The St. Anthony New Brighton Independent School District #282 has been on an upswing in recent years. The village has seen an influx of families with young children, and its schools have proved popular. In September, residents approved a bond referendum that will allow the crowded Wilshire Park Elementary School to expand.
On November 7, St. Anthony/New Brighton voters will go to the polls to select three school board members. The candidates include three incumbents—Barry Kinsey, Laura Oksnevad, and Leah Slye —plus challenger Ben Phillip. A fifth candidate, Dave Isaacson, filed to run but has withdrawn from the race.
Kinsey is a marketing consultant who has served on the board for 27 years. Oksnevad’s background is nursing; she is seeking a second term. Slye, running for her fourth term, has a financial background. Phillip works at Hamline University and is making his first bid for public office.
The new board will be seeking a new Superintendent of Schools. Current Superintendent Robert Laney, who joined the district in 2012, recently announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2018.
For candidates comments, go to the archive (pages 9 and 12) or get a print copy at our office.