Seven candidates have stepped forward to fill three seats up for election on the seven-person board for Robbinsdale Area Schools. Those seats are at-large positions currently held by Greta Evans-Becker, Helen Bassett and John Vento.
Evans-Becker and Bassett have filed for reelection. Deborah Campion, Barbara Breher, Aviva Hillenbrand, Aileen White and Kenneth Wutoh filed as well.
The Sun Post reached out to the seven candidates for some information to share with voters. Below are their responses. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Helen Bassett
Describe your background and qualifications.
I am a widowed mother of three, and a summa cum laude graduate, with a bachelor’s degree. My career in government covers public safety, public health, juvenile diversion, child welfare, violence prevention, youth employment/training and commerce; with over 40 years experience in program management and governance. I am the founder of several nonprofits’ initiatives, including a national violence prevention initiative with the Harvard School of Public Health. I established a fellowship effort to provide social-emotional support for indigenous and diverse school board directors in Minnesota. My demonstrated ethical, collaborative governing style is proven during 20 years in office.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district?
- Addressing the budget deficit: Improved utilization of the Finance Advisory Council should be considered with better engagement with the community in visioning toward future ready and safe facilities, and enrollment challenges.
- The need for concentrated efforts to improve academic achievement with increased board monitoring of progress and intervention effectiveness.
- Increased need for public education and information about proper board management which increases public ability to discern root causes that disrupt smooth board operations, the focus on personalities weakens public trust.
- The need to maintain the ethical trustees, knowledgeable and experienced diverse representation for the students we serve.
The current board has been described as "dysfunctional." What can you do about this?
- Promote and engage in improvements in board management and operations, with training in cultural competence, ethics, interpersonal communication, roles and parliamentary procedure as needed.
- A renewed look at board mediation should be taken to improve communications, to help the board move forward and support academic achievement across all student groups.
- Continue to operate in an ethical manner, supporting colleagues whenever I can. Utilizing vetted data when making assertions, and ensuring due process, before allegations are presented as facts.
- Promote credible policies and processes to resolve disagreements or conflicts.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
My official website is at helenbassett4281.com . This is undergoing improvements at the time of this writing. My former website may also still be viewed at hjbassett.wixsite.com/4281 .
Barbara Breher
Describe your background and qualifications.
I have worked in the private sector for over 18 years as a leader within a service department. My job is to support others in successful outcomes, hold them accountable and partner with numerous people to accomplish goals. I have my BA in communications with an emphasis in conflict management and a Master of Arts in business administration. I am a mother of two students within RAS and a homeowner in the district boundaries. I have a vested interest in the long term success of the district.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district?
1. Safety and Wellbeing - physical safety for students and staff as well as overall wellbeing and support
2. Responsible use of all resources - this includes budgetary concerns, staff, time and anything else that helps the district and community succeed
3. Rebuilding Trust and Accountability - especially trust in the school board to make the best decisions for all stakeholders and with the interest of the students at the heart of it all
The current board has been described as "dysfunctional." What can you do about this?
I have observed current board meetings for years and the dysfunction is real. The inability to get beyond personal differences and seemingly petty disagreements slows, if not stops, all progress related to the actual district. The board is not setting the best example when it comes to respectful behavior toward others and it is embarrassing. I can bring a level of respect and decency to the table.
I work with people on a regular basis that I might not personally agree with on something, but that cannot stop progress being made or goals from being accomplished. At the heart of it all, it is important to have a shared goal to focus on - which is the success of the school district, not any one individual. I am efficient, organized, prepared and would approach any situation with an open mind and willingness to learn.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
Website: barbbreher4rdale.com
Email: barbbreher@gmail.com
Deborah Campion
Describe your background and qualifications.
I hold a BA in education with an emphasize in psychology from UND.
I have a master's degree from Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
I have classroom experience. I also worked as an assistant manger for a finance company. I then worked as a w/c insurance adjuster, reporting to the state of Minnesota.
A New Hope resident for 35 years. I am active in my church, made costumes for AHS plays in the 90s. I have also served on five different boards and dealt with embezzlement, communication problems and watching budgets.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district?
I am running because I care about all children and want to see them receive the best education to succeed in life's journey. There are probably other issues that as a community member we are not aware of. I believe due diligence needs to be done in hiring, transportation needs and finance record keeping. The board also needs transparency in the community, I just received an award from Minnesota Women of Today for my service in New Hope Women of Today, as a program VP. I also (in caring for children ) teach Sunday school at my church I'm involved with other groups there.
The current board has been described as "dysfunctional." What can you do about this?
I am appalled by the board meetings.
One of the things I excelled at in my life was calming down people and discussing problems. I find most people just want to be heard, given options to help the situation. When someone is talking I don't think of what I will say. I just listen and then find a way forward that satisfies both parties. I am patient, kind, caring and a problem solver. We need to give the kids an Education for Living and support teachers and staff.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
Email: campiondeborah28@gmail
Greta Evans-Becker
Describe your background and qualifications.
I was an educator for over thirty years, working for sixteen years in the Robbinsdale Area Schools and twelve years as a principal in Golden Valley. I earned my master’s degree in child and family studies, a doctorate in educational policy and administration, my principal licensure, superintendent licensure, and staff development certificate. I know how hard it is to be an educator. I have served on the School Board for three and a half years. I want to use my experience and skills to work with our new superintendent to help our school district reach its full potential.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district?
