Deep Roots / broad Perspectives

Hello!

My love of learning began in Mrs. Pastick's Kindergarten classroom at Clear Springs Elementary School.  My educational pursuits led me to St. Olaf College and ultimately to a career as a professional coach and instructor.  

My husband Dennis and I have six children, including five Minnetonka graduates (2010, '12, '14, '15 & '18) and a current Minnetonka High School freshman. As you might imagine, our large family (three of whom came to the United States as refugees from the war in Sierra Leone) has experienced wide-ranging social, emotional, and educational challenges and triumphs. 2023-24 is our 27th school year with students in Minnetonka Schools!  

As a family, we've taken advantage of many, many of the opportunities available to our community: Summer & school year Explorers, Minnetonka Music Academy, various Minnetonka Community Ed classes, Tonka Aquatics, Tonka Football, Tonka United Soccer, Minnetonka Lacrosse, Minnetonka Girls Softball, Minnetonka Baseball, Club Tonka Volleyball, Minnetonka Rec and Southwest League Basketball, Tonka Track & Field, Minnetonka Rugby Club, Tonka Ski & Snowboard Club, and more! Go, Tonka!

I look forward to serving my community as a member of the Minnetonka School Board and as a steward of our exceptional legacy and promise to current and future ISD276 students, educators, staff, and residents. 

P.S. I am named after my mother Sarah and am known by my nickname, Sally, by most people in and around Minnetonka.  Whether you call me Sarah or Sally, you can't go wrong! 

School Board Observer

Over three years of consistent attendance at Minnetonka School Board regular meetings, study sessions, and special meetings.  Familiar with the School Board's vision, annual board goals, policies, customs, and procedures. 

Professional

Lean-Agile Organizational Coach, Trainer, and Community Builder, specializing in transforming complex systems for clients ranging from small non-profits to 

Fortune 500 companies.

Recent Volunteerism

**President's Volunteer Service Award

Individual Gold (2021, 2022)**

Minnetonka Schools 

Community Action for Student Education Committee Member (2023)

**CASE lobbies the State Legislature 

for full school funding**

MMW PTO board member (2020-21) and Co-President (2021-22)

VANTAGE User Experience (UX) Strand

Mentor (2022-23, 2023-24),

West Interfaith Community Engagement Founding Member (2020 - present)

Minnetonka Coalition for Equitable Education Adult Ally (2020 - 2023)

Tonka United Team Manager (2021-23)

Trinity Excelsior Outreach & Community Engagement & Refugee Resettlement (2020 - present); Senior Warden (2017, 2018)

African Agile Coaches in the Diaspora Mentor (2022 - present)

First Nations Kitchen Server (2012 - present)

Education

St. Olaf College, 

BA in English & Public Speaking

Professional certifications:

 Certified SAFe 5 Program Consultant 

 ICAgile Certified Professional - Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC) 

 ICAgile Certified Professional - Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) 

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

 The Call to Serve

My reasons for running are simple.  I believe that public schools in America have a crucial function within our democratic framework, and my aim is to guarantee that the Minnetonka School District maintains its reputation for excellence and innovation, effectively meeting the needs of all children and playing a vital role in our community for years to come.  My professional skills, history of community involvement, knowledge of the school board, and abundant experience as a parent in the District make me particularly well-suited to serve as a member of the Minnetonka School Board. 

Consistency

This year, the three longest-tenured school board members have chosen not to stand for reelection. With 32 years of combined service, their departures will create gaps in historical knowledge and valuable connections within the broader community.  Drawing on my experience in the District, my institutional knowledge and firm grasp of school board operations, and my many community affiliations, I am able to mitigate the impact of such a loss.  

Navigating Challenges

Minnetonka Schools is recognized nationally for outstanding student achievement and innovative educational programs. The District is also a large and complex organization with over 11,200 students, 1,400 employees, and roughly $160 million in annual revenue and expenses, which naturally means that its leaders must continually address large and complex challenges.  

For example, the District is in the early stages of adapting to new State standards in literacy, science, and social studies.  The school board has a responsibility to create a supportive environment in which administrators, teachers, and support staff can undertake this transformation while avoiding impediments.  Those elected to the School Board this fall will also join their colleagues in addressing the first projected budgetary shortfalls in almost two decades, anticipated beginning in fiscal year 2025.     

My Pledge to Voters

While serving my community as a member of the Minnetonka School Board, I pledge:

to serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion;  

to put the needs of children at the center of every decision and action; 

to seek all voices and consider all perspectives in the interest of making informed decisions; and

to do all in my power to deliver continual, meaningful, and measurable progress toward Minnetonka's Vision for the Future.

Your Vote

This November, I humbly ask you to cast a vote for me, Sally Browne!