategies. As technologies continue to grow and change, we need to continue to support teachers and students in this quickly expanding area.
• Improvement based on exit Interviews: I have heard a lot of parents who are concerned about teachers leaving the district. This is concerning. District wide, we should be conducting exit interviews with each employee, which includes teachers. The interview must have the employee, at least one Administrator, and a mutually agreeable faculty member (preferably a department head). We need to look at WHY teachers are leaving. We need to rip off the Band-Aid in order to strategize how to do things better.

Melissa Millner

Over the past several weeks, I have talked with several teachers and staff members who shared with me that behavior issues in the classroom is the root cause preventing them from effectively teaching their students. Combine behavior issues with overcrowded classrooms and it helps us begin to understand why approximately 50% of our students cannot read or complete math problems at grade level. Here are the specific percentages from the most recent MCA Test Results:

-​53% can read at grade level

-50% can complete math at grade level

-43% understand science at grade level

My goal to support our teachers and staff is to do what it takes to remove the poor behavior from the classrooms and school overall allowing the teachers, staff, and the students to focus on learning and growing academically. Academic decline is the #1 reason I decided to run for a seat on the School Board. My husband and I both have advanced education, and it is of utmost importance to us that EVERY child is challenged to perform to their highest potential. These kids are our future, they deserve our very best!

One of the steppingstones toward my goal is to determine where the disconnect is on handling repetitive behavior issues. This process needs to be corrected. When behavior issues are dealt with, the larger class sizes would ideally be more manageable.  If after managing the behavior issues, the larger class sizes are still unmanageable, then we need to figure that out too. I can guarantee you, I will do my very best to improve the atmosphere in the classrooms, so the teachers can teach, and the students can learn. Hastings families deserve the very best from our school system!

How will you engage the community to ensure open communication between yourself as a board member and the community?

Philip Biermaier

First and foremost, we need to allow taxpaying parents and citizens to have an open forum at our meetings. Taxpayers fund students, and whether you have children in the district or not, all questions need to be addressed transparently. As a board member it is essential to be approachable and open to all viewpoints, even one’s in which we may disagree. Open debate and dialogue are essential in being able to understand all points of view. I will however not get into the negative aspects of social media, very little positive solutions come from this forum. I would also be open to an occasional discussion group with concerned constituents, as I believe open forums work well. 

Nancy Blanchard

The first place I would want to be sure that the Hastings community is given the opportunity to have a voice is in the Board meetings where there should be a segment of time designated for public concerns and addressing them as a board.  Another option would be my Facebook page and email which are already available for any Hastings resident to contact me with questions and concerns.  I also hope that, within reason, the community would feel they could communicate with me as needs and concerns as they arise without causing undue stress on anyone.

Matt Bruns

I recognize the fundamental significance of transparent communication and community engagement. My approach involves establishing regular town hall meetings, creating accessible online platforms for feedback and suggestions, and fostering meaningful partnerships with local community organizations and leaders. By prioritizing inclusivity, listening to diverse perspectives, and actively incorporating community feedback into decision-making processes, I aim to ensure that the community remains an integral part of shaping the educational policies and initiatives that directly impact our students.

Melissa Millner

Messages have been pouring into MelissaMillner.isd200@gmail.com as well as through my social media account and website. I plan to keep all of those vehicles of communication open. I am also very willing to meet with people 1 on 1 or in group settings to answer peoples’ questions and to hear their concerns and opinions. Restoring public comment in front of the Board sessions is also very important to me. 

I have the unique opportunity, because of my pediatric and family chiropractic practice, to hear peoples’ experiences and concerns on a daily basis. No matter the mode or location, I want everyone to know I am approachable and very open to communicating with anyone. My suggestion to the community is to take advantage of sharing your concerns with School Board members no matter who is elected. I have heard and read many heartbreaking stories about bullying and other challenges our students and their families are experiencing. It is so important for our School Board members to hear this information. Help the Board members help our kids by sharing these challenges. They need to know what is happening in our schools in order to find the best solutions to the problems! Communication is the key!

Pam Onnen

My approach to open communication as a board member will mirror exactly what I have been doing during my campaign. I will meet people where they are. Families that prefer an email conversation can send a message or a question to onnenforsb@gmail.com and I will reply to every message. Families that are busy and on-the-go will probably see me at a Football or Soccer game. I’ll definitely be taking in some hockey action this winter, too. My children have grown their art and music passions in choir and orchestra. I will continue to go the concerts and plays in our high school and middle school auditoriums; I’ll always welcome questions or conversations when I am out and about. I think impromptu conversations like these are a great way to stay current with community and board topics in real time.

Mariah Ring

This question goes back to the need for public comment at school board meetings. We need our community members to feel that they can be heard and that their ideas or concerns are valid and should be at least considered. This can be achieved by reopening public comment and ensuring that they can contact the board and the Superintendent with what they have to say and that they will be acknowledged, have their questions answered, their ideas addressed, and their concerns met. 

