School Board Candidates Sound Off During Forum

With slightly more than a month left before elections, Edina residents got a taste for where the district's stand on the issues.

During the 2011 League of Women Voters of Edina candidates forum, Wednesday, Oct. 5, at , topics ranged from technology and its funding and social media to Edina's elderly population.

While the public had a chance to better know Sarah Patzloff, Leny Wallen-Friedman, Jason Berger and Cathy Cella, the candidates were for the most part similar in their stances.

Cella, the lone incumbent, said she's running for reelection for the same reasons she opted to run four years ago.

"I'm passionate about education," Cella said. "I believe that an excellent education is the most important thing a community gives to its citizens."

Wallen-Friedman cited a history of volunteer work both within Edina as a whole and the school district, in particular. He touted spending a decade working with the district's finance committee.

"I'm running for school board because I care about education and I want to be involved at the board level for decisions that affect the education of our students," Wallen-Friedman said.

Patzloff, who has two children in the district's elementary schools, said she's committed to being an active part of the district for many years—at least until 2023, when she said her youngest will graduate from .

"I want our schools to be as good in 2023 as they are today," Patzloff said. "And I don't think that's going to be an easy task."

Jason Berger mentioned how much his family owes to the district, as one of his daughters has received services through 's special education program since she was born.

"It's a phenomenal program," he said. "If it's possible, I can serve on the board as a way of giving something back to the district. It would be an honor to do so."

Curious where the candidates stood on certain issues? Check out our . And be sure to stay tuned to Edina Patch in the coming weeks for ongoing election coverage and candidate profiles.