We would like to officially welcome our new Board Members:
Connor Smith, Josh Kroells, and Emily Perlbachs.
Getting to know the new board members:
Connor Smith
1. Why are you running for the Board of Education? I am running for the Board of Education in order to serve the community that I enjoyed growing up in. I enjoy learning the history of our school and community which motivates me to take that history and create a positive experience for future generations. I want to see our school excel in providing students a quality K-12 experience and open them up to the many possibilities after receiving their diploma. Whether it’s attending a 4-year college, going into the trades, joining the military, or going straight to the workforce, our school should support our students with the understanding that there are many options to choose from and the school needs to aid them in choosing something they are passionate about while also enjoying the process in receiving that education.
2. Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board of education? There is not a specific issue that motivated me to run, but an overall goal of ensuring that our school is able to provide the best experience for all students. With the passing of the recent referendum and the construction of the new facilities underway, I believe this will allow our students to enjoy their time at Central Public Schools. With our facilities in the process of being updated, this is a large accomplishment that many have wanted to see for quite some time. Another goal I believe the Board of Education should continue to strive for is ensuring that the education provided within the walls of our facilities is top notch. Having gone through K-12 with Central Public Schools, I can say that I enjoyed my time here and would like to make sure our current and future students have a great experience as well and open them to the many possibilities after graduating.
3. What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? I graduated from Central Public Schools in 2018 and I believe having that recent experience of going through the system will allow me to provide a unique perspective to the Board of Education. After graduating from Central, I attended the University of St. Thomas and graduated this past May with a finance degree. Having this financial education and on-the-job experience for the past couple of years will also allow me to provide meaningful input at an administrative level when it comes to fiscal responsibility.
4. In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? Throughout my upbringing, I always enjoyed serving in various community organizations because I enjoy seeing the positive impact it has on our neighbors. Currently, I serve as Chairman of the NYA Economic Development Commission, Treasurer for the Church of Peace, member of the NYA Willkommen Heritage and Preservation Society, member of the Stiftungsfest Committee, and am currently in training to become a member of the NYA Fire Department. My involvement in these organizations throughout the years has allowed me to witness the enjoyment our community has when we come together to serve each other.
Josh Kroells
1. Why are you running for the Board of Education? As a lifelong resident, I felt
that now is a good time for me to run for the school board. Our school district has
been moving in the right direction over the last few years and I want to continue
that. As long as we keep using common sense and do what is in the best
interest of our community and students we will continue on the right path. As
we finalize our massive project, we need to take care of our investment in all
aspects.
2. Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board of education? I have always been involved with things going on in the school and want to make sure that our students are being taught in a way that they can think for themselves with no certain agenda being pushed one way or another. I also want to make sure that the curriculum being used is appropriate. We are fortunate to have a small-town feel in all aspects of our community, but we also want to see our children receive the best that we can give them. We also need to be sure that our teachers and administration are giving the proper
tools to be successful.
3. What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I have been involved in the last two referendums and feel I am someone that people can talk to if they have concerns.
4. In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
In 2014, I started Central’s trap shooting program and was the head coach for six years. I am also a MN state certified firearms instructor since 2009 and I have been teaching the course for 10+ years. Having two boys in sports has led me to coaching youth activities. I have been an active member of the Hamburg Hunting and Fishing Club for over 20 years. Lastly, I am a board member at Peace Villa since 2019.
Emily Perlbachs
1. Why are you running for the Board of Education? I have three children who attend Central in elementary, middle, and high school. We have been in this district for 6 years now and I love everything about it from the teachers and leaders in the schools to the education and opportunities my children are receiving. I want to help ensure that our district continues to thrive for my children and all those to come.
2. Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board of education? I’m not sure that there is a particular issue that interests me. I’m most interested in the sustainability of our schools from both an educational standpoint as well as the infrastructure.
3. What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I have spent 24 years in retail management most recently running a multi-million dollar store with over 150 employees. I have experience in hiring, employee management, financial planning, payroll, HR, remodels and construction planning, project development and rollouts as well as the day-to-day functions I’d running a business. I believe that with my business experience I will be an asset to our school board as we continue to grow.
4. In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved?
I have recently been involved with the elementary PTA. I was also on the committee for the referendums and school improvements.