Meet Laura
I’m Laura Haas and I’m running for the St. Anthony–New Brighton School Board because I believe deeply in the power of public education to strengthen communities and transform lives.
As the child of two lifelong educators, —my dad a public school teacher, superintendent, and member of the Minnesota Board of Education, and my mom a teacher, education faculty member at Minnesota State Mankato, and former school board member in New Ulm, MN,—I grew up with a front-row seat to the joys and challenges of education. It shaped my values, and it continues to guide me as a parent and a professional.
Professionally, I’ve spent over 15 years working in public higher education, where I’ve learned the importance of clear communication, student-centered leadership, and the vital role educators play in shaping future generations. At the same time, my husband’s work in business intelligence has deepened my appreciation for the power of data in guiding thoughtful, equitable decision-making; insights that increasingly complement my own work in education.
My husband and I are proud to be raising our two children, —one entering 3rd grade at Wilshire Park and one currently in preschool at the Community Center and heading to Kindergarten in the fall. We have loved all of our teachers we’ve encountered at both places and believe they are the heartbeat of our community.
I volunteer regularly in the classroom and at events like the book fair, art show, FunFest, and WPPA activities. Volunteering has given me a deeper appreciation for the dedication and creativity of our educators, as well as the behind-the-scenes effort that helps our schools thrive. It’s also given me a chance to build relationships with teachers, staff, other families, and students, helping me feel more connected and invested in the life of the school. It’s truly a privilege to be part of such an engaged, welcoming, and supportive school community.
“I want to be a steady light guiding our schools through the challenges and toward opportunity.”
— Laura Haas
Why I’m Running
Over the past year, I’ve been a regular attendee at school board meetings, listening, learning, and engaging in thoughtful conversations with teachers, staff, and fellow parents. I believe in the strength of our district, and I also believe we have some important work ahead of us. To meet the needs of all students and staff, we must be willing to ask bold questions, navigate tough conversations with care, and lead with both courage and compassion.
I’m running for school board because I care deeply about the future of St. Anthony–New Brighton schools. My approach is rooted in empathy, openness, and a genuine belief in public education’s potential to ignite natural brilliance in every child. I’m skilled at asking questions that bring out different perspectives and help communities move forward together.
My priorities are centered around:
Equity in
Education
Ensuring every student has the support and access they need to thrive.
Listening to Families
& Teachers
Valuing lived experience and frontline insight to shape better decisions.
Mental Health
& Wellness
Supporting the whole child and creating safe, responsive learning environments.
How We Can Get There
I don’t have all of the answers, but based upon my first-hand experience and conversations with district teachers and parents, I believe that in order to accomplish our district goals we must prioritize classroom stabilization. Re-allocation of resources as well as policy implementation around direct in-classroom support is critical if we want to ensure that there is equity and excellence in our classrooms.
As we consider the future of our district, I want to emphasize something essential: we will not achieve lasting student success without prioritizing teacher engagement and satisfaction. The University of Chicago’s 5Essentials framework tells us that strong schools are built on effective leadership, collaborative staff, and supportive environments. All of these depend on the health and trust of our teacher workforce.
As a parent, a lifelong education advocate, and someone who deeply values our district’s culture and potential, I want to be part of the work ahead. Guided by Light, Grounded in Community reflects my belief that change is possible when we lead with vision and stay rooted in what matters most:
Our children, our teachers, and the strength of our shared future.
Have questions or are interested in getting involved? Fill the form below and we will be in touch shortly!