Melanie Mortensen

Melanie Mortensen ran for election to the Davis School District to represent Precinct 1 in Utah. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Mortensen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Melanie Mortensen was born in Provo, Utah. She earned a high school diploma from Davis High School and a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 1998.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Davis School District, Precinct 1

Alisa Allred Mercer defeated Melanie Mortensen in the general election for Davis School District, Precinct 1 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Alisa Allred Mercer (Nonpartisan)	50.2	10,356
	Melanie Mortensen (Nonpartisan)	49.8	10,264

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,620
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Davis School District, Precinct 1

Melanie Mortensen and Alisa Allred Mercer defeated Alex Densley in the primary for Davis School District, Precinct 1 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Melanie Mortensen (Nonpartisan)	52.3	4,954
✔		Alisa Allred Mercer (Nonpartisan)	38.8	3,672
	Submit photo	Alex Densley (Nonpartisan)	9.0	849

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,475
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Mortensen in this election.

2022

General election

General election for Utah State Board of Education District 4

LeAnn Wood won election in the general election for Utah State Board of Education District 4 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		LeAnn Wood (R)	100.0	57,381

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 57,381
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Utah State Board of Education District 4

LeAnn Wood defeated Melanie Mortensen in the Republican primary for Utah State Board of Education District 4 on June 28, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	LeAnn Wood	51.7	16,546
	Melanie Mortensen	48.3	15,466

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 32,012
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah State Board of Education District 4

Melanie Mortensen and LeAnn Wood defeated Sam Bracken, Brady Tracy, and Drew Chamberlain in the Republican convention for Utah State Board of Education District 4 on April 23, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Melanie Mortensen (R)	55.9	118
✔		LeAnn Wood (R)	44.1	93
	Submit photo	Sam Bracken (R)	0.0	0
	Submit photo	Brady Tracy (R)	0.0	0
	Submit photo	Drew Chamberlain (R)	0.0	0

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 211
= 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.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Laura Belnap (R)
Benjamin Sorensen (R)

Note: The Republican convention advanced to four rounds of voting. In each round, candidates were eliminated or withdrew. After each round, delegates voted again until a winner was declared. The Republican convention results above show only the vote totals from the final round of voting.^[2]

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Melanie Mortensen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mortensen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Education has been my passion since I was young. Playing school with my younger siblings and teaching them to read was a favorite childhood pastime.

I graduated with a composite degree in English and Humanities, with a secondary teaching certificate. I taught English and Stage Tech in Boise, Idaho, and musical theater at Centerville Junior High.

For over 20 years, I have served on Community Councils, Curriculum Councils, worked in classrooms with teachers, and for the past 3 years I've worked with legislators and USBE members, helping to write and pass effective policy and laws to support our teachers and our children. I have served as the head of the children’s organization for many years and twice as the head of the youth organization in my church.

I am the only candidate in this race who has been a teacher, and that experience helps me to know how the decisions we make as a board will affect teachers. I am also the only candidate who understands the education process from the bottom to the top, and top to the bottom. As a result, I will be able to hit the ground running and be much more effective as your board member.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a former teacher, I know what it's like to be on the front lines. I know what a difference a solid curriculum and a supportive administrator makes. I know the obstacles teachers face and I have spent the past few years teaching parents how to have conversations with their teachers in a calm and respectful way. I will advocate for our teachers and our support staff, not just at our local level, but with the connections and relationships I have developed with our State School Board and our Legislators. I will never call out teachers, staff or students on social media. I will be the one bringing everyone to the table to find common ground, encourage cooperation and increase compassion.
Public education is about focusing on each student and cultivating their unique excellence. Therefore, every decision we make as the Davis School Board should have the individual student as our primary focus, driving force, and motivating factor. As we decide curriculum content, programs and policies, I will keep in mind the individual student. I will focus on high quality curriculum, high expectations that increase proficiency levels, and quality, professional training that enhances our teachers' abilities and therefore our students' experiences.
Data is the new currency, and student data is used as a key component to measure many aspects of their education. I will work to protect, preserve, and defend student and family privacy. Our students' information should never be used as a bargaining tool or tendered for any reason. It should stay with the student, their school, the parents, and never be used or released outside of our state. I will choose programs and curriculums that do not require data sharing with corporations, and reduce the over-testing of students currently happening in our district.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Some of the education policies that I am currently researching include technology, class sizes, school safety, state testing, and full-day kindergarten. I will share my research with Davis County parents, request their feedback and input, and utilize their experience and priorities in the policies we create for Davis School District.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I am an English teacher, and so I have read MANY books, have many more on my "next" list, and I know that there are SO many good books available! I am often found reading 4-5 at any given time. I don't think there is any one book, film, or essay that would define my political philosophy, but some of my recent favorites include: America's Choice, by Tad Callister, Seven Miracles that Saved America, by Chris Stewart and Ted Stewart, and The Power of Stillness, by Hess, Anderson, Skarda and Mansfield.

