Jill Christenson for Forest Lake Area Schools, ISD 831

Why I'm Running

Time to get back
to the work.

Our students, staff, and community deserve a board that focuses on education, not politics. I've been at the table since 2022: attending hundreds of school events, answering calls and emails, asking the hard questions, and calling things out when they needed to be called out. When national politics moved into our boardroom, I said so on the record.

I'm running for reelection because the work isn't finished. And I need colleagues at that table who will stand for kids the same way I do. That's why I'm running alongside Claire Luger and Andi Courneya: three different people, one shared goal: stronger schools that serve every kid.

Jill Christenson, ISD 831 School Board Member

Jill Christenson · Board Member, ISD 831

Meet Jill

25 years in
this community.

Our family has been part of Forest Lake for 25 years with us (Chad/Jill) raising 4 kids who attended from Elementary through graduation in Forest Lake Area Schools. I know these schools as a parent, a volunteer, and a staff member. I spent nearly a decade at Scandia Elementary, and 15 years before that in higher education administration at the University of Minnesota.

I came to this board with a real understanding of how schools work, not as theory, but from the classrooms, the hallways, and the bleachers. That's what I bring to every meeting, and what I'll keep bringing.

Chad and I have been married 25 years. We've raised four kids here: three graduates (Class of 2021, 2024, and 2026) and one more working toward 2028. Our kids were all in it: football, wrestling, lacrosse, volleyball, softball. I was right there alongside them, volunteering at Sunshine Preschool and Scandia Elementary, running the youth wrestling club, and staying active in booster clubs and parent organizations for more than 11 years. Those years gave me a firsthand read on how our classrooms work, how hard our educators work, and why parent involvement matters.

B.A. in Communications, Minnesota State University Mankato (1994). Ed.M.A. in Higher Education Policy and Administration, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (2003). Both taught me how to think independently, something I look for and want to foster in every FLAS student.

Fifteen years in administrative roles at the University of Minnesota gave me a strong foundation in how large educational institutions operate. In 2015, I joined the staff at Scandia Elementary, nearly a decade seeing our schools from the inside: the dedication of staff, the needs of students, and the importance of strong support systems. I also teach four fitness classes a week at The Rookery and currently work as an insurance agent with Jesse Johnson State Farm here in Forest Lake.

Jill with her family at a Forest Lake graduation, son in maroon and gold cap and gown, on the field at sunset

Jill on the Forest Lake athletic field with her dog in a maroon Rangers jersey

Jill with the Forest Lake Ranger mascot inside FLHS

What I Stand For

My Priorities

Guided by empathy, honesty, integrity, accessibility, and advocacy for students.

Students First

Every vote, every decision starts here. When policy or budget comes before the board, I ask one question: what's best for the kids? That's not a slogan. It's the record I've built since 2022.

Strong Education

A great district attracts and keeps great teachers, funds strong curriculum, and sets high expectations. Forest Lake has the foundation. The board's job is to protect it and build on it, not distract from it.

Student Supports

Mental health resources, safe school environments, and strong extracurricular programs aren't extras. They're part of what prepares kids for life. I've advocated for all of it.

Responsible Spending

Every dollar comes from taxpayers and should serve students. I review every budget with that in mind, asking where the money goes, whether it's working, and whether we're being transparent about it.

Support for Staff

Our teachers and staff are what make Forest Lake exceptional. Competitive salaries, real resources, and a board culture that respects their expertise. That's what I've pushed for and what I'll keep pushing for.

My Record

Showing up.
Calling it out.
Getting it done.

I earned my 2022 seat without outside money, political backing, or even a website. Since then I've made it a priority to deeply understand this district: its people, its finances, its strengths, and its challenges. I don't vote based on what's politically convenient. I vote based on what's best for students.

When politics crept into the boardroom, I called it out on the record, every time. When community members and students showed up to speak, I listened. Accessibility and honest communication aren't talking points for me. They're how I've operated since day one.

"True effectiveness is measured by how you serve once elected."

Policy Committee Member, reviewing and shaping district policies
Staff Welfare Committee Member
Liaison: Scandia Elementary · Education Center · Forest Lake Area Middle School
Hundreds of school events attended across the district
Won 2022 without outside group funding or political endorsements

★ Teacher Union Approved

The Slate for FLAS

Three voices.
One goal.

We don't agree on everything, and that's the point. What we share is a commitment to a functional, nonpartisan board that puts students first. On November 3, vote for all three.

Claire Luger

Educator · Parent · Advocate

A parent, teacher council member, and community-first voice committed to healthy schools and healthy communities.

lugerforflas.com ↗

Jill Christenson

Incumbent · Board Member Since 2022

Proven record. Deep roots. Running for reelection to finish the work that students and staff deserve.

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Andi Courneya

Parent · Tech Leader · Policy Advocate

A full-stack technologist and ISD 831 Policy Advisory Committee member bringing systems thinking to student-centered governance.

andiforflas.com ↗

Jill Christenson

Time to get backto the work.

25 years inthis community.