In 2015, Spring Lake Park Schools will elect three people to their school board to serve four-year terms. This year, there are three candidates for those three seats.
About: Jim Amundson is running for re-election to the School Board for Spring Lake Park Schools. Amundson has served on the board for a total of 12 years. Most recently being elected in 2012 and previously serving from January 2000 through December 2007. Amundson also served as the board Chairperson from 2003 to 2007. Amundson is a lifelong resident of the school district and graduated from Spring Lake Park High School in 1985. His family consists of his wife, Beth, their adult daughter, Britney Pierce (SLP Class of 2006), and sons, Ryan (SLP Class of 2015) and Eric (13).
Amundson works in the community banking industry as the President of First Advantage Bank in Coon Rapids. He has held that position since leading the formation and opening of the bank in September, 2003.
Outside of work and family, Amundson enjoys traveling, playing golf, reading and spending time with his family at their cabin in western Wisconsin.
Important Issues: Providing a quality education for the youth in our community is really the important issue. “High expectations, high achievement for all. No excuses.” This purpose statement is the ultimate guide in decision-making and creating a culture that fosters collaboration and continuous improvement. As a key measure of our success, I will always look at continuous improvement in student achievement as an important issue.
Prudent management of fiscal resources is also an important issue for any school board. The Spring Lake Park school district has a long history of being good stewards of public funds and has held itself to a high standard of accountability and transparency. Continued support of these efforts is something I believe is important.
Finally, I believe successfully completing the Master Facilities and Programming study will be an important priority over the next several years.
Political Philosophy: Members of school boards serve in non-partisan positions. Therefore, an unwavering commitment to any political position or philosophy is not necessary to serve successfully. In fact, I would argue such a commitment by a school board member would not allow one to serve successfully.
Endorsements: I have not sought nor am I aware of any public endorsements of my candidacy.
Did not submit.
About: Amy Hennen has lived in the Spring Lake Park School District for eleven years. She has two children who attend District 16; a son in tenth grade and a daughter in eighth.
Amy received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Morris and law degree from the University of Minnesota. She worked as an attorney for six years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.
Almost ten years ago, Amy began volunteering in District 16 schools and discovered a love for working with kids. She worked with students on reading fluency, led groups of students in research projects, chaperoned field trips and volunteered on PTOs. Amy then expanded her volunteering to include several District-wide committees, including the Panther Foundation and Community Advisory Council. For the last four years, Amy has been honored to serve District 16 as a member of the School Board. She also volunteers in the Anoka County Library system.
Amy’s work with the students, staff, parents and community of District 16 inspires her to continue her tenure on the Board to contribute to the District’s vision of excellence for all students. She enjoys the collaborative effort and values the opportunity to serve her community.
Important Issues: The students and staff of District 16 have an exciting few years ahead of them. Through the purposeful work of the Administration and staff, students in District 16 have more options for personalized learning than ever before. Additionally, our growing student population presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The continuous improvement in the instruction and student experience in District 16 makes Amy energized to continue her work with the District to ensure a world class education for each and every student.
Political Philosophy: Amy’s political philosophy with regard to work within District 16 is simple: she will work with whoever she can, for however long is necessary, to support the District’s efforts to ensure a world class, personalized educational experience for each and every student.
Endorsements: None listed
