ENDORSEMENTS

Saint Paul School Board

I have had the privilege to work with Uriah for the last four years. In that time, our Board has been able to redefine how we do our work, make difficult decisions and center our community of workers, families and students throughout it. That work would not have been possible without his leadership. I’m proud to serve with him and to endorse him. Our district needs his thoughtful leadership for years to come.

-- Halla Henderson

I am excited to give Uriah Ward my endorsement for St Paul school board. Uriah is a hard worker that cares about the students, staff and parents of this district. He does not make decisions without research, engagement and deliberation with the board. St. Paul was lucky he landed in our city.

-- Chauntyll Allen

I am excited to endorse Uriah for his reelection to the Saint Paul School Board. He has brought several key initiatives forward that have improved the boards engagement and participation such as our Board Initiated Goals Governance (BIGG) framework and Board Budget Policy. I look forward to continuing working together on behalf of Saint Paul students, families and educators.

-- Carlo Franco

As both a fellow board member and a parent, I've seen how Uriah Ward brings steadiness, humility, and care to our work. He listens to families, supports his colleagues, and never loses sight of what matters most -- our students. His thoughtful leadership has been an asset to our board, and I'm proud to support his re-election.

-- Erica Valliant

I have worked with Uriah as a board member and his leadership throughout his tenure is undeniable. Uriah is a champion for people's voices and for all voices to be heard through the democratic process. He was an early champion of a budget policy, of Board initiated Governance goals and in making sure our board and district is reflecting and listening to our community.

-- Yusef Carrillo

Saint Paul City Council

I'm proud to support Uriah Ward for St. Paul Public Schools Director. Uriah is the hard worker, deep thinker and systems builder that our kids deserve.

-- Rebecca Noecker

When I think about my own child's future and the futures of the families I represent, I know we need School Board members like Uriah Ward who understand the vital connection between city services and strong schools. His collaborative approach and dedication to student wellbeing make him exactly the kind of partner I rely on as an councilmember and that our city needs on the School Board.

-- Saura Jost

I am elated to support Uriah Ward for re-election because of his track record of delivering for our communities. In his first term he expanded access to bus services, updated policies to be gender inclusive, and protected our neighbors by prohibiting district coordination with ICE, to name a few. He sees the full picture and tackles the most pressing pieces head on. I am proud to have him as a progressive partner and leader in Saint Paul. -- Hwa Jeong Kim

I’m proud to re-elect Uriah Ward for Saint Paul School Board because he centers the voices of our students, families, and educators in his work. He has built strong working relationships with stakeholders in the community and government and speaks up boldly about the needs of our public schools.

-- Nelsie Yang

As a new mom, I trust Uriah as an East Side leader, father, and advocate for our Saint Paul Public Schools. Now more than ever, we need to continue to have representation from all of our neighborhoods in our City, especially East Side. Our families and students count on Uriah to be our voice for our school board and so do I.

-- Cheniqua Johnson

I'm proud to support Uriah Ward for re-election. He has proven that he is a champion for our schools, doing the quiet but powerful work of ensuring that Saint Paul Publics Schools meet the needs of our students, families, and community. Uriah is a thoughtful, progressive leader on the school board, and I can't wait to see what he will accomplish over the next four years.

-- Molly Coleman

Ramsey County Commission

The best outcomes for our students happen when county government and our schools work hand in hand, and Uriah Ward understands that partnership. His leadership on the School Board has made him an invaluable ally in our efforts to support children and families across our community.

-- Garrison McMurtrey

Uriah Ward has proven himself to be an exceptional leader on the School Board, serving as Treasurer and Vice-Chair while championing transparency reforms. He also shows up and weighs in when we need him! I'm proud to support him.

-- Rafael Ortega

Minnesota Legislature

I’m proud to endorse Uriah Ward for the St. Paul School Board. Uriah is a proven leader who believes every child deserves access to an excellent education—no matter their neighborhood, background, or learning style. He brings both the heart of a community organizer and the mind of a problem-solver, committed to listening to families, supporting educators, and fighting for our schools to be safe, inclusive, and fully resourced.

-- Athena Hollins

Uriah Ward knows our schools thrive when families have a real voice in shaping their children’s education. That’s why he authored the budget policy giving our community real power over spending, built a governance model that puts community voices at the center, expanded opportunities for public input, and fought to livestream more meetings so everyone can see decisions being made. Uriah’s proven record of transparency and accountability makes parents and families true partners in education—not bystanders. That’s why I’m proud to endorse him. -- Jay Xiong

As a former teacher, Uriah Ward has been a strong member of the Saint Paul School Board. We need him to continue to put his expertise, passion for education, and collaborative style to work to support our kids and their learning. I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.

-- Dave Pinto

Uriah Ward has been a true champion for progressive values on the School Board, making the district the first in the nation to divest from fossil fuels and private prisons while advocating at the Capitol for paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance for school workers. His commitment to equity, sustainability, and worker rights makes him exactly the kind of leader our community needs.

-- Clare Oumou Verbeten

Saint Paul voters should re-elect Uriah Ward because under his leadership, the Saint Paul School Board has gained a reputation as an effective and well-run body. His work has improved how the district operates and makes decisions, and we need that kind of competent governance to continue.

-- Sandy Pappas

Uriah is an outstanding leader who works tirelessly to make sure that every student succeeds in SPPS. His dedication has helped the district to continuously move forward and improve students’ lives. He is a champion for kids and a trusted steward of the district’s resources.

-- Meg Luger-Nikolai