We are lucky to live in the vibrant, beautiful community of Edina. I am proud of our high civic engagement, the ways our community gathers to support one another and public schools with a well-earned reputation for excellence. Preserving and building on that excellence is core to why I am running. At the same time, our kids are growing up in a world that is changing fast, and facing real challenges. Keeping our kids safe, in school and in our broader community, is one of my top priorities, and I will bring the same rigor I’ve applied to policy and risk management in my professional work to ensure Edina schools have thoughtful, effective measures in place. AI is also reshaping education and the future workforce in ways we can’t yet full grasp, and mental health and well-being remain pressing needs. Our schools need leaders ready to protect what makes Edina great while meeting these new challenges head-on.

My professional experience is in privacy, cybersecurity and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) law and governance, work that has taught me how to lead through rapid change thoughtfully: actively listening, asking the right questions early, implementing policies that protect people while advancing innovation, and making values-driven decisions in times of ambiguity or uncertainty. These are exactly the skills our School Board needs right now.

I also bring the perspective of an Edina parent raising three children with diverse interests and learning needs. I've seen firsthand what it takes for different kinds of learners to succeed, and I know that inclusive, thoughtful learning support, high standards, outstanding teaching, an engaged community, and strong leadership is what makes a great school district great.

I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we have to open doors and create opportunity, and I want that for all students who enter our schools. I'd be honored to bring my strategic and visionary thinking and community commitment to the Edina School Board. Thank you for your support! Please reach out and let me know what matters to you.

Elaine Olson