School board candidates look forward to learning

School Board District 2 candidate Ed Bolstad: I have about 35 – 40 years of educational experience, teaching college level to elementary, as well as administration. I feel that may be of some help as we go through the process of planning for the future of our youngsters. I was a registered lobbyist for 20 years on education issues and I served on a federal education commission under Presidents Carter and Reagan.

There are two openings on the school board for School District 166 this November as board members Terry Collins in District 2 and Leonard Sobanja in District 4 step down. The citizens who came forward to run for the school board seats are both unopposed—Ed Bolstad in District 2 and Lorrinda “Sissy” Lunde in District 4.

As School District 166 faces the challenges of a seemingly ever changing educational system, the News-Herald sat down with the candidates to learn a little bit more about them.

How do you set your priorities for budget cuts when everything is important?

Bolstad: I would never run on the negative. Once I am there and have a chance to look at the numbers and the issues, I could make decisions. There is no point in talking about cuts until I learn what’s going on and know a little history. I need to see what the board has done up until this point.

School Board District 4 Candidate Sissy Lunde: I’m married to Leif Lunde and we have two kids, Ezra in 7th grade and Elsa in 6th grade. We’ve lived in Grand Marais for 16 years. I worked at North Shore Federal Credit Union for 10 years, for the past four years as internal auditor. I’m from Duluth originally. After high school I attended what was then Duluth Technical College [now Lake Superior College] and earned a two-year degree in sales management.

Lunde: That’s a hard question. The priority always has to be our children. Any cuts have to stay as far away from affecting them as possible. It’s difficult because that means administration. I’m going to have a huge learning curve. I’m working on that. Since I decided to run, I’ve been at every meeting. I want to make sure our kids have the skills they need for whatever they go on to do— college, tech school, work.

Do you feel there is adequate communication between ISD 166 and the charter schools? What can be done to improve communications between the schools?

Bolstad: Again, until I’m elected and on the board and have a chance to see what has been happening, I would never venture an opinion. I would hate to respond to rumors around town until I’ve gone to at least one board meeting to see for myself.

Lunde: I am going to have to say I’m not sure. My kids don’t go to school at a charter school. Again, there is a learning curve. When I get on the board, we can have that discussion.

Why did you decide to run for school board?

Bolstad: I have a lot of years of teaching and education experience. I can hopefully be of some benefit to teaching our youngsters.

Lunde: I’ve always been involved in school, ever since Ezra was in kindergarten, helping out with PTA and various events. This seems like the next big step to make. I’ve never served on a government board before, but I want to see a good educational system for our kids. I feel I have something to offer. I speak my mind and I’m not afraid to ask questions.

I’ve had some great discussions with [current board member] Leonard Sobanja. He’s shared some good advice. His passion for education and our kids is inspiring. I have the same beliefs as Leonard regarding the industrial tech program. I hope that along with all the community center work we can figure out a way to fulfill his vision of improving that area.

I’m excited about this opportunity to serve.