Houston Public School District board certifies Nov. 5 election and directs issuance of election certificates

The Houston Public School District board met to canvass and certify the results of the Nov. 5, 2024 school board election and to authorize issuance of election certificates.

Board members read aloud and approved resolutions that, together, certify winners in three regular four‑year seats and one special two‑year seat. The resolution certifying the general election stated that the election was “duly and legally called and held,” and presented vote totals for the leading candidates: Josh Marlene, 1,311 votes; Mimi Carlson, 877 votes; Steve Walters, 265 votes; and 556 write‑ins. The board then approved a separate resolution for the special election (two‑year term), reporting Lisa Schultz with 1,038 votes, Frederick Bessler with 371 votes and Ryden with 45 votes; the resolution declares Lisa Schultz elected to the two‑year term beginning the first Monday in January 2025.

The board also approved a resolution authorizing the chair and clerk to execute certificates of election to the successful candidates and directed the school district clerk to deliver the certificates to each person entitled to them, personally or by certified mail. The resolutions direct the clerk to include with each certificate a form of acceptance and an oath of office in the form attached to the documents and note that delivery follows completion of any contest period and required campaign financial filings, citing Minnesota Statutes chapter 211A for campaign‑reporting requirements.

Motions to adopt the canvass and the certificate authorizations were made, seconded and carried in roll call votes. Specific motions recorded in the meeting included a motion by Nikki (seconded by Richard) to approve the agenda; a motion by Nikki (seconded by Tom) to adopt the canvass for the three four‑year seats; a motion by Nikki (seconded by Tom) to adopt the special‑election canvass; and motions to authorize issuance of certificates to the winners (movers and seconders referenced in the meeting record). The clerk was directed to certify results to the county auditors in each county in which the district is located and to deliver certificates and oath forms as prescribed.

Board members briefly discussed the Oath of Office paperwork and signature logistics and confirmed there were no additional resolutions to canvass. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which carried.

The actions taken were procedural certifications and authorizations; no policy changes or contested challenges to the results were recorded during the meeting.