Issues & Platform

Every child in White Bear Lake deserves an education that prepares them for the future — whether that means college, a skilled trade, or entering the workforce with confidence.

Dan will push for clear, measurable academic goals and hold the district accountable for meeting them. He believes in high expectations for students, strong support for teachers, and a curriculum that equips kids with real-world skills.

As a parent with a son in White Bear Lake schools, Dan knows this isn't just policy, it's personal.

A student who doesn't feel safe cannot learn. Dan believes that creating a secure, structured, and supportive school environment is the foundation of everything else.

Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Marine, Dan understands that discipline and order aren't obstacles to learning, they enable it. He will advocate for clear behavioral standards, consistent enforcement, the mental health resources students need to thrive, and keeping parents meaningfully involved in their children's development. A school that partners with parents — rather than working around them — is a stronger school.

Every family should be able to send their child to school knowing they are protected and cared for.

Dan's family has been part of this community since before Hugo had it's name! He has a deep respect for the trust that residents of this community place in their school board, and he takes that trust seriously.

He will champion open communication between the district and families: clear reporting on how tax dollars are spent, honest updates on student outcomes, and regular opportunities for the community to be heard.

Throughout his military career and in the business community, Dan has led by listening — taking in the thoughts and concerns of those around him before making decisions. That is not a weakness; it is how good leaders earn trust and get things right. He will bring that same approach to the school board.

Taxpayers in White Bear Lake trust the school board to spend public funds wisely. Dan will bring the same discipline to the district budget that he brought to his military service and the same fiscal accountability he has displayed in the private sector.

Since retiring from the Marines, Dan has managed Oneka Ridge Golf Course, a successful small business right here in the community. Every day he navigates the realities of running a complex operation — balancing payroll, capital expenses, seasonal revenue, and long-term investment decisions. He understands that budgets are not just spreadsheets; they are choices about priorities. That hands-on experience gives him a practical lens that is often missing from school board decisions.

He will scrutinize spending, demand clear justification for expenditures, and ensure that every dollar is directed toward student outcomes, not administrative bloat or programs that don't deliver results.

The numbers tell a clear story: there are districts in the Twin Cities metro area that spend less per pupil than White Bear Lake and achieve better academic results. That gap deserves an honest conversation. Dan believes the board has an obligation to study what those districts are doing differently and apply those lessons here.

Good stewardship of public money is not just a financial issue — it's a matter of respect for the families and taxpayers who fund our schools.