Sharon H. Van Leer Sharon H. VanLeer

“Hello, my name is Sharon Van Leer,” the next candidate introduces herself at swctc.org. “I would like to thank you, the community, to serve the past eight years on the school board.” Citing the launch of exciting programs along with challenges “including a global pandemic and the demand for social justice,” Van Leer said that together ISD 833 had weathered the storms and become stronger.

“Undeniably, we are one of the best school districts in Minnesota,” Van Leer tells area residents. A native Minnesotan who grew up in the Rondo community and moved due “to the gentrification of the Rondo Community,” Van Leer enjoys the endorsement of the United Teachers of South Washington County along with Patricia Driscoll, Katie Schwartz, and Michael Bestler. Married is married to the Rev. Thomas Van Leer, with five children, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 36 foster children, and 22 great-foster grandchildren,” per a staff bio at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. “Please vote,” she says as she once again seeks resident votes on November 2.