Matt Seeger

Maintaining open communication between the school board and all district stakeholders is essential for transparency and strengthening our schools. If elected, I plan to engage the community. Some of the initiatives we could use to do this would include:

• Hosting regular town halls to hear directly from students, parents, staff, and residents on key issues and gather feedback.
• Attending community events and meetings to increase accessibility and see issues firsthand.
• Publishing a monthly newsletter summarizing district happenings, board activity, and upcoming decisions requiring input.
• Surveying the community before major board decisions to capture diverse viewpoints and priorities.
• Maintaining an open door policy for constituents to voice questions and concerns.
• Leveraging social media platforms to share updates and foster ongoing dialogue on district matters.
• Advocating for public comment periods at all board meetings and actively listening to concerns raised.

Our community's voice is invaluable for identifying issues and continuously improving as a district. As your board member, I will champion transparency, welcome all perspectives, and ensure respectful dialogue guides good governance and student-focused progress in our schools.

Brandy Wentzler

It's important to understand that the board is only the school board when we meet officially as a group. That being said, it is still going to be important to engage with the community of parents, students and teachers. I will always be reachable by email. I am happy to make needed phone calls and face to face meetings, but with the understanding that I am a listener and as a single board member, I can't make statements on behalf of the entire board. I am a listener by profession, it is important to me that people have space to feel heard. I am also interested in engaging the community through possible public listening and learning sessions. However, I am aware that meetings of that nature would need to be discussed and agreed upon by the entire Hastings school board. 

Jenny Wiederholt-Pine

The first place I would want to be sure that the Hastings community is given the opportunity to have a voice is in the Board meetings where there should be a segment of time designated for public concerns and addressing them as a board.  Another option would be my Facebook page and email which are already available for any Hastings resident to contact me with questions and concerns.  I also hope that, within reason, the community would feel they could communicate with me as needs and concerns as they arise without causing undue stress on anyone.

What do you believe are the major issues facing District 200 and how would you work to improve them?

Jenny Wiederholt-Pine

Other than the aforementioned issues that I stated,  I am hopeful that the overall budget is given a serious look and changed where possible and necessary. Attitudes throughout the district raise, with the goal of having kind, intelligent communication in all settings with all citizens. Raising the bar of our students, especially concerning math, reading and science, so not only half but the majority, if not all, of our students are at grade level or above in their ability. Reach for the #1 position of schools in Minnesota. Diligently focus on the academic subjects that are to be taught without filtering in any politically rooted issues. Maintain parental involvement with THEIR children which will increase the trust everyone can and should have in teachers. We have a wonderful school district, student body and community but I believe we can do better and be excellent!

Brandy Wentzler

This is going to be a big transition year with regard to the READ act! Our Teaching and Learning team will be seeking out the new curriculum guidelines and learn about what new assessment tools will be used starting in the 24-25 school year. More assessments for reading deficiencies will mean more time spent by our teachers trying to both engage in new curriculum and assess reading abilities. For those who do not yet know, there will be a return of phonemic awareness in these curriculums.

We also need to seek out ways to help kids feel mentally & emotionally safe in school. There are certainly kids carrying out negative behaviors that need to be addressed; their actions have impacts on others. As board members we need to think about the levels of staffing for mental health and possible developmental training for current staff related to early crisis intervention or trauma informed communication. There are students who are hurting and need help. It’s important to build bridges between home and school to make transitions into learning spaces smoother over time. We all, parents, teachers, students, need to operate as an academic team. The goal is not only education but working to make each other better. When all children feel welcome in their learning environment, they thrive and grow into the kind of adults who want to give back to their Hastings community.

Matt Seeger

One major issue is declining enrollment, which strains resources. I would support exploring innovative programs to attract families, advocating at the state level for equitable enrollment-based funding, and budgeting strategically to produce excellent education amidst trends.

Another priority issue is student mental health and wellbeing. I would push for expanding counseling services, implementing social-emotional learning curriculum, and adopting a "whole child" vision valuing development beyond just academics.

A third pressing issue is aging school infrastructure in need of updates. I would pursue capital investment programs renovating schools, highlight infrastructure needs, and responsibly balance facilities spending with other budget items.

Finally, I believe we need to focus on academic achievement gaps and equity. I would support more teacher training on culturally responsive instruction, programs addressing opportunity gaps, and using data to identify and respond to disparities.

By adopting solutions-oriented leadership, engaging community expertise, focusing relentlessly on students’ needs, and keeping issues visible, I am 

confident District 200 can make measurable progress improving these major priority areas. Our students deserve nothing less.

Mariah Ring

One of the major issues facing our district is a lack of faith in the Public Education system. Everyone knows we need to raise test scores and increase our enrollment and graduation rates. We also need to trust that our teachers know what they are doing and how to educate our students best. We need to believe they have the student's best interests at heart and are well-trained and capable. They have been educated to educate, and we hired them because they were the best candidates for the job. We need to work to assist them in this role and support their needs so that we can raise our district's students to the highest level possible.

