September is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month — a time to honor the dedicated men and women who serve as the guiding light for student success in our public schools. Throughout the state and right here in Cass Lake-Bena Public Schools, school board members serve countless hours to ensure our students have access to high-quality learning, extracurricular opportunities, and a public education system that helps them thrive.
These public servants are chosen by their communities to govern local schools, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and make decisions that directly impact the future of our students and families. In Cass Lake-Bena Public Schools, our board oversees a budget of $31 million, supports 1055 students, leads 250 employees, and stewards 4 buildings—a significant responsibility they approach with care, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.
School board members don’t seek the spotlight, but they play a critical civic role. They help set the vision for our schools, shape educational priorities, and make tough decisions—often after extensive deliberation and study. From approving curriculum to maintaining school facilities and navigating state and federal laws, their leadership touches every corner of our school system. Their efforts often go unseen, but their impact is felt in every classroom, every program, and every student success story.
This month—and every month—we encourage our community to say thank you to these dedicated individuals. Their service makes local control of public education possible, and their leadership helps shape the future of our schools and communities.
We proudly recognize the members of the Cass Lake-Bena School Board for their service and commitment:
Millie Baird, Jolyn Donnell, Lenny Fineday, Terri Finn, Jennie Reyes, Marcus Roy, and Calvin Sargent