I’m Laura Fangel, a proud parent, community volunteer, and passionate advocate for public education. I’m honored to announce my candidacy for the Lakeville Area Schools (ISD 194) School Board. This is my second campaign for the School Board. In 2024, our campaign came up just short, but the conversations I had with families, educators, and community members only strengthened my belief in our district and its incredible promise. I’m running again because I believe Lakeville Area Schools can be a place where every student is challenged, supported, and prepared to succeed. Education is about more than academics—it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping every child discover their potential. As someone who benefited from Minnesota’s outstanding public schools, I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for whatever path they choose. Since moving to Lakeville, I’ve experienced firsthand what makes our district special: exceptional educators, engaged families, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and a community that cares deeply about its schools. At the same time, our district faces important challenges. Many students are still working to overcome learning gaps from recent years, while schools continue to address increasing academic, behavioral, and mental health needs. We also face enrollment growth, changing student needs, and difficult financial decisions that require thoughtful leadership and long-term planning. This fall, our community will begin the process of selecting a new superintendent—a decision that will shape the direction of Lakeville Area Schools for years to come. Choosing a leader with a clear vision, a commitment to student achievement, and the ability to build trust across our community will be one of the most important responsibilities of the next School Board. I am prepared to take that responsibility seriously. As a parent actively involved in our schools through PTO leadership and district committees, I’ve seen both the strengths of our schools and the areas where we can do better. I believe our students, families, educators, and staff deserve a School Board that listens, leads with integrity, and focuses on solutions. When elected, I will work to: 1. Put students first by making decisions that support academic achievement and long-term success. 2. Ensure every student feels safe, welcomed, respected, and connected at school so they can learn and thrive. 3. Champion high-quality special education services because every child—regardless of ability—deserves the support, resources, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. 4. Support educators by advocating for responsible budgets, strong classroom resources, and policies that help recruit and retain exceptional teachers and staff. 5. Help select and support an outstanding superintendent who will lead our district into its next chapter with vision, accountability, and collaboration. 6. Strengthen trust through transparent communication, fiscal responsibility, and meaningful partnerships with families and the community. Lakeville Area Schools has an incredible foundation and an even brighter future. By working together, we can ensure our growing district continues to provide an exceptional education for every student while preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead. I would be honored to earn your support and your vote. Together, we can build a stronger future for every student in Lakeville Area Schools.
Every decision made by the School Board should begin with one question: How does this benefit students? I will advocate for policies that prioritize academic achievement, close learning gaps, and prepare every student for success after graduation—whether that path leads to college, a career, military service, or technical education.
Students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and connected. I believe every child deserves to attend a school where they are welcomed, supported, and treated with dignity. By fostering positive school cultures and strong partnerships between families, educators, and students, we can create environments where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Every child has the right to a high-quality education, regardless of ability. I am committed to ensuring our special education programs provide the resources, support, and individualized services students need to reach their full potential. Supporting students with disabilities isn’t just a legal responsibility—it’s a reflection of our values as a community and our commitment to educational excellence for every learner.
Outstanding schools begin with outstanding educators. We must recruit, support, and retain exceptional teachers and staff by providing responsible budgets, quality classroom resources, and a workplace where educators feel respected and empowered. Investing in the people who serve our students every day is one of the best investments we can make in our district’s future.
This fall, Lakeville Area Schools will have the opportunity to select a new superintendent who will help shape the future of our district for years to come. Choosing a leader with integrity, vision, and a commitment to student success will be one of the most important responsibilities of the next School Board. I will approach that decision thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with a focus on what’s best for our students, staff, and community.
Strong schools are built on trust. I believe School Board members should communicate openly, make thoughtful and fiscally responsible decisions, and actively listen to families, staff, students, and community members. By working together with honesty, accountability, and respect, we can strengthen confidence in our schools and move our district forward.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
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