With just days before the Nov. 7 Hastings Independent School District #200 election, the Hastings Journal asked the nine candidates for office for their final “pitch” to voters.

Voters will select four candidates for the school board. Their information to voters appears below in the order they appear on the ballot: Matt Bruns, Jenny Wiederholt-Pine, Brandy Wentzler, Mariah Ring, Pamela J. Onnen, Matt Seeger, Melissa Millner, Philip Biermaier and Nancy Blanchard.

Philip Biermaier

When I started this journey on August 15, I did so with the intention of helping the district that not only myself, but my children received their education. There was no agenda, no slogans, and no endorsements from major entities. There still isn’t… I ran individually to help with the process of assisting students to excel in their educational endeavors to prepare themselves for success after they leave the district. I’ve spoken to teachers who feel they must control classroom behavior more than they’re allowed to do what they are passionate about, teach. I want to help them get their domain, the classroom back in their control. We are more famous for an altercation on Tic Tok than learning about students’ higher achievements, we start moving forward this November. I want to let all students know that they will be safe and that they are also walking into a politically free educational experience. I want to see a more transparent relationship between parents, students, and teachers in building the most robust educational environment possible for our young minds. We all need to be more accountable at every level of education. We can and we will do better. We have an opportunity for fresh ideas, rather than just moving forward with the status quo, and I would be honored to represent students, parents, and faculty in district 200. Whether a student wants to be a plumber, electrician, or the next great physician, whether they want to go into the workforce, tech school, or a four year college, let’s equip our students with the best tools for success. Whether you are an entrepreneur, union member, homemaker or retiree, you have the individual right to vote for a path forward, no one entity owns that right. Please choose to use the most powerful voice you have, no I’m not talking Facebook, vote on November 7. 

Nancy Blanchard

Retired, no family in the district - why am I running for the school board, you may ask? It’s a good and valid question that I didn’t have an answer to except knowing that I was called to run. These past 3 months have proved to be a learning curve for me, in that I’ve found out that the school our 4 children attended and graduated from is not the same today.

Nothing truly stays the same, I understand, but the caliber of education should if anything, increase, not decrease. Since 2012, our district has dropped from 5^th in the state to 29^th, that’s unacceptable and was not due to COVID, but it didn’t help. SAT scores have dropped significantly, which tells us that the graduating students do not have the breadth of education they should have and need.

The bar must be raised and the students who desire to receive the education, should and it needs to be available so they can have the opportunity to succeed and excel, which is not what an Equity premise of education offers.

A serious situation that some teachers are encouraging children to make life altering decisions and not involving the parents is wrong. Parents have a right and responsibility to raise their child as they see fit, no one else.

There’s a concern regarding the number of students who are opting out of Hastings ISD and choosing to get their education elsewhere which significantly effects the ISD200’s budget. We need to do better as a district if we want to keep the students already enrolled and attract families and teachers to come here.

My family did choose Hastings to move to because of the school district as it was highly recommended. We can and we will once again attract families, students and teachers because we will be the best again, scholastically. Hastings has amazing music and athletic programs which do draw students for those initiatives.

I believe I can offer encouragement and possible solutions to assist in accomplishing these challenges as I have had experiences working in significantly varied situations with unique challenges and ages ranging from preschool to older adults and from one-on-one to larger groups. 

I’ve launched and ran two businesses successfully, worked in retail as a pharmacy technician, tested and tutored children, was a stay-at-home Mom, homeschooled our son for 3 years and had many other life opportunities and challenges. The most important opportunity came when I was 26 years old that changed my life and how I live each day. I was introduced to my lifelong friend, confidant and compass. I am a fully sold out believer in Jesus. I'm also a certified music teacher and taught three years publicly and 30 -plus years privately.

My desire to be on the Hastings school board is simple. I want to see the children of our town have the best education they can, to be challenged to excel in their endeavors and to become amazing, strong, contributing citizens of our community, our state and our nation.

I believe I can make a positive and impactful difference!

Matt Bruns

Why vote for Matt Bruns?

As a 14-year educator deeply committed to the growth and well-being of our students and community, I believe I bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives that make me an ideal candidate for the school board. 

My extensive tenure in the field of education has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges our schools face today. I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of students, teachers, and administrators, and I am dedicated to implementing effective and sustainable solutions to these issues. Through my years of experience, I have developed a deep empathy for the needs of our educational system and a passion for making meaningful, positive changes.

My time in the classroom has given me invaluable insight into the day-to-day experiences of both educators and students. This understanding allows me to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being and success of our teachers and students alike. I am committed to fostering an environment that empowers educators to teach effectively and students to learn enthusiastically, ensuring that our schools remain nurturing environments for growth and development.

