The final of three Ely Rotary- and Ely AAUW-sponsored candidate forums took place Wednesday evening at Minnesota North College’s Vermilion campus.
Five ISD 696 school board candidates participated, including incumbent Jennifer Westlund and contenders Derekah Kingery, Steve Hornstein, Bailey McLinn-Belehar and John Kannas. Joe Weise was not present.
Three of six candidates will gain election to the board in November.
Forum topics ranged from free meals for students to school programming and policies.
Westlund spoke on the importance of civil discourse in the classroom to “raise educated future members of our society.”
“Talking about controversial issues in the classroom is absolutely vital for developing civic competence and participation for kids,” Hornstein said. “Why wouldn’t we want them talking civilly, kindly and with data about the issues of the day?”
Should parents have concerns about curriculum, Westlund encouraged them to speak with teachers first, then open the dialog with the principal or superintendent if their conflict is not resolved.
“Throughout my term on the board, the one thing I’ve been most surprised about is how little engagement our community actually has with the school board,” Westlund said. “I would welcome more opportunities for people to reach out.”
Kingery said schools should make an effort to support arts and music programming, as creative outlets can enhance students’ quality of life and support children’s development.
Kannas responded to a question on how to attract students to the district who might have otherwise participated in online or homeschool programs.
Kannas proposed offering more college-in-the-schools courses to draw PSEO students back, as well as increasing opportunities for career and technical education.
Kingery said students should learn “true history” at age-appropriate levels, even if it may be upsetting. She said fact-based history instruction can help students “move through the world more empathetically.”
McLinn-Belehar fielded a question on whether the district should allow sports and activities to take place on Fridays. Though there is no school, McLinn-Belehar said events may occur “as long as they can be appropriately staffed and monitored.”
Kannas said Friday extracurricular events may decrease the need for students to miss school on other days for athletics and other activities.
Kannas responded to a question on multicultural instruction in schools, saying students should “definitely be involved in” those experiences so long as they are appropriate.
Hornstein said schools that teach one religion above others become “much less welcoming to those who aren’t part of that religion,” but students are welcome to take part in off-campus religious instruction.
Kingery said schools must be careful to teach students critical thinking skills before allowing access to AI.
“You wouldn’t give a student a calculator before you teach them their times table,” Kingery said.
Hornstein supports instructing students about productive AI usage.
“Kids are going to use it whether we teach it or not,” Hornstein said.
McLinn-Belehar also advocated for students’ critical thinking skills and problem- solving opportunities.
“An Ely education should prepare students to be good citizens of their community, whether it’s here or out in the world, and to make sure they feel confident to handle what life throws at them,” McLinn-Belehar said.
Asked why the public should vote for them, candidates detailed their backgrounds.
Hornstein said he has devoted his entire adult life to education as a teacher, principal, parent and more. He hopes to use his background to “benefit our children and community.”
Kannas has three children in Ely’s public school system. He hopes to prioritize the school’s financial stability. He said the school system is “one of the pillars of our community.”
Kingery said most of her adult life has been school-adjacent, from leading campus ministry to working with YMCA in Illinois and mentoring students.
“I come from a really people- centered lens,” Kingery said.
McLinn-Belehar’s son is enrolled in Ely’s early childhood program. She hopes to lead by example for her son by joining the board.
“It’s important to show up for the things you care about,” McLinn-Belehar said.
Westlund has been on the board for four years. Her daughter recently graduated from Ely High School and her son is still in the school. Westlund has served on many other boards and committees.