I am always on the lookout for recommendations and I love reading titles sent to me by others, especially when we can discuss our thoughts about them. Do you have a good book you've recently enjoyed? Send it my way!

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important characteristics for an elected official include humility, teachability, and principled action.

Any elected official must recognize that they are separate from the office they hold, and as such must not act in opposition to the betterment of those they serve. Humility is a key characteristic in that it allows us to recognize that we don't know every answer, and to seek input from our constituents and those we serve. Humility is required to set aside our own priorities and consider those of others. I am the candidate who will listen to the priorities and concerns of my constituents, I am humble in that I can admit that I don't know everything and I am determined to put in the time and do the research needed. I bring my own experience to the table as well as the voices of those who are most directly impacted by my decisions.

Teachability is vital in that curriculums, policies, and programs are constantly changing. It is important to continue our learning process even after we have graduated from our formal education. I have a deep love for learning and increasing my growth and understanding. I enjoy diving into issues and researching the many facets of policies and arguments. I love sharing what I have learned and discussing nuanced understandings. I look forward to educated discussions that will lead to better decisions on the school board.

Finally, principled action is vital to an effective leader. If we don’t have principles to stand on and guide our decisions, we are blown by the wind in every direction. We need to have core principles that are also important to our constituents as our guiding motivation. These are based on truths and precepts that are foundational to everyone, such as are found in our United States Constitution, and also the State of Utah Constitution. These important documents provide the guiding principles that serve all of us best, and can assist me to best serve the families of Davis School District.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am calm, level-headed, experienced and well-researched. I will be successful as your district representative because I believe in working to find common ground. I believe in supporting all of our stakeholders--teachers, parents and students, so that we can all be effective in our roles. I have the understanding and experience that comes from teaching, from working with students and with administration. I know how education policy and procedure works from my efforts with the legislature and State Board of Education. And finally and most importantly, I have the passion for education that is required in this labor of love!

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The Davis School Board is tasked with the general oversight and control of public education in Davis County. The core responsibilities for a member of the Davis School Board are to vote on policies, programs, curriculum and other issues as they relate to that general oversight and control of public education. As a member of the Board, my personal responsibility is to do the research and find the data requisite to make the best decisions in my votes; to represent my constituents by seeking their input, priorities, values and opinions on the votes I am asked to make.

To that end, I believe it is vital for me to be in communication with my constituents on a regular basis, to share my research and findings with them. I believe it is my duty to seek their input and recommendations on upcoming issues so that I can vote in a manner that is representative of them.

