Meet the Candidates: Who’s running for the Kasson-Mantorville School Board

Albert Brand, a Kasson resident and father of five, said he is stepping forward as a candidate for the Kasson-Mantorville School Board, driven by a deep commitment to students, families and the future of the community.

With four of his children currently enrolled in K-M schools, Brand’s investment in the district is both personal and purposeful.

Originally from out of state, Brand relocated to Minnesota five years ago while working as a market manager for MetroNet. Since then, he has made Kasson his home and launched Embarc Solutions, a growing marketing firm that partners with major internet providers nationwide. Locally, he owns Kratos Athletic Center and founded Kratos Wrestling Academy, Minnesota’s first all-girls wrestling club.

“I’ve been blessed to work closely with kids and families in our community through sports, strength training and mentorship,” Brand said. “My Christian faith plays a significant role in everything I do, and I try to live that out by serving others and helping our next generation grow stronger physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Brand said his decision to run for the school board stemmed from a desire to preserve the values and safety of the Kasson-Mantorville community in a rapidly changing world.

“There’s a lot of negativity out there,” he said. “I want to help make sure K-M stays the safe, wholesome place that families love — a community where students can learn and grow surrounded by positive influences.”

He emphasized the importance of open communication between parents, teachers and board members, and said he will be a voice that consistently puts students first. He said his background in business, where he manages more than 800 contractors and maintains partnerships with over 20 national companies, has equipped him with leadership, accountability and strategic planning skills that he believes will serve the board well.

Brand also brings the perspective from his work with youth through athletics.

“Mentorship, patience and teamwork are essential,” he said. “These are the same qualities needed to support our students and staff.”

If elected, Brand plans to focus on transparency, staff support and maintaining high-quality academic and extracurricular programs. He wants families to feel informed and involved, and he’s committed to backing teachers and coaches who help shape well-rounded students.

When it comes to differing viewpoints, Brand said respect and listening are key.

“I’ve worked with people from all backgrounds. Common ground can always be found when the goal is doing what’s best for kids,” he said.

Asked whether he’d vote against his personal beliefs for the greater good, Brand responded, “My personal beliefs are rooted in faith, integrity and service to others — values that guide me toward what’s best for the community and our students. I don’t see those two things as being in conflict.”

To voters, Brand offers a straightforward message: “I’m a straight shooter who’s not afraid to speak my mind. I believe in having the tough conversations because that’s how real progress happens. I’ll bring honesty, hard work and a servant’s heart to the school board.”

Denise Heidt, a longtime Mantorville resident and nurse supervisor at Mayo Clinic, said her run for a seat on the Kasson-Mantorville School Board is driven by a commitment to servant leadership and a deep connection to the community she’s called home for more than two decades.

Heidt and her husband, Jamie, have lived in Mantorville for 22 years, raising their two daughters, Jaden and Jacey, both graduates of K-M High School. From church involvement to classroom volunteering, Heidt has spent years actively supporting students, families and school programs across the district.

“I found a true sense of purpose and joy in supporting our schools,” Heidt said. “Whether it was chaperoning field trips, helping with KoMets vs. Cancer or cheering at state volleyball, being part of this community has meant everything to me.”

Professionally, Heidt serves as a nurse supervisor in Mayo Clinic’s Virtual Care Unit, where she leads a team focused on innovation in healthcare delivery. Her role involves managing staff, overseeing budgets and implementing new initiatives, skills she believes translate well to school board service.

“My experience in healthcare has taught me how to balance quality outcomes with fiscal responsibility,” she said. “I’ve worked with complex systems and led program development, and I’m eager to apply those skills to support student-centered programs and thoughtful policy decisions.”

Heidt’s decision to run for the school board is rooted in her belief that strong schools are the foundation of strong communities. She wants every student to feel supported and empowered to succeed, just as her own children did.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive,” she said. “I want to help ensure that tradition continues at K-M.”

If elected, Heidt plans to focus on staff support, responsible budgeting and preparing students for the future, including navigating the growing role of artificial intelligence in education.

Heidt said she emphasizes collaboration and respectful dialogue, drawing on her experience working with multidisciplinary teams in healthcare.

“I value each person’s perspective,” she said. “Listening and finding common ground is how we achieve shared goals. That’s the approach I’ll bring to the board.”

When asked about balancing personal beliefs with public service, Heidt said she is committed to representing the broader community.

“I would absolutely vote against a personal belief if it meant doing what’s best for our students,” she said. “As a board member, it’s my responsibility to listen, consider all viewpoints, and make decisions that align with our district’s mission.”

To voters, Heidt offers a message of dedication and purpose.

“Serving on the school board is one of the most meaningful ways a citizen can give back,” she said. “I am committed to keeping our schools strong and ensuring Kasson-Mantorville’s tradition of excellence thrives. With my deep roots in this community and passion for service, I humbly ask for your vote.”

