The Wayzata School Board is hosting an election on November 4th, and they want you to vote. Voting is a civic responsibility, and doing so will benefit the community. 6 candidates are vying for 3 positions. Here is a brief introduction to each candidate.

Heidi Kader

Heidi Kader’s values are in collaboration, discussion, transparency, and creating a welcoming environment for the entirety of Wayzata Schools. She is  quoted saying “everything we do here revolves around teaching and learning”, and “education is a relationship between home and school”. Heidi is a nonpartisan board member with 22 years of leadership under her belt, and is hoping to be reelected for another term.

Kate Knight

Kate Knight hopes to lead with transparency and honesty, and encourages communication between the people she hopes to represent. She is a “non partisan, response driven” woman who has put her hat into the ring this year. Kate is quoted to say “ Good governance builds communities”, and “ Strong schools deserve strong leaders”.

Alicia Liddle

Alicia Liddle comes from a long background of volunteering for this district, and she wants to be part of this board to empower public education, along with meeting the needs of all students. She is quoted saying “Because meeting the needs of each and every student benefits us all”.

Milind Sohini

Milind Sohoni is a forward thinking board member with a knack for listening, and he is hoping to get another term. He is very focused on the fiscal side of the school board, along with thinking in the long term.  According to Sohoni, “Funding is the most important thing for a board to focus on”.

Laura Conway

Laura Conway is a former prosecutor and runner of a nonprofit animal shelter in Texas. She is hoping to be elected this upcoming voting season. Her main values are Advocacy, Transparency, Respect, and Collaboration. She is also known to put a spotlight on the special education program, having experience in the field. Conway said, “Our kids depend on us to make decisions now that will impact their future.”

Julie Joseph

Julie Joseph has 15 years of corporate leadership experience and strategic problem solving at a Fortune 50 company. She hopes to make the board implement S.A.F.E priorities (Students first, Advancing teachers, Fostering equity and opportunity, and Engaging the community). Joseph said, “Education is more than books and grades; it’s about shaping compassionate, confident leaders.”

Time to Vote

If you can vote, then do so for the good of the district.  If you don’t know whom to vote for, it is important to research. Check out all of the candidates’ websites, along with tuning into the board meetings (they are videotaped and sent out here).

Some might be saying ‘but wait! I’m not old enough to vote! What now?’ There are options for participation before turning 18. If you are 16/17, you can preregister to vote here. For more information, about how you can participate in your local branch of government, also check out the Youth Voter Project and the League of Women Voters. 

Remember, the election is Nov 4th, and we hope that you are now more informed in the upcoming race. The fate of Wayzata is in your hands.