South Washington County Schools elects 3 incumbents, union-backed newcomer
In a nine-candidate race for the South Washington County Schools board, voters elected Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg (15.4%), Kathleen (Katie) Schwartz (15.2%), Sharon H. Van Leer (14.5%) and Louise Hinz (14.5%), returning three incumbents to the board. Eckberg was endorsed by the United Teachers for South Washington County; the district covers parts or all of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, Afton, Denmark and Grey Cloud Island Townships.
📌 Key Facts
- Election winners: Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg (15.4%), Kathleen (Katie) Schwartz (15.2%), Sharon H. Van Leer (14.5%) and Louise Hinz (14.5%).
- Three incumbents were returned to the South Washington County Schools board and one union-backed newcomer also won a seat.
- Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg was endorsed by United Teachers for South Washington County (the union-backed endorsement noted in coverage).
- Defeated candidates included Bryn Forstner, Juan Huerta, Lori Pecchia Michalski (Parents United–endorsed), Travis Dahle and Chad Borseth.
- The South Washington County Schools district covers parts or all of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, Afton, Denmark and Grey Cloud Island Townships.
- Report source and date: Twin Cities, published 2025-11-05.
📰 Sources (2)
South Washington County Schools return incumbents to board; Mahtomedi voters pass referendums
New information:
- Winners: Elizabeth Bockman Eckberg (15.4%), Kathleen (Katie) Schwartz (15.2%), Sharon H. Van Leer (14.5%), and Louise Hinz (14.5%).
- Non-winners: Bryn Forstner, Juan Huerta, Lori Pecchia Michalski (Parents United-endorsed), Travis Dahle, Chad Borseth.
- Union involvement: Eckberg endorsed by United Teachers for South Washington County.
- District coverage: parts/all of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, Afton, Denmark and Grey Cloud Island Townships.