By Rich Larson
The field is set for this fall’s Northfield School Board election after the filing period for candidates closed at 5pm Tuesday.
Four candidates filed for the three seats that will be on the November ballot. Incumbents Ben Miller, Jenny Nelson and Jeff Quinnell have each filed for re-election, while Tristan Cox has filed as the lone challenger.
With four candidates seeking three seats, Northfield voters will decide whether to return all three incumbents to office or elect Cox to replace one of them.
School board members serve four-year terms and are elected at large, meaning all Northfield School District voters may cast ballots for up to three candidates. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the November general election will be elected to serve on the board. Because four candidates have filed for three available seats, the election will be contested, ensuring voters will have a choice when they head to the polls this fall.
Miller and Nelson are each seeking second terms on the board, while Quinnell is seeking his 6th four year term. If re-elected, each would continue serving on the seven-member board that oversees policy, adopts the district budget and hires and evaluates the superintendent.
Cox is running for the second time. He was a candidate in 2024 as well, garnering 13.45% of the vote, and finishing in the fifth spot for four open seats.
The school board election will coincide with Minnesota’s general election in November. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, candidates are expected to participate in community forums and other opportunities to discuss their priorities for the district with voters.
Additional information about the candidates, including their backgrounds and campaign platforms, is expected to become available as the election campaign progresses.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net.
