Five Candidates for Four Seats on ISD 197 School Board in 2023

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Update: For current information on the 2023 election for ISD 197, see our voter’s guide.

The filing period to run for school board in ISD 197 closed today and now we know who is running for election in 2023.

Who’s Running for School Board in 2023?

Here are the candidates running for four open seats on the school board:

• Tim Aune – Retired executive for a global financial information services firm. He ran unsuccessfully for school board in 2021. Tim lives in Mendota Heights. (campaign site)
• Carmella Doby – Works as equity & community engagement VISTA at Junior Achievement North. She ran unsuccessfully for Hennepin County commissioner in 2020. Carmella lives in West St. Paul. Carmella withdrew on August. 16.
• Rowen Elsmore – Works as a technology integrationist at Jefferson High School. Rowen lives in West St. Paul. (campaign site)
• Barbara Kessler – Works as a medical assistant. She lives in West St. Paul.
• Byron Schwab – Retired principal and incumbent school board member, first elected in 2011. Byron lives in West St. Paul.
• Morgan Steele – Works as a French teacher and instructional leader at Richfield High School. She ran unsuccessfully for school board in 2021. Morgan lives in West St. Paul. (campaign site)
• Randi Walz – Worked in multiple roles in schools. Randi lives in West St. Paul. (campaign site)

Primary?: There is no primary for school board elections, so all candidates will appear on the November 7 ballot.

Changes: Candidates have until August 17 to change their mind and drop out, so this list may decrease.

More on the ballot: Two tax levies will also be on the ballot this year.

Our election coverage will begin soon, including candidate Q&As, forum coverage, voter’s guide, and more.

August 22, 2023 Update: Kessler Drops Out

Barbara Kessler announced today that she suddenly had to move out of the district and is dropping out of the school board race. Since this news came after the August 17 deadline, her name will still appear on the ballot though she is ineligible.

“My best wishes to all candidates running for ISD 197 school board,” Kessler said.

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