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School board members across the state have faced increased debate around everything from mask mandates to critical race theory.

The clashes over COVID-19 guidelines have led to dozens of resignations and an “unusually high number of district special elections,” Minnesota School Boards Association executive director Kirk Schneidawind 

told MPR News reporter Elizabeth Shockman

Masks, equity, culture wars at forefront of Minnesota school board elections

In Minnetonka, a group of high school students are banding together to make their voices heard in who leads their school.

Jin Bang, 17, a senior at Minnetonka High School, helped form the group Minnetonka Coalition for Equitable Education in summer 2020. She joined host Cathy Wurzer on Minnesota Now to talk about her efforts to raise awareness about her district’s special elections, what values she’s looking for in candidates and how candidates have responded.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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School board members have faced increased debate around everything from mask mandates to critical race theory. The clashes have led to dozens of resignations and an increase in district special elections. In Minnetonka, a group of high school students took it upon themselves to vet the candidates who are seeking to lead their school.

How a group of Minnetonka high school students is evaluating school board candidates

Three students ask questions as moderators.

How a group of Minnetonka High School students are evaluating school board candidates

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