YOUR AT-LARGE CANDIDATE
Shayla's Story
Shayla Owodunni, here! This summer, we planted ‘seeds of change’ for a stronger Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Thanks to all 17,058(!!) of you who entrusted me with your vote in the August 13 Primary Election, those very seeds have grown into something greater than I imagined—a rich harvest of new energy as we move toward our next milestone: the General Election, just around the corner on Tuesday, November 5. I am a Minnesota native with a deep commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. I’m passionate about prioritizing successful student outcomes, fostering community collaboration, and ensuring financial integrity in our schools. With expertise in early learning, corporate finance, and IT governance, risk, and compliance (IT GRC), I’m running to make a real difference for students and families across Minneapolis. I am sure to bring a unique and multifaceted perspective to the MPS School Board, at large! If you'd like to read about me in the words of someone else, Naomi Kritzer did a lovely job right here.

WHAT WE'RE ROOTING FOR
PRIORITIZING ACADEMIC GROWTH IN LITERACY AND MATH
EMPOWERING
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
SUPPORTING AND DEVELOPING EDUCATORS
FOSTERING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY AND EFFICIENCY
HOW THIS GARDEN GROWS
01
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
At the heart of my platform is prioritizing student achievement in literacy and math, alongside fostering high expectations. Just as a garden begins with seeds, our schools must prioritize personalized learning to cultivate strong educational foundations. I advocate for initiatives that empower teachers as dedicated gardeners, guiding students towards academic excellence. By supporting professional development, competitive compensation, and creating supportive environments for our educators, we ensure they have the tools necessary to nurture our students' growth.
02
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Like a thriving garden needs water, our schools flourish with community support. I believe in active engagement from parents, guardians, and local stakeholders. Together, we can enrich our educational landscape, fostering a collaborative environment that supports teachers and enhances learning opportunities for all students. By building strong partnerships and coordinating support services, we can align school resources with the needs of our community, creating a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.
03
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
Every garden requires careful management of resources for sustained growth. As a candidate for the Minneapolis School Board, I advocate for transparent financial practices and sustainable funding to support our students and educators, and provide essential resources. This commitment ensures our schools remain vibrant and capable of meeting the evolving needs of our students. By prioritizing fiscal accountability and advocating for clear financial management, we can maximize the impact of every dollar and maintain the health of our educational ecosystem.