Sarah Stender, a Kasson resident and longtime music educator, said she is seeking a seat on the Kasson-Mantorville School Board, motivated by a deep sense of service and a belief in the lasting impact of community investment.

A mother of three and active member of the local arts and faith communities, Stender's candidacy is rooted in her experiences as a teacher, volunteer and advocate for students.

Originally from rural Missouri, Stender never attended public school herself. It wasn’t until college, at a public university, that she first stepped into a public classroom. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for education and led her to earn a master’s degree in music performance. She began teaching piano lessons at age 14 and has spent her career working in church music programs, community initiatives and private instruction.

In 2020, just a year after moving to Kasson, Stender was asked to step in as a long-term substitute music teacher at Byron Middle School during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a newborn at home and no prior experience in public schools, she accepted the challenge.

“I learned more than I ever thought possible,” she said. “About teachers and their great commitments, about students and their amazing abilities and challenges, and about what really matters beyond the 50 minutes in the classroom.”

That experience, she said, changed her perspective and prepared her for her own children’s educational journeys. It also planted the seed for her decision to run for the school board.

Stender's motivation deepened during a family road trip this summer, when her van broke down in a small Iowa town. While waiting for repairs, she and her children found refuge in a local park, complete with shade, water fountains and restrooms.

“I had never paid taxes in that town, yet I benefitted from the care and planning of others,” she said. “That moment reminded me how our contributions can serve people we may never meet. That’s why I’m running—to give more, knowing the impact may reach further than we ever see.”

If elected, Stender plans to focus on staff support, inclusive policies and expanding learning opportunities for all students. She wants to see more one-on-one and small group instruction, and to foster creative connections between continuing education and the broader community.

“Our teachers deserve respect and care,” she said. “And our students deserve to be met where they are, with the tools to grow and thrive.”

She also brings experience in collaboration and conflict resolution, having worked for years in church communities where diverse viewpoints are common.

“There’s so little time to do such good work,” she said. “We should use our time wisely, with respect and professionalism, to find common ground and move forward.”

To voters, Stender offers a message of commitment and humility.

“I am a thinker and a doer,” she said. “Being on the school board is not a platform for politics—it’s a position of service. I’m ready for the challenge and willing to grow in the process. Our children are worth the extra effort.”

Jerrod Kappers, a Kasson-Mantorville resident and engineering leader running for a seat on the Kasson-

Mantorville School Board, said he brings a hands-on approach to problem-solving, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to student success.

Kappers, a husband and father of two, grew up in a small town similar in size to Mantorville. That upbringing, he said, shaped his appreciation for close-knit communities and strong schools. His parents owned a small business, instilling in him the values of responsibility, hard work and service.

“I’m family-oriented and community-minded,” Kappers said. “I’ve always believed that real progress comes from collaboration, planning and follow-through — not just good intentions.”

Professionally, Kappers has worked in farm labor, concrete, and commercial trucking before building a career in engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and has spent more than 16 years with the same company, currently serving as chief engineer, overseeing new product development.

“Each of those roles taught me persistence, communication and teamwork,” he said. “As a leader, I focus on mentoring and building relationships. When people feel supported and respected, they perform their best — whether in a workplace, classroom or community.”

Kappers is also deeply involved in volunteer work. He supports the Ronald McDonald House Cans for Kids program, serves as a STEM mentor and competition judge, and participates in events like Touch-a-Truck and student career fairs. He’s helped organize dozens of internship programs that connect students with hands-on learning in engineering and technical fields.

“I want to inspire the next generation to explore their interests with confidence,” he said. “Giving back through mentorship and community engagement is one of the most rewarding parts of my life.”

Kappers said his decision to run for the school board stems from a desire to serve the community that welcomed his family and to help ensure the district continues to grow with integrity and purpose.

“Kasson-Mantorville is a special place,” he said. “I want to help keep our schools strong and make sure every decision is thoughtful, transparent and focused on what’s best for students.”

If elected, Kappers plans to prioritize responsible budgeting, long-term planning and staff support. He wants to ensure resources are used efficiently to improve student outcomes while maintaining the district’s financial health.

He also emphasizes collaboration, especially when working with people who hold differing views.

“Even difficult conversations can lead to progress when we stay focused on shared goals and creative solutions,” he said. “I’ll bring a neutral, respectful approach to every discussion.”

Kappers said he is willing to vote against personal beliefs if it means doing what’s best for students and the community.

“My responsibility would be to serve the district, not my own preferences,” he said. “Leadership means setting aside personal bias to uphold fairness, accountability and trust.”

To voters, Kappers offers a message of community and results.

“I’m not running to push an agenda — I’m running to serve,” he said. “I’ll bring an independent voice, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to doing the work. Our students deserve nothing less.”