In addition to my practical experience, I bring a fresh perspective to the table. Having closely interacted with students from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of ability, I understand the importance of inclusivity and the need to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued and capable of achieving their full potential. I firmly believe in the power of diversity and aim to create policies that promote equity and inclusion within our school system.

Moreover, I am a strong advocate for the integration of modern technology into our educational framework. I recognize the critical role that technology plays in preparing our students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. By leveraging my knowledge and experience, I intend to foster the implementation of innovative technologies that will enhance the learning experience and equip our students with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.

My vision for our schools is one that emphasizes collaboration, communication, and community engagement. I am dedicated to fostering strong relationships with parents, community members, and local businesses to ensure that our schools remain closely tied to the needs and aspirations of our community. I believe in transparent communication and collaborative decision-making, and I am committed to creating a platform where the voices of all stakeholders are heard and valued.

Wrapping it up, my extensive experience in education, my passion for creating positive change, and my commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment uniquely qualify me for the position of school board member. By voting for me, you are not just voting for an individual; you are voting for a dedicated advocate for our students and a passionate champion for the future of our educational system. Together, let us build a brighter future for our schools and our community.

Melissa Millner

Vote Melissa Millner for School Board!
I would like to thank all of you who have supported me along this journey with your messages and words of encouragement. Thank you to those who have written letters to the editor, displayed signs and donated time or money. Overall, this campaign has been a very uplifting and inspiring experience!  
Deciding to run for school board began with a personal experience with our, at the time, 7th grade daughter. The short version is she was not being challenged in her classes and was worried about the teachers burning out from disciplining the same kids for the same issues repeatedly. 
I started investigating by asking teachers and families to share their experiences. I did not like what I heard. It was placed on my heart to make a difference in any way I could. I was bullied as a child, so the stories about bullying and discipline issues weigh heavily on my heart.
My husband and I both have higher educations, so we know what it takes to get there. If our high achieving students are bored and not being challenged, that doesn't provide the best path for these kids achieving their best life. I also know we have students that are struggling, teacher and staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms, families pulling their students out of the district, and the concerns about low MCA testing scores and reading proficiency (currently only at 52.6%).
There are many serious needs in our district.  My husband and I talked for months about the ramifications of having me run for school board. It always came down to the fact that it's about the kids.  It's not about us, our family needs, or the worry about how it would impact our business. These kids are our future, and they deserve the very best we can give them. 
As I've walked through this campaign journey, I've heard lots of excuses for where we are as a district. I don't know about you, but I'm not okay with excuses. We've all heard numerous inspirational stories of people who have beat the odds. I know our district has the capability of beating the odds and getting our kids back on track sooner rather than later. I want to be a part of making that happen.
I have the skills, experience, empathy and heart to offer the students of our district. I've always led with integrity, open-mindedness, and compassion.  Through my work as a chiropractor and business owner, I have deep compassion, am a great listener, a problem solver and I am fiscally responsible. I hope you can sense my deep sincerity for wanting to help our kids and that I've earned your vote on November 7. 
No matter the outcome of the election, I urge you to stay involved in your student's education and hold the board responsible for doing all they can to improve ISD 200!  Thank you again for your support!

Pamela Onnen

I have spent a lot of time during this campaign knocking on doors and talking with a lot of ISD200 residents. I think the best way for you to understand my caliber as a Board Member Candidate is to share my door-knocking “speech.”

Hello! My name is Pam Onnen, and I am running for one of the 4 open spots on the School Board. There are 9 candidates running. There are 4 over here , and there are 4 candidates over here . And I’m right – here -- . I’m Cheese in the Middle. I am running on my own, which means I don’t owe anybody anything if I get seated on the board. I am not political, and I firmly believe the School Board should be focused on school matters, and should not be paying attention to political arguments. I make decisions based on the information that matters; even if it means spending more time to do research and talk with people who have the information we need to make the best decisions possible.

I’m a mechanical engineer (1991 U of MN), I worked at the Koch (now Flint Hills) refinery as a project engineer. I know how to prioritize safety and environmental issues; I know how to work with people who have varying levels of authority. As a project engineer, I learned that budgets need a lot of thought and tracking. I know that when an unexpected problem arises, we need many people to help identify possible solutions, and each person must be willing to work as a group to come up with a solution strategy.

I have been a substitute teacher in ISD200 for over ten years. I have been able to spend time with many of our students and I have had the pleasure of working with teachers in many of our buildings. The top three things I want to focus on are: (1) Hire great teachers and coaches; invest for teacher retention, (2) Focus on measurable student progress, educate for the success of graduates after high school and, (3) Ensure emotionally safe (no bullying) and learning centered (student behavior in line with active learning) student classrooms.

