By multiple District 6 Minneapolis Public School teachers, parents, students, alumni, and supporters
For so many of us who are students, parents, caregivers, educators, and lifelong supporters of Minneapolis Public Schools, our schools are more than just places of learning—they are the foundation of a vibrant Minneapolis. The past five years have put our district through extraordinary trials. From the pain of pandemic shutdowns and our city’s own racial justice reckoning to massive school redistricting and the first teachers' strike in over 50 years, MPS has faced historic challenges. Through it all, our dedication has only grown stronger.
We are students who want schools where we can excel, parents who believe that MPS can and should deliver a world-class education, and professionals and community members who have dedicated our lives to building an educational system that serves every child in every corner of our city. We are committed to seeing Minneapolis Public Schools not only endure but thrive, and we believe Lara Bergman is the leader who can make that happen.
Lara is an early childhood educator with 17 years of experience in classrooms, including Head Start programs and Montessori schools. She has dedicated her career to ensuring every child has a solid foundation, knowing that early education is where lifelong learning and equity begin. Her firsthand experience as an educator, proud MPS alum, and current MPS parent drives her deep commitment to closing opportunity gaps and improving literacy outcomes for all students.
But what truly sets Lara apart is her commitment to bringing people together. In fact, we as her supporters don’t agree on everything–and we see our differences as a source of strength. Lara doesn’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to problem-solving. Instead, she believes that community input and collaboration are essential for sustainable change. Whether serving on her neighborhood board and local PTA, working with State agencies to inform policy, or organizing advocacy efforts for increased education funding at the Minnesota Capitol, Lara consistently demonstrates the power of listening to and uniting diverse voices.
At a time when Minneapolis Public Schools face challenges like dwindling enrollment, budget constraints, and significant disparities in educational outcomes, Lara’s priorities reflect her belief that all students deserve access to high-quality education, supportive environments, and equitable resources:
- Literacy as a Top Priority: Lara believes that literacy is the foundation of educational success. She advocates for evidence-based literacy practices and curriculum improvements that will empower students to thrive academically and beyond.
- Investment in Early Childhood: Recognizing that early learning is a key to long-term success, Lara champions expanding early childhood programming and strengthening partnerships with community providers. Her vision of early childhood hubs in each quadrant of the city will ensure that even our youngest learners are set up for success and ready for K-12 education.
- Fiscal Responsibility with Transparency: Lara is committed to financial stewardship and transparency. She understands the need for a balanced approach to MPS’s budget, ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most – the classroom. Lara will implement transparent budgeting processes to give our community a clear understanding of how tax dollars are supporting student success.
- Engagement and Accountability: From teachers and parents to local organizations, Lara values input from all corners of the community. She aims to reimagine how the district engages with families and stakeholders, creating meaningful feedback loops and a participatory budgeting process.
Lara’s commitment to students, her ability to work with diverse groups, and her ethic of transparency have earned her endorsements from current school board members, community leaders, dedicated educators, caregivers, and students. We know that she will lead with integrity and a fierce dedication to the well-being of Minneapolis students.
Lara’s vision for MPS is one where our schools are more than institutions—they are thriving communities that meet the needs of every child, family, and educator. She is the leader who will bring all of us together to make this vision a reality, and we urge you to join us in supporting her.
Together, let’s work toward a future where all Minneapolis students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
Tracy Byrd, Washburn High School Teacher and 2024 MN Teacher of the Year
Rebecca Allen, MPS parent & Linden Hills resident
Liz Athorn, Retired MPS educator, MPS alumni parent, MPS grandparent & Kenny resident
Dan Berg, Lynnhurst resident
Julie Caniglia, MPS parent & Tangletown resident
Sarah Cooper-Evans, MPS speech language pathologist (22+ years), MPS parent & Windom resident
Kirsten Ehresmann, MPS parent & Kenny resident
Mary Fisher, MPS alumni parent & Linden Hills resident
Bridget Gernander, MPS parent & East Harriet resident
Ellen Guettler, MPS parent & Uptown resident
Jordan Haines, Future MPS parent & Uptown resident
Kristen Hancock, MPS parent & Armatage resident
James Hancock, MPS parent & Armatage resident
Rikki Honnold, MPS Parent & Tangletown resident
Jenna Hutchinson, Retired MPS staff, MPS alumni parent, MPS grandparent & Lynnhurst resident
Welcome Jerde, Lynnhurst resident
Katrina Kessler, MPS parent & Fulton resident
Jess Khan, MPS reserve teacher, MPS parent & Lynnhurst resident
Erin Klug, Barton Teacher (26 year MPS educator), MPS parent & Lynnhurst resident
Mary Ann Knox, MPS supporter for 45 years & Uptown resident
Elizabeth Kruger, MPS alumna, MPS parent & Lynnhurst resident
Fred Langendorf, MPS alumnus parent & Lynnhurst resident
Sarah Longacre, MPS alumna, MPS parent, local business owner & Kingfield resident
Susan Mason, MPS parent & Kingfield resident
Ann Mavis, Retired MPS staff member, current Southwest HS volunteer & Uptown resident
Doug McGhee, MPS Parent & Tangletown resident
Christina McHenry, MPS alumna, MPS parent & Lyndale resident
Mary McKelvey, MPS parent & Fulton resident
Keiko Miller, MPS parent & Linden Hills resident
Kate Mortenson, Community Leader & Lynnhurst resident
Myron Orfield, Former MN State Representative, MPS alumnus, MPS alumni parent & Cedar-Isles-Dean resident
Jeffrey Peterson, MPS alumnus & Fulton resident
Mary Peterson, Windom resident
Calvin Proetz, Southwest HS Class of ‘25
Carrie Proetz, Windom Teacher (15 year MPS educator), MPS parent & Lynnhurst resident
Sarah Raleigh, Lynnhurst resident
Ava Shirley, Washburn HS Class of ‘22
Ben Schweigert, MPS parent & Kingfield resident
Andrea Siegel, MPS parent & Lynnhurst resident
Ian Stade, MPS parent, public librarian & Tangletown resident
Michelle Steffen, MPS parent & Kingfield resident
Elly Sternberg, 4th generation MPS alumna, MPS parent & Fulton resident
Kim Stone, MPS parent, former Star Tribune Education Reporter & Lynnhurst resident
Mary Streitz, MPS alumni parent & Lynnhurst resident
Kevin Ueland, MPS parent & Lynnhurst resident
Editor’s note: The District 6 school board forum is available to watch on YouTube. Interviews with Lara Bergman and Greta Callahan can be found at our sister publication, Minneapolis Schools Voices.
