2025 MTCS School Board Election
Please read on for more information regarding the election process and to learn about the candidates.
Markahyla Franklin
Parent
Markahyla Franklin Bio
Markahyla Franklin
Parent – Connections Academy
Current Position:
Current Health Care Manager for hospice patients, offering end of life cares.
Relevant experience or employment:
3 year learning coach on behalf of Connections Academy. Time served as an in person paraprofessional in a crisis setting level 4 teaching environment. Bachelor’s of Arts concentration in American Government Systems, which involves understanding institutions and state, local, federal policies in relation to them. This relevance shows that I can articulate current school policies and assure that all board priorities align with or can be altered to best serve our students, teachers, and parents.
Experience in:
- Policy Development
- Teaching/Learning
- Strategic Planning
- Public Policy Advocacy
Why are you interested in serving as a board member for MTCS?
I want to represent the other side to online learning, on behalf of our BIPOC and Neurodivergent children who also utilize this online learning platform. I want to advocate for their needs, offer a diverse perspective, and help create that change that alter services that is fit for various households and not just a select few.
Please share any other information you feel is important for consideration of your application to serve as an MTCS Board Member.
I am a current vice chair for Scott County Mental Health Local Advisory Council. And prior to this role I was a board secretary for a newly developed organization known as LWL (Leading With Love Foundation) established approximately in 2021, short lived but the goal was to support individuals living with disparities through funding their daily living, or educational goals.
I have been a learning coach following Connections Academy curriculums for the past 3 years, I have first hand encounter of the impact or difficulties my child(ren) have experienced in both positive and negative ways. Prior to enrolling in Connections Academy we did a year full homeschool and the year prior to that we tried online class and in person class, so I have various perspectives that can be shared for development or expansion on behalf of services that could be or are currently offered for learners.
Bio:
I am 3 years into being a learning coach on behalf of Connections Academy. Representing BIPOC and neurodivergent students, with an in interest in collaborating with teachers, individuals of the online learners community and others who provide curriculum and online learning service requirements.
Debbie Harriot
Community Member
Debbie Harriott Bio
Debbie Harriott
Community Member
Current Position:
Retired Research Analyst
Relevant experience or employment:
Aide to Board Chairman at the Jamaica Firearms Licensing Authority. Wilshire Drive Kingston Jamaica Contact: Ms Sharice at Human Resources Department
Group Secretary: Sandals Resorts International
5 Kent Ave Montego Bay st James JM
Standard and Procedure Inspector – Ministry of National Security Corporate Office at 5 Oxford Road Kingston Jamaica.
Oversee the welfare of Adults and youth: -Prison Administration .
Contact Ms Janice Shaw at the Offender Management Department
Receptionist and Front Office Agent
Halfmoon Hotel, Rose Hall Montego Bay Jamaica
Contact Mrs N Armstrong
Experience in:
- Policy Development
- Strategic Planning
- Public Policy Advocacy
- Evaluation Assessment
- Legislative Contacts
Why are you interested in serving as a board member for MTCS?
Serving the community is the right thing to do. I have seen students fall behind, fall through the cracks of society because there was no entity or individuals assigned to provide support. I believe my contribution to the community represents that space or fortress that will separate students and the community as a whole make informed decisions that can keep them away from the penal system. For too long , our youth choose crime as the only means to endure they have three meals, protection from the cruelty of the weather: I hope to help the youth to not only enter the school system but ensure they earn life skills that will help them to be more resilient, and responsible citizens in terms of choices: Essentially: ensure that every child has the opportunity to leave high school with a trade and the means to manage themselves and their everyday financial and social affairs before they transition into adulthood. I have seen too much hopelessness and homelessness that we as a team can prevent
Bio:
Income to the table with over ten years social research experience. I am a parent. I am an all inclusive individual who believes the a academia is the bedrock of all political and social pathways
Christine Johnson
Parent
Christine Johnson Bio
Christine Johnson
Parent
Current Position:
Direct support professional. Sevita/REM
Relevant experience or employment:
I was a paraprofessional at ECHO charter school. I was on the strategic planning committee St Louis Park schools.
