Candidate Profile: Craig Angrimson

Four candidates are running in the District 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan) School Board Election this year. There are three open spots on the board.

Patch asked the candidates about their experience, connection to the district and about the issues that they would focus on. Here is the response from Craig Angrimson.

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Leadership: I was president of Local Union 35, International Union of Operating Engineers, for the last three years. I am also a business unit coordinator for the wastewater treatment plant in Eagan, in charge of the maintenance crew.

Other Relevant Experience: I am on the labor/management board with Metropolitan Council, which is starting up self-funding medical.  I am also co-chair of the safety committee, and I am a committee lead on the Eastview Marching Band parent group.  I was in charge of security for our annual festival, which was attended by over 3,500 people.  Also did fundraising and built props for the band.  My family hosted an exchange student from Columbia for her senior year, and has hosted many Rotarian guests from many countries through their exchange program. I am also a member of the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation, which represents over 125 local unions.  I also have friends in St. Paul, at the capital, who are considered friends.  I always have the respect of people in the room with me, as anyone who knows me can attest to. Also proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Occupation: I am a Lead Operator of Maintenance at the Seneca Wastewater Plant with Metropolitan Council.  

Education: Graduate of Bloomington Lincoln High school, two years at Normandale, many trade classes at Dakota Vo-Tech.

Family: I have been married for twenty one years to my lovely wife Gail, and I am the proud parent of my daughter Rachel, who is sixteen and a junior at Eastview High School.  She is on track to graduate with honors, in FCCLA, LINC, and she also teaches God Zone at our church. We are very proud of her!!!

Connection to district: I have lived in this district for twenty one years.  Gail and I moved here before we even had children because we wanted to live in this district specifically to raise our child.  

The Issues: My main issue is to be fiscally responsible.  Money is getting tight all over, and I want to make sure all money spent is truly justified.  I believe people in District 196 are willing to spend money for education, but make sure it is all justified.  I also never want to lose a district 196 employee for budget reasons. We have great staff--let's keep them.  I also want to continue to improve the STEM and STEAM programs.  I believe these programs really prepare students for life after high school.  Finally, like every other district, the achievement gap needs to be dealt with.  Maybe reach out of district to brainstorm with other districts boards to find a solution.  More people on board might help find some solutions.

Why vote for Craig: I represent what most people in this district are--normal working people. I will always listen to concerns of people, and follow through with suggestions.  I am a man of integrity. I will never just give lip service to appease people.  You can look me in the eyes and know I will do what I say.  I will always make sure that our budget is kept in check and will work with other board members to achieve this.  I don’t claim to know it all, but if you ask me something I have no answer to,  be assured the next time I will be completely educated and up to date on it.