Larlin Neumann (Grand Rapids Independent School District, At-large, Minnesota, candidate 2024)
From Ballotpedia
Larlin Neumann ran for election for an at-large seat of the Grand Rapids Independent School District in Minnesota. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Neumann completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Larlin Neumann provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 4, 2024:
- Birth date: March 27, 1986
- Birth place: San Diego, California
- High school: Elko High School, Spring Creek High School
- Gender: Female
- Religion: non-denominational
- Profession: Small Business Owner
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Your Child, Our Priority. Honest Leadership, Lasting Impact.
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
General election for Grand Rapids Independent School District, At-large (3 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Grand Rapids Independent School District, At-large on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Ethan Browning (Nonpartisan) | ||
| David Cowan (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Ashley Goodman (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Thomas Gustafson (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Stephanie Lipscy (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Janet Awesome Miller (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Larlin Neumann (Nonpartisan)  | |
| Glenn J. Pearson (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Brian Vroman (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Neumann in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Larlin Neumann completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Neumann's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My name is Larlin Neumann, a 38-year-old mother of six—three girls, three boys—and a soon-to-be grandmother. I’ve lived in Grand Rapids for nine years now, though I grew up in Nevada, and I’m a proud Pacific Islander who’s crazy enough to love the snow—go figure!
As a mother, I’ve experienced both homeschooling and the public school system, giving me a unique perspective on the educational needs of children in and out of school. With four of my kids currently enrolled in the district, I’m deeply committed to ensuring our schools offer the best possible environment for growth and success.
Seven years ago, my husband Dru and I launched one of our many successful businesses here in Grand Rapids, and I’ve been a business coach for over nine years, helping entrepreneurs unlock their potential with the right strategies and mindset.
My passion, integrity, and love for this community are qualities I’m excited to bring to the ISD 318 School Board. I believe in transparency, equitable resource allocation, and creating a supportive community where everyone can thrive.- Educational Excellence through Clear Communication and Parental Involvement: I understand the frustration parents and teachers feel when communication breaks down, leaving them out of important decisions. I’m committed to fostering strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and the school board, ensuring transparency and open dialogue. By working together, we can enhance the curriculum and provide the support teachers need to help students thrive. Parents will always have a seat at the table, and teachers will receive the resources they need to focus on what matters most—our children.
- Community Involvement and Communication Resources: As a business owner with resources dedicated to effective communication, I will leverage my experience to bridge the gap between the school board, parents, and the community. My businesses provide tools for creating newsletters, sharing updates, and ensuring transparent communication, so everyone stays informed. This commitment will ensure that the community’s voice is heard, and decisions reflect the needs of parents and students alike.
- Collaborative Resource Management I am committed to responsible budgeting and school improvements. I will work with fellow board members to ensure that we allocate resources efficiently, improving infrastructure and technology in our schools while advocating for mental health support services. Strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and the board will lead to the success of every student.
I am passionate about public policy areas that safeguard our constitutional rights, advocate for equitable legislative acts, and ensure judicial decisions foster a strong and transparent education system for all.
I look up to my husband, Andrew. We've been married for 15 years. His strength, resilience, and dedication to our family and business have always been a source of inspiration for me. He leads by example, always working hard while staying grounded in our values of integrity and perseverance. If I could follow anyone’s example, it would be his, because he knows how to turn challenges into opportunities.
Yes, I would recommend "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson. This book perfectly aligns with my belief in the power of small, consistent actions to create lasting change. Just as in our business, where daily efforts lead to success, I believe that incremental improvements in education and community engagement can result in significant, long-term benefits. This philosophy reflects my approach to public service—focused on steady progress, integrity, and collaboration to achieve meaningful results for the community.
Integrity, transparency, and accountability are key. Elected officials must also have empathy to understand the needs of their community, as well as the ability to collaborate and build consensus. Strong communication skills are crucial for ensuring constituents are informed and heard.
I believe my dedication, integrity, and ability to connect with people will make me a successful officeholder. As a mother of six and a business owner, I’ve learned how to manage diverse responsibilities, communicate effectively, and stay focused on long-term goals. I also value transparency and am committed to ensuring open dialogue with the community.
A school board member must advocate for quality education, ensure responsible budgeting, and make decisions that prioritize students, teachers, and the community. They must foster communication between parents, teachers, and administrators while ensuring educational policies reflect community values.
I’d like to leave a legacy of honest leadership and lasting impact, not just for my family but for the communities we reside in. I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for what was right, made decisions with integrity, and genuinely worked to improve the lives of the students and families around us. Leaving the world better than we found it is the goal, and I hope that my actions inspire future generations to lead with heart, compassion, and vision. By focusing on what's best for our children and community, we can create lasting change.
The first historical event I vividly remember is 9/11. I was in 9th grade I was 15, home sick from school, and sitting with my mom, sipping tea. We were watching the news when the second plane hit the Twin Towers. I remember the shock, fear, and sadness that filled the room. It was a moment that profoundly impacted me, reminding me how quickly life can change and how important it is to stay connected with those you love.
