Minnetonka School Board Candidate: Laurie Stoltenberg

Editor's note: This week we feature the eight candidates running for four seats on the Minnetonka School Board. We will publish two candidates per day for four days. You can meet and grill all the candidates at our  event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the .

LAURIE STOLTENBERG

Minnetonka Patch: What qualifications do you have that will make you an effective Minnetonka school board member?   

Stoltenberg: In opening my own business and managing it for 5 years I developed good financial management and analytical skills. I will challenge the district to be accountable for the money spent. I am a creative thinker, independent and not afraid to ask questions and will always welcome dialogue and debate on any subject. I am a good listener and value differing opinions. I am a hard-worker, dedicated to whatever I am committed and passionate about.

Patch: What is the biggest issue for Minnetonka's school district? Why? 

Stoltenberg: Continuing the excellent education the Minnetonka School District provides with the funding that we have available is going to be an ongoing challenge. We will have to review and assess where our dollars are being spent, being willing to look at our budget line by line in order to maximize the education provided to all Minnetonka students.

Patch: What is current Minnetonka School District leadership doing well? What could be better?  

Stoltenberg: The current leadership has been very forward thinking in the way they have brought technology into the educational process. They have done a great job communicating the improvements in academic achievement at all levels.

I would like to see the leadership review areas of spending that may not
contribute to world-class excellence in our basic academic learning areas:
math, science, language arts and social studies. I think we always need to
ask the question: “How does this program/initiative/service improve the
academic education that we are offering?”

Patch: How will you get input from your constituents?

Stoltenberg: It’s always fun for me to engage in conversation with parents and neighbors about the Minnetonka Schools. I will continue to ask people at athletic, music or drama events their questions or concerns. I will encourage people to bring their concerns to the attention of the School Board. I will welcome by phone or email any issues that need to be addressed and I will be the voice of the parents to the District leadership.

Patch: Give us a brief background of yourself.

Stoltenberg: My husband, Karl, and I have lived in Minnetonka for 18 years. We have 3 children; Sam-17, Amy-16, and Peter-14. My career has included computer software training and support, and starting and managing my own business (Sweet Beads). I am currently working for an internet start-up retail bead store, Goody Beads, where I manage the customer service and order fulfillment departments. We are active members at Ridgewood Church where I have served on the Board of Stewards for the past 6 years.

We’ve also been involved with Tonka United Soccer Association, where I have served as team manager for my two sons’ soccer teams. I enjoy being involved and have never been content to sit on the sidelines. In my free time I enjoy running, reading and cooking anything chocolate!