ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Mark
WHERE I COME FROM
Born and raised in Hastings, I have great love and appreciation for this community. Janet (Rotty), my high school sweetheart (HHS class of 83) and I have been married for 34 years. We have three children, and six wonderful grandchildren. I could not be more proud of my family!
After over three decades in education, I continue to be driven to serve the Hastings community and I look forward to engaging in this important work.
THREE DECADES IN EDUCATION
Leadership in public education is challenging, and highly rewarding. Public schools are tasked with a multitude of ever expanding directives. We have been assigned roles related to nutrition, public health, mental health, safety, and of course providing an exceptional education. We have not shied away from our responsibility, we have accepted it. However, because there are many different perspectives on what is good and right, it is challenging to please everyone all of the time.
Administrative and Teaching Experience:
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School Board Member, ISD 200 (2022-2026)
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School Board Member, ISD 917 (2023-2026)
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Superintendent, Intermediate School District 917, Rosemount, MN (2018-2021)
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Principal, Hastings Middle School, Hastings, MN (1999-2018)
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Assistant Principal, Hastings Middle School, Hastings, MN (1998-99)
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Assistant Principal, South Saint Paul High School, SSP, MN (1996-98)
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Life Science grade 7 and Physical Science grade 6, Hastings Middle School, Hastings, MN (1988-1996)
My School Board Experience
ISD 200 Board Treasurer — Member of ISD 200 Policy Committee —ISD 200 Finance Committee (Chair) — ISD 200 Facility Committee (Chair) — AMSD Board Member — ISD 917 School Board Vice Chair — MSBA Legislative Delegate Assembly (Platform/Lobby) — Joint Powers Committee (Former)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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Hastings Area YMCA community board member
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Regina Hospital community board member (Vice chair 2018-2020)
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United Way of Hastings, Ambassador, Leadership Team, and program facilitator
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Charter member of the Hastings area Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that is now known as THRIVE
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Black Dirt Theater, Actor, sign painter, front of house host, set builder, and carpenter
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Dakota County Suicide Prevention Executive Committee (2020-2021) [Alive and Thrive]
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Dakota County Domestic Violence and Victim Rights Task Force (2019-2021)
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Dakota County Task Force on Mental Health Crisis & Law Enforcement (2020)
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Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Sponsor Couple, facilitating marriage preparation for engaged couples (1997 to present)
MISSION STATEMENT
Students at the heart.
As a member of the Hastings School Board I will help to ensure that quality teaching and leadership occurs in every classroom. Staff will be provided with the care, training, resources, and support to do their jobs well. Students will enjoy meaningful interactions with caring, well-prepared, creative, and enthusiastic staff that have the knowledge, resources, wisdom, and passion to change lives.