Cindy Nordstrom

Cindy Nordstrom (incumbent)

Cindy NordstromAGE: 53
CHILDREN: Three

Why do you want to be a member of the ISD 199 School Board?
l believe in the direction the district is currently heading, specifically in the areas of
  • career and college readiness
  • early intervention and preschool programming
  • the district’s mission of “Inspire. Innovate. Excel. A Community Commitment.”
What experience do you bring to this position? How have your experiences prepared you to fulfill the responsibilities of a school board member?
As a person who is passionate about education, I walk the talk. I live in the trenches as a classroom teacher, and as a school board member, I am involved in setting policy that leads a district. Each position makes me better at the other one. I was the board chair for 5 of my 8 years on the ISD 199 School Board. Along with the leadership role, I served on the finance, personnel, curriculum, World’s Best Workforce, Equity Alliance MN, BEST Foundation, and technology committees. I’ve been involved with the community groups that supported every levy/referendum since 2008.

What are the most important issues concerning the Inver Grove Heights School District and how would you address them?
  1. While ISD 199 has earned awards for financial excellence and fiscal responsibility for 12 straight years, the most pressing issue for any school district remains meeting funding challenges. We are just one of 47 school districts with a levy referendum on the ballot this fall. Because our tax levy here in ISD 199 is less than half of the state authorized amount, our No. 1 task is making the most of every tax dollar we receive.
  2. The next most pressing or exciting issue will be our response to the need for career- and college-ready students. I’ve toured four local businesses in Dakota County that are in need of future employees who can collaborate, communicate, and learn new skills and trades on the job in an ever changing world. ISD 199 is currently working with South St. Paul and West St. Paul to find ways we can offer career pathways for students to explore skills and trades that are in high demand, i.e. nursing, technology, mechanical. A four year college is not the answer, nor should it be, for every single Simley graduate. We need to find the best fit for every student.

Click here for Cindy Nordstrom's campaign financial report.