Safety - Building/site security and personal safety. Students and staff need to be safe physically and emotionally in order to learn, teach and be their best selves.
Academic Achievement - It is a moral imperative that all students can learn and achieve at high levels. Teachers need to be supported with professional development in research-based strategies.
Budget - The budget needs constant monitoring to ensure we are not overspending and are still meeting the needs of our students.
Communications - We must show our strengths, successes and pride in our schools and in our students. People need to know about all the good things happening in District 281.
The current board has been described as "dysfunctional." What can you do about this?
As a board member I put personal feelings aside and I do not take what other board members say personally. I do not need to get even or relive past harm. I am able to move forward and do the business of the district with a student and learning focus. I can see the big picture. I do my homework. I rely on data in decisionmaking. I am a collaborator. I can find common ground and reach consensus. I listen to stakeholders and understand the importance of using data in making decisions. I model positive, fair, logical behavior.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
Website: gretafor281.org
Facebook: facebook.com/gretafor281
Cell: 612-590-3952
Email: greta.evans.becker@gmail.com
Aviva Hillenbrand
Describe your background and qualifications.
I am deeply commited to providing our students with a high-quality, culturally relevant education. As a parent of three district students (two current and one graduate) and with over a decade of experience in public school community education, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our schools.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district?
We need to:
Enhance our educational resources by investing in programs that support student success and staff development.
Support our exceptional staff by creating a positive and collaborative work environment.
Celebrate diversity and ensure that all students, families and staff feel welcome and respected.
Achieve financial stability by identifying solutions to complex funding challenges.
Contribute to good governance by cultivating a climate of civility among school board members, while providing support and oversight to the superintendent's leadership.
The current board has been described as "dysfunctional." What can you do about this?
I will set an example by focusing on good governance and civil discourse while ensuring everything I do is centered on positive student outcomes.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
Website: sites.google.com/view/electavivahillenbrand
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565767102132
Email: electavivahillenbrand@gmail.com
Aileen White
Describe your background and qualifications.
I have deep ties to the RAS district, having lived and worked here for many years. My experience ranges from being a substitute educational assistant to a full-time employee at the high school, and I’m also a parent of three RAS graduates. This gives me a comprehensive understanding of the district from multiple perspectives—parent, staff, and community member. I’m committed to advocating for positive change and am not afraid to ask tough questions when necessary. My longstanding connection to the district’s staff, programs and families uniquely positions me to contribute to meaningful improvements that benefit everyone.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district?
The most pressing issue is the need for greater community involvement. We need to ensure financial transparency and accountability across all district decisions to build trust. Additionally, safety and student behavior are growing concerns that require clear, proactive measures from the district. It’s critical that we continue to foster stronger partnerships between the board, staff and families so we can all work together to create the best outcomes for students. By addressing these issues head on, we can ensure the district remains focused on what’s most important: the success and wellbeing of our students.
The current board has been described as "dysfunctional." What can you do about this?
Dysfunctional is the word being used to describe the RAS Board. If the Board is not functioning properly, the community of RAS has the opportunity for three seats at the table to be occupied with three new faces. We need to ask ourselves why the old guard was not moving forward working with those who were new at the table, embracing transparency and inclusion. The time of 30-minute meetings, rubber stamping all administration put forward, has long past. The new look of the RAS Board, was/will be questioning and thorough in their research. From dysfunction, comes the function of accountability to create a better district for students, staff and community.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
Email: aileenwhitefor281@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/aileenwhitefor281
Website: tinyurl.com/aileenwhitefor281
Kenneth Wutoh
Describe your background and qualifications.
I’m Kenneth Wutoh, a proud parent, spouse of a district employee and an experienced physical therapist. My journey—from being a classroom teacher in Ghana to earning a doctorate in physical therapy and MBA in leadership change management and business analytics—has shaped my perspective on education and community engagement. As president of E-quip Africa, a nonprofit empowering children in Liberia and Ghana, I’m deeply committed to making a difference.
I believe effective leadership thrives on collaboration. It’s about uniting parents, businesses, community leaders and educators to create an environment where every child can succeed.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district?
Safety; The safety of our children is nonnegotiable, and I will work to ensure district policies foster a nurturing environment where everyone feels safe physically and emotionally.
Respectful collaboration. As outlined in the district's strategic plan, collaboration is key. I’m committed to fostering constructive dialogue among board members, educators and parents. Together, we can tackle challenges and find solutions.
Upholding fiscal integrity. Financial responsibility is critical, as we focus on the upcoming technology levy referendum, our responsibility to the community must equally be for transparent oversight of our budget to ensure every dollar has its maximum impact on our students and teachers.
I support diverse paths for students. Not every student is destined for a traditional college path and that’s okay. I will advocate for expanding vocational training programs, allowing students to count their experiences toward apprenticeship requirements by engaging more local businesses and unions.
The current board has been described as "dysfunctional." What can you do about this?
No disagreements should be deemed personal but just another perspective! If elected, I promise to approach every board meeting with an open mindset, focused on credible data and fostering respectful dialogue. Together, we can create the thriving educational environment our children deserve.
Where can people go to learn more about you?
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1439406426721577
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