 The candidates running for the Brainerd Public School Board debated tonight as the November 6th general election moves closer. There are seven candidates running for three open seats on the school board. Reporter Rachel Johnson has more. So, let us begin. The Washington Educational Services Building was busy Monday night as members of the community watched six candidates debate for a seat on the Brainerd School Board. These people will be deciding how our money is spent for the schools, what type of education our children will get. The debate was put on by the Brainerd Lakes Area League of Women Voters and allowed for the community to meet the candidates. School board's an important position for the community and it's a chance for people to hear people's ideas and philosophies. There are seven candidates running for three open spots on the school board. Unfortunately, one candidate could not make the debate due to being out of the country. Tiffany Knapp, Tom Haglin, Charles Blacklands, Sarah Spear, Ruth Nelson, Jeff Cheswick, and Matthew Avery are running for three open seats. The opening remarks will be in the... The candidates vary in background, experience, and age. I'm 34 and I'm the owner of Avery Construction and Brainerd. My wife, Mallory and I are both lifelong residents of Brainerd. I work at Central Lakes College and I've had over 20 years experience working with academics. I've been blessed to be involved with a number of different organizations in the community and board members throughout these last several years, as well as school board for the last nine years. All of these experience combined with being a mom of four, giving an overall sense of our district. My name is Jeff Cheswick. I'm 55. I graduated from Brainerd High School in 1981. I have been blessed to be a Brainerd school board member for almost 13 years now. They differ in opinion and vision for the district and debated topics from special education and open enrollment to how to recruit quality teachers to the district. Excellent schools begin with excellent teachers. I will ensure fiscal responsibility throughout the district. Strengthen the district's ability to provide mental health resources to our students. I'll make sure everything gets reported accurately. I'll make sure if it's not reported, I'll let the district, the people know. I believe there's a whole lot more we need to do and can do to provide resources to all of our staff. Teacher pay should be a top priority. Though the candidates have different ideas for the district, they all have a common goal, to make ISD 181 the best it can be. Reporting from Brainerd, Rachel Johnson, Lakeland News. The Brainerd School Board meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Washington Educational Services Building. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.