*Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of The Messenger.
My name is Jake Rude, and I am seeking re-election to the Zumbrota-Mazeppa School Board.
For the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving on the school board. During that time, I've learned that this job is not always easy. It involves endless pages of reading, countless phone calls, and a willingness to ask questions, even when others would prefer you wouldn’t. It requires listening to parents, staff, and community members with an open mind and working toward solutions that serve the best interests of our students and taxpayers.
Throughout my time on the board, my top priorities have been transparency, parent involvement, and financial stewardship.
One initiative I am proud to have brought forward is a policy ensuring that when a significant classroom incident occurs, all parents in that classroom are notified, not just those directly involved. As a parent, I believe families deserve the opportunity to have conversations at home with their children and to support teachers as they work to maintain a positive learning environment.
I have also advocated for strengthening the district's fund balance so that we can responsibly maintain our facilities and address future needs without placing unnecessary financial burdens on taxpayers. When I began serving in 2023 the district held around $600k in fund balance, well below what I would consider healthy for a $14 million dollar budget. We have since increased it to $1.5 million but due to our policy restrictions it has remained between the 10-15% mark. I brought forward a motion to raise that policy to strengthen long-term financial stability, but ultimately that motion died on a 3-3 vote. While we have made important progress, there is still so much work to do.
Serving on the school board has been hard work. I care deeply about this district, its students, its staff, and the taxpayers who support it. I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and I remain committed to asking questions, seeking solutions, and helping move ZM forward.
I would be honored to earn your vote and serve the Zumbrota-Mazeppa School District for another four years.
Sincerely,
Jake Rude
Candidate for Zumbrota-Mazeppa School Board
Zumbrota,MN
