Results
Keeping promises. Delivering results. It’s more than a campaign slogan, it represents four years of proven, common-sense leadership.
During Lisa’s four years on the PLSAS School Board, she served with a conservative majority for only one year. Even when she was in the minority, Lisa stood firm, asking tough questions, demanding accountability, and opposing decisions that failed to put students first.
In just one year with a conservative majority, the Board delivered meaningful results:
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Eliminated the DEI officer position
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Rescinded the divisive DEI resolution
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Adopted a balanced budget
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Imagine what four more years of courageous, common-sense leadership, and the right Board majority, could accomplish for PLSAS students.
Every decision - Every day - Putting Students First.
In 2024 Director Mason and Director Johnson joined the board and the board dynamics became more balance with additional conservative perpsectives.
Sept 11th, 2023 - Removal of School Resource Officers.
✅Vote 6-1 Atkinson - Dissenting
During the 2023 legislative session, Minnesota’s DFL trifecta changed state law in a way that created significant uncertainty around the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in our schools.
While surrounding districts found ways to continue working with local law enforcement and keep SROs in their schools as the issue was being resolved, our district’s progressive board majority chose to remove ours.
Lisa Atkinson was the only board member who spoke up against that decision and advocated for keeping an SRO in our schools.
This is why school board elections matter. We need board members willing to question decisions coming from St. Paul, exercise common sense, and stand up for what they believe is best for the safety of our students and our local school district.
June 8th, 2026 - Annual Budget Vote
✅Vote 4-3 Atkinson, Johnson, Mason - Dissenting
In November 2025, the PLSAS Board adopted budget priorities for the first time, providing clear guardrails for the administration as it developed the 2026–27 budget.
After Director Smith joined the Board in January 2026, the balance shifted to a more progressive majority. When the administration presented its proposed reductions, Lisa raised concerns that they did not align with the Board’s priorities—particularly the direction to maximize operational efficiencies so more resources could support classroom instruction and student learning.
More than 64% of the proposed reductions directly affected teachers and student programs, including a recommendation to eliminate a choir teacher serving one of our high school’s largest programs. Small cut. Big impact.
Declining enrollment and revenue require difficult decisions, but Lisa believes reductions should stay as far away from the classroom as possible. She continues to advocate for zero-based budgeting and a fund-classrooms-first approach that maximizes resources while protecting opportunities for students.