Reelect Robin to the Fargo Board of Education
Election Day June 9
Proven, Relentless Leadership for Every Student
“I have never backed down from a fight for our kids, and I never will. Fargo Public Schools are strong because of the work we’ve done together.”
Rooted unshakably in Fargo's core values: Opportunity for all, dignity in every classroom, strong community bonds, and prudent fiscal stewardship that honors every taxpayer dollar.
I am Robin Nelson, and I am running for reelection to the Fargo Board of Education with the same fierce commitment that has defined my entire career: ensuring every single child in our district has the opportunity to thrive- no exceptions, no excuses.
A true Fargoan through and through, I was raised in Fargo Public Schools. My children followed that path, and now my grandchildren carry on that proud legacy, learning daily from our outstanding educators. This isn't just policy for me; it's personal, generational, and non-negotiable.
With more than 20 years of unyielding service on the Fargo Board of Education including three terms as president and my current role as vice president I bring unmatched experience and a track record of results that few can match. As chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, I have tirelessly forged bipartisan alliances at the state and national levels, fighting for—and securing—critical funding for education, childcare, and the tools every child needs to thrive while also fending off culture war legislation. As a PTA president prior to serving on the Board, I played a key role in securing a building addition and improvements for my children’s elementary school. I don't back down from tough battles; I win them for our kids.
My commitment shows up in how I serve our community: I chair Together for School Meals, the statewide ballot initiative to guarantee universal free school meals, a fight I lead with conviction because no child should ever face food insecurity as a barrier to learning, alongside co-founding the Fargo Police Foundation and serving on the ND Afterschool Network Advisory Committee and the ND Southeast Education Collaborative Board.
My advocacy isn’t just part of my work. It’s the foundation. For over 14 years as CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley, I have led programs serving more than 1,300 youth annually with the most affordable, high-impact afterschool and summer programming in our community. We build belonging, drive academic gains, instill character and leadership, and give families the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are safe and supported.
My work has earned widespread recognition because it delivers: North Dakota School Boards Association Veteran Board Member with Distinction • Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) 2021 • BGC Champion for Youth Advocacy award • BGCA 2022 Midwest Region Horizon Award • induction into the BGCA Midwest Region Hall of Fame • Fargo Kiwanis Community Champion for Youth Award in 2021 • 2026 Advocate of the Year from Families United for Self-Empowerment. These aren't tokens, they are testaments to relentless impact.
As a mother, grandmother, and lifelong youth advocate, I live this mission every day. I don't tire. I don't waver. I deliver.
Campaign Platform: Three Unbreakable Pillars - Students. Educators. Community.
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Every child deserves an excellent education, full stop—regardless of background, zip code, or challenge. I will continue to fight relentlessly to make it happen.
Prioritize measurable learning outcomes and close achievement gaps through targeted, evidence-based academic and social-emotional supports.
Defend and maintain small class sizes, especially in elementary grades, where foundations are built.
Engage parents and caregivers as true partners, because family involvement drives success.
Be a voice for students whose parents are not as involved, regardless of the reason.
Champion universal free school meals statewide to eliminate food insecurity as a barrier—I've helped lead this charge, and I won't stop until it's reality.
Support equitable programs that foster genuine belonging, dignity, and respect for every student.
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Our teachers and support staff are the experts in our classrooms—they earn our trust, need our respect, and deserve every resource to thrive. I stand with them unequivocally.
Advocate vigorously for competitive salaries, essential resources, and bold recruitment/retention strategies—even in tight fiscal times.
Foster true collaboration on curriculum, student supports, and major transitions like crafting a new strategic plan, and establishing the Portrait of a Learner and a Portrait of an Educator.
Prioritize manageable workloads, staff mental health, and meaningful recognition of their profound impact—because burned-out educators can't ignite futures.
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A thriving Fargo invests wisely in its children. I bring proven fiscal discipline and an influential voice to respect taxpayers while maximizing impact.
Prioritize every dollar for direct learner benefit while strategically addressing deficits—no waste, no excuses.
Apply my proven expertise in managing large, complex, multi-million-dollar budgets from diverse funding sources—exactly as I do successfully in my career.
Forge and strengthen powerful partnerships with families, businesses, community organizations, and state leaders to leverage every available resource.
Fight tirelessly for stable, adequate state funding and local policies that support our schools.
Ensure both educator and broad community input, with unwavering accountability—because this is a generational investment we must get right.
Why Reelect Robin Nelson?
Proven, Unmatched Track Record: Over 20 years of delivering tangible results, multiple leadership roles—including board president and governmental affairs committee chair—and national/local awards recognizing my impact on youth.
Deep, Multi-Generational Fargo Roots: Raised here, and raising family here—Fargo Public Schools runs through my veins.
Fiscal Mastery: Strong working knowledge of large, complex, multi-million-dollar budgets across diverse funding streams—balancing ambition with responsibility.
Influential Community Leadership: Leading the charge for universal free school meals, bridging education, safety, and opportunity through innovative youth programs.
Balanced, Kid-First Approach: Laser-focused on student outcomes, deep respect for educators, and hard-nosed fiscal wisdom—practical, effective leadership in challenging times.
Together, let's stay tenacious. Let's keep pushing. Vote to reelect Robin Nelson for the Fargo Board of Education.
