ISD 728 candidates discuss disagreement, accountability and board unity

Candidates for the ISD 728 school board, ahead of the Nov. 3 election, spoke at a forum hosted by the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce. A main topic was how board members should handle disagreements. All agreed members will not always vote alike, but they placed different weight on unity after a vote versus continued public explanation and scrutiny.

Several candidates, including Dan Solon, Sarah Hamlin, Shari Knip and Sara Weis, stressed supporting the board's decision once a vote is taken. Samantha Boushek said consensus should not be the goal and that members need not pretend to support something they opposed, but should respect the board's authority and work through established procedures. John Anderson described rebuilding relationships after a December 2023 censure of himself and Mindy Freiberg, including individual coffee meetings after he became chair in 2025.

Freiberg said she was the only board member to vote against putting a proposed bond referendum on the ballot. She cited survey results showing support around half districtwide and lower in her northern district, along with concerns about property taxes. Sam Carley emphasized keeping the board nonpartisan.

In opening and closing remarks, candidates raised priorities such as literacy, career and technical education, screen time, curriculum transparency, student behavior and safety, facility needs, and fiscal responsibility. The article does not describe any next steps beyond the election.