Monica Madsen running for Elk River Area School Board

Monica Madsen, of Otsego, announced earlier this month she is running for a seat on the Elk River Area School Board.

The 41-year-old Otsego woman is a 2001 graduate of Elk River High School. She was a captain of the girls high school hockey team as a senior.

Madsen has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education social studies from St. Cloud State University to teach students in 5th-12th grade and a master’s in mathematics from University of Alaska-Southeast to teach students in grades K-8.

She was a teacher in rural Alaska (Lower Kuskokwim School District) for 5 years and for 1 year in the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District. She also has experience as a substitute teacher in Elk River and surrounding communities.

“I believe my education background would be beneficial in serving our community,” she said. “I was a full-time public school teacher before having my own children.”

If elected, her top priorities would be academic performance, board transparency and student safety.

“I want every student to succeed and every teacher to be fully supported with the resources needed to allow our future generation to thrive,” Madsen said.

“As a former public school teacher, I believe it is necessary for board members to collaborate with front-line educators and school administrators to identify and develop creative solutions to address these issues. By truly creating community representation and addressing school safety, we can begin to change the classroom setting, which then provides opportunities for academic performance.

She is married to Eric Madsen and has a 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. Her parents are Caroll and Colleen Hecklinger, long-time community members who currently reside in Elk River.

Madsen is currently a member of Christ Church in Otsego and involved with the children’s ministry there.

For more information, contact Monica Madsen via email Monicafor728schools@gmail.com, 612-405-0118 or visit her website at https://monicamadsenforisd728schools.com/