Three New Duluth School Board Members Sworn In

The Duluth School Board kicked off its first meeting of the year Tuesday night by swearing in the three most recently elected members.

The room was energetic and positive as family, friends and supporters watched Stephanie Williams, Henry Banks and Sarah Mikesell affirm their pledge to serve the residents of Duluth. After the stress of campaigning, we discussed what it meant to each to finally be sitting at their first meeting as an elected member.

Stephanie Williams emphasized that she has been attending the school board meetings for a year or more observing and learning about the needs of the children throughout the district.
“It is really exciting to be at the table and be able to vote and say motions and get resolutions going and I’m looking forward to serving in the next four years in this capacity,” Williams said.

Sarah Mikesell said she has been through a number of required trainings and preliminary meetings, but now was ready and excited to get started.

“There is only so much you can learn from trainings and hearing about it. There’s nothing like jumping in and getting started helping our kids and helping our community. I’m so excited to begin that work,” Mikesell said.

Henry Banks said he was excited and honored to represent the children and families in his District. He stressed the importance of joining with his fellow school board colleagues who also want students to be successful.

“To have the opportunity to be one of the people making the decisions for the best interest of all of our children. We have a long way to go but we are there. We are starting to move forward and just to see the excitement in the room that was thrilling,” Banks said.

Although new, all had thoughts about the different priorities they would bring to the table in the coming year.

Williams is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I’ve not been shy that that is a priority of mine,” Williams said.

She went on the say as the newest and youngest member, she recognizes change may not happen right away.

“I am taking it all in and I come hungry to learn and want to make sure I am doing what is best for our kiddos throughout Duluth,” Williams said.

Mikesell is concentrated on learning how she can best advocate for her District. “I would love to talk more about safety. I’d love to talk more about our achievements for all of our students and to make sure we are doing the best for all of them,” Mikesell said.

Banks wants to have the discussion on how to recruit and keep black, indigenous and  people of color on the District teachers and staff.

“How we develop a strong BIPOC recruitment plan for teachers and administrators for the future,” Banks said.

He believes this plan will move the School District to the forefront.

“Where professionals of color would be welcome here and they would want to stay here. We have to create those environments,” Banks said.

Even though the three are just starting their journey on the Board, they all look forward to serving and making a difference in 2024.