DFL Endorses John for School Board!

Thank you to the delegates for their hard work and commitment to the DFL.  I am humbled by your endorsement, and am as thankful for your support as I was the first time you honored me.

I am excited to move into the next stage of talking with our parents and neighbors about how we can make St Paul schools even better, and am happy to do so with my fellow DFLers, Jeannie Foster and Marny Xiong.

Finally, thank you to the dozens of volunteers and DFL officials that put in hundreds of hours on caucuses and this convention.  Your work makes this Party possible, and I look forward to working with you as we help support our DFL values into November.

Experience, Progressive, Champion, Teacher

In the upcoming 2017-18 school year, our district will be led by a new superintendent and for sure six new or relatively new school board members. My experience on the board, in the classroom and in our neighborhoods and communities will be a definite plus for the board and district. In a national political climate that often devalues and attempts to disrupt and destroy public education; my record at winning elections as a PROUD Democrat may be significant if outside forces attempt to influence our election.

My record on the board, as an upholder of progressive values, and a champion of parents and teachers is one that I am proud to stand on and run in.

I ask for your support at this year's DFL endorsing convention.

Sincerely,

John

St. Paul's Leaders Join in Supporting John Brodrick

“As a career teacher, John understands that relationships between students and teachers are central to learning and that expectations go both ways. He is committed to ensuring our schools remain safe spaces to learn and that’s why I stand with John.” John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney

“During my time on the board, John Brodrick has been an invaluable source of leadership and knowledge. I know he will never stop fighting for our kids, and I am looking forward to working with him over the coming years.” Zuki Ellis, Vice Chair, St. Paul School Board

“John has spent a lifetime with the St. Paul schools – as a student, teacher, and school board member. His knowledge and experience are critically important as the new superintendent and SPPS chart a course for the future of our schools.” Ian Keith, Former SPFT President

“John has never forgotten his classroom teacher roots. As a SPPS teacher, parent and alumni, I appreciate that John remembers that our job is both challenging and rewarding. But when the challenges seem overwhelming, the rewards can be forgotten. John’s belief in me and all my teachers sustains me in difficult times. Keep John on the board.” Chong Thao, Teacher, Como Park Senior High

“As a teacher who has lived the refugee experience and, thanks to the support of family, community, Saint Paul and Minnesota, I have become successful. I appreciate the value that John Brodrick has added to our school district. I believe his first hand experience with the challenges of our students and their families is invaluable to the district as we respond to the instances of the past few years. I proudly support Mr. Brodrick.” Koua Yang, Harding High teacher 2016 Minnesota Teacher of the Year finalist

“John is a courageous advocate for Saint Paul kids and teachers, willing to ask hard questions and stand alone when necessary. As a veteran teacher and coach, John understands that it takes a full court press to help our students thrive and succeed.” Jane Prince, St. Paul City Council

“During tough times, John Brodrick takes tough positions. When parents and others are asking difficult questions, John was the board member who listened, and respected them. He listened and suggested answers to stop the slide, he will help as the district corrects itself. I strongly support keeping John Brodrick on the school board.” Rick Cardenas, Disabilities Activist

Teachers Endorse John!

As a proud former teacher, John is once again grateful to have earned the endorsement of St. Paul's teachers, and thanks the St. Paul Federation of Teachers for powerful support:

"John Brodrick has been a longtime champion of public education in Saint Paul Public Schools. As a former teacher himself, he knows the challenges that educators and students face every day in our classrooms. He is willing to ask hard questions and stand up for the underdog. Brodrick also brings invaluable institutional knowledge to the Board of Education. We are excited to continue working with him and once again endorse him for Board of Education."

Together we can do great things in St. Paul! Join the St. Paul teachers and your progressive neighbors in supporting John Brodrick at the DFL City Convention - June 17th at 9:30am at Washington Tech. More information on the City Convention. visit St. Paul DFL's website.

John Brodrick - An Advocate For All of St. Paul

"Saint Paul Public Schools should always be, and have striven to be, friendly and welcoming places. Learning occurs best in an environment that is respectful and safe. As our city has been a destination for many individuals, I am proud that our schools have responded to the opportunity to make new connections, and have been successful enough that people have chosen to stay and to reunite other family members.

