Nelson announces re-election bid for Fargo School Board

(Fargo, ND) -- The run on current Fargo School Board members officially announcing their re-election campaigns has continued Monday morning, the day of the deadline to file for the June election.

School board Vice President Robin Nelson has filed to retain her seat on the board, joining President Rebecca Knutson in an announcement made just hours before final applications were accepted.

"I have dedicated my life, both personally and professionally, to help prepare youth for a successful future," said Nelson in a statement released to WDAY Radio. "As a school board member, I have worked tirelessly to ensure well-rounded opportunities for all students, continuously collaborated with educators, and fought to limit class sizes to achieve better outcomes for all. I consider all employees of the District to be educators, and each deserves the respect and trust as the professionals they are."

Nelson attended Horace Mann Elementary, Ben Franklin Middle School and North High School. She was previously elected to three terms and after a two-year break, was reelected in June, 2018. She currently also serves on the North Dakota School Board Association Governmental Affairs Committee and was awarded North Dakota’s Master School Board Member with Distinction designation. Robin also serves as the chair for Fargo Police Department’s Badges of Unity board, on the Fargo Cass Public Health board, on the FMWF Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, was named Kiwanis 2021 Community Champion for Kids and is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America regional Hall of Fame.

"The upcoming North Dakota legislative session calls for someone who has strong working relationships with legislators from both sides of the aisle, has a solid grasp of legislative history and procedures, and is committed to work diligently for public education. Fargo needs someone to fight to retain and revitalize employee retirement plans, maintain local control, and to work for reasonable and sustainable funding for public education. I have served as the Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee for several years, and am uniquely qualified to fulfill that role," said Nelson.

She joins a now packed field of nine candidates for the upcoming five open spots on the school board. The election will be held June 14th.