Wayne Sanstead
Party: Democratic.
Age: 73.
Home: Bismarck.
Family: Wife, Mary Jane; two sons, ages 42 and 39.
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Occupation: Current North Dakota state superintendent.
Education: B.A. from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.; B.A. in political science and speech from St. Olaf College; M.A. in public address and group communication from Northwestern University, Chicago. Doctorate in secondary education from UND.
Political experience: Total of 44 years in public office: 24 years as state superintendent (longest serving in the nation); N.D. House of Representatives for eight years (in '60s and '80s); state Senate two years (1969-1971); Lt. governor for N.D. Gov. Arthur A. Link (1972-1980); serves on Commission on Education Improvement.
Main political platform: "I want to make sure that North Dakota students have 21st Century skills no matter there they live in North Dakota." -- includes readiness for higher education and the world of work.
Web site: www.waynesanstead.com .
Max Laird
Party: Independent.
Age: 57.
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Home: Thompson, N.D.
Family: Wife, Gayle.
Occupation: Science teacher at Community High School, Grand Forks.
Education: Bachelor's degree in biology education and physical education from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa; master's degree in professional studies and exercise physiology from ISU; 80+ post-graduate hours at various schools for education leadership; recently completed mediation training at UND.
Political experience: Is current Walle Township clerk; served on state teachers' licensing board; North Dakota Workforce Development Council; North Dakota Youth Council; North Dakota Commission on Community Service; School to Work management team; North Dakota Quality Schools Committee; Higher Education Roundtable; Committee on Confidence in the Courts.
Main political platform: 1) Restructure the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction so it's more of a resource than regulatory body. 2) Stay ahead and not behind of changes coming with No Child Left Behind. 3) "Every child, everywhere": connect rural North Dakota with urban North Dakota to ensure all opportunities are available to all students. 4) Provide leadership around property tax relief for schools. "It's coming. We just need leadership in the transition."
Web site: www.maxlaird.com .
