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Isaac Contreras

Isaac Contreras
headshot of Isaac Contreras

Isaac Contreras

822 Holland Ave
South St. Paul, MN 55075

friendsforcontreras24@gmail.com

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Share a little about your background.

As a proud member of the South St. Paul community, I’ve spent the majority of my life in Minnesota. My background in real estate has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing families in our district. As a Latino and military veteran advocate, I’ve always been deeply committed to serving underrepresented communities. This includes working with families to ensure they have access to resources, opportunities, and support, both inside and outside of school.

What qualifications or experiences do you have that make you a strong candidate for the School Board?

My qualifications stem from a mix of professional experience, community service, and advocacy work. I’ve developed strong communication and negotiation skills that are vital for working collaboratively on the school board. I also have a deep understanding of the needs of families in South St. Paul, which gives me a unique perspective on how our schools can better serve our student populations.

Additionally, my experience in leadership roles, both in my profession and in community organizations, has taught me the importance of making informed decisions, listening to multiple viewpoints, and finding common ground.

Along with my wife, we've navigated the SSP school system for our three sons and several children placed in our care, which has given me firsthand insight into the challenges our students and teachers face. These experiences equip me with the tools to advocate for policies and resources that support academic achievement, inclusivity, and student well-being.

What activities and organizations are you currently involved in?

NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals)

Why is serving on the South St. Paul School Board important to you?

Serving on the South St. Paul School Board is deeply important to me because I want to bridge the gap between our district office and the communities our schools serve. I’ve seen firsthand how the communities (Student, Teacher, Staff, Families) that encompass SSP, feel disconnected from decision-making processes. It’s crucial that our school district leadership not only listens but also acts on the concerns of all families, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every child is supported.

Building trust and fostering clear communication between the district and our families will lead to stronger schools and a more engaged community.

Another key reason I’m running is the fiscal deficit our district is facing. This is a serious challenge that requires careful management, innovative solutions, and transparent budgeting. We need to ensure that we are using resources wisely while prioritizing programs and services that directly benefit students.

I’m committed to finding sustainable solutions to our financial challenges without sacrificing the quality of education our students deserve.

What is your vision for the future of education in South St. Paul?

Reconnection is the lesson.

My vision for South St. Paul schools focuses on bridging the gap between the district office and our school community—students, teachers, staff, and families. We need stronger collaboration to ensure decisions reflect the real needs of our schools.

By fostering open communication, we can create an environment where everyone feels like a partner in our students' success. This reconnection will help us address challenges like the fiscal deficit with community-driven solutions, ensuring that every student is supported both academically and emotionally, with the district and families working hand-in-hand.

What are your thoughts on how the district should address equity and inclusion?

Addressing equity and inclusion requires a balanced approach that ensures all students have the opportunity to succeed while respecting diverse perspectives. We should focus on providing resources and support where they are most needed, but also emphasize personal responsibility and resilience.

Our strategy should include practical measures like targeted support programs and training to address diverse needs.

However, it’s also important to maintain high standards and expectations for all students, fostering a culture of achievement and accountability.

By combining targeted support with a commitment to excellence, we can create an environment where every student has the chance to thrive while respecting the values and perspectives of our community.

What areas of concern do you have regarding the current state of South St. Paul Public Schools?

I have several key concerns about South St. Paul Public Schools. The fiscal deficit is a major issue that needs careful management to avoid impacting educational quality and pocket books of our residents. There’s also a troubling disconnect between the district office and the school communities, which hampers effective decision-making and engagement.

Additionally, the fact that many students are not reading at grade level is concerning. We need targeted interventions to address this issue and ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed academically.

What specific suggestions do you have for improvement?

Fiscal Management: Conduct a financial review to confirm costs are appropriate.

Enhanced Communication and Engagement: Improve communication between the district office and school communities through regular meetings and feedback channels. Engage the community in the business of the district. There are often, many available seats in the gallery during the school board meetings held at City Hall.

Provide a brief candidate statement.

Reconnection is the lesson.

As a candidate for the South St. Paul School Board, I am committed to bridging the gap between the district office and our school communities. My focus is on improving fiscal management and enhancing communication. By reconnecting with students, teachers, staff, and families, with the district, we can create a more inclusive, efficient, and supportive educational environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.