Kalenberg announces candidacy for Brainerd school board – Brainerd Dispatch

BRAINERD — Baxter resident Jody Kalenberg has announced her intention to run for a seat on the Brainerd school board.

The application period for area school boards, area cities — except Brainerd — and townships opens July 30.

In a statement released Wednesday, July 10, Kalenberg said she is a Brainerd High School graduate, a wife of 28 years, a mother of three adult children and a new grandmother.

“I am running for school board because I believe our children deserve an education that prioritizes reading, writing and numeracy, while building respect and accountability to create a positive learning environment,” Kalenberg said in his release. “A back-to-basics approach will help restore trust in our education system and ensure every child receives the quality education they deserve.”

Kalenberg said classroom safety for teachers and students is her top concern and she will work to ensure teachers have a safe environment in which they can give children the tools they will need to become successful adults in the workforce.

“After all, the only natural resource we have for future adults and leaders is our children,” she said.

She also said she believed in parental involvement and their right to education, and that bridging the gap between parents and educators would create a “happier, healthier, more productive classroom.”

“I would like to work with parents, educators and administration to return Brainerd to the top districts in the state,” Kalenberg said. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our children and the future of our community.”