Fargo School Board candidate Nyamal Dei hopes the second campaign is the charm this June

(Fargo, ND) -- As we inch closer to the June 14th election, one Fargo School Board candidate is hoping the second time is the charm when it comes to running for an open spot.

Executive Director of Kondial Kel International program and Clay County Public Health's Nyamal Dei says the biggest change from her initial run for School Board back in 2018 compared to now is the political lines being drawn in the race.

"Isn’t it supposed to be a bi-partisan race," said Dei while speaking with WDAY Midday. "This kind of race is supposed to be where we all come together to try to really understand what is really affecting our community, our kids and our teachers."

Dei, who is running on a platform of mental health prioritization, teacher assistance and an increased focus on diversity, says a divided community will harm outcomes in the classroom, mainly for students.

"It’s not only affecting me and you, being divided effects the rest of the schooling communities," said Dei. "I feel like we should just all work together to try to understand how can we come together as a people, as a district."

The former Cass County Public Health member and Essentia Health worker added that her tough upbringing, along with reliance on teachers when she moved to America at the age of 11 speaking no English, makes her now want to find a way to give teachers a 'leg up' on their daily struggles with hope to retain and draw more of the industries finest to the area.

Dei also says community outreach within the School Board has lacked severely in the past number of years, and that is why she has went door to door at over 3,000 homes so far to show she is committed to hearing what you have to say as a stakeholder not only in the school district, but the city as well.

"One day I actually made to over 300 doors, and was out for about six hours," said Dei. "I'm doing my best to make sure that I go out there every day to talk with you. I feel as though the board is disconnected from the community, and I hope to change that."

For more on Nyamal's campaign, and for all your June 2022 election information, click here.