Tascha Just (Mounds View Public Schools, At-large, Minnesota, candidate 2025)

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Tascha Just

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Mounds View Public Schools, At-large

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Metropolitan State University

Personal

Profession

Educator and business owner

Contact

Campaign website

Personal LinkedIn

Tascha Just ran for election for an at-large seat of the Mounds View Public Schools in Minnesota. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

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

Biography

Tascha Just provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2025:

• Bachelor's: Metropolitan State University
• PhD: Minnesota State University Moorhead
• Gender: Female
• Profession: Educator and Business Owner
• Prior offices held:
  • President-Elect (2023)
  • Vice President (2022-2023)
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign website

Elections

General election

General election for Mounds View Public Schools, At-large (3 seats)

Shauna Bock, Shea Bruce, Tascha Just, and Mark Sacay ran in the general election for Mounds View Public Schools, At-large on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Shauna Bock (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Shea Bruce (Nonpartisan)
		Tascha Just (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Mark Sacay (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

Just received the following endorsements.

• LiUNA Minnesota and North Dakota
• Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

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

I believe strong schools build strong communities. As a parent, licensed school psychologist, and education leader with over 20 years of experience, I’ve worked in classrooms across Minnesota helping students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. I’ve seen firsthand how safe, supportive, and well-run schools change lives.

I currently serve as President-Elect of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association and lead SEL Academy, an education nonprofit focused on student success through resilience-building, inclusive learning tools, and practical support for educators and families. My background blends science, compassion, and common sense — always centering what works for real kids in real classrooms.

I’m also a proud Mounds View parent and an active volunteer in district programs. I’ve served on the Native American Parent Advisory Committee and worked closely with school teams on mental health, crisis response, and student supports. My leadership style is collaborative, solutions-focused, and grounded in both local values and evidence-based practices.

My top priorities are student safety, academic excellence, and community trust. I will work to ensure that every child feels safe, respected, and prepared for the future — and that every family feels heard. I respectfully ask for your vote. Let’s build a future we can all be proud of.

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?

• Student safety is—and always will be—my top priority. From secure entrances and updated emergency systems to defending against more than 60,000 cyberattacks each month, our schools need modern protections that match today’s realities. The proposed levy invests in safety and technology without taking away from classrooms or teachers. For about $18 a month, we can protect our students, strengthen our systems, and ensure every child learns in an environment that’s safe, welcoming, and ready for the future.
• Mounds View’s 97% graduation rate is no accident—it’s the result of a community that believes in its kids and invests in their future. But excellence requires constant care. We must address middle school math challenges, maintain small class sizes, and ensure teachers have the training and tools to support every learner. From gifted students to those who learn differently, every child deserves the chance to thrive. True academic excellence isn’t about averages—it’s about making sure all students have what they need to succeed, both in school and in life.
• together. Whether it was the thoughtful cell phone policy or adding Diwali to the calendar, our district shows that community voices matter. I believe in transparency, fiscal responsibility, and decisions grounded in respect and shared values. When families, educators, and board members work as partners—openly and with trust—we create schools that reflect the heart of our community and help every student feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policies that ensure inclusion and accessibility—not just as buzzwords, but as the foundation for true collaboration. Every student, family, and educator should feel seen, supported, and able to participate fully, regardless of ability, language, or background.

I’m equally committed to policies that protect student safety, strengthen academic excellence, and invest in mental health. When we design systems that are safe, equitable, and collaborative, we don’t just improve schools—we build stronger, more connected communities.

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

An effective elected official must lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability. For me, leadership begins with listening - not just to respond, but to understand. Communities thrive when their leaders stay connected, transparent, and grounded in service rather than ego. I believe in data-informed decision-making that is also heart-centered, because the best policies balance evidence with humanity.

We must be steady in uncertainty and kind in conflict. We must have the courage to tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and the humility to learn from those with different experiences. My guiding principles are equity, collaboration, and stewardship - ensuring that decisions made today strengthen trust and opportunity for the next generation.

Public service is about building bridges across differences and making sure every person feels seen, respected, and included. That’s how I lead as a school psychologist, parent, and community member - and that’s how I’ll continue to lead in public office.

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

A school board member’s core responsibility is stewardship - of the district’s mission, resources, and community trust. That means ensuring fiscal responsibility while keeping student well-being at the center of every decision. It also means communicating openly and often, so families and staff understand not just what decisions are made, but why.

Board members are policy architects and community translators. We bridge the gap between data and daily experience, translating budgets, safety measures, and academic goals into actions that improve students’ lives. We’re accountable for both outcomes and relationships - shaping systems that are effective, equitable, and sustainable.

The role demands courage to ask hard questions, curiosity to explore new ideas, and compassion to balance diverse perspectives. Ultimately, our responsibility is to create conditions where educators can teach, students can learn, and families can trust that our schools are safe, inclusive, and future-ready.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, she’d be part warrior, part healer, and part truth-teller - someone who carries both a sword and a song. She stands for justice with compassion, uses her strength to protect rather than overpower, and meets conflict with both humor and heart.

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

At its heart, the school board’s job is to ensure that every student in the district can thrive - academically, socially, and emotionally. That work happens through thoughtful governance, not micromanagement: setting clear goals, aligning resources, and supporting staff to carry out the mission effectively.

A strong board listens first. It partners with families, educators, and community members to identify what’s working and what needs to improve. It sets direction based on shared values - safety, inclusion, and academic excellence - and stays focused on long-term vision rather than short-term noise.

