The Minnesota School Boards Association has designated September as Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, a time to honor the dedicated leaders who serve as the guiding light for student success in public schools across the state.

This month, Brainerd Public Schools proudly joins school districts throughout Minnesota in recognizing the elected board members who commit their time, talents, and leadership to ensuring all students receive a high-quality public education.

“Strong schools help build strong communities, and our school board members are the compass of our district—they set the direction, ask the tough questions, and keep our focus squarely on what matters most: student success,” said Peter Grant, superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools. “They serve countless hours to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive in school and in life.”

School board members are responsible for governing local schools, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, approving curriculum, overseeing facilities, and ensuring compliance with state and federal education laws. According to Grant, the board’s work plays a vital role in guiding student success by:

• Setting a clear vision that prioritizes learning and opportunity for all students;
• Establishing high standards for academic success and well-being;
• Holding the system accountable by tracking progress and outcomes;
• Fostering a safe, supportive environment where students can grow;
• Partnering with families, staff, and the broader community to solve challenges;
• Committing to continuous improvement in pursuit of educational excellence.

“These leaders may not seek recognition, but their work deserves it,” said Grant. “Their year-round service ensures that local control of education remains strong and that our schools continue to reflect the values and hopes of our community.”

Recognizing Our Guiding Lights

We are proud to recognize the members of the Brainerd School Board and their years of service:

• Sarah Speer, Chair, 3.5 Years of Service
• Randy Heidmann, Vice Chair, 2.5 years of service
• DJ Dondelinger, Clerk, 2.5 years of service
• John Ward, Treasurer, 2.5 years of service
• Michelle Brekken, Director, 2.5 years of service
• Stephanie Etterman, Director, 9 months of service 

To learn more about the work of the Brainerd School Board, visit our Board of Education page..