Karn for MPLS

06/02/2022

I decided to run for Minneapolis School Board in District 3 because I saw a need in our community for strong leadership within our public schools. Equity, justice, service, community, and belonging are the values that I strive to live into each day. I raised my hand knowing that I could make a difference for students, families, and teachers, given my perspective as a district parent and experienced education leader. All of us want to do right by all students. Yet, we allow inequities to persist – in our state funding formula, the conditions we create for learning across our city, our community engagement, and the unacceptable disparities in our students' learning and well-being.

Now is not the right time for me - or my family - to run for office. After much reflection on how I might apply myself to address the needs of our community, I will not be moving forward with my campaign. I will listen, learn, and lead as a parent of an MPS student rather than as a Board Director.

I remain committed to our Minneapolis Public School district, the vitality of our public schools, students' academic success, and the ability for students to thrive as a result of their educational experiences here. We are beyond quick fixes to the complex issues we face. It will take each of us to navigate today's challenges to deliver the educational experiences our students deserve.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

05/17/2022

The City Convention election did not go the way that I had hoped, and I want to congratulate Fathia Feerayarre on her willingness to run and her DFL endorsement.

My opponent and I both agree that we need to get families back to the district, yet we have differing approaches on how to solve the problem. I see the enrollment challenges as a symptom of systemic issues such as lack of district-wide effective literacy instruction, insufficient community outreach and engagement, lack of teacher diversity or policies that attract and retain diverse educators, and mismanaged district resources.

These needs should be tackled by a coalition of students, parents and stakeholders who come together to address the diverse learning needs of our district. I am committed to building and sharing power across constituencies. No matter who was endorsed, we need a coalition builder who stays committed to our twin needs: structural changes to our state’s education funding formula and a focus on learning for ALL students.

I want to thank the 30% of the district 3 delegates and alternates who participated in this process. I want to thank the DFL team for their planning and facilitation of the city convention process. Stay committed to the deep changes we need in our city, in our schools and for our students.

05/14/2022

We’re so excited for the Mpls DFL city convention tomorrow 5/15. It opens at 9am with call to order at 11am. Karn can’t wait to connect with delegates and share more about her priorities and commitment to MPS. We'll see you there!

05/13/2022

We are honored to share another endorsement for Karn's campaign. Bernadeia Johnson, former Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent, endorses Karn. "I am happy to support Karn for the MPS School board because I remain deeply committed to the students and families served by Minneapolis Public Schools – and Karn is, too. Karn leads with compassion and is focused on enriching and rewarding experiences that prepare children to thrive now and in the future. We need board members who will work together to ensure our community can both heal and move toward solutions."

05/12/2022

As an MPS parent, I have a personal stake in our school district, and I want to do everything in my power to ensure that every student in MPS learns and is set up to succeed. I'm stepping up for District 3, and I can't do this without you. Together we can build a more just, equitable, and excellent school system that works for all students. It’s time to invest in Minneapolis. Learn more about my priorities at karnforschools.org

05/12/2022

Karn and her team value transparency and are sharing answers to many of the questions we’ve heard at karnforschools.org/faqs. We are also sharing Karn’s responses to the MFT and Senior DFL surveys, linked in the comments below.

Minneapolis is a community of caring citizens, passionate advocates, and resilient students. Our community truly wants to do right by all students. Yet inequities persist and are among the largest divides in the nation. This is unacceptable. My name is Karn and I'm running for Minneapolis school boa

05/12/2022

Karn and her campaign team have been connecting with MPS families, educators and voters to talk about what matters to them, and how Karn’s ideas for the school board can help. Through these conversations, she’s learned a lot and had an opportunity to share her priorities and more. Two themes have emerged from these conversations and we want to share the questions and responses (see comments below). Karn has the communication and problem-solving skills to engage with stakeholders, to build a coalition around an opportunity or challenge and to move our district forward.

05/10/2022

Jamie Long MN State Representative 61B, endorses Karn for Minneapolis School Board. "Our state and city thrive when we have strong community leaders that both listen and push hard for equitable access, funding, and resources. I support Karn for the Minneapolis School Board, because she will work with our community to strengthen educational opportunities for students and their families."

05/07/2022

Becky Alper, Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner District Three, endorses Karn. "I have known Karn Engelsgjerd for several years and wholeheartedly support her for Minneapolis School Board District 3. As a fellow Minneapolis Public Schools parent, Karn is deeply committed to students and families in our district. She's a problem-solver, listener, and she will be instrumental in making the important and needed changes in our district so that our students, teachers, and community can thrive in the years to come."

04/27/2022

I live in Seward and Minneapolis is my chosen home. I am a proud parent of two children: a 4 year old and a second grader attending a Minneapolis public school. As both an MPS parent and advocate, I've experienced when the system is working at its best and where we can do better for kids.

Learn more: karnforschools.org

04/20/2022

Our community truly wants to do right by all students. Yet inequities persist and are among the largest divides in the nation. This is unacceptable. As a Minneapolis Public Schools parent, I have a personal stake in our school district, and I want to do everything in my power to ensure that every student in MPS learns and is set up to succeed. Karn Engelsgjerd for Minneapolis Public School Board, District 3" Seeking a more equitable, just, and student centered future. Learn more: www.karnforschools.org

Minneapolis Public School Board District 3 • I'm Karn Engelsgjerd, and as an MPS parent, I have a personal stake in our school district. As a great listener and committed community changer, I want to do everything in my power to ensure every student in MPS is set up to succeed; high-quality instru...