Experience in:
- Strategic Planning
- Achievement Gap
- Legislative Contacts
Why are you interested in serving as a board member for MTCS:
I am interested in serving on the Connection academy board because I see the positive difference this school has made in my kids academic growth. I have two kids with IEP. The SPED department has been completely awesome and accommodating to the needs of my children. I would like to be part of helping this school grow and evolve to be even better. I do see areas where there can be improvement ( communication between departments is one of them). I am an advocate and I will advocate for all students if elected.
Please share any other information you feel is important for consideration of your application to serve as an MTCS Board Member.
I am a mental health practitioner. I have had many volunteer jobs. MPLS reserve, Vail Place board of directors, Homes with in reach board of directors.
Bio:
My name is Christine Johnson and I am running for Connection academy board of directors. I want to be a part of the school in a role that can help make decisions and form the educational experiences of all students. I have experience with SPED and IEP’s. I want to help connections academy find a solution to the achievement gap. I think outside the box to find solutions to problems. I work well independently and with a team. I was a paraprofessional at a school in MN. I was on the strategic planning committee for St Louis Park schools. I am a mental health practitioner. I have had experience working in children and adult mental health. I feel with my personal experiences I would make a good Connections Academy School Board member. I would really appreciate your vote.
Holly Johnson
Parent
Holly Johnson Bio
Holly Johnson
Parent
Current Position:
Private in home senior care
Relevant experience or employment:
I have over 15 years experience in various childcare, preschool, group home, and senior care facilities, as well as branching out to my own independent care services.
Additional experience:
Although I may not have experience as a board member, I have worked with various non profit organizations throughout the years, both voluntarily, and with various companies I have worked for in the past. The organizations I have had the privilege of assisting were Meal on Wheels, The Special Olympics(as a one on one assistant for athletes in Track and Field, Basketball, and Swimming, Feed My Starving Children, assisting in packaging meals, Operation Christmas Child, assembling packages of various gifts for struggling families during the holiday season.
Experience in:
- Policy Development
- Strategic Planning
- Teaching/Learning
- Public Policy Advocacy
- Other
Why are you interested in serving as a board member for MTCS:
My neurodivergent 15 year old son has been attending online school for 2 years now. Not only have I seen a growth in his ability to focus and genuinely learn, I have observed his amazing teachers, advocating for him academically as well as offering help and accommodations to his individualized needs. Something that I did not see prior while my son was attending public school. My son’s academic success, as well as my strong beliefs for individualized support and advocacy has inspired me to see if any of my previous history, knowledge, skillsets, and experience can be of further help to the future goals and aspirations of this school board.
Bio:
I genuinely believe my life’s calling is servitude. I have spend over 15 years of my life working in various childcare, preschool, group homes, and senior care facilities. I have had the honor and privilege of assisting hundreds of individuals, from different backgrounds, and different walks of life. I am also a mother with a son who is neurodivergent. I can attest first hand that finding a learning environment that fit my son’s particular needs was a very long, difficult, and exhausting journey. I refused to leave my son in an environment where he felt he wasn’t safe, or didn’t fit in, because not only was it a direct effect on his self esteem and confidence as an individual, it inhibited his ability to grow and succeed academically. I don’t believe learning can be achieved via a singular method as displayed within our public school systems. I believe academic success starts by acknowledging an individual for who they are, helping them discover their own strengths for their own personal success. I may not have a background on a school board, but I am a determined, intelligent individual, who, like many of you, want to see our children, our future, step into themselves and make a positive difference in this world. If my background could be of an assistance to the cause, I am at your service. Thank you for your time.
Ashley Romano
Teacher
Ashley Romano Bio
Ashley Romano
Teacher
Current Position:
Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Relevant experience or employment:
Minnesota New Country School special education teacher and case manager. Worked on the Finance team. Minnesota New Country School is a teacher-led school with no administration. All staff members worked on different teams to run the school.
Experience in:
- Strategic Planning
- Teaching/Learning
- Financial Management
Why are you interested in serving as a board member for MTCS:
I’m interested in serving on the MTCS board because I’ve seen firsthand how a school thrives when the staff is deeply invested in its leadership. Coming from Minnesota New Country School, I’ve spent my career in a unique, teacher-led environment where we don’t have a traditional administration. In that setting, we didn’t just teach; we ran the school together.
