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Sarah Aadland

I’m Sarah Aadland, and for nearly two years I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Chisago Lakes School Board. This fall, I am asking for your support to be elected.

As a parent of two students in the district – and one recent graduate – I care deeply about the state of our schools. I’m closely connected to the work happening in our classrooms, and I’d be honored to continue leveraging my background in parent education, nonprofit management, and public policy to address the district’s challenges and opportunities.

Twice, I have stepped up to fill vacant school board seats during times of upheaval. First in the summer of 2021 when I applied, and again last spring when, as the next highest vote-getter in the 2022 election, I was offered the role. Over the past two years, I’ve worked hard to deepen my understanding of district finances, policies, and history. I’ve taken advantage of every relevant Minnesota School Board Association training, and I’ve broadened my connections with staff, students, and the community. And I’ve consistently reached out with questions as our complex, dynamic district encounters new and unfamiliar issues month-to-month and week-to-week.  

As both a parent and a professional in family education, I have dedicated myself to enriching the educational experience of children in our community. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed volunteering in the classroom. I’ve supported and at various times led fundraising and outreach efforts with Taylors Falls Parents for Education and various activity booster clubs. For several years I led a kindness club for our fourth and fifth graders, bringing the service-learning materials I’ve created for Doing Good Together, a Minnesota nonprofit, to students interested in making a difference for our community.

My commitment to fostering positive change threads through everything I do.

 I’ll be honest, I’m an introvert, not a natural campaigner. But when that first vacant position opened up in 2021, and friends began encouraging me to apply, the work — aside from campaigning — seemed like a natural fit. I found that my passion for strong schools and empowered kids uniquely suited me for the role. I’m already following the complex issues surrounding education as I raise my own three kids. And I enjoy the opportunity for pragmatic problem-solving. If elected, I’ll gladly continue leading with commitment and accountability.

I’m honored to be endorsed by Chisago Lakes Educate Minnesota (CLEM). It’s wonderful to have the support of our Chisago Lakes teachers, and I will keep working hard for yours too. Feel free to reach out with any questions about my experience on the board over the past two years, my background, or my hopes for the district going forward: [email protected] or visit my website at aadland4education.com.

I am asking for your vote, not just for me, but for our children who deserve an outstanding education, for the families who believe in our community enough to raise their children here, and for the future we can build together for Chisago Lakes.  

Aaron Olson

I've lived in Minnesota my whole life. My lovely wife, Ashley, and I moved to the Chisago Lakes area in 2014 to start a family.  We now have three small children; our oldest daughter is in 2nd grade. Her younger brother and sister can't wait to grow up to be Wildcats, too!

I'm currently a construction superintendent on large-scale commercial jobs, and I also own a small business. My family and I recently started a hobby farm, which keeps us all on our toes.

I'm proud to be endorsed by Minnesota Parents Alliance. My priorities as a parent in the district align with parents not only here but around the state who want to get back to the basics by focusing on academic achievement, parents' rights and responsible spending.

I believe the Chisago Lakes area is the best place to live in Minnesota and want to ensure that my kids, along with all children in this community, receive a high-quality education! Our closely held values are God, family, and country.

I believe parents should have input on every aspect of school, including what’s happening in the classroom. Let’s get back to the basics by focusing on math, reading and science. Currently, barely half of students in our district are meeting state standards in math (55.5 percent) and reading (56.1 percent); only 41.9 percent are meeting standards in science. 

As a school board member, one of my top priorities will be to focus on academic achievement.

We need full financial transparency, so parents and the community know exactly where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. I will fight for responsible spending.

Teachers, parents and the school board should partner together to give each student the best opportunity to be successful.

Feel free to find out more information at olson4chisagolakes.com or e-mail me at [email protected].

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