Sakawdin Mohamed (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board At-large, Minnesota, candidate 2025)

Sakawdin Mohamed

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board At-large

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 4, 2025

Personal

Profession

Finance

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Sakawdin Mohamed is running for election to the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board At-large in Minnesota. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Mohamed completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Sakawdin Mohamed provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2025:

• Gender: Male
• Profession: Finance
• Incumbent officeholder: Yes
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board At-large (3 seats)

Robin Cerio, Leah Gardner, Sakawdin Mohamed, and M. Tracey Plante are running in the general election for Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board At-large on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Robin Cerio (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Leah Gardner (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Sakawdin Mohamed (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	M. Tracey Plante (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Mohamed received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Mohamed's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

• Dakota County United Educators

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Sakawdin Mohamed completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mohamed'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.

My name is Sakawdin Mohamed, and I am a proud father, neighbor, and longtime resident of Eagan. For more than a decade, I have been an active ISD 196 parent with six wonderful active children - who are proud students and graduates of our district.

Professionally, I bring over 20 years of experience in public finance, budgeting, and policy leadership, serving both County and Council, and in several Minnesota state agencies. I oversaw budgets in access of $120 million annual budget for a staff of 650 public employees, and $1 billion capital improvement projects. I hold multiple of graduate degrees including MPA in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School and Health Science, as well as a bachelor’s in Economics from North Dakota State University.

I began my career as a social worker and case manager, helping seniors and refugees live safely in their communities. Since then, I’ve led initiatives in education, public health, and government accountability. I was also appointed three times by two Minnesota governors to the Commission on National and Community Service, helping expand AmeriCorps and youth programs that support reading, mentoring, and college readiness.

As a refugee who came to this country 30 years ago with little more than hope, public education changed my life. That’s why I’m passionate about ensuring every student in District 196 has the same opportunity to thrive—regardless of background, ability, or ZIP code.

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?

• Experienced, Educator Endorsed, Accountable, and Student-Focused Leadership: I bring proven leadership and over two decades of experience managing large public budgets and complex organizations. On the ISD 196 School Board, I’ve worked to ensure fiscal responsibility, safe schools, and strong academic outcomes. I’m committed to transparency, sound financial oversight, and ensuring every dollar supports student learning. My experience as a Certified Government Financial Manager and board treasurer ensures your investment in our schools is managed with integrity and accountability.
• Supporting Teachers and Student Success: Our teachers are the heart of our district, and when they are supported, our students thrive. I will continue advocating for policies that attract and retain excellent educators, reduce class sizes, and strengthen mental health supports for students. I believe in empowering teachers with the resources, respect, and professional development they need to deliver high-quality instruction. Investing in educators means investing in our children’s future and the long-term excellence of ISD 196.
• Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported at school. As a refugee, father, and community leader, I know firsthand the importance of inclusion and opportunity. I will continue advancing equity and diversity efforts so that every student has acces. My priorities for second term are: 1. Educational Excellence – continue to advocate for secure and stable funding to address rising costs, expand mental health resources, and strengthen student support. 2. Teacher & Parent Partnership – put students first by supporting educators and amplifying parent voices in decisions. 3. Equity & Representation – continue to support district initiatives that diversify staff, close opportunity gaps, and ensure all students can thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public education, fiscal accountability, and equitable opportunity. My career in public finance has been devoted to ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and that public programs deliver real results for families. I care deeply about policies that support teachers, student mental health, and workforce readiness, as well as initiatives that close achievement gaps and strengthen community partnerships. Education is the foundation of opportunity, and I am committed to policies that make it accessible, inclusive, and excellent for all.

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

Integrity, accountability, and empathy are the most important qualities of an elected official. Leaders must be transparent in their decisions, good stewards of public trust, and always act in the best interests of the community. I believe in listening before deciding, collaborating across differences, and staying grounded in facts and fairness.

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

A school board member’s core responsibilities are to set vision and policy, ensure fiscal accountability, and create the conditions for every student to succeed. The role is about governance, not management — ensuring that the district’s policies, budget, and leadership align with community values and educational excellence. Board members must listen to families and staff, support the superintendent, and ensure that decisions are data-driven, equitable, and centered on student achievement and wellbeing.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are the students, parents, educators, staff, and residents of ISD 196, which includes Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount, and surrounding communities. I represent all voices — regardless of background, culture, or belief — because strong public schools benefit everyone. I view every student as our collective responsibility and every parent, teacher, and taxpayer as a partner in shaping the district’s success. My goal is to listen, engage, and make decisions that reflect the shared values of our diverse and vibrant community.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Endorsed by various labor unions and major two times endorsement from The Dakota County United Educators Union serving teachers and nurses of District 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan. I am proud of the support and endorsement of community leaders, parents and educators.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I am also proud of my leadership in state and community service—being appointed three times by two Minnesota governors to the Commission on National and Community Service, where I helped fund programs that improved literacy, mentoring, and college readiness for thousands of youth statewide.

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

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Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School Board At-large

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