Two incumbents and one newcomer seek East Grand Forks School Board seat

  Three candidates are running unopposed for the East Grand Forks School Board this year, two of which are incumbents. Sue Black, a communications and member services specialist for Minnkota Power Cooperative in Grand Forks, has been a board member for 17 years. She was also board chairwoman for nine years and is current vice chairwoman. She said she’s running again because she wants to provide students with an education that prepares them to be “responsible, independent and successful.” “My experience can help further the district’s mission,” she said. Robert Simonson, a retired school administrator, has been a board member since 1993. He’s running again because he maintains “a sincere interest” in this area. He spent 37 years in the district as a school principal. Simonson is also a current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation.                           “With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district,” he said. As the sole newcomer to this race, Tom Piche, a sales representative at BSN Sports in East Grand Forks, said he believes one of the top issues in the district is student testing and he would address it by “putting good people in place.” Although he feels the district has handled its budget well, he said bullying is one of the biggest challenges facing students today. “Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important,” he said. Each candidate is running for a four-year term.  
Name: Tom Piche Address: 2137 11th Ave. N.W. Age: 51 Family: Wife Deborah, daughters Bridget, 25, Francie, 23, Coco, 18, son Pierre, 15 Education: UND, 1986 Occupation: Sales professional at BSN Sports Leadership experience: Current president of East Grand Forks Soccer Club, current president of Green Wave Sports Booster Club Why are you running for School Board? I believe in quality public education for students and I want to help preserve that. What are the top issues facing the School District? I think one of the top issues is student testing, that is a challenge in our district as well as most school districts. Getting the results and goals you are trying to reach. How would you address these issues? Putting good people in place. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? I think financially the school district has operated well and done a good job of investing in our schools while building a reserve.  What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? I think bullying is a challenge in any school, as well as extra pressures kids face to make positive choices. Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important.   [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233573","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]] Name: Sue Black Address: 1031 Sherlock Circle S.E. Age: 58 Family: Husband Rick, son Corey, daughter Leah Education: University of Minnesota and UND Occupation: Communications and member services specialist at Minnkota Power Cooperative Leadership experience: East Grand Forks School Board member for 17 years, board chairwoman for nine years, current vice chairwoman Why are you running for School Board? It’s our civic duty to provide students with an education that prepares them to be responsible, independent, successful citizens and future leaders. My experience can help further the district’s mission, which is that the district, “in cooperation with family and community, will empower all students to become responsible lifelong learners.” What are the top issues facing the School District? Our top priority has to be academic achievement for all students. How would you address these issues? District staff and administration have been working hard to develop and implement a series of educational strategies including additional staff development, effective professional learning communities and more frequent staff evaluations, all to improve student learning. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district has made essential investments in curriculum, technology, staff development and capital improvements while maintaining a positive fund balance and financial stability. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? The biggest challenge for students today is the ability to focus on their education and to understand the impact it will have on their future. As a district, we need to give students the building blocks of knowledge and skills to help them reach their full potential academically.   [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1233574","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]  Name: Robert Simonson Address: 18 Forrest Court N.W. Age: 71 Family: Wife Brenda Simonson, three grown children Education: Bachelor’s degree at Valley City State, master’s in education and specialist degree in school administration at UND. Occupation: Retired school administrator Leadership experience: Former East Grand Forks District school principal for 37 years, current member of the School Board, current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation                                       Why are you running for School Board? My professional career has centered around education and I still maintain a sincere interest in that area. With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district. What are the top issues facing the School District? Low test scores (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 3 through 8, 10 and 11); the Senior High building needs to be brought into the 21st Century regarding compliance with the American Disabilities Act; general maintenance issues; and possible expansion of an outdated and overcrowded building now more than 50 years old. How would you address these issues? I would continue the effort to focus on classroom instruction to improve test scores and begin a study to systematically improve or correct the issues currently facing the Senior High, including a possible expansion. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district’s fiscal situation is generally good with money in reserve and an increasing enrollment. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? We already prepare a large portion of our students for a postsecondary college or university programs. However, for many other students, technical and vocational training for future education and employment is becoming an increasingly vital necessity. More state funding is needed to supplement existing programs or provide additional programs.    Click here for a compilation of all other northwest Minnesota races on the Nov. 4 ballot  Three candidates are running unopposed for the East Grand Forks School Board this year, two of which are incumbents. Sue Black, a communications and member services specialist for Minnkota Power Cooperative in Grand Forks, has been a board member for 17 years. She was also board chairwoman for nine years and is current vice chairwoman. She said she’s running again because she wants to provide students with an education that prepares them to be “responsible, independent and successful.” “My experience can help further the district’s mission,” she said. Robert Simonson, a retired school administrator, has been a board member since 1993. He’s running again because he maintains “a sincere interest” in this area. He spent 37 years in the district as a school principal. Simonson is also a current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation.                           “With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district,” he said. As the sole newcomer to this race, Tom Piche, a sales representative at BSN Sports in East Grand Forks, said he believes one of the top issues in the district is student testing and he would address it by “putting good people in place.” Although he feels the district has handled its budget well, he said bullying is one of the biggest challenges facing students today. “Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important,” he said. Each candidate is running for a four-year term.   [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233571","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]] Name: Tom Piche Address: 2137 11th Ave. N.W. Age: 51 Family: Wife Deborah, daughters Bridget, 25, Francie, 23, Coco, 18, son Pierre, 15 Education: UND, 1986 Occupation: Sales professional at BSN Sports Leadership experience: Current president of East Grand Forks Soccer Club, current president of Green Wave Sports Booster Club Why are you running for School Board? I believe in quality public education for students and I want to help preserve that. What are the top issues facing the School District? I think one of the top issues is student testing, that is a challenge in our district as well as most school districts. Getting the results and goals you are trying to reach. How would you address these issues? Putting good people in place. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? I think financially the school district has operated well and done a good job of investing in our schools while building a reserve.  What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? I think bullying is a challenge in any school, as well as extra pressures kids face to make positive choices. Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important.  
Name: Sue Black Address: 1031 Sherlock Circle S.E. Age: 58 Family: Husband Rick, son Corey, daughter Leah Education: University of Minnesota and UND Occupation: Communications and member services specialist at Minnkota Power Cooperative Leadership experience: East Grand Forks School Board member for 17 years, board chairwoman for nine years, current vice chairwoman Why are you running for School Board? It’s our civic duty to provide students with an education that prepares them to be responsible, independent, successful citizens and future leaders. My experience can help further the district’s mission, which is that the district, “in cooperation with family and community, will empower all students to become responsible lifelong learners.” What are the top issues facing the School District? Our top priority has to be academic achievement for all students. How would you address these issues? District staff and administration have been working hard to develop and implement a series of educational strategies including additional staff development, effective professional learning communities and more frequent staff evaluations, all to improve student learning. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district has made essential investments in curriculum, technology, staff development and capital improvements while maintaining a positive fund balance and financial stability. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? The biggest challenge for students today is the ability to focus on their education and to understand the impact it will have on their future. As a district, we need to give students the building blocks of knowledge and skills to help them reach their full potential academically.   [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1233574","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]  Name: Robert Simonson Address: 18 Forrest Court N.W. Age: 71 Family: Wife Brenda Simonson, three grown children Education: Bachelor’s degree at Valley City State, master’s in education and specialist degree in school administration at UND. Occupation: Retired school administrator Leadership experience: Former East Grand Forks District school principal for 37 years, current member of the School Board, current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation                                       Why are you running for School Board? My professional career has centered around education and I still maintain a sincere interest in that area. With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district. What are the top issues facing the School District? Low test scores (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 3 through 8, 10 and 11); the Senior High building needs to be brought into the 21st Century regarding compliance with the American Disabilities Act; general maintenance issues; and possible expansion of an outdated and overcrowded building now more than 50 years old. How would you address these issues? I would continue the effort to focus on classroom instruction to improve test scores and begin a study to systematically improve or correct the issues currently facing the Senior High, including a possible expansion. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district’s fiscal situation is generally good with money in reserve and an increasing enrollment. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? We already prepare a large portion of our students for a postsecondary college or university programs. However, for many other students, technical and vocational training for future education and employment is becoming an increasingly vital necessity. More state funding is needed to supplement existing programs or provide additional programs.    Click here for a compilation of all other northwest Minnesota races on the Nov. 4 ballot  Three candidates are running unopposed for the East Grand Forks School Board this year, two of which are incumbents. Sue Black, a communications and member services specialist for Minnkota Power Cooperative in Grand Forks, has been a board member for 17 years. She was also board chairwoman for nine years and is current vice chairwoman. She said she’s running again because she wants to provide students with an education that prepares them to be “responsible, independent and successful.” “My experience can help further the district’s mission,” she said. Robert Simonson, a retired school administrator, has been a board member since 1993. He’s running again because he maintains “a sincere interest” in this area. He spent 37 years in the district as a school principal. Simonson is also a current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation.                           “With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district,” he said. As the sole newcomer to this race, Tom Piche, a sales representative at BSN Sports in East Grand Forks, said he believes one of the top issues in the district is student testing and he would address it by “putting good people in place.” Although he feels the district has handled its budget well, he said bullying is one of the biggest challenges facing students today. “Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important,” he said. Each candidate is running for a four-year term.   [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233571","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]] Name: Tom Piche Address: 2137 11th Ave. N.W. Age: 51 Family: Wife Deborah, daughters Bridget, 25, Francie, 23, Coco, 18, son Pierre, 15 Education: UND, 1986 Occupation: Sales professional at BSN Sports Leadership experience: Current president of East Grand Forks Soccer Club, current president of Green Wave Sports Booster Club Why are you running for School Board? I believe in quality public education for students and I want to help preserve that. What are the top issues facing the School District? I think one of the top issues is student testing, that is a challenge in our district as well as most school districts. Getting the results and goals you are trying to reach. How would you address these issues? Putting good people in place. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? I think financially the school district has operated well and done a good job of investing in our schools while building a reserve.  What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? I think bullying is a challenge in any school, as well as extra pressures kids face to make positive choices. Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important.   [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233573","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]] Name: Sue Black Address: 1031 Sherlock Circle S.E. Age: 58 Family: Husband Rick, son Corey, daughter Leah Education: University of Minnesota and UND Occupation: Communications and member services specialist at Minnkota Power Cooperative Leadership experience: East Grand Forks School Board member for 17 years, board chairwoman for nine years, current vice chairwoman Why are you running for School Board? It’s our civic duty to provide students with an education that prepares them to be responsible, independent, successful citizens and future leaders. My experience can help further the district’s mission, which is that the district, “in cooperation with family and community, will empower all students to become responsible lifelong learners.” What are the top issues facing the School District? Our top priority has to be academic achievement for all students. How would you address these issues? District staff and administration have been working hard to develop and implement a series of educational strategies including additional staff development, effective professional learning communities and more frequent staff evaluations, all to improve student learning. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district has made essential investments in curriculum, technology, staff development and capital improvements while maintaining a positive fund balance and financial stability. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? The biggest challenge for students today is the ability to focus on their education and to understand the impact it will have on their future. As a district, we need to give students the building blocks of knowledge and skills to help them reach their full potential academically.  
  Name: Robert Simonson Address: 18 Forrest Court N.W. Age: 71 Family: Wife Brenda Simonson, three grown children Education: Bachelor’s degree at Valley City State, master’s in education and specialist degree in school administration at UND. Occupation: Retired school administrator Leadership experience: Former East Grand Forks District school principal for 37 years, current member of the School Board, current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation                                       Why are you running for School Board? My professional career has centered around education and I still maintain a sincere interest in that area. With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district. What are the top issues facing the School District? Low test scores (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 3 through 8, 10 and 11); the Senior High building needs to be brought into the 21st Century regarding compliance with the American Disabilities Act; general maintenance issues; and possible expansion of an outdated and overcrowded building now more than 50 years old. How would you address these issues? I would continue the effort to focus on classroom instruction to improve test scores and begin a study to systematically improve or correct the issues currently facing the Senior High, including a possible expansion. What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district’s fiscal situation is generally good with money in reserve and an increasing enrollment. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? We already prepare a large portion of our students for a postsecondary college or university programs. However, for many other students, technical and vocational training for future education and employment is becoming an increasingly vital necessity. More state funding is needed to supplement existing programs or provide additional programs.    Click here for a compilation of all other northwest Minnesota races on the Nov. 4 ballot Three candidates are running unopposed for the East Grand Forks School Board this year, two of which are incumbents.Sue Black, a communications and member services specialist for Minnkota Power Cooperative in Grand Forks, has been a board member for 17 years. She was also board chairwoman for nine years and is current vice chairwoman.She said she’s running again because she wants to provide students with an education that prepares them to be “responsible, independent and successful.”“My experience can help further the district’s mission,” she said.Robert Simonson, a retired school administrator, has been a board member since 1993. He’s running again because he maintains “a sincere interest” in this area. He spent 37 years in the district as a school principal.Simonson is also a current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation.                          “With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district,” he said.As the sole newcomer to this race, Tom Piche, a sales representative at BSN Sports in East Grand Forks, said he believes one of the top issues in the district is student testing and he would address it by “putting good people in place.”Although he feels the district has handled its budget well, he said bullying is one of the biggest challenges facing students today.“Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important,” he said.Each candidate is running for a four-year term. 