This representative voting is an aspect of this office we have not had in over twenty years. I believe it is time to have an elected official who is in communication with and representative of our constituents' voices.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching the Challenger shuttle take off when I was ten years old and in 3rd grade. Our teacher brought in a tv and we were so excited because Christa McAuliff was going to be the first teacher in space. Seconds later, when it exploded, my classmates and I sat in silent shock and horror. I am forever grateful for my teacher, Mrs. Larsen, who helped us cope with our emotions that day. She was a huge strength to us in many ways, and is one of my inspirational teachers who helped me decide to choose that as my profession.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a piano teacher. I was able to share my love of music and playing the piano with young children ages 4 to 13. I had it during my high school years. It taught me about creativity, diverse instruction needs, communication and scheduling, and financial management. It was one of the first places I discovered my love of teaching!

What is your favorite book? Why?

As an English teacher, I love reading! I love diving into a rich plot narrative, with complex characters, and I love detailed non-fiction that teaches me and enriches my understanding. I am usually reading at least 4-5 books at a time. I can't choose just one favorite, it's like choosing a favorite child--I love so many different aspects of many books. My most recent and current books on my shelf include Our Day Spring Rising, by Jeffrey Holland, In Order To Liv, by Yeonmi Park, Things You Save in a Fire, by Katherine Center, and Saving Dr. Warren, by Jeffrey McKenna.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

My primary job as a Board Member is to represent my constituents in each and every vote we make on the School Board. It also includes reaching out and communicating with my constituents, as well as any citizen of Davis County, because they are all impacted by my votes and decisions on the Board. I feel duty-bound to return and report not just my research and analysis of every circumstance and subject, but also the thoughts and priorities I have going into the votes. I will then ask my constituents for their feedback, their priorities, and what they would have me do, and I will represent their interests to the Board in my votes.

Who are your constituents?

I represent all of North Salt Lake, most of Woods Cross, and the south half of Bountiful, roughly from 1500 S on the west side and 1800 south east of Orchard Drive. There are also a couple neighborhoods included that are north of that, such as around Woods Cross Elementary and Valley View Elementary.

For a detailed map of the districts, please visit https://gisportal-pro.daviscountyutah.gov/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=24f664bf798a4db2a6eab8fbeacad058 and make sure to select "Davis School Board Districts"

While those are the areas who vote for me, my votes on the Board will impact all of Davis County. Therefore, I am the candidate who will listen, value, and seek input from any Davis County citizen on the matters we address as a School Board.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

I will be the Board Member who is proactive in seeking input from faculty, staff, community and students, so that I can be an accountable representative of their interests and priorities. I recognize that we have diverse needs and priorities, and as such, will be the one to bring everyone to the table to discuss how we can best meet those diverse agendas. Communication is key to finding common ground and understanding, and I am the candidate who can best facilitate that communication.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

I will build relationships in our community by actively seeking out parents and primary stakeholders for their input and priorities. I will take the time necessary to understand differing perspectives and viewpoints, and work to support families in Davis County.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching includes challenging the minds and experiences of students, encourages critical thinking skills and discussion capabilities. It engages students and encourages them to try harder and learn from successes as well as failures.

I will support advance teaching approaches by directly engaging with teachers and administrators to facilitate best practices and proven methods.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

In Davis School District, we have the Catalyst Center which facilitates technical training, learned skills and real-life practice. We also have Davis Tech which is offered free to high school students and includes a variety of career options. I love that we have these available for our students and can introduce our students to career options they may not have considered.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

Schools are properly funded by utilizing strict fiscal responsibility. Our state offers a huge budget for education, and if we use it wisely, we can be effective in our efforts to send our students into the world being well-prepared for whatever they choose to pursue.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Here are some fun ones from an English teacher ;)

A word in this sentence is misspelled.

A teacher to her students before the poetry test: “Metaphors be with you!”

How many mystery writers does it take to change a light bulb? Two: one to screw it almost all the way in, and one to give a surprising twist at the end

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

There are too many to list here! Please see my endorsements on my website at www.VoteMelanie.org

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

Teachers have solid curriculum from which to teach, their classrooms have less than 25 students, they are allowed and encouraged to be innovative and creative in their approach, they use class time wisely for direct instruction, group activities or individual work, and they are supported by administrators who recognize their strengths and talents and honor their ingenuity. Teachers have high expectations of their students and encourage students to challenge themselves.

