As Grand Forks votes, UND political science professor calls crowded School Board race 'fascinating'
Jun. 11—GRAND FORKS — A number of contested races will be decided by Grand Forks County voters on Tuesday, including a crowded School Board race to fill five open seats.
The School Board lineup is the most notable on the ballot, which overall includes six contested races in the city of Grand Forks alone. Twenty-three candidates are vying for the five School Board spots, a number that a UND political science professor calls "a fascinating thing."
Mark Jendrysik, a professor of political science and public administration at UND, told the Herald that typically, city-level elections are rather quiet and often lack candidates to contest the races. That's not the case this year in Grand Forks.
"It's pretty astounding," he said. "I think people have been mobilized."
The mobilization might be tied to recent controversial issues that have arisen both at the city and school levels, he said.
Grand Forks School Board members in recent months have waded through controversies that have included proposals to demolish schools and consolidate students in new facilities, referendums and pandemic-related masking requirements. Across the nation, boards have dealt with concerns about curriculum, and especially worries about gender identification and how — and if — critical race theory is considered in classrooms.
The City Council is in the midst of what might be one of the most controversial issues in city history: Whether to move forward with a proposed corn mill that would be owned by a Chinese agribusiness.
Jendrysik said that across the country, there has been a concerted effort — mostly by conservative groups — to seek candidates to run for typically non-partisan boards, including city councils and school boards.
He also said some people who are running might be surprised at the hours and effort required to hold a spot on a city council, county commission or school board.
"When people run for these things and get elected, they discover that it's hard work. Just going and being a firebrand doesn't do much. It takes a lot of hard, tedious labor to be a good member of the school board," he said. "It's a lot of work, a lot of preparation and you deal with a lot of money. I wonder how many people who are running are really ready for that kind of commitment and how many think they'll go and make fiery speeches.
"We'll see," he said. "It'll be interesting."
All qualified voters in Grand Forks County can vote at four voting centers: Alerus Center (1200 42nd St. South, Entrance 8), Holy Family Voting Center (1018 18th Ave. South), Home of Economy (1508 N. Washington St.), Icon Arena/GF Park District Office (1060 47th Ave. South).
In the rural areas, the following sites are available: Emerado City Hall (Precincts 14 and 16), Gilby Presbyterian Church (Precinct 10), Larimore Senior Citizens Center (Precinct 11), Manvel Public School (Precinct 5 and 12), Northwood Community Center (Precinct 13) and Thompson Community Center (Precinct 15).
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all sites.
Here are the Tuesday, June 14, contested races, as they will appear on local ballots:
Voters will be asked to vote for three candidates. The top six vote-getters will then advance to the General Election in November.
Those running for the open seats are Mark Rustad, Lon Kvasager, Vanessa Richter, K.C. Inman, Kimberly Hagen, Bob Rost, Jordon Klava and Tom Falck.
Stories related to the School Board race can be found on the Herald's website, including:
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Grand Forks County Commission candidates: A look at their answers to three questions from the Herald
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Candidates for Grand Forks County Commission point toward fiscal concerns as top county issue
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The candidates up for the open City Council seat in Ward 2 are Rebecca Osowski and Matthew Ternus.
Those vying for an open seat in Ward 4 are Tricia Lunski, Harry Samuelson and Ward Johnson.
Stories related to the School Board race can be found on the Herald's website, including:
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Grand Forks City Council candidates share thoughts on mental health needs in city, plus Fufeng plant
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What are your top priorities? Grand Forks City Council candidates respond
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Grand Forks City Council candidates: A look at their answers to six questions from the Herald
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Was Fufeng deal handled well? Grand Forks City Council candidates respond
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Grand Forks City Council candidates discuss events, and whether public funds should be used for them
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Herald survey: What infrastructure does Grand Forks need? Council candidates respond
Kerry Rosenquist and Larry Richards are the two names on the ballot to fill a local judgeship.
Voters will be asked to choose no more than three names from the following list for Grand Forks Park Board: Greg LaDouceur, Tim Skarperud, Jordan McIntyre and Terry Dvorak.
Of the 23 candidates, voters may choose no more than five names. Those in the running are Kelly Schempp, Monte Gaukler, Emily Wros, Josh Anderson, Dee Decimus, Cameron Murphy, Marie Stewart, Mark D. Peterson, Dave Berger, Bill Palmiscno, Bonnie McMullin, Aaron Waterman, Ronald Barta, Roland Clifford Riemers, Jacqueline (Jackie) Hassett, Sona Lesmeister, Jennifer Kolodka, Joel Larson, Courtney Kniert, Bradley Sturglaugson, David Waterman, Senta Grzadzielewski and Elizabeth Delgado.
Stories related to the School Board race can be found on the Herald's website, including:
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About half of Grand Forks School Board candidates support $55 million referendum
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Finances, buildings and even teacher shortage concern Grand Forks School Board candidates
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Grand Forks School Board candidates: A look at their answers to six questions from the Herald
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Grand Forks School Board candidates weigh in on neighborhood schools.
Voters also will be asked: Shall the Grand Forks Public School District "publish a record of the proceedings of the school board in the official newspaper of the school district for the succeeding two years?"
Also on the Grand Forks ballot will be a number of contested races at the state level.
Republican Senate primary: The candidates are incumbent John Hoeven and challenger Riley Kuntz.
Republican secretary of state primary: Michael Howe and Marvin Lepp are running for a place on the November ballot.
Democratic U.S. senator primary: Michael J. Steel and Katrina Christiansen are running in the Democratic Party's senate primary. Voters will choose one to advance to the November election.
Legislature: Some Grand Forks County residents — those who live in legislative District 20 — will vote on contested primary races for North Dakota Senate and House. The Republican candidates for Senate are Robert Fors and Randy D. Lemm. Technically, both are incumbents, but were thrown into the same race after a reorganization of the state's legislative districts. Voters will choose one to advance to the November election.
The District 20 Republican House primary includes Jared Hagert, Mike Beltz and Craig Jarolimek. Voters may choose two.
Other legislative primary candidates also will be on the ballot, depending on the voter's place of residence, but no other race is contested.
