Three Cleveland School Board seats are up for reelection this year, and five are running, including the three incumbents (Ryan Ponwith, Nancy Heldberg and Kevin McCabe) and two newcomers (Jordan Elias and Ian Rude).
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Ian Rude
What is your background (as a part of the community, children in school, education, career and any other relevant experience that prepares you to be a board member)?
Originally from Washington State, I pursued my studies in communication at Bethany Lutheran College and later a teaching certification. My wife, Denise, and I taught elementary and middle school abroad before planting roots in Southern Minnesota, where I transitioned to an adult basic education role and, more recently, 7 years in sales. Since 2016, I have been a proud resident of Madison Lake and member of the Madison Lake Fire Department, where I currently serve as treasurer of the Madison Lake Fire Relief Association. As a parent of three, I have a personal investment in our school and the experiences our students have. Welcoming a number of foster children into our family gives me an even broader perspective on the different needs and experiences children can bring to a school community.
What motivates you to run for the school board?
Since enrolling my kids in Cleveland, I have been impressed by the school and staff and want to contribute to its longevity. As the son of lifelong educators, I have a deep appreciation for the important role education plays in shaping children’s future. I want to strengthen our community and those who work day in and out to keep things rolling. I’m running for the school board because I want to help ensure that our children receive a high-quality education and have access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. I also believe strongly in responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and making thoughtful, fiscally responsible decisions.
What perspective do you bring to the board that may differ from others?
Having lived and taught in different parts of the world, I’ve been exposed to a variety of cultures, perspectives, and ways of approaching challenges. That experience has taught me to listen, consider different viewpoints, and keep an open mind before coming to a conclusion. I believe that outside perspective would be valuable on a school board, where there will naturally be issues and decisions that people don’t always agree on—and that’s okay. What matters is being willing to listen, have thoughtful conversations, and work together to find solutions that best serve our students, staff, and community.
My background in education has also given me an understanding of the challenges and demands teachers face every day. As a parent of children who attend Cleveland schools, I see firsthand the positive impact that a well-run school can have on students and families. It’s the reason we have chosen to raise our kids here!
As a resident and taxpayer in the district, I also believe strongly in being responsible with the resources we have. We need to make thoughtful decisions about how we spend taxpayer dollars while ensuring our students and teachers have the support and resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
What are the top needs of the district?
I believe the top needs of any district are to support and retain great teachers and staff, provide strong support services, and maintain manageable class sizes all while ensuring students have opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom. Real-world learning experiences and extracurricular activities are important in helping students develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.
I understand that meeting these needs requires thoughtful financial planning. We need to make sure our resources are directed toward the areas that have the greatest impact on students and staff while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Cleveland has many things that make it unique, and I believe we should continue to build on those strengths while making fiscally responsible decisions that position the district for long-term success.
What would you do to improve student learning?
Work together to maintain a safe environment and manageable class sizes while ensuring teachers and staff members are supported.
How should the district respond to rapidly changing technology, including AI and smartphones? What role should technology like computers and Chromebooks play in the classroom?
I believe there’s a time and a place for using tech in the classroom. It is essential for schools to find a balance, ensuring that students are up to date on the evolution of technology and that it is used to enhance learning in classrooms rather than becoming a distraction or shortcut. I believe in allowing students ample time to engage their creativity, strengthen their critical thinking and learn to communicate with others – without devices.
How will you listen to students, families, educators and the broader community?
Those who know me well appreciate my approachable nature and willingness to engage in open dialogue. I am dedicated to actively listening to diverse viewpoints and striving to achieve fair and reasonable outcomes for all parties involved.
What will be your top priority if elected?
As a board member my aim is to keep the board’s attention focused on the students and staff to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed. I would like to help build upon the achievements of the current school board and am committed to fostering an even stronger sense of community and excellence within our school. I take great pride in sharing that my children attend Cleveland ISD. If elected, I will serve as a unifying voice, dedicated to open communication and collaboration across all stakeholders.