Patch Candidate Profile: Sharon Van Leer For ISD 833 School Board

SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — This fall, Woodbury and Cottage Grove residents will vote on school board members for South Washington County Schools.

Sharon Van Leer is one of nine candidates running for School Board in the Nov. 2 election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

Are you running for School Board? Contact Morgan Reddekopp at morgan.reddekopp@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Age (as of Election Day): 74

Position Sought: ISD 833 School Board Member At Large

Party Affiliation: DFL

Family:

Sharon H. Van Leer has been a resident of Woodbury for over 35 years. She now has grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending Woodbury & Cottage Grove schools. We are confident they will receive a quality education provided by the best educators.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: None

Education:

AA Degree - Century College
BA Business Administration - Metropolitan State University
MA Public Administration - Bethel University

Occupation:

Director Of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mitchell Hamline School of Law - 31 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Current 833 School Board Director/Clerk

Campaign website:

http:/www.vanleerforschools.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?:

I want to continue to support academic excellence that is student-centered and provides children the opportunities that will prepare them for academic success. I want to build and strengthen the relationships with our community members so that they feel empowered, welcomed, respected, and valued.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it:

I am commented to rallying our community behind the operating and capital projects levies. Helping the community to understand the benefits, impact, and the importance of passing theses levies. If we pass the operating levy, we would be able to revoke and combine the 2015 and 2017 levies into one operating levy, this will allow us to provide funding for classrooms, instruction and other school operating costs. By passing the capital projects levy, we will be able to fund and improve our instructional technology, infrastructure and more.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?:

I believe the incumbents have similar goals, and that is, providing children an environment where they have an opportunity to receive an excellent education. We are committed to "igniting a passion for lifelong learning" through our collaboration, continuous improvement, equity, integrity and building relationships. We are committed to doing what is best for all 18,600 children in the district.

I also believe if you can't say something good about an individual, say nothing! When they go low, we go high...

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency):

(Didn't answer)

How do you think local officials are performing in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?:

I believe the current board made the most responsible decision that benefits the safety and welfare of all children. We followed the recommendation of the CDC, MDH and the Washington County Department of Health and developed guidelines for our schools to ensure that we could start school in person safely. We are keeping the community update on our parent dashboard as to the number of cases and any policy changes.

I would not have done anything differently. I might add a few option for parents to review, such as a high flex option, and a total online option.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Setting forth our racial equity and inclusion policies, which supports and promotes educational equity and inclusion for students, staff, and families. These policies ensures that educational equity is woven into the fabric of the district with fidelity, consistency, connection, and coherence. Our equity policies provide a clear statement for our purpose and why we exist.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?:

I am committed to giving back to the community by serving as a voice and advocate for our children. As a result of our work, we have been selected to host the high school pathways Spanish Immersion Program and received numerous awards. I will continue to work closely with the Superintendent and administration to ensure the continuation of clear communications to all stakeholders.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Know why you want to hold the office, and why and how you will serve. Be the change you want to see!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?:

We are one of the best schools' districts in Minnesota because of our leadership and the goals set by the school board and the administration. We will continue, if re-elected, to keep you, the community informed and involved in making sure our children have the best educational experience possible.