Name: Tom PicheAddress: 2137 11th Ave. N.W.Age: 51Family: Wife Deborah, daughters Bridget, 25, Francie, 23, Coco, 18, son Pierre, 15Education: UND, 1986Occupation: Sales professional at BSN SportsLeadership experience: Current president of East Grand Forks Soccer Club, current president of Green Wave Sports Booster ClubWhy are you running for School Board? I believe in quality public education for students and I want to help preserve that.What are the top issues facing the School District? I think one of the top issues is student testing, that is a challenge in our district as well as most school districts. Getting the results and goals you are trying to reach.How would you address these issues? Putting good people in place.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? I think financially the school district has operated well and done a good job of investing in our schools while building a reserve. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? I think bullying is a challenge in any school, as well as extra pressures kids face to make positive choices. Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233573","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Sue BlackAddress: 1031 Sherlock Circle S.E.Age: 58Family: Husband Rick, son Corey, daughter LeahEducation: University of Minnesota and UNDOccupation: Communications and member services specialist at Minnkota Power CooperativeLeadership experience: East Grand Forks School Board member for 17 years, board chairwoman for nine years, current vice chairwomanWhy are you running for School Board? It’s our civic duty to provide students with an education that prepares them to be responsible, independent, successful citizens and future leaders. My experience can help further the district’s mission, which is that the district, “in cooperation with family and community, will empower all students to become responsible lifelong learners.”What are the top issues facing the School District? Our top priority has to be academic achievement for all students.How would you address these issues? District staff and administration have been working hard to develop and implement a series of educational strategies including additional staff development, effective professional learning communities and more frequent staff evaluations, all to improve student learning.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district has made essential investments in curriculum, technology, staff development and capital improvements while maintaining a positive fund balance and financial stability.What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? The biggest challenge for students today is the ability to focus on their education and to understand the impact it will have on their future. As a district, we need to give students the building blocks of knowledge and skills to help them reach their full potential academically. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1233574","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]] Name: Robert SimonsonAddress: 18 Forrest Court N.W.Age: 71Family: Wife Brenda Simonson, three grown childrenEducation: Bachelor’s degree at Valley City State, master’s in education and specialist degree in school administration at UND.Occupation: Retired school administratorLeadership experience: Former East Grand Forks District school principal for 37 years, current member of the School Board, current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation                                      Why are you running for School Board? My professional career has centered around education and I still maintain a sincere interest in that area. With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district.What are the top issues facing the School District? Low test scores (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 3 through 8, 10 and 11); the Senior High building needs to be brought into the 21st Century regarding compliance with the American Disabilities Act; general maintenance issues; and possible expansion of an outdated and overcrowded building now more than 50 years old.How would you address these issues? I would continue the effort to focus on classroom instruction to improve test scores and begin a study to systematically improve or correct the issues currently facing the Senior High, including a possible expansion.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district’s fiscal situation is generally good with money in reserve and an increasing enrollment.What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? We already prepare a large portion of our students for a postsecondary college or university programs. However, for many other students, technical and vocational training for future education and employment is becoming an increasingly vital necessity. More state funding is needed to supplement existing programs or provide additional programs.  Click here for a compilation of all other northwest Minnesota races on the Nov. 4 ballot Three candidates are running unopposed for the East Grand Forks School Board this year, two of which are incumbents.Sue Black, a communications and member services specialist for Minnkota Power Cooperative in Grand Forks, has been a board member for 17 years. She was also board chairwoman for nine years and is current vice chairwoman.She said she’s running again because she wants to provide students with an education that prepares them to be “responsible, independent and successful.”“My experience can help further the district’s mission,” she said.Robert Simonson, a retired school administrator, has been a board member since 1993. He’s running again because he maintains “a sincere interest” in this area. He spent 37 years in the district as a school principal.Simonson is also a current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation.                          “With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district,” he said.As the sole newcomer to this race, Tom Piche, a sales representative at BSN Sports in East Grand Forks, said he believes one of the top issues in the district is student testing and he would address it by “putting good people in place.”Although he feels the district has handled its budget well, he said bullying is one of the biggest challenges facing students today.“Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important,” he said.Each candidate is running for a four-year term. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233571","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Tom PicheAddress: 2137 11th Ave. N.W.Age: 51Family: Wife Deborah, daughters Bridget, 25, Francie, 23, Coco, 18, son Pierre, 15Education: UND, 1986Occupation: Sales professional at BSN SportsLeadership experience: Current president of East Grand Forks Soccer Club, current president of Green Wave Sports Booster ClubWhy are you running for School Board? I believe in quality public education for students and I want to help preserve that.What are the top issues facing the School District? I think one of the top issues is student testing, that is a challenge in our district as well as most school districts. Getting the results and goals you are trying to reach.How would you address these issues? Putting good people in place.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? I think financially the school district has operated well and done a good job of investing in our schools while building a reserve. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? I think bullying is a challenge in any school, as well as extra pressures kids face to make positive choices. Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important. 
Name: Sue BlackAddress: 1031 Sherlock Circle S.E.Age: 58Family: Husband Rick, son Corey, daughter LeahEducation: University of Minnesota and UNDOccupation: Communications and member services specialist at Minnkota Power CooperativeLeadership experience: East Grand Forks School Board member for 17 years, board chairwoman for nine years, current vice chairwomanWhy are you running for School Board? It’s our civic duty to provide students with an education that prepares them to be responsible, independent, successful citizens and future leaders. My experience can help further the district’s mission, which is that the district, “in cooperation with family and community, will empower all students to become responsible lifelong learners.”What are the top issues facing the School District? Our top priority has to be academic achievement for all students.How would you address these issues? District staff and administration have been working hard to develop and implement a series of educational strategies including additional staff development, effective professional learning communities and more frequent staff evaluations, all to improve student learning.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district has made essential investments in curriculum, technology, staff development and capital improvements while maintaining a positive fund balance and financial stability.What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? The biggest challenge for students today is the ability to focus on their education and to understand the impact it will have on their future. As a district, we need to give students the building blocks of knowledge and skills to help them reach their full potential academically. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1233574","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]] Name: Robert SimonsonAddress: 18 Forrest Court N.W.Age: 71Family: Wife Brenda Simonson, three grown childrenEducation: Bachelor’s degree at Valley City State, master’s in education and specialist degree in school administration at UND.Occupation: Retired school administratorLeadership experience: Former East Grand Forks District school principal for 37 years, current member of the School Board, current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation                                      Why are you running for School Board? My professional career has centered around education and I still maintain a sincere interest in that area. With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district.What are the top issues facing the School District? Low test scores (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 3 through 8, 10 and 11); the Senior High building needs to be brought into the 21st Century regarding compliance with the American Disabilities Act; general maintenance issues; and possible expansion of an outdated and overcrowded building now more than 50 years old.How would you address these issues? I would continue the effort to focus on classroom instruction to improve test scores and begin a study to systematically improve or correct the issues currently facing the Senior High, including a possible expansion.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district’s fiscal situation is generally good with money in reserve and an increasing enrollment.What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? We already prepare a large portion of our students for a postsecondary college or university programs. However, for many other students, technical and vocational training for future education and employment is becoming an increasingly vital necessity. More state funding is needed to supplement existing programs or provide additional programs.  Click here for a compilation of all other northwest Minnesota races on the Nov. 4 ballot Three candidates are running unopposed for the East Grand Forks School Board this year, two of which are incumbents.Sue Black, a communications and member services specialist for Minnkota Power Cooperative in Grand Forks, has been a board member for 17 years. She was also board chairwoman for nine years and is current vice chairwoman.She said she’s running again because she wants to provide students with an education that prepares them to be “responsible, independent and successful.”