Ruth Nelson, four-year term candidate
Brainerd School Board election
Age: 51.
Address: East Gull Lake.
Occupation: Consultant with Academic Business Advisors.
Ruth Nelson
Education: Bachelor of science degree in business from the University of Minnesota.
Family: Husband, Chuck; two sons, Sam, a Brainerd High School senior, and Tim, a BHS freshman; and host family to Marvin Schneider, German exchange student at BHS.
What specific qualities or experiences will make you a good choice for school board? "I have been on the school board for the past four years and am currently board chair. I have two children in ninth and 12th grade who have been enrolled in the district since kindergarten. I am a good listener, detail-oriented and review all the data before making my decision. I always make decisions based on what is best for our students. I make it a priority to visit each of our schools to meet with the principals and visit with teachers each year. I also take an active role in our schools by coaching Math Masters and volunteering."
The school district is considering options to address possible growth in the elementary school population. What options do you support? Should increasing class size be on the table? "Our goal has been to lower elementary class sizes to 25 or less. We do not want to increase elementary class size. I believe and studies have shown that smaller class sizes, along with quality teachers, are important for elementary students. I have not finalized my decision on what option is best as we still have more data to review and possibly more options. I do not favor moving Baxter fourth-graders to Forestview or purchasing the new or used modular units. Our current elementary schools are already too crowded to handle the additional children in the common areas adequately."