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Leadership & Governance » 2025 Board of Directors Election Information

2025 Board of Directors Election Information

This year’s Prodeo Academy Board of Directors election is March 20, 2025. The following individuals have been nominated and will appear on this year’s ballot. Voting will be virtual, and you will receive a separate email containing instructions on how to vote closer to March 20. You may vote for up to four people. Having this election is required by the Minnesota Department of Education. It is an important part of the partnership between our families, our school, and the board of directors in educating our children. We appreciate your participation!  

 

2025 Prodeo Academy Board of Director Nominees are;

 

Margie Soran - Community Member

Biography: Margie Soran has served on the Prodeo Board and as a member of the Academic Committee since the fall of 2024, filling the unfinished term of a departing board member. Margie brings her passion for working with children and families as a community volunteer and Executive Director of the Soran Foundation. Her education and career history were focused on music education. Margie also has a long and active record of community service on boards that focus on children and youth, mental health, and education. These include The Minneapolis Foundation, The Family Partnership, Close Gaps by Five, KIPPMN, LINK Public Schools, Mastery Charter School, and the University of St Thomas Dougherty Family College advisory board. Margie is nominated by the Governance Committee.

  

Candidate Statement: I am interested in serving on Prodeo’s board because I have gained valuable knowledge and experience through my time teaching and serving on public school boards. I believe I can contribute meaningfully to the work being done by the leaders, staff, and board to make Prodeo an outstanding school for its students and families. I want to be part of a school that is equipping children with knowledge and skills that empower them to think and believe in themselves.  Four values drive my desire to serve on the board. The first is a commitment to improving education. For the past 15 years, my husband and I have focused our time, talents, and resources on making education better for students. Being involved at the school level is the best way for me to contribute to this goal. Next is the value of collaboration. Educating children is complicated, challenging work. I value leaders who create an environment where everyone understands the mission and works together to achieve success. They listen to others and learn together. Third is the value of strong compassionate leadership. I have seen that when compassionate leaders communicate a clear vision and pair it with thoughtful, strategic planning that can be implemented effectively, an organization has a strong chance of success. Prodeo is working towards this goal. Finally is the value of love. In a perfect world, I want every child to feel loved and valued by the adults around them and know that their community is dedicated to supporting their education. 

 

Anne Sumangil - Community Members

Biography: Anne has served on the Prodeo Board and as a member of the Governance Committee since the fall of 2022. Anne has worked in higher education for over two decades. She is pursuing a doctorate in education in Professional Practice, focusing on social justice. She previously worked at the College of Saint Benedict and the University of Minnesota. Anne, a 20-year resident of Columbia Heights, is an active volunteer and owns a home in Columbia Heights, just across the walking bridge from the Prodeo Academy Columbia Heights building.  Anne is nominated by the Governance Committee.

 

Candidate Statement: I am interested in serving on the Prodeo board of directors because I feel it is essential to support the work that Prodeo Academy is doing for its students. I grew up in a time where there were not a lot of people in leadership roles that looked like me and I want to serve as an example for the students that they can achieve whatever they want with their education. Making quality education accessible to people is vital to the growth of the community. As someone who has worked in higher education for the majority of my career, having a solid elementary education is critical for students’ success in high school and college. I have enjoyed serving on the board of directors and want to continue to support the work that Prodeo does to elevate its students to ensure they succeed well after they graduate. 


Toe Hsa Hser - Teacher 


Biography: Toe Hsa Hser came to the Twin Cities from Burma in 2010. In 2017, she began her time at Prodeo Academy St. Paul, first as a translator assisting in parent-teacher conferences and family meetings. Then, she was hired as an educational assistant and now serves as a kindergarten teacher. Toe Hsa also serves as a coach of the Prodeo St. Paul girls' volleyball team. Toe Hsa is nominated by the Governance Committee.

Candidate Statement - I am interested in serving on the Prodeo Board of Directors because I feel it is important to support the work that Prodeo Academy is doing for students and parents. I grew up in a refugee camp where education wasn’t available or free. And many experienced social pressure and judgment that stopped families from taking their kids to school. 

I want to be a good example and make quality education accessible to people, which is vital to the growth of the community. As someone who has worked with little kids from different backgrounds and also with parents from different backgrounds, I want to make sure all the students succeed at an early age through high school and college. I want to continue to support the work that Prodeo does to elevate its students and ensure they succeed well in life.

 

Heidi Bergland - Community Member

Biography: Heidi has been a Prodeo volunteer tutor since 2015 and, for the past four years, has served on the Board of the Prodeo Foundation, currently serving as Foundation Board Chair. Heidi is the Senior Divisional Director of Planning at Target Corporation, where she has worked for 30 years. She also has an entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding and owning a hockey rink in Osseo, MN, for five years before selling it. Heidi has also been an executive board member of the St. Thomas Alumni Advisory Board for the past four years.  Heidi is nominated by the Governance Committee.

 

Candidate Statement: I am eager to serve on the Prodeo Board because I deeply believe in the transformative power of education, something I’ve witnessed firsthand through my years of tutoring at Prodeo. The school’s mission and vision inspire educators and staff to guide students in becoming leaders of character and integrity, while fostering an environment that values inclusivity. I am passionate about ensuring that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. I see how a solid educational foundation fosters a lifelong passion for learning and helps build a sense of belonging for all students. What truly stands out to me is the uplifting atmosphere at Prodeo, where students are encouraged to embrace their unique identities, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence in their abilities. The joy and positivity that fill the classrooms are truly inspiring. I am continuously moved by the energy and impact of the work being done at Prodeo to create an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can thrive.