Meet Bryan

Local roots, relevant experience and a passion for public education.

I was born and raised in St. Joseph and am a product of our wonderful schools. I attended kindergarten through 5th grade at Houlton Elementary and middle school in the building that is now Willow River. I was part of the last 8th grade in the old junior high and graduated from the high school in 1998.

I have so many fond memories from these formative years. My handmade gumball machine from shop class sits proudly in my daughter's room, my wife still smirks at the stories (and photos) from my swing choir days, and some of my dearest friendships today started in Hudson schools.

My first job after college was as an English teacher in China, where I learned two things: I didn’t have what it takes to be a great teacher and that great teachers mean the world to the success of our students and schools.

I attended graduate school for public policy and started my career in public finance and budgeting in 2008. My wife and I started a family and felt that we were settled in our community until we started to feel the disruption of a poorly managed school district. We moved back to St. Joseph in early 2021 for family, wide open spaces, and most importantly, the strong and stable public school system.

In the four years we’ve lived here I’ve experienced all of the positives that our schools bring to this community. I’ve also followed the district and the growing challenges it faces as we see declining enrollment and budget shortfalls. In 2021, I was a member of the facilities task force and learned in depth of the challenges our district faces as the state has failed to maintain its important role in funding our schools.

I have a clear understanding of the structural budget challenges our district faces. Until the state legislative leadership begins to recognize its important role in funding public schools, painful choices will need to be made to ensure the long-term stability of Hudson schools. I believe that I have the professional and life experiences to bring to the board as important decisions are made about the future.

If I’m honored to earn your vote and join the board in April, I will be guided by these four pillars in my decision making:

Thriving Public Schools: our public schools are the backbone of this community. Strong public schools bring our community together, keep our community strong, and attract new community members.
Pragmatism: I’ve spent 16 years working in public finance and budgeting and know what it takes to balance a budget. Our spending has to match our resources and decisions must always be made with a lens that balances short term needs with the long run stability of the schools that bring so much value to this community.
Results: What works and what doesn’t? Preparing every student to succeed when they leave the district should be the center of every board decision. The administration and board should continuously examine district programming and curriculum with student success in the world beyond school as its north star. When student outcomes aren’t where they need to be, the board and administration must adjust so our schools ensure that every student graduates to become a contributing member of our community and society.
Compassion: From 4K to graduation we must remember every child in our schools has a different story and life experience. Some have the support they need at home and some need more from their school. Reminding ourselves to be compassionate in our discourse and policy making will result in the best for our kids.

I believe my experience in leadership and in public policy, combined with my focus on collaboration and pragmatic decision-making, will be valuable assets as a school board member in the upcoming years.

Finally, please feel free to reach out with questions - I will always prioritize discussions with community members. The policies, funding and success of public schools impacts all of us, not just parents.

Thank you again for considering me for your vote.