Pamela Onnen

I think the most concerning issues fall into 3 main categories: Health/Safety, Academics, and Building Lifelong Excellence.

Health/Safety: I will prioritize the awareness of the nationwide drug problems and bullying in schools. Fentanyl poisoning can happen without the person even knowing they have been poisoned. I am extremely worried about the number of young lives lost to this drug. Bullying is also devastating to students. Like fentanyl, it isn’t noticed or called out when it first starts. The effects of bullying a victim are incremental and build from each encounter. I want our district to face these problems through EDUCATION and AWARENESS. I ask every family to PLEASE attend a fentanyl awareness presentation, then have those open and awkward family conversations so that all our students know that they are loved and cherished. Help your children learn how to give a complement instead of judgment. I just cannot overstate the importance of these life and death issues.

Academics: I’m not going to hold anything back on this question. I have been a substitute teacher in this district for over a decade. I have seen classroom behavior deteriorate so that it is not as easy for a child to learn in the classroom today as it was ten years ago. That’s a fact. I have noticed more students who really don’t care to learn, students who disrupt the learning of others, and an increased percentage of student absences. I am very concerned. We need to surround our students with hugs of support and accountability from the two arms of school admin and parents.

Build Lifelong Excellence: Academics is ONE large part of strength needed for a lifetime. I want to see growth in academics both as a united school, and in each student. We need more than just academics; we need to keep supporting athletics, arts, and vocational skills. As a board member, I will fight to keep funding for these programs to allow all interested students the ability to remain active in these areas through graduation.

Melissa Millner

First and foremost, we need to provide a safe learning and teaching environment. All students, teachers and staff need to feel safe, supported and valued. Students are entering our schools with many different beliefs, backgrounds, and family lives. We need to place the students at the very heart of all we do in order to support and help our students become their very best.

The constant behavior and bullying issues must be addressed and not allowed to continue. I also have concerns about what schooling from home has done to the focus and ability to put school as a priority for a lot of these kids. Learning just doesn’t seem important anymore to some students. We need to bring back the love of learning, the excitement, and give them purpose. 

The major issues we are facing and my ideas for improving them include:

• Improving our students’ academic success by:
  -Addressing behavior and bullying issues

-Incorporating literacy into all of the elementary curriculum

-Providing mental wellness support for students

• We need to retain the amazing teachers we have and work to prevent burnout by:

-Addressing bullying and behavior issues

-Keep class sizes manageable

-Support prep time

-Provide mental wellness support for our teachers and staff

• Add to our excellent teachers and staff by:

-Searching out phenomenal teachers, paras and administrators to hire for openings in our district

• Reducing the number of families that opt-out of ISD 200 by:

-Identifying the source(s) of the issue and creating solutions

We need to restore school and education as a priority and bring back the love and

excitement of learning and teaching.

Matt Bruns

I believe that staff recruitment and retention is a critical issue within our educational system. To address this challenge, I am committed to implementing comprehensive strategies that prioritize competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and supportive working environments for educators and staff.

I also believe it's paramount that relationships are repaired, and the community feels the School Board is hard at work on their behalf. I will actively engage with parents and the community to create a collaborative and inclusive environment that fosters communication and mutual support. By working together, we can empower our students to thrive academically and develop the soft skills required to reach their full potential - nurturing the leaders of tomorrow while strengthening the bond between schools and families to uplift the entire community.

Nancy Blanchard

Other than the aforementioned issues that I stated, I am hopeful that the overall budget is given a serious look and changed where possible and necessary. Attitudes throughout the district raise, with the goal of having kind, intelligent communication in all settings with all citizens. Raising the bar of our students, especially concerning math, reading and science, so not only half but the majority, if not all, of our students are at grade level or above in their ability.  Reach for the #1 position of schools in Minnesota. Diligently focus on the academic subjects that are to be taught without filtering in any politically rooted issues. Maintain parental involvement with THEIR children which will increase the trust everyone can and should have in teachers. We have a wonderful school district, student body and community but I believe we can do better and be excellent!

Philip Biermaier

Declining enrollment may be the greatest challenge to the district presently. Why do 20-25%of families in the district choose not to be part of our system? I’m reading we lose 6-7 students per month. Now we may gain a couple, but this becomes a problem in a couple of ways. First this is a significant revenue problem, but more importantly we are losing young minds who don’t feel they are being challenged academically. We need to raise our academic standards, not lower them, and we need to provide a safe educational experience for our students and faculty.
We need transparency between parents and teachers. Both parties need to start working together again on promoting our students learning environment, we need
discipline back under control, students need to be accountable for their behavior. That needs to be done in coordination of all parties involved. We need to have our teachers’ back when it comes to control of their classroom, but parents have to be part of this process.