Paula Humbard

Paula Humbard

1.) What is your background and why are you running for school board?

Paula Humbard – Professional Background

Current Role: Director of Operations at Harry Meyering Center in Mankato, where I oversee operations related to providing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Including finance, Maintenance, IT, and New Growth Development Projects.

Previous Experience:

• Health Management: Degree in Health Management, with a focus on overseeing health care operations and services.

• Wells Fargo: Nine years of experience in both retail and business banking, gaining a comprehensive understanding of financial services and customer relations.

• New Ulm Public School District: One year of experience as a substitute, contributing to the educational environment and supporting students.

• Experience with disabilities: Seven years working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, building expertise in service delivery and advocacy.

Personal background:

Parent of two children who have since graduated from New Ulm Schools. Both children attended college at Iowa State. My oldest graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and will obtain her masters in May from Ball State University. My youngest is a currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, with the intent of pursuing his degree in Veterinary Science.

I am running for the New Ulm School Board because I believe in the importance of a strong, inclusive education system that provides every student with the opportunity to succeed. As a parent of two graduates from New Ulm Public Schools, and with my background in education and healthcare management, I want to help ensure that our schools offer a safe, supportive, and challenging environment for all students — especially those with diverse needs. My experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has taught me the value of inclusion, and I’m passionate about advocating for all students, regardless of their challenges. I also bring years of leadership experience from Wells Fargo and the Harry Meyering Center, which has equipped me to think strategically, manage resources, and make decisions that benefit the whole community

2.) In your opinion, what is the top issue facing District 88 Schools?

In my view, the top issue facing District 88 Schools is ensuring academic excellence while also providing comprehensive support for all students. These two goals are intertwined, as we cannot expect students to excel academically if they are not emotionally and socially supported, and conversely, students who are academically engaged are more likely to thrive in a positive, supportive environment.

Why this is critical:

Academic Achievement:

Ensuring that all students, from early learners to high school graduates, have access to rigorous, high-quality education is key. This includes preparing students for future success, whether through college, technical education, or the workforce. We must continue to raise the bar in terms of academic standards and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

With my background in Health Management and leadership, I understand the importance of aligning resources and policies to support academic programs that are not only effective but also innovative and responsive to the needs of the students.

Student Support:

Emotional and mental health challenges are on the rise, and our students need better access to counseling, social-emotional learning programs, and support structures that allow them to thrive both academically and personally. As someone who has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I understand the value of providing tailored support to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Strengthening these support systems ensures that no student is left behind–whether they’re struggling academically, socially, or emotionally. A well-rounded support system creates the foundation for better academic outcomes.

Equity and Inclusion:

Every student, regardless of their background, abilities, or challenges, should have the opportunity to succeed academically. We must work to eliminate barriers to learning, whether those barriers are academic, social, or emotional. An emphasis on inclusion ensures that every student, including those with special needs, is given the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Collaboration and Community Involvement:

Strong academic performance and holistic student support require collaboration between teachers, administrators, parents, and the community. As a parent and community member myself, I see the importance of engaging families and local organizations to create a stronger network of support around students.

Why I’m Focused on This:

As a parent, educator, and professional, I believe that both academic rigor and student support systems must go hand-in-hand to ensure the success and well-being of every student in District 88. By addressing both of these areas with a balanced approach, we can create an environment where students excel academically while also receiving the emotional and mental health support they need to succeed.

3.) What is the board’s role in ensuring that the district serves all types of learners?

The board’s role in ensuring that the district serves all types of learners is multi-faceted.

First and foremost, the board sets the tone through policies that prioritize equity and inclusivity. This means ensuring that students with disabilities, English language learners, and students from diverse backgrounds have access to the resources and support they need to thrive academically. The board is also responsible for allocating resources in a way that ensures special education services, mental health support, and differentiated academic programs are adequately funded and available to all students.

Beyond policy, the board oversees the district’s accountability, ensuring that all students, regardless of their starting point, are making academic progress. We must ensure that our curriculum and assessment systems are designed to meet the needs of all learners, and that there are robust interventions in place for students who need additional support. Lastly, engaging with families and the community is essential to understanding and responding to the diverse needs of our students, and I believe the board plays a key role in fostering those partnerships.

4.) What role should the board take in helping recruit and retain teaching staff?

The board has a vital role to play in recruiting and retaining high-quality teaching staff. First, we must ensure that our compensation packages–salaries, benefits, and incentives–are competitive and reflective of the hard work and dedication teachers bring to the classroom. But compensation alone isn’t enough. The board can help foster a positive, supportive work environment by advocating for professional development opportunities, mentoring programs, and a culture where teachers feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Addressing teacher workload and providing the resources necessary for effective teaching are also critical to reducing burnout and promoting retention. We need to prioritize smaller class sizes, adequate planning time, and appropriate classroom support. Additionally, the board should encourage community engagement to ensure teachers feel valued both inside and outside the classroom.

Finally, recruitment is just as important as retention. We can support efforts to build strong pipelines with local universities, advertise widely for open positions, and ensure our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Through these efforts, the board can help create an environment where teachers want to stay and thrive.

5.) What is your top goal if elected to the school board?

My top goal, if elected to the school board, is to ensure that every student in District 88 has access to a high-quality education in an inclusive and supportive environment. This means raising academic standards while ensuring that we are meeting the diverse needs of all students, including those who need additional support due to disabilities, language barriers, or social-emotional challenges. I also want to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our students, ensuring that they have the emotional support they need to succeed academically and personally.

Additionally, I believe it’s crucial to create a school culture where every student feels welcomed and valued, and where our teachers feel supported and empowered. Finally, I would focus on ensuring that our district’s budget supports these priorities in an efficient and sustainable way, while also seeking opportunities for increased funding through grants and community partnerships