So, remember at the beginning when I said I was “Cheese In The Middle”? I want you to remember that when you are in the voting booth. Of all the nine candidate names, my name is the only one with an Initial In The Middle. It just worked out that way, nobody planned it.

I have held many different board positions since my early college years through this past summer. I know how to be a responsible, helpful board member. I know that I will contribute with a positive (no-drama) attitude. I know that my job as a board member is to bring the voices of the district taxpayers to the board table.

Mariah Ring

Why vote for Mariah Ring?

The school board has two primary roles: representing the concerns of citizens and parents to the school administration and representing the needs of the students, teachers, and school district back to the parents and community. It also sets the district's policies and goals, ensures it adheres to state mandates for our education system and responds to the stakeholders – students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers. It handles the challenging community conversations, taxpayer dollars, the quality of our schools, and the impact on our community. It's a big job, but at its core, it’s all about the students. I am running for school board because I genuinely care about the success of our student body, our community's well-being, and the importance of having a voice in government. While this is not a partisan position, it is still an elected position; as such, it needs to function to support teachers, listen to its constituents, and provide policies and budgeting that will give our students their best chance at success. I can contribute to this elected position with passion, dedication, and the skills necessary to succeed. I have excellent attention to detail, well-developed research and communication skills, a passion for education, and a willingness to listen. I will listen to community, student, and staff input and concerns. I am willing to do the work necessary to support our school system through policies that create a safe and equitable environment for all our students and staff. Equitable vs Equal is significant. Equitable education means that EVERY student in our district receives the education they need. All our students receive a quality education, and those who need more help are supported, and more challenging courses are provided for those who want them. Equal education means all students are given the same education without opportunities for needed support or challenges. I believe we must continue to support our teachers and students in the ways they need, giving them the resources to succeed, whether through more honors and AP classes, Title 1 teachers, support for learning deficits, trade or life skills courses, or funding for classroom necessities.  If you vote for me, I promise to go in with an open mind, communicate honestly, and do the research necessary to improve our district. 

Matt Seeger

First, I want to say thank you to the entire Hastings' community for participating in the molding of our government. Of the people, by the people, for the people; the very foundations of the American experiment. The idea is now, and has always been, that our elected officials are the everyday men and women we would call neighbors or maybe even friends. I remember watching political debates with my dad when I was younger and he always told me he hated hearing politicians say, "I think." In his 70s he will still retort upon hearing this; "I don't pay you to think. I pay you to listen!" That's my upbringing, that is what I believe in. A government guided by listening to the people's ideas about bettering the community for everyone in it. In the end, what matters is what you believe each of us will (or won't) do to represent this community while on the school board. Of course, I would be honored to have your vote, I am most interested in you being heard. So please, whoever you decide to cast your ballot for, get out and vote on November 7th!

Brandy Wentzler

 Why should we vote for Brandy Wentzler?  I am running for school board because I am, and have been, a public servant for 30 years. I want to serve our students and teachers as a listener and ongoing learner myself. I love the classroom! My 20 years working in the classroom were the best! Being in a learning environment and being witness to great teaching has been an education to me. I wish more people knew how professional educators take time for every student's needs. My focus will be on the inclusion, diversity and access to needed educational tools and wellness for our children, educational staff, and our facility support staff as well. 

 As a successful small business owner, I understand the need to lay out financial planning years into the future for both growth and maintenance needs. I want to work with our financial office to understand our budgetary needs and limits. I especially need to have the foresight to understand Hastings changing enrollment and its impacts on future offerings. I want to research and explore what other school systems have used to tackle difficult budgetary challenges.

I realize I might sit at the board table knowing that not everyone around me is in agreement on all things. I am a thoughtful listener, I ask purposeful questions, and I’m a competent individual ready to have varied and respectful discussions with fellow elected board members and directors, Dressley, Tate, and Zuzek. I hope to learn much from Superintendent Champa.  I look forward to hearing from our students during the “Raider Spotlight”, and our administrators when they provide vital information about our student performance. I hope to find creative ways to meet and converse with community members and parents about our students. And I long to sit on that graduation stage to shake hands and offer congratulations to our Hastings graduates. Running a campaign has been a very new and eye opening experience. I can only hope that I have earned your vote this November 7th. Thank you.

Jenny Wiederholt-Pine

Why vote for Jenny Wiederholt-Pine? I am hard working, analytical, and passionate about the success of ISD 200. My goal is to work closely with all board members to achieve positive outcomes for students, faculty, and the community. I have a strong business sense and will be fiscally responsible with the taxpayer dollars. I will bring more transparency to the community and work for your voices to be heard. Please vote for me November 7^th!