Voices of Support

The service of these board members has secured a long tradition of continuous improvement.

“As the former Superintendent of Orono Schools, I know what makes a good school board member. Orono Schools community, you have the chance to reelect three stellar incumbents to the Orono School Board this fall: Sarah Borchers, Wendy Lundsgaard, and Todd Madson. They use their abilities to move forward and bring positive change. Whether it be financial acumen, policy knowledge, advocacy work, or any number of other skills they have, Sarah, Wendy, and Todd use their abilities and experience to continually improve our schools. And importantly, they embody the goals of the district in elevating scholarship, modeling strong character, and fostering connectedness in their work. 

The service of these board members has secured a long tradition of continuous improvement. They are experienced leaders who care deeply about Orono’s students of today and in the future. This election, vote for Sarah Borchers, Wendy Lundsgaard, and Todd Madson for Orono School Board.”

~Dr. Karen Orcutt, Past Superintendent of Orono Schools

With Sarah, Todd, and Wendy, I know that the Orono School District is in excellent hands.

“I am enthusiastically endorsing Sarah Borchers, Wendy Lundsgaard, and Todd Madson for the Orono School Board this election, and I hope you will join me. These three incumbents have been champions of Orono Schools for many years, and I appreciate that they are continuing our tradition of having a highly functional board that firmly supports the mission of the district, which is to inspire and empower every student to achieve their highest potential through exceptional experiences.

I served on the Orono School Board for 31 years, and serve our school community in a variety of ways even today. It’s my life’s work. With Sarah, Todd, and Wendy, I know that the Orono School District is in excellent hands.”

~Martha Van de Ven, Past Member of Orono School Board

Wendy is the kind of board member who digs into every angle of an issue and makes sure every perspective is genuinely heard and understood.

“I served alongside Sarah, Todd, and Wendy on the Orono School District Board, and I can speak firsthand to their integrity and their commitment to this community.

I watched Sarah navigate some of the toughest issues the district has faced with a steadiness that kept the board grounded and a compassion that never let the human side get lost. Wendy is the kind of board member who digs into every angle of an issue and makes sure every perspective is genuinely heard and understood. Todd has a way of meeting people where they are; whatever the issue, he adapts, listens, and isn't afraid to take on the problems that are hardest to solve, which has built real trust between the board and this community.

Each one brings real expertise and good judgment to the table, and I've watched them work through complicated, high-stakes situations with genuine creativity and thoughtfulness. Together, they've made Orono schools better — for students, staff, and families alike. I'm grateful for their work and confident in their leadership on the school board.”

~Ali Howe, Past Member of Orono School Board

Her goal as school board member is to keep Orono Public School a noted school of excellence.

“As a teacher herself, Wendy Lundsgaard is passionate about strong education. Her goal as school board member is to keep Orono Public School a noted school of excellence. She has my vote.”

~Elizabeth Weir, Former Mayor of City of Medina

(Wendy) will continue to guide the schools with competent decision making.

We are thrilled Wendy Lundsgaard is running again for the Orono School Board. She has shown great leadership skills these last four years and will continue to guide the schools with competent decision making.

~Cindy & Tad Piper, Orono Community Members

Driven to see Orono Schools succeed. Invested in helping children and families. Open minded and willing to hear other points of view.

“A former teacher who never stopped educating herself and others! Promises student-first decision making. Driven to see Orono Schools succeed. Invested in helping children and families. Open minded and willing to hear other points of view. Wendy is no stranger to public education. She has taught in the classroom and knows the difficulties teachers face. She has testified at the legislature multiple times to help improve public education in Minnesota. In the past, Wendy has volunteered her time meeting with the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to help improve Minnesota's literacy standards. She voluntarily presents to parents so they are able to better understand how their children’s learning disabilities affect them in the classroom and teaches them to advocate for their children at school. She has trained teachers on how to teach reading so that all students learn to read. These are just some of the ways Wendy has volunteered countless hours to improve Minnesota's Public Education system because she believes all students are entitled to a high quality education. As a school board member myself, I know the importance of having other board members who are on there for the right reasons. Now more than ever before, it is vitally important that board members are able to look beyond politics and focus on what is best for the students and teachers in the classroom. When our schools thrive, our communities thrive. I can promise you Orono will not find a stronger advocate who supports Orono Schools and ALL of Orono’s students than Wendy Lundsgaard.”

~Rachel Depa, Delano School Board Member and Former President of Decoding Dyslexia MN

Wendy is legitimately the most qualified candidate for our school board.

“For a number of years, I have known of Wendy Lundsgaard. It wasn’t until an Orono School Board meeting in 2021 that convinced me Wendy is legitimately the most qualified candidate for our school board. Fall of 2021 was a time we all took interest in school board meetings. First timers were curious to watch events unfold. The topics du-jour were 100% about masks, except for one person, Wendy Lundsgaard. Wendy was the first speaker to take the podium that particular meeting. Wendy spoke about literacy and receiving funding to help all of our students in the district be more proficient readers. She was passionate about how to improve education, and she was clearly a professional with a background in literacy. Literacy was the only topic Wendy spoke about. During a time when distractions caught the attention and passions of so many parents, Wendy had her eye on the ball. I will never forget that moment, watching someone who knew how to stay on topic. Mic drop.

— Ann Martin, Orono Parent