Pete

Kelzenberg

Vote

ISD 834

School Board candidate

Stillwater Area Public Schools

www.peteforstillwater.com

Who is Pete Kelzenberg? It depends on who you ask.

Originally posted in 2022.

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Sara Kelzenberg - "He is my husband of 24 years. I left him alone for 5 minutes, now he is on the school board!"

Katie and Henry Kelzenberg - "He is my Dad" "I get my sense of humor from him...otherwise, I think I will be be Okay"

​Elementary school staff - "He was a welcome volunteer in classrooms and activities, and served on the PTA. Kids liked him and looked up to him."

​Middle school staff - "He chaired our PTA and volunteered for many of our activities."

​High School staff - "He served on our Building leadership team and a number of our committees" He is the parent of two graduates. He was our liaison to the parent rep committee."

​Administrative staff - "We have called on him numerous times to participate on different committees (Calendar, Boundary, Parent Rep, Web site, Long Range Planning, Community Design Team and more."

​Elementary bus riders - "He was our substitute driver. We call him Pete the Cat. When is he coming back and can he be our permanent driver? "​

Middle School bus riders - "Ya, he's alright"​

High school bus riders - "That's Henry's/Katie's Dad, I think. I don't know. I was on my phone. "​

Special needs bus riders - 'He is nice to us"​

Coaches and players - "He got us there on time and was our biggest fan.​

Teachers and chaperones - "He got us there and joined us on the field trip. Glad to have him participate with us. "​

Dwayne Johnson (Hollywood) - He is the father of my best friend, "Katie Kelzenberg." "Unfortunately, I was unable to go to the Prom with her."​

Lions club members - "He is a past president of the Afton Bayport Lakeland club and a recent District Governor, representing our 3 county area to the International organization."​

Realtor colleague - "He is a tough negotiator, yet honest and fair. He represents his clients well."​

Voter in District 834 - " I met him at ____, I agree with him that we needed to make some changes and now need to continue keeping us high on the list of best districts in Minnesota. I will vote for him on November 8, 2022 and encourage others to do the same.​

Disclaimer. Unlike my daughter, Dwayne Johnson, does not know me from Adam. Check it out:

Why did I originally run for election ?

This was my answer in 2022

The Stillwater Area Public School district has a long history standing out as one of the best in our state. I am proud of our tradition of excellence in academics, sports, fine arts and more. My current term is for one year as it was to fill in the remainder of a vacancy. As a board member, I want to continue supporting our winning ways.

I have spent 20 years as a parent in our great school district. I am happy with all that our school system could and has done for my kids. Knowing how formative these years are for ages 0-21, I understand the importance of doing it right. It worked for my family. I want to see it work the same for our current and future students.

Previously I worked full time in Community Education (pools) for another large district. I bring from that the knowledge that our schools exist for more than our students. The facilities and support are there. Our taxes pay for them. I want to continue to promote the efficient use of this infrastructure, for the benefit of all who reside here.

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We have other private, charter, faith based, and home schools within our borders. They are not managed by District 834, but do share some services. I want their input and wish for their success as well.

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My kids have graduated. Serving on the school board is a continuation of my involvement. I consider it an honor to represent the residents of District 834 now and for the next 4 years.

Why you should vote for Pete Kelzenberg

For all the reasons outlined above, I am sincerely committed to keeping the Stillwater Area School District strong and continuing its tradition of excellence.

My own children’s graduation from the Stillwater system coincided with a difficult period when a previous board majority pursued a reckless and divisive agenda. That approach created real challenges for our district. Today, we have made significant progress in repairing that damage. I am proud to be a steady, non-partisan contributor to the shared goal of educational excellence.

Your vote for Pete Kelzenberg is a vote to keep our schools moving in the right direction — with integrity, fiscal responsibility, and a clear focus on student success.

It is an honor to represent the residents of the Stillwater Area School District, and I respectfully ask for your support in the 2026 election.

Contact Me

Have a question? Let’s talk.

I’m running for reelection because I believe stronger schools build stronger communities — and that begins with truly listening to you. Whether you have a question, a concern, an idea, or simply want to share your thoughts about our schools, I want to hear from you.

pete@peteforstillwater.com (mailto:pete@peteforstillwater.com)

I look forward to connecting with you.

Request a yard sign.

Why am I running for relection?

(2026 position)

Since beginning my first full term on the board in 2022, my deep appreciation for the many outstanding things happening every day in the Stillwater Area Schools has only grown stronger. Serving as a board member has given me valuable opportunities to see our district’s operations up close— in the classrooms, at events and behind the scenes—providing a clearer understanding of what works well and where we can improve.

One of the most rewarding parts of this role has been taking the time to listen. I often have the opportunity to meet with teachers, staff, students, community leaders, and residents to hear their thoughts, concerns, and ideas about our schools. These conversations are meaningful to those I speak with, and they help me stay grounded in the real experiences of our community. I believe this open, accessible approach truly sets me apart as a board member.

Through these ongoing dialogues, I’ve gained a clear picture of both the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead. There are initiatives we need to advance and practices we should reconsider or stop. I remain fully committed to being available, attentive, and responsive to every part of our district.

As my service continues, I will keep updating this page so voters can clearly understand my record, values, and dedication to representing the entire Stillwater Area School District with integrity and effectiveness.

I would be honored to earn your vote in 2026.

Stronger Schools, Stronger Communities.

I believe stronger schools build stronger communities.

My commitment to Stillwater Area Public Schools runs deep. I have volunteered extensively at all levels throughout the district, serving as a committee member and as a substitute bus driver. Combined with my experience as a business owner and realtor, these roles have given me a well-rounded understanding of what truly contributes to a high quality of life in ISD 834.

Public service is both a duty and a great honor. The primary role of a school board member is to govern — not to advocate.

Governing means focusing on our core responsibilities: setting clear policies that improve student learning, ensuring fiscal responsibility, hiring and supporting an effective superintendent, maintaining safe and welcoming schools, and making data-driven decisions that benefit the entire district. It requires listening to all voices, weighing evidence, and acting in the best interest of students and taxpayers.

Advocacy, by contrast, involves championing specific causes, ideologies, or external agendas. I believe those activities belong with parents, community groups, and elected officials outside the boardroom — not with the governing body itself. When board members shift from governing to advocacy, it distracts from our central mission: delivering an excellent education for every child in ISD 834.

As a board member, I will continue to govern with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to results. I will put this knowledge and experience to work — listening to diverse perspectives, asking tough questions, and making balanced decisions that strengthen our schools without turning the boardroom into a platform for political or social agendas.

This distinction matters. It keeps our focus where it belongs — on academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and enhancing the Stillwater experience for every student, family, and community member.

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