About me

Edina has been my home for the past twenty-two years, providing my family and me with an amazing neighborhood, a strong sense of community, and a first-rate school district. I believe in the power of partnership to invest in our future by embracing life-long learning, compassionate connections and striving for excellence.

My husband, Tom, and I are the parents of three children, all proud graduates of Edina High School. As distinctly different learners, they each benefited from outstanding teachers who cared about them individually, and from the many extra-curricular opportunities that connected them with their passions and helped them thrive.

I’ve taught in Edina Public Schools, volunteered extensively, and remain committed to supporting our current students as we work to ensure that the future of our schools is empowered to meet the needs of the next generation.

School Board Experience

Continuous School Board Service to Edina from 2010 to the Present

I was honored to serve on the Edina School Board for two terms from 2010 to 2017 and to continue representing Edina on the Board of Intermediate District 287 through June of 2022. I have extensive experience with the process of governance, policy development and fiscal accountability.

As a parent of three children who are graduates of EPS and as a former teacher at multiple grade levels, I have personally connected with many aspects of education. I am passionate about advocacy for all students by partnering with families and educators to support opportunities for rigorous academic resources, mental health and well-being and racial equity.

Accomplishments during my eight years on the board include:

  • Elementary Study that laid the foundation for the expansion of choice programs, including Two-Way Spanish Immersion

  • Secondary Study that led to the change from a 6-period to a 7-period day

  • Renovation at all ten district sites to create flexible learning spaces, upgraded fixtures, and the addition of cooling.

  • Property purchased and new transportation center built

Edina has great schools in an amazing community! Board service is an opportunity to shape the right environment in order for excellence to flourish. All students need to feel welcome and fully supported in order to reach their full potential. Strong policies are critical to ensure student achievement and motivated, life-long learners. I have the necessary experience to seamlessly join the present Board so we can work to meet the needs of students.

Why Elect Me

  • School Board Experience of 12 years with an understanding of the process of sound school governance

  • Effective Leader of multiple community organizations fostering strong partnerships

  • Parent of 3 EPS graduates

  • Enthusiastic Advocate of Edina Public Schools, believing in the awesomeness and amazing potential of every student

Background

My professional work has always been about arts and education. Here is a summary of this experience:

Professional

  • Current director of the Theatre program at Valley View Middle School

  • Past teacher in Edina Public Schools in numerous programs, including Elementary Success Center and Long-term Substitute Teaching. 

  • Managing Director for professional, nonprofit theatre companies for over ten years.

  • Theatre Management Instructor at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC

  • Professional stage management on Broadway, and for regional theatre companies.

School Board Experience

  • Edina School Board member 2010-2017.

  • Intermediate School District 287 School Board member representing Edina 2013-2022. Board Chair 2020-2021.

    • What is ISD 287?? Intermediate District 287 is a collaborative of eleven West Metro school districts, including Edina. It serves students with unique learning needs with trauma-responsive and healing-centered practice in many programs including: special education, gifted education, transition services, Career and Technical Education, Care and Treatment and Northern Star Online Learning.

  • In the 9-1/2 years I represented Edina on the District 287 school board I gained insight into the best practices of our neighboring partner districts. 

  • I engaged in extensive professional development about racial equity

  • I regularly addressed policy and programming to support the mental health and well-being for students and staff and to adopt trauma-informed practices.

Community Service

Current

  • Edina Public Schools Key Communicator

  • Edina Anti-Racism Collective

  • Our Lady of Grace Parish

Past

  • Edina Education Fund Board Member and co-chair 

  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Instructor

  • Metropolitan Regional Arts Council grant review panel member

  • Edina High School Access volunteer supporting students with the college application process

  • Edina High School Parent Council, President

  • Parent Leadership Council Co-Chair

  • Edina Thespian Boosters, Chair and organization of 501(c)(3) registration

  • Edina Band Boosters, volunteer and organization of 501(c)(3) registration

  • Edina Girls Fastpitch Association volunteer

  • Girl Scouts co-Troop leader

  • Countryside PTO, President and organization of 501(c)(3) registration

Education

  • M.F.A. Yale School of Drama, Stage Management

  • B.A. University of Northern Iowa, Double Major in Education and Theatre, Minor in English

Dear Friends,

The one-year vacancy on the Edina School Board is an opportunity to support current School Board members and the Superintendent to ensure that governance work can move forward smoothly without the need for an extensive learning curve.

I have the experience necessary from 12 years of school board experience that will ensure a smooth and seamless integration with the current board with a minimal learning curve.

I have demonstrated commitment to Edina Public Schools with continual service to the district after my own children have graduated. 

I offer multiple perspectives to inform and enrich the board including collaboration with ten neighboring West Metro School districts on the Intermediate District 287 School Board, experience teaching in the classroom, volunteering to support mental health, and a professional career in nonprofit management.

I’m committed to Edina Public Schools and am happy to share my experience as I listen to families and educators communicate what’s important to them. 

Yours in Education,

Regina

Education has the power to touch every child so they recognize that they matter, they have the potential for excellence, and they are supported on that journey by a community who believes in them.