Re-Elect Jessica Dressely for School Board
Since January 2022, Jessica Dressely has proudly served the Hastings community as a member of the ISD 200 School Board. Throughout her service, she has remained committed to the responsibilities voters entrusted to her: providing principled governance and responsible oversight, establishing clear expectations for school safety and academic achievement, ensuring accountability for the use of taxpayer dollars, and expanding academic opportunities so every student has the knowledge, skills, and support needed to achieve their personal best.
Jessica believes effective school board leadership starts with putting students first while maintaining transparency and accountability to ensure that families and taxpayers have confidence in how decisions are made and resources are managed. Her focus is clear: improve student outcomes, expand academic opportunities, maintain safe learning environments, and build a strong foundation for the district’s future.
Message from Jessica:
During my time on the Board, I have had the privilege of working alongside knowledgeable and dedicated board members, a talented team of district administrators, and, most notably, two of Minnesota’s most exceptional superintendents, whose leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to students have been instrumental in moving our district forward.
Strong governance creates the conditions for excellent schools!
As a Board, we have worked to establish a governance framework that provides clear direction, sets high expectations for academic achievement, supports quality curriculum and instruction, ensures responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and maintains accountability for results. At the center of this work is our commitment to ensuring that ISD 200 provides every student with an excellent education.
We have not always agreed, nor should we be expected to. Different perspectives and respectful debate are essential to effective governance. They challenge us to ask difficult questions, thoughtfully evaluate recommendations, consider differing viewpoints, and make well-informed decisions. Even when we disagree, we remain committed to working collaboratively, respecting one another’s perspectives, and keeping students at the center of every decision.
I am proud of the active role I have played in strengthening the Board's governance practices. From establishing a structured three-year policy review cycle and leading the development of our Board Member Handbook to improving transparency and clarifying governance procedures, I have focused on building systems that promote consistency, accountability, and effective oversight. These efforts reflect my belief that good governance is not simply about the decisions we make today, but about establishing the policies, expectations, and practices that will support academic excellence and student success for years to come.
I Believe:
- Academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and accountability are not competing priorities. They are commitments we owe to students, parents, educators, administrators, and taxpayers.
- Effective governance does not happen by accident. It requires asking difficult questions, establishing clear expectations, adopting sound policies and procedures, ensuring transparent operations, and making informed decisions based on what is in the best interests of students.
- Putting students at the heart of every decision requires both high expectations and meaningful opportunities to excel. It means supporting high-quality curriculum and instruction, expanding Pathways opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and their futures, and maintaining safe and welcoming learning environments..
Continuing the Work. Focused on Student Outcomes.
Although we have made meaningful progress in establishing high expectations for academic growth and strengthening accountability for student outcomes, there is still important work ahead. That is why I am seeking re-election to the ISD 200 School Board on November 3, 2026.
I bring proven leadership, extensive experience in school board governance, and a clear understanding of the responsibilities entrusted to elected board members. My priorities remain focused on setting high expectations for academic excellence, maintaining accountability for results, and ensuring that our district provides ever student with access to the educational opportunities they need to become productive and successful members of our community.
I am committed to continuing this work by closely monitoring academic performance and student growth, supporting rigorous, high-quality curriculum and research-based professional development, and advocating for the continued expansion of our Pathways program to help students discover their strengths, develop practical skills, and graduate prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.