Austin school board holds 2024 candidate forum

AUSTIN, Minn. (KTTC) – Austin Public School District held a candidate forum Thursday, Sept. 19. The forum gave people a chance to meet candidates vying for four open seats on the school board. Of those positions available, three are four-year terms, and one is a two-year term.

Seven people have been campaigning for open seats on the Austin school board.

Five of the seven candidates presented themselves at the forum. Each person was asked to provide a specific goal for their campaign.

Issabell Krueger and Dan Zielke went head-to-head, both looking to win the two-year seat.

"My main goal is that all students get to see themselves in the curriculum, and that students do not need to conform in order to succeed," Krueger said.

"A lot of work to be done as far as implementing the new READ acts across the state of Minnesota, that also includes an incredible lift on the teacher's part," Zielke stated.

The ' Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act ' is a new legislation to improve reading scores in Minnestoa students.

Incumbent candidate Don Leathers says he also plans to back the READ act.

"I'm concerned with the redact. We're putting a lot of money in that the state has done so as well and it's an important initiative," Leathers said.

Candidates Berghyn Hull and Watsana Theravong discussed their respective visions for the district.

"Give back to the community that helped raise me I was born and raised. Austin Minnesota the graduating class 2018. So I think it's important to step up and take lead," Hull said.

"My main goal is to help inspire and uphold the mission and the vision of the school district," Theravong said.

Incumbent Cece Kroc did not attend the forum, but provided a statement that reads:

Being a part of the Austin School Board has been an honor and privilege I don't take for granted. To be an effective member of this body has required an understanding and implementation of policy, a knowledge of the systems in place to operate an efficient and effective district and, most importantly, an open door for input from stakeholders in our community. I am so thankful to be part of our flourishing system and for the people who trusted me to be their voice.

The seventh and final candidate is Robert Hartman II. Hartman could not make the forum today due to an illness and did not provide a statement.

Austin residents plan to vote on the vacant school board seats in November.