The board must also safeguard the district’s financial and ethical integrity, ensuring that each decision reflects community priorities and uses taxpayer funds wisely. Beyond oversight, our role is also inspiration — modeling civility, curiosity, and collaboration for the students we serve.

In short, a school board member’s primary job is to keep the district’s compass pointed toward the well-being and success of every learner - because when our students succeed, our entire community flourishes.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are everyone who calls this district home - not just parents or students, but all 81,000 residents across the seven cities that make up Mounds View Public Schools. Our district serves more than 11,000 students and employs over 1,400 staff members, each contributing to the health and vitality of our community. Strong schools strengthen neighborhoods, stabilize property values, and shape the future for every resident, whether or not they currently have children in our schools.

As a school psychologist and parent, I’ve seen how decisions made in the boardroom ripple far beyond the classroom. My responsibility is to listen to all perspectives - from teachers and families to seniors and taxpayers - and to make decisions grounded in transparency, inclusion, and long-term stewardship.

Students are always at the heart of what we do, but our duty is broader: to the families who trust us, the educators who serve them, and the residents who invest in this district. When we lead with integrity, collaboration, and care, we honor the shared values that make Mounds View exceptional - a community where every voice matters and every child can thrive.

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

Supporting the diverse needs of our district starts with listening - truly listening - to the people who make Mounds View what it is. With over 11,000 students and 1,400 staff across seven cities, our strength comes from our diversity: cultural, linguistic, neurodivergent, and socioeconomic. To serve everyone well, we need systems built on access, respect, and equity.

As a school psychologist, I’ve seen how belonging transforms learning. That means creating classrooms and policies that meet students where they are - whether they’re gifted, multilingual, or need extra support to thrive. It also means ensuring staff have the resources and professional development to serve every learner effectively and feel valued in the process.

For families, accessibility matters - in communication, technology, and voice. I would continue to support translation services, inclusive community engagement, and clear communication so all families can participate fully in their child’s education.

And for our community, I believe collaboration is key. When teachers, families, and residents work together, we find solutions that reflect both data and shared values. Supporting diversity isn’t about dividing resources - it’s about uniting around opportunity

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

Building relationships starts with showing up - consistently and with care. Our district spans seven cities and serves over 11,000 students, which means our broader community includes not only families and educators but also local businesses, senior residents, cultural organizations, and faith groups.

My approach is rooted in accessibility and listening - creating spaces where people can share ideas, concerns, and solutions directly with board members.

I plan to stay actively engaged with parent advisory groups, neighborhood associations, and civic partners like city councils and the Chamber of Commerce. I’ll also prioritize relationships with community organizations that serve diverse families - including our Native American Parent Committee, multicultural and multilingual parent networks, and nonprofits supporting youth mental health.

As a school psychologist, I know trust is built through transparency and follow-through. That means not only inviting input but closing the feedback loop - showing how community voices shape district decisions. Whether it’s families without children in our schools, alumni, or our business community, I believe in the Cherokee principle of gadugi - working together for the common good. When we embrace gadugi, shared success becomes collective strength, and our schools reflect the unity, care, and collaboration that define Mounds View.

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

I’m already actively involved with parent groups across the district and make it a priority to connect in many ways - through school events, cultural celebrations, advisory committees, and open office hours at community spaces like libraries, parks, or local coffee shops. These informal conversations often lead to meaningful ideas that help bridge gaps between home and school. I’ve found that when parents are given accessible, welcoming ways to share their experiences, they become powerful partners in problem-solving.

To reach families who can’t always attend meetings, I also use surveys, email updates, and social media to gather input and keep communication flowing. It’s important that engagement doesn’t depend on who can be physically present. Families with demanding schedules, language barriers, or special circumstances deserve the same voice in shaping their children’s education as anyone else. Translating materials, offering flexible times for discussions, and hosting topic-specific listening sessions - like on technology use, mental health, or safety - help create multiple entry points for meaningful involvement.

But listening is only the beginning; real partnership comes through follow-through. I believe in reporting back to the community about what we’ve learned from parent feedback sessions, summarizing survey results, and clearly showing how that information is used to guide district decisions.

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

Recruiting and retaining exceptional educators begins with creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay. Mounds View has a well-earned reputation for academic excellence and maintaining that standard means attracting professionals who not only bring expertise but also share our district’s values of safety, inclusion, and collaboration.

My preferred strategies begin with visibility and connection. We should be actively cultivating relationships with local colleges, universities, and teacher preparation programs - especially those with strong special education and bilingual education pathways - to identify and mentor high-potential candidates early. I also believe in strengthening partnerships with community organizations and alumni networks to expand our reach and recruit educators who reflect the diversity of our 11,000 students. Representation matters, and students thrive when they see themselves reflected in the adults around them.

Beyond recruitment, retention must be part of the strategy. Competitive compensation matters, but so do climate and culture. Teachers and staff stay when they feel respected, supported, and heard. Investing in mentorship programs, career advancement opportunities, and mental health resources for staff are all proven ways to improve retention.

As a school psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how faculty and staff well-being directly affects student success. A strong recruitment strategy isn’t just about filling roles - it’s about cultivating belonging and professional pride. By combining outreach, equity-focused hiring, and intentional retention efforts, we can continue to make Mounds View a district where top educators want to teach, grow, and lead.

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Mounds View Public Schools, At-large

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