Saint Paul Board appoints Dr. Brandon Lowe to fill vacant seat after five interviews

The Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Dr. Brandon Lowe to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Director Jim Booth, the board announced after a series of interviews and written ballots.

The vote followed a special meeting in which five candidates — Robin Feicker, Leslie Lavery, Dr. Brandon Lowe, Beth Mork and Carson Starkey — each answered a standard set of seven questions about background, governance, equity and whether they intended to run in the next election. Dr. Lowe told the board, “I will not run,” and presented his experience as an educator and district assessment coordinator as the reason he could serve as a steady interim steward.

Why it matters: The appointee will serve the remaining term through Dec. 31, 2026, and, according to the board’s procedures, will assume office 30 days after adoption of the appointment unless a valid petition to reject the appointee is filed with the district clerk, Chantelle Aller. Because only four board members were present, the board’s vacancy rules required unanimous support of those present to select a candidate; the board also adopted a written resolution citing Minnesota statute 123B.09 subdivision 5(b) and board policy 02/2002.

What the meeting covered: Each candidate summarized relevant experience and priorities. Robin Feicker, a long-time nonprofit and community volunteer and parent of a child with special needs, emphasized individualized supports and collaborative problem-solving and said she did not intend to seek election in the fall. Leslie Lavery, a Macalester College professor and parent advocate, spoke about enrollment trends and governance, citing work on data and policy that she said would help the district address enrollment and program challenges. Beth Mork, a physician and West Side parent, described grassroots community engagement and equity-focused school events aimed at reducing barriers. Carson Starkey, a union organizer and parent, emphasized labor and staff advocacy. Board members repeatedly praised the candidate pool’s diversity of perspectives.

How the selection proceeded: The vice chair opened nominations under the board’s vacancy policy and asked three times for nominations. Board members nominated Dr. Lowe and Beth Mork. The board conducted multiple rounds of written ballots because the district’s appointment rules required a majority of the full membership and only four members were present; after successive tallies — including split votes reported by the board secretary — the vice chair announced, “Congratulations to Brandon Lowe with 4 votes,” and the board then moved to adopt the formal resolution to fill the vacancy. Vice Chair moved adoption of the resolution and Carson Starkey seconded; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval.

Formal details and next steps: The resolution states the appointment is made pursuant to Minnesota statute (read aloud during the meeting as Minnesota statutes section 123B.09 subdivision 5(b)) and the board’s prior resolution establishing the vacancy process. The appointee will serve until a successor is elected and qualified and through Dec. 31, 2026; the meeting transcript notes the 30-day period during which a petition to reject the appointee may be filed with the school district clerk, Chantelle Aller. The board encouraged candidates not selected to consider running in an upcoming general election and directed staff to notify all applicants of the outcome.

Quotations from the meeting: Dr. Brandon Lowe said he was "ready to serve as a resource for this board, a steward for our taxpayers, and an advocate for every student in Saint Paul." Vice Chair announced the result: "Congratulations to Brandon Lowe with 4 votes." Candidate Robin Feicker told the board, "I have no intention of running for the school board in the fall." Leslie Lavery summarized her approach as focused on "oversee[ing] the work of the superintendent and her team" and strengthening community engagement.

Context and background: The appointment fills the seat vacated upon the resignation of the former director; the board referenced its January 6, 2026 resolution establishing the vacancy process. Board members emphasized stewardship of levy funds, stabilizing enrollment and advancing equity as priorities during the interim period.

The board adjourned at 8:13 p.m.