Want To Be On The School Board?

Ever wanted to be on the Minneapolis school board, but never had time to campaign for the role? Now's your chance: following board member due to family commitments out of state, the school board needs to find someone to fill out the remainder of Lee's term, until Jan. 2013.

Some have already decided to apply for the at-large seat: David DeGrio, a DFL activist, 2010 candidate for school board, and chemistry professor at Inver Grove Heights Community College has told Southwest Minneapolis Patch that he plans to put his name in the hat.

If you think you could lend a useful voice to the board, you have until 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 to submit a letter and resume to: 

Adrienne Jordan, School Board Liaison
807 N.E. Broadway, Room 109
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Prospective candidates, the district said in a written statement, should show the following qualities:

• Understanding of the most important issues facing Minneapolis Public Schools and Public Education and how the candidate would approach the issues. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the academic success of all children. 
• Experience with governance and candidate’s understanding of policy and policy governance. 
• Experience with Minneapolis Public Schools. 
• Other experiences that prepare the candidate for this position. 
• Whether the candidate intends to, does not intend to or is undecided regarding an intention to run for election to the Board of Directors in the 2012 election cycle. 

The current board will score prospective members based on those criteria, and the five highest-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview at the Dec. 15 board meeting. The board will vote to pick the best candidate on Dec. 20.