Ballot Language: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?” 

Background: No questionnaire responses

Running unopposed

Background: Jacob has worked extensively with the public through hospitality – as bartender, front of house management, event coordinator, and security. A homeowner with 13 years of experience in HOA management (Cedar Bluff Condo - board member, secretary, vice president, and current president). He has produced and hosted 150+ interviews through Triple Falls Productions LLC (2019 and 2025). A US Army veteran with 2 deployments as a medic, Jacob carries forward a sense of service to the community.

Issues: Human rights, transparency; sustainability and social safety nets

Background: 23 years as a senior IT manager in a union education environment, several years as VP of Technology and CIO at MSU Mankato. Served on Mankato City Council in 2022. Currently serving on Mankato Public Safety Advisory Committee. Served on Envision 2020, Transforming Tomorrow Together 2040, many community and University committees and budget committees. Works collaboratively with diverse groups of students, staff, faculty, administrators and contractors. Active volunteer especially with COPAL, the Latino community, students, Red Cross, Kiwanis, Vine, IDN, etc.

Issues: Housing affordability, safety and security, creating opportunities and retaining talent

Background: 14 years as a classroom teacher, 4 years as a math education specialist/consultant, 4 years on the MAPS School Board.

Issues: Ensure every MAPS student has exceptional educational experience; focus on preparing students for the future; responsible leadership that serves as good stewards of taxpayer dollars and supports/retains talented staff.

Background: Graduate of Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) and =Mankato East High School. Wife is a teacher at Mankato West High School, and has two elementary-aged daughters attending local schools.Served one term on the School Board and currently serves as board treasurer. Career has centered on education and workforce policy and community leadership for nearly 20 years. Serves as Senior Director of Government Affairs for Cengage.

Issues: Redesign middle and high school experience with more hands-on learning; strengthening the teaching profession; protecting the districts long-term financial health; use technology responsibly.

Background: Nearly 20 years of hands-on experience in public education. Former Director of Teaching and Learning (including leading during the COVID-19 pandemic), managed complex district-level budgets, curriculum alignment, state compliance, and large-scale improvement strategy and projects. Served as both a classroom teacher and an instructional coach. Current Executive Director of a local non-profit. Mother of two current MAPS students. 

Issues: Transforming middle & high school experiences and reimagining secondary education; supporting student & staff well-being; balanced & ethical technology

Background: 17 years daily journalism (Mankato Free Press); Self-employed marketing and communications (Joe Tougas Marketing and Media); Marketing Director (Mankato Family YMCA) singer-songwriter (The Frye, Joe Tougas & Associates, The Ann & Joe Show.) Currently Director of Content Marketing, Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Issues: Retain and improve the quality of life and small town character of North Mankato; Improve city’s openness to residents’ input; address housing affordability.

Served as an advocate  for the past 4 years; starting with working for COPAL as a Field Organizer in 2022. Involved in community efforts especially focused on helping the Hispanic population in South Central MN. Peace Corps and community-based environmental management specialist provided experience as well. Current position as a Labor Investigator has provided experience working with different organizations across the State and helping enforcing labor laws that benefit workers including minimum wage, overtime, sick leave and child labor.

Issues: Transparent decision-making on the council; integrity in the position; making North Mankato welcoming and ensuring housing is affordable.

Member of Climate Impact Corps serving St. Peter's department of public works.

Issues: improving and increasing public involvement in governance; experimenting and innovating to solve problems; protecting our community 

Healthcare experience has taught her how to work with individuals and groups in both emergent and non-emergent situations. It has taught her to think critically and with a level head. In her first experience with the city, sheI was able to get the community, city, and personnel to work together –to  get trees planted on Page, a plan for the trees for future street projects, and pilot program established. 

Issues: Communication between officials and residents; mandate resident votes on major economic decisions; encourage visionary thinking.

- I previously ran for the Maryland House of Delegates. I have helped with campaigns in Minnesota and have served as an active delegate for AFSCME Local 404.

Issues: Working families and housing; community co-op grocery; local infrastructure

Superintendent of Water and Parks at City of North Mankato

Issues: Strong vision for community through dialogue with citizens; maintaining/enhancing infrastructure; provide strong governance and oversight.

https://www.rader4northmankato.com/