All of us, in Saint Paul and in our schools have benefitted from Saint Paul's immigrant community and tradition. Even those of us who are a generation or two removed from our own immigrant experience smile when we see graduation ceremonies, cultural events and hear proud parents and grandparents tell stories about their kids successes.

John Brodrick

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School Board member and candidate for re-election"John Brodrick has been my friend and a friend to the Hmong American community literally from day one. He has been a part of St. Paul's educational progress and has been through a number of challenges with our immigrant community.   I strongly support keeping John Brodrick on the school board." - State Senator Foung Hawj

"John Brodrick has, as a teacher and a school board member, been an advocate for our community. As a teacher in Saint Paul, I have appreciated being able to speak directly to John about concerns that I have had.  More importantly, my trust has been respected and he has advocated for the issues that I have raised. Our community benefits from keeping John Brodrick on the board of education." - Chong Thao, graduate, teacher, parent of SPPS

"John Brodrick has been in Saint Paul and its schools his entire life - as a student, teacher, parent, coach and school board member. He is a lifelong Frogtown resident. John's life experience has made him a perfect fit for our schools, and more importantly for our community.  Its schools have been one of the reasons why our community has put down roots in Saint Paul. They have been welcoming, respectful and willing to adapt to meet the needs of our community. As a graduate of Saint Paul's public schools, I know that i was able to create a new life for myself because I felt prepared. John's leadership impacted me and many others - from all of Saint Paul's communities. He has shown that he can be courageous in challenging times. He has stood up for the rights of all families and students. We need to keep John's voice of experience, his compassion and his sense of virtue on the board. - Samakab Hussein

"I was among the early Hmong American student athletes in the Saint Paul Public Schools. As a current teacher and coach (boys and girls tennis at Harding, previously wrestling at Harding and Como Park), I have lived and benefited from the comprehensive school experience. I appreciate that John Brodrick has supported our communities transition from refugee/immigrant community to a community of full involvement - as students, parents, homeowners, business owners and to a large degree, the future of Saint Paul. Keep John Brodrick in the school board so he keeps working with us." - Koua Yang, Harding High School teacher and coach, Finalist 2016 Minnesota State Teacher of the Year

"John Brodrick has fought to keep Saint Paul's Public Schools from leaving any students behind. He is my friend and former colleague. I trust him. Please use one of your votes at the convention to keep John Brodrick on the school board." - Dr. Neal Thao, Former school board member

It's Simple. Teamsters Endorse John for School Board

Keeping it short and sweet, Sami Gabriel, Teamsters Joint Council 32 explains why their DRIVE committee chose John Brodrick.  “The teamsters know you will work to protect the rights of Minnesota men and women.”

Together, we can do great things for St. Paul.  Join us at the DFL Convention on June 17.

John Celebrates Pride of Stonewall DFL Endorsement!

Today, Del Jenkins, Stonewall DFL Caucus chair announced the endorsement of John Brodrick for the upcoming DFL endorsement for St. Paul Board of Education.

"As we get close to celebrating LGBTQ Pride month in Minnesota, we are proud of the work our many volunteers have done in the past six months to engage and evaluate candidates in the state’s two largest cities as well as in communities from around the metro area,” said Del Jenkins. “Our endorsed candidates all enter the month of June with resounding support from our caucus and the momentum of members of the LGBTQ community united behind them to support us in our ongoing fight for equality."

Celebrate St. Paul's PRIDE month by joining the Stonewall DFL, your neighbors and John at the DFL City Convention - June 17th at 9:30am.  For more information, visit the St. Paul DFL website.

Together, we can do great things for St. Paul.

A Great Future for St. Paul - Experience to Get Us There

I see great things happening in St. Paul Schools, and I know that my sixteen years of experience can be a great resource for the next school board and superintendent.

I love St. Paul, and my time as a student, teacher, coach, and leader in St. Paul Schools is not yet done.  This year promises many challenges, but together we can recognize the promise of our kids, our teachers and our community.

I have been proud to be endorsed by the DFL every time I have ask for your vote, and I again ask for your support.  Please join me at the DFL Convention on June 17 - and then again in November!