I want to bring that same level of collaborative ownership to MTCS, backed by a few specific areas of expertise:
Financial Oversight: Serving on the Finance Team at MNCS gave me a clear-eyed understanding of charter school budgets.
Special Education Advocacy: As a Special Education teacher and case manager, I live and breathe compliance and student support. I can provide the board with a necessary perspective on how our high-level policies directly impact our most vulnerable students and their families.
Collaborative Governance: Because I’ve worked on various teams to keep a school running, I understand that a board’s role isn’t just to hand down directives—it’s to build a sustainable, functional environment for everyone.
Ultimately, I’m not just looking for a seat at the table; I’m looking to use my background in finance, Special Education, and shared leadership to help MTCS continue to grow and succeed.
Please share any other information you feel is important for consideration of your application to serve as an MTCS Board Member.
Because I’ve served as a case manager in a teacher-led environment, I don’t just see ‘compliance’ or ‘budgets’ as paperwork—I see them as the tools we use to ensure every student gets what they need. I understand how a board-level financial decision eventually reaches a student’s desk or an IEP meeting. I want to use that perspective to ensure our policies are both fiscally sound and human-centered.
My role as an advocate for youth sports is a major part of who I am. I believe that a student’s success in the classroom is deeply connected to their confidence and engagement outside of it. Whether it’s on the field or in a desk, I am a champion for accessibility and mentorship. I want to bring that same energy to MTCS—ensuring our school isn’t just a place of learning, but a community that supports the physical, social, and emotional growth of every child.
Finally, I am comfortable with the ‘heavy lifting’ that comes with board service. At Minnesota New Country School, we didn’t have a safety net of administrators; we were the safety net. I am ready to roll up my sleeves, work across teams, and do the consistent, collaborative work necessary to keep MTCS moving forward.”
Bio:
My name is Ashley, and this is my second year with Minnesota Transitions Charter Schools. I have been a Special Education teacher for five years, and MTCS marks my second professional home as both a teacher and a dedicated Case Manager.
While my daily work is rooted in the classroom and IEP compliance, my path to MTCS was shaped by a very different kind of educational model. Before joining this team, I taught at Minnesota New Country School, a teacher-led charter school with no traditional administration. In that environment, leadership wasn’t a separate office—it was a shared responsibility.
I am running for the Board because I believe my blend of MTCS ‘on-the-ground’ experience and my background in collaborative, teacher-led governance makes me uniquely qualified to help lead our school toward a sustainable and successful future.
Kathryn Stanek
Parent
Kathryn Stanek Bio
Kathryn Stanek
Parent
Current Position:
I am the founder of Saving Grace Foundation, a Minnesota-based advocacy initiative focused on supporting children and families through resource navigation, safety education, and community support. This work has developed my ability to build systems, collaborate, and stay solutions-focused in high-stakes situations involving children’s well being.
Relevant experience or employment:
I am the founder of Saving Grace Foundation and a parent of students at MTCS. My background includes advocacy and coordination for children with special education and support needs, working with multidisciplinary teams (education, therapy, case management, and community supports), and maintaining detailed records and communication to help ensure children receive consistent services. I’m an organized, solutions-oriented person who can handle high-volume information, prioritize what matters, and communicate with clarity and respect. I’m especially passionate about student safety, trauma-informed practices, and improving outcomes for students who face barriers—while also supporting educators with realistic, workable policies.
Experience in:
- Policy Development
- Strategic Planning
- Teaching/Learning
- Achievement Gap
- Public Policy Advocacy
- Technology
- Evaluation Assessment
Why are you interested in serving as a board member for MTCS:
MTCS has been an important, stabilizing place for my children. I want to serve on the board to support the school’s mission and help ensure strong policies and practices around safety, belonging, and student success. I’m especially passionate about strengthening supports for students who learn differently, improving communication between families and the school, and helping MTCS make thoughtful, data-informed decisions.