My first job was as a student physical therapist, working next to a chiropractor during my last three years of high school. I was there for about one year in total, spread across those years. I didn’t get paid in cash, but I earned college credits.
My favorite book is "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson. It’s a book that really speaks to the power of small, consistent actions over time. It reflects my belief in the importance of steady progress, whether in personal development, business, or community service.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d probably choose Wonder Woman. She’s strong, courageous, and fights for justice—all qualities I admire. Plus, it would be pretty cool to have an invisible jet, and not to mention that lasso of truth!
I can't tell you because then it'd get stuck in yours. ;)
One of my biggest struggles has been balancing the demands of being a mother and a business owner while making sure that I give my all to both. It’s been a challenge, but it’s also taught me resilience and the importance of asking for help when needed.
The primary job of a school board member is to represent the community’s best interest by making informed decisions that promote educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. Ensuring the district’s policies and actions prioritize student success is the core focus.
My constituents are the parents, students, teachers, and staff within the ISD 318 district. Additionally, I represent the broader community, including local businesses, taxpayers, and community leaders.
I will work to ensure equitable access to educational resources, promote inclusive policies, and advocate for mental health services. I’ll also foster open dialogue between parents, faculty, and staff to understand and address their unique challenges, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
I plan to engage with parent-teacher organizations, local businesses, and community groups by attending their events, hosting town halls, and maintaining open communication. Specifically, I will target parent groups, faculty associations, and organizations that focus on student wellness and support.
Good teaching inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. I will measure this by reviewing student outcomes, observing classroom engagement, and gathering feedback from teachers, students, and parents. Emails and reviews from parents who notice positive changes in their children—such as improved confidence, engagement, and academic growth—will also play a critical role in evaluating teaching success. To support advanced teaching, I’ll advocate for professional development opportunities, modern teaching tools, and time for teachers to collaborate and learn from each other, ensuring they have the support needed to innovate in the classroom.
I see a growing need for technical training and apprenticeships, which give students practical skills for the workforce. In addition, I would like to expand curriculum offerings to include more business courses and life skills programs. These courses would teach students essential skills like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and decision-making, which are crucial for success beyond school. Furthermore, expanding STEM programs, coding, and digital literacy courses would better prepare students for a technology-driven future, giving them the tools they need to thrive in an evolving world.
I would work to secure state and federal funding, build partnerships with local businesses, and explore grant opportunities. Additionally, I would prioritize financial transparency to ensure that funds are being used efficiently and directed where they’re most needed.
Safety should encompass both physical security and emotional well-being. I support policies that prioritize mental health resources, anti-bullying programs, and secure infrastructure to create a safe and supportive environment for students and staff. Additionally, I've seen interest from veterans who want to contribute to school safety. This could provide a valuable opportunity to engage veterans in supporting schools while freeing up police officers for other community needs. It's an idea that could strengthen both school safety and community involvement, ensuring a balanced approach to security in our schools.
Our teachers and staff need more supportive services, not only for the challenges they face day-to-day in the classroom but also for the unseen struggles they may encounter at home. Taking care of them starts with creating a healthier culture of mental health awareness and regular check-ins. I would advocate for greater access to mental health professionals, regular wellness checks, and dedicated support services for both students and staff. I believe it’s essential to foster an environment where mental health is openly discussed, and where resources are readily available to ensure everyone can thrive.
I don't have one but my son Phoenix just shared one: Why don’t skeletons fight each other? Because they don’t have the guts!
I am committed to increasing transparency in decision-making, particularly around budget allocation and curriculum development. My goal is to ensure that parents and community members have a clearer understanding of how resources are being used to benefit students. I would also prioritize expanding technical training programs, business and life skills courses, and creating more opportunities for community involvement in policy discussions. This approach will allow us to make informed decisions that reflect the needs of our students and the values of our community, while fostering stronger partnerships between schools and families.
At this point, I have not received any formal endorsements for my campaign. However, I am focused on earning the trust and support of the community through my actions and commitment to improving the lives of students and families. As the campaign progresses, I look forward to working with local organizations and individuals who share my vision for creating lasting, positive change in our schools and community.
An ideal learning environment is inclusive, student-centered, and encourages curiosity. It should provide modern resources, technology, and diverse learning opportunities, including advanced coursework and hands-on technical training, while also supporting emotional and mental health.
The district did what it could under difficult circumstances, but there were gaps in communication and unequal access to resources. In the future, I would prioritize clearer communication with parents, ensure equitable access to online learning tools, and offer more comprehensive support for students and teachers during disruptions.
I’ll prioritize open and regular communication, including newsletters, social media updates, and open forums where parents can voice concerns. I also plan to create opportunities for parents to be more involved in decision-making processes that affect their children’s education.
I believe in attracting top talent by creating a supportive work environment, providing opportunities for professional growth, and offering competitive salaries. It’s important to recruit individuals who reflect the diversity of our community and are committed to helping students succeed.
I believe in complete financial transparency, especially when it comes to taxpayer dollars in education. Elected officials must be held accountable for responsible spending and ensuring that funds are used effectively to support students, teachers, and infrastructure.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