“My experience can help further the district’s mission,” she said.Robert Simonson, a retired school administrator, has been a board member since 1993. He’s running again because he maintains “a sincere interest” in this area. He spent 37 years in the district as a school principal.Simonson is also a current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation.                          “With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district,” he said.As the sole newcomer to this race, Tom Piche, a sales representative at BSN Sports in East Grand Forks, said he believes one of the top issues in the district is student testing and he would address it by “putting good people in place.”Although he feels the district has handled its budget well, he said bullying is one of the biggest challenges facing students today.“Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important,” he said.Each candidate is running for a four-year term. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233571","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Tom PicheAddress: 2137 11th Ave. N.W.Age: 51Family: Wife Deborah, daughters Bridget, 25, Francie, 23, Coco, 18, son Pierre, 15Education: UND, 1986Occupation: Sales professional at BSN SportsLeadership experience: Current president of East Grand Forks Soccer Club, current president of Green Wave Sports Booster ClubWhy are you running for School Board? I believe in quality public education for students and I want to help preserve that.What are the top issues facing the School District? I think one of the top issues is student testing, that is a challenge in our district as well as most school districts. Getting the results and goals you are trying to reach.How would you address these issues? Putting good people in place.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? I think financially the school district has operated well and done a good job of investing in our schools while building a reserve. What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? I think bullying is a challenge in any school, as well as extra pressures kids face to make positive choices. Keeping a safe, positive environment for students is important. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1233573","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"210","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"150"}}]]Name: Sue BlackAddress: 1031 Sherlock Circle S.E.Age: 58Family: Husband Rick, son Corey, daughter LeahEducation: University of Minnesota and UNDOccupation: Communications and member services specialist at Minnkota Power CooperativeLeadership experience: East Grand Forks School Board member for 17 years, board chairwoman for nine years, current vice chairwomanWhy are you running for School Board? It’s our civic duty to provide students with an education that prepares them to be responsible, independent, successful citizens and future leaders. My experience can help further the district’s mission, which is that the district, “in cooperation with family and community, will empower all students to become responsible lifelong learners.”What are the top issues facing the School District? Our top priority has to be academic achievement for all students.How would you address these issues? District staff and administration have been working hard to develop and implement a series of educational strategies including additional staff development, effective professional learning communities and more frequent staff evaluations, all to improve student learning.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district has made essential investments in curriculum, technology, staff development and capital improvements while maintaining a positive fund balance and financial stability.What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? The biggest challenge for students today is the ability to focus on their education and to understand the impact it will have on their future. As a district, we need to give students the building blocks of knowledge and skills to help them reach their full potential academically. 
 Name: Robert SimonsonAddress: 18 Forrest Court N.W.Age: 71Family: Wife Brenda Simonson, three grown childrenEducation: Bachelor’s degree at Valley City State, master’s in education and specialist degree in school administration at UND.Occupation: Retired school administratorLeadership experience: Former East Grand Forks District school principal for 37 years, current member of the School Board, current member of the East Grand Forks Education Foundation                                      Why are you running for School Board? My professional career has centered around education and I still maintain a sincere interest in that area. With my background in education, I feel I can contribute from many perspectives to the future growth of the district.What are the top issues facing the School District? Low test scores (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for grades 3 through 8, 10 and 11); the Senior High building needs to be brought into the 21st Century regarding compliance with the American Disabilities Act; general maintenance issues; and possible expansion of an outdated and overcrowded building now more than 50 years old.How would you address these issues? I would continue the effort to focus on classroom instruction to improve test scores and begin a study to systematically improve or correct the issues currently facing the Senior High, including a possible expansion.What are your thoughts about the district’s fiscal situation and do you see any improvement that’s needed? The district’s fiscal situation is generally good with money in reserve and an increasing enrollment.What are the biggest challenges students face and how should the district address those challenges? We already prepare a large portion of our students for a postsecondary college or university programs. However, for many other students, technical and vocational training for future education and employment is becoming an increasingly vital necessity. More state funding is needed to supplement existing programs or provide additional programs.  Click here for a compilation of all other northwest Minnesota races on the Nov. 4 ballot