2026 Election: South St. Paul School Board Special Election

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We talked with Amy Wardell, the only candidate for the South St. Paul School Board special election. Our candidate questionnaire covers top priorities, the budget and failed levy, what makes a candidate unique, and more.

• More: See our full voter’s guide for information on other local races.

Race profile: South St. Paul School Board is a non-partisan position elected to a four-year term. However, this is a special election to fill the remaining two years in a vacated seat. This is an at-large seat representing all of South St. Paul. There is also a regular election for an additional four seats on the South St. Paul School Board that we covered separately.

Who’s running:

• Amy Wardell (no website) – Incumbent first appointed earlier this year, Wardell works as a physical education and health education coordinator for St. Paul Public Schools.
• Note: This is an uncontested race.

Candidate Questions

We asked the candidates a series of six questions and asked them to respond in 250 words or less. The questions cover priorities, how you’ve grown from mistakes, what makes you unique, district strengths and weaknesses, immigration response, and the budget.

Priorities: What are the top two to three issues for the district to address in the next four years and how should the school board address those issues?

Amy Wardell: Strong schools depend on strong community relationships. Over the next four years, the school board can foster trust by being present, accessible, and active listeners. We can do this by fully utilizing our district’s community engagement calendar and regularly participating in local events. Most importantly, it means prioritizing face-to-face, genuine conversations with residents, parents, and staff to understand their perspectives, validate their experiences, and work together on solutions for South St. Paul Public Schools. Like many districts, we are facing declining enrollment, making student retention and attraction a primary focus. To turn this around, the school board needs to lead open, honest discussions about what makes South St. Paul Public Schools unique. By highlighting our district’s strengths, comparing our offerings with neighboring schools, and actively seeking feedback from families, we can clearly communicate the value of a South St. Paul education and ensure our schools remain a top choice for local families.

Growth: What past mistakes have you made and what did you learn from those mistakes?

Amy Wardell: In the past, there were times when I didn’t fully live up to my own high expectations, particularly when it came to actively seeking out, receiving, and integrating feedback from others. Earlier in my journey, it was easy to view feedback as a critique rather than an opportunity. Through reflection, I learned that diverse perspectives are essential for making well-informed decisions that truly serve everyone. Today, I view feedback as vital. I make a conscious effort to listen openly, reflect on constructive input, and use those insights to grow both personally and as a collaborative partner in our community.

Unique: What sets you apart from other candidates? What do you bring to the table that no one else can?

Amy Wardell: My journey in public education began in 2005 as an educational assistant, followed by substitute teaching, spending years in the classroom as a middle school Physical Education and Health teacher, and today serving as a district coordinator. This progression has given me a broad perspective on how public schools function—from the daily interactions in the classroom to the high-level operational and administrative logistics at the district level. Having served as both an educator and a district leader, I bring a practical, grounded understanding of the challenges students, teachers, and staff face every day, paired with the structural knowledge of how public school systems operate. This combination of hands-on experience and operational insight allows me to ask informed questions, collaborate effectively, and make thoughtful, well-balanced decisions that directly benefit our schools and community.

Strengths & weaknesses: What do you think is the district’s greatest strength? How will you build on that? What is the district’s greatest weakness? How will you improve in that area?

Amy Wardell:

District Strength: Our greatest strength is our close-knit, supportive community and the tremendous pride residents have for our schools and students. Whether it’s in the classroom, in the arts, or on the field, the way South St. Paul rallies around our youth is truly special. I will build on this strength by staying deeply connected with local families and community groups, ensuring our schools remain the vibrant heart of our town where everyone feels welcome and invested.

Area for Growth: An important area for improvement is modernizing and maintaining our athletic and extra-curricular facilities. High-quality facilities serve as important community gathering spaces and play a key role in attracting and retaining families. By prioritizing long-term capital planning, exploring strategic partnerships, and actively seeking community input, we can enhance these spaces so our students have the tools they need to thrive and our community has grounds it can continue to take pride in.

Immigration: Minnesota saw significant impacts from the increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations earlier this year, including closed businesses, students missing school, protests, and law enforcement conflicts. How do you rate the district’s response and what should the district do in future conflicts?

Amy Wardell: I believe South St. Paul Public Schools responded appropriately by focusing on what matters most: student safety, clear communication with families, and solid operational planning. The district took proactive steps by establishing clear guidelines for staff, building leaders, and transportation teams, and that kind of preparation is essential. Moving forward, we should keep refining our communication with families and consult closely with local law enforcement and legal counsel whenever these situations come up. Bottom line: our schools have to be safe, welcoming places where kids can focus on learning without fear.

Budget: In May, the school district had two levy votes that failed. Did you support those levies? Why or why not? How should the board address budget issues? How would you decide what to cut?

Amy Wardell: As an educator, I fully support public education and want our schools to thrive. However, I did not vote for the levies in May because there was a lack of clear communication around what we were voting for and how the funds would directly be used. I support investments when clear details are provided and the plan is in the best interest of all students, but that trust and clarity must come first. The board needs to do a much better job of transparently explaining the purpose and community impact of any levy well before it hits the ballot. When facing budget challenges, my priority will always be protecting classroom instruction and direct student support. These decisions require a clear, data-driven process that keeps the student learning experience at the center.

Lightning Round

We asked candidates a series of 10 simple questions and asked them to respond briefly in 25 words or less.

1. Do you have a library card? When did you last use it?

• Amy Wardell: Yes, I do! Probably 6 months ago, the Libby app is great!

2. How many school board meetings have you attended in the past year?

• Amy Wardell: As current interim school board member, I have attended 5 meetings.

3. Have you volunteered in your community in the past year? Where?

• Amy Wardell: Yes, volunteered on the SSP Volleyball booster club attending meetings, working concessions, games, etc.

4. If you have children, do they or did they attend public schools?

• Amy Wardell: Yes! Kaposia Elementary, South St. Paul Middle School and High School.

5. Have you attended school events in a non-campaign capacity in the past year? Which ones?

• Amy Wardell: Yes, volleyball games, meet the teachers events, and parent teacher conferences.

6. Do you support curriculum that presents a variety of voices and perspectives?

• Amy Wardell: Absolutely!

7. Who was your favorite teacher? 

• Amy Wardell: Judy Luziach from Stillwater Jr High. PE & Health teacher and head synchronized swimming coach.

8. Do you support social and emotional learning (SEL)?

• Amy Wardell: 100%

9. What was your favorite class?

• Amy Wardell: Health

10. Do you support student voice in district operations?

• Amy Wardell: Sure, when applicable.

More Information

See our full local voter’s guide for information on more races and candidates.

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