Candidate Profile: Communication, Professional Development Matter for Westpfahl

Ask Inver Grove Heights School Board candidate Mark Westpfahl why he’s running for election this fall, and he’ll quickly rattle off a dozen answers.

His fascination with government and politics, his current involvement in the education system as a teacher in St. Paul, his three children, two of whom attend Inver Grove schools.

But one reason stands above the rest for Westpfahl: His desire to make a change on a local level.

“We look at the national picture, because it tends to be more glorified,” Westpfahl said. “But most of what’s really going to directly impact us is at the local level. Most people don’t realize that there is an election and that there are three local referendums [on the ballot this fall].

Westpfahl is one of seven candidates—including three incumbents and four challengers—running for four open spots on the School District 199 School Board this fall. The 32-year-old is a social studies teacher at Battle Creek Middle School and American Indian Magnet School in St. Paul and the chair of the HD39B Republicans group.

Board members, Westpfahl believes, should serve as a bridge between the district and local residents—especially those community members who may not have kids in district schools, but are still affected by district policies and levies. Social media and more frequent email communications with the community may be part of the answer, but Westpfahl says the district must go beyond websites like Twitter or Facebook to reach its audience.

His professional background gives him plenty of first-hand familiarity with many of the issues that currently impact teachers, Westpfahl said. For that reason, Westpfahl added, he could also serve as a crucial link between the board and faculty across the Inver Grove Heights School District if elected to the board.

Not surprisingly, professional development for local teachers is also a priority for Westpfahl, and he supports developing a mentorship program that would connect experienced, tenured teacher with their less-experienced counterparts.

But Westpfahl, a former assistant football coach for football team, also believes the board should develop an alternative, project-based assessment system for students that encourages engagement and learning. The schools should also focus on developing specialized interdisciplinary courses that emphasize the practical application of knowledge.

Westpfahl, who is deeply involved in the political scene through his participation in the HD39B Republicans group, says politics will not be a part of his campaign, and plans to leave his political leanings at the door, if elected to the board, a traditionally non-partisan group.

“It’s not about the politics, it’s about the educational experience we can provide for our students,” Westpfahl said.

To read Patch's profiles on the other candidates running for spots on the Inver Grove Heights School Board this year, click on the links below.

• Monday, Oct. 3:
• Tuesday, Oct. 4:
• Wednesday, Oct. 5:
• Thursday, Oct. 6:

Correction: This article has been changed to correct an inaccuracy. Mark Westpfahl helped coach football at Simley High School in 2009 and 2010, but is not currently coaching at the school.