Please share any other information you feel is important for consideration of your application to serve as an MTCS Board Member.
I am committed to being a steady, prepared, and respectful board member who listens well and follows through. As a parent, I value MTCS’s mission and the strong community it builds for students. I’m especially interested in supporting clear communication with families, student safety and well-being, and strong systems for students who need additional supports. I’m able to attend meetings consistently and complete committee work as needed.
Bio:
Kathryn Stanek is a parent of MTCS students and the founder of Saving Grace Foundation, a Minnesota-based family advocacy initiative focused on helping families access resources and supports. Katie brings a strong commitment to student safety, clear communication, and practical problem-solving. She is passionate about ensuring every student—especially those who need additional supports—can thrive in a stable, respectful learning environment. Katie is ready to serve MTCS by listening to families and staff, asking thoughtful questions, and supporting decisions that strengthen outcomes for students.
Christian Taylor (Miss T)
Teacher
Christian Taylor Bio
Christian Taylor (Miss T)
Teacher
Current Position:
MTS Elementary 6th Grade Teacher
Relevant experience or employment:
As a middle and high school teacher, I bring firsthand experience in curriculum implementation, student achievement, and school improvement. I have collaborated with colleagues and administrators to analyze data, support diverse learners, and strengthen school culture. This experience gives me a practical understanding of how board decisions impact classrooms, allowing me to contribute thoughtful, student-centered leadership at the district level.
Experience in:
- Teaching/Learning
- Technology
Why are you interested in serving as a board member for MTCS:
I am interested in serving as a board member for MTCS because I care deeply about the quality of education our students receive and the long-term success of our community. As a middle and high school teacher, I have seen firsthand how board decisions impact classrooms, teachers, and most importantly students. That perspective motivates me to help ensure those decisions are thoughtful, student-centered, and grounded in real classroom experience.
Please share any other information you feel is important for consideration of your application to serve as an MTCS Board Member.
In addition to my professional experience, I bring a deep commitment to collaboration, thoughtful decision making, and serving the best interests of all students. I understand that effective board service requires listening to diverse perspectives, asking informed questions, and making decisions that balance educational priorities with responsible stewardship of district resources.
Bio:
I am an experienced middle and high school educator with a strong commitment to student success, academic excellence, and building positive school communities. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with diverse groups of students, supporting both their academic growth and social-emotional development. My experience in the classroom has given me a firsthand understanding of how curriculum, policy, and resource decisions impact students, teachers, and families on a daily basis.
MTCS SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
Voter Eligibility:
Online voting will be available beginning on April 13, with polls closing at 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.
Voter Link from ElectionBuddy and Directions:
You should have received an email with your unique voter key following. The email will be “From” Minnesota Transitions Charter School and is sent from the email address invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com. This email will contain instructions for you to vote, as well as the unique link for voting, as well as a key that you can use to vote directly on the electionbuddy.com website or to use to request a paper ballot.
- You will click on the link to start voting and/or you can go to electionbuddy.com and type in your unique key or you can request a paper ballot from Jenny Buck (jbuck@emailmtcs.org) and use your unique key on the paper ballot.
- This will bring you to the ballot that will contain the instructions and the ballot information.
- You will select your candidate options, and verify your vote.
- Once you verify the vote, you will be asked to submit the ballot, and you will be lead to a confirmation page which will give you a unique confirmation code.
- Please maintain a copy of the confirmation page or confirmation code.
In Person Voting:
To encourage full community participation, we have created a long window for voting and eligible voters will be allowed to vote with their unique link and key from anywhere. In addition, MTCS will have computers available for parents or staff members to vote in person at their individual school site from Monday, April 13th, through Thursday, April 23th. The school site addresses for these voting locations are as follows:
- Banaadir Academy 5-12 –1201 Bryant Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
- Banaadir Elementary K-4 – 1800 NE 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55418
- MTS Elementary, 2526 27th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
- MTS Secondary, 2872 26th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. 55406
- General Colin L. Powell Leadership Academy, 2872 26th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. 55406
- P.E.A.S.E. Academy, 601 13th Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
For help or questions, please contact Jenny Buck at jbuck@emailmtcs.org