Students come to school ready to learn, understand the importance of the time they have at school and give their best efforts. They are allowed down time like recess and breaks to relax and move physically. They are encouraged to perform to the best of their ability and supported in their efforts. The atmosphere and environment are positive and uplifting; teachers, staff, administrators and students are friendly and respectful to each other.

I firmly believe that we can create this utopia of education in our district, and I ask for your vote and your support to help me so that we can achieve it together!

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

As a parent myself, I believe it is vital for parents to know and understand how best to communicate with teachers, administrators, staff, Board Members, etc. We are most effective when we come together and seek greater understanding, and I am the candidate who can facilitate those conversations. I have spent many years on community councils, curriculum councils, in meetings with teachers, administrators and parents, finding common ground and communicating effectively. I have helped parents across the state to learn how best to communicate, especially in circumstances of stress and disagreement. In a time of growing divisions of every sort, I have been able to find common ground, encourage cooperation and increase compassion even with opposing viewpoints. I will utilize these skills to better serve my district and the entire Davis County.

I will be the Board Member who reaches out, who asks for feedback and who is responsive to my constituents and our community at large. I will meet with parents and listen to their concerns, share my research, find solutions and help them to have a voice on the Board.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

I believe the best strategy is open and honest communication in every aspect. It is also important to be fiscally responsible from the top of the District to the classroom so that we can allocate as much of our resources to teachers as possible. To truly value our teachers, staff and administrators, we need to ensure that everything we ask of them is pertinent to our end goal. Every training we require should be professional and efficient, with proven outcomes. When we have employees that feel sincerely valued, they succeed in their employment, rising to their full creative power and effectiveness. I will be the Board Member who will communicate effectively, recruit positively and facilitate full support of our employees so that we can be the best school district in Utah!

I was excited to work on Senate Concurrent Resolution 001 this past legislative session, which was the first of its kind to recognize, honor and celebrate our school's support staff. Too often our fabulous staff are overlooked, and this is a trend I am going to help change. We need to value those employees who not only keep our schools running smoothly, but facilitate so much of the education happening. I will continue to work to support our employees, both licensed and para-professionals, so that we can be effective as a combined school district.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

As an elected body that is funded by and oversees the use of taxpayer dollars, I believe we are duty-bound to be fiscally responsible. Whether or not you have children in public school, your taxpayer dollars are being used for public education. As a governing board, we have an obligation to let our constituents know how their money is being used. This is an other aspect of the accountability factor that I will bring to this office. I want not only my constituents, but the citizens of Davis County to be aware of the Public Education budget, to know where and how their money is being used, and that as a Board, we have researched, analyzed and found the best uses for that money that will bring about the highest results for our students.

Our accountability is to our constituents; those who elect us to the office and rely on us to be their voice. We are held accountable by our constituents’ votes—if we are not serving them to their needs and best interests, we should be voted out of office. This is a fundamental aspect of the representative government. I will be the first School Board Member to bring that accountability and transparency to this office. I will be open, direct, and honest in my communications and will rely on the feedback and input I receive from my constituents to know how best to represent them.

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.

2022

Melanie Mortensen did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

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Candidate

Davis School District, Precinct 1

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 9, 2024
↑ Utah Republican Party, "2022 Nominating Convention, April 23, 2022, Convention Results," accessed July 17, 2023

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 9, 2024

[2] Utah Republican Party, "2022 Nominating Convention, April 23, 2022, Convention Results," accessed July 17, 2023

[1]

[2]

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Melanie Mortensen

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Davis School District, Precinct 1

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Davis School District, Precinct 1

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Utah State Board of Education District 4

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Utah State Board of Education District 4

Republican convention

Republican convention for Utah State Board of Education District 4

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

2022

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

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