Schell For Saint Paul School Board

09/25/2026

Thank you to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province, for hosting this Saint Paul Public Schools Board candidate forum.

One of the things I appreciated most about this forum is that you can hear all seven candidates respond to the same questions and hear directly from each of us about the issues facing SPPS.

I encourage everyone to watch the full conversation, listen to the different perspectives, and get to know the candidates who are asking to serve on the Saint Paul School Board.

If you would like to hear my responses specifically, I speak at approximately 16:50, 44:10, and 1:00:14.

One of the questions asked what I believe is the biggest issue facing SPPS.

My answer was retention of our students and staff.

SPPS is facing a decline of roughly 900 students over a two year period. Enrollment directly affects the resources available to our schools, but I think we also need to look beyond the numbers.

When a student leaves SPPS, we should be asking why.

Did their family move? Did they choose another district, a charter school or private school? Was transportation an issue? Were they unable to access a program or service they needed? Did they feel supported, welcomed and heard?

Saint Paul serves a large and incredibly diverse population, including multilingual and newcomer families. Retaining those families means making sure language is never a barrier to understanding their child’s education, accessing resources, communicating with teachers or feeling like they are part of their school community.

And retention has to mean all students.

Strong academics. Special education services. Multilingual support. Arts and electives. Career and technical education. Advanced opportunities. Safe and welcoming schools. Reliable transportation. Staff who have the time and resources to support students.

Our school buildings are part of that conversation too.

Before becoming a paraprofessional, I worked as an interior designer and designed educational environments. I saw firsthand what newer and renovated schools were receiving and what thoughtful investment in a building can do.

Updated HVAC systems, reliable heating and cooling, better lighting, functional classrooms, updated furniture and welcoming common spaces are not simply cosmetic improvements. They affect the environment students learn in and staff work in every day.

A school does not have to be brand new to feel cared for.

The same question should be asked when a teacher, paraprofessional or other staff member leaves SPPS.

Why did they leave?

Was it compensation? Workload? Caseload? Lack of support? Working conditions? And what can we learn from that?

Retention connects directly to the financial future and long term stability of SPPS.

If we want families to choose Saint Paul Public Schools, we need to understand what makes them stay and what makes them leave. The same is true for the educators and staff who make our schools work every day.

Thank you again to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet for creating a space where voters can hear directly from all seven candidates and compare our answers for themselves.

Watch the full candidate forum here:

 https://www.youtube.com/live/5Z_0aFG82s0?is=jHJmK83KX9tgnaOI

My responses begin around:

16:50
44:10
1:00:14

Michael Schell
Candidate for Saint Paul Public Schools Board
Educator • Equity • Excellence

Produced by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Provi...

09/22/2026

Children in Minnesota are legally required to receive an education. For the vast majority of families, that means sending their children to school every day, where they spend six or seven hours of their day learning.

I believe breakfast and lunch should be part of that education.

And before someone says, “It’s not free. Taxpayers pay for it,” yes. Of course taxpayers pay for it.

That is what publicly funded means.

“Free school meals” does not mean food magically appears and nobody pays for it. It means the child standing in the lunch line does not have to pay for it. The same way “free public education” does not mean teachers work for free, buildings cost nothing, buses run on air, or textbooks magically appear.

We collectively fund services because we have decided they serve a public purpose.

Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program has now served more than 450 million breakfasts and lunches in its first three school years. The Minnesota Department of Education reports roughly 150 million meals were served each year.

Yes, the program costs money. Current estimates put Minnesota’s 2026 school-meal spending at roughly $306 million. If you simply divided that amount across Minnesota’s approximately 5.89 million residents, it equates to about $52 per person per year.

That is about $1 per week.
About 14 cents per day.

That does not mean every Minnesotan literally pays an additional $52 on their tax bill; taxes do not work that way. It puts the statewide cost into perspective.

Meanwhile, the state estimates the program saves families with students roughly $1,000 per student each year.

For me, this is a very simple question of priorities.

We require children ages 7 through 17 to receive instruction in Minnesota. They may receive that education through public, private, religious, or home school settings, but education itself is compulsory.

When children are spending most of their waking weekday hours in our school buildings, I believe making sure they can eat should be one of the most basic things we provide.

We provide meals to people when the government requires them to remain in its custody. We recognize food as a basic necessity in countless other public institutions. I do not believe children should be treated as the exception.

I also do not believe a child should have to demonstrate that their family is poor enough before we decide they deserve lunch.

No lunch debt.
No embarrassment in the cafeteria.
No child worrying about whether there is enough money in an account.
No parent having to choose between another household expense and school lunch.

Just breakfast and lunch available to every student who needs or wants it.

Call it “taxpayer-funded” if you prefer. That is accurate.

I still support it.

Feed the kids.

Schell For Saint Paul School Board

Prepared for by Friends of Schell for MN

09/04/2026

First week is in the books! 📚 Assignments have started, projects have begun, and learning is officially underway.

But one of the best things that can happen as an educator has nothing to do with an assignment or a lesson plan.

It’s being rushed and bombarded by former students when they realize, “Mr. Schell, you’re back!”

That hit me differently this week.

I had students so excited to tell me everything they did over the summer. Some wanted to show me their new outfit or hairstyle. Btw, my new hairstyle was a hit! Meanwhile, others just wanted to give me three months’ worth of life updates because they finally had someone back at school they had been waiting to tell.

And honestly, those moments mean more to me than they probably realize.

Last year, I naturally became a mentor to one student who had lost their father before I met them. Somehow, I became a trusted male adult in their life. Most of our conversations were about sports, activities, band, or whatever was going on that day. But sometimes they needed to vent. Sometimes they needed to get something off their chest. Sometimes they wanted advice, and sometimes they just needed someone to listen.

I don’t take that responsibility for granted.

Because as an educator and as a para, that means I did my job and then some. I made sure that student felt seen, knew someone cared, and knew someone was listening.

Anyone who knows me knows I’ll buy a student lunch, bring in snacks, make popcorn, celebrate their accomplishments, or simply sit there and listen when that’s what they need.

That’s special.

And while that’s one example, I ended this first week with a full heart, a very full brain, and knowing I built those kinds of relationships with so many students.

Even the students who may have ended last year on not so great terms with me still got an, “It’s so great to see you. I hope you had an amazing summer.” and guess what... I usually got a smile and respose.

Because maybe that one interaction is what sets a different tone for this year.

One thing I’ve learned working with high schoolers is that, just like the rest of us adults, they’re navigating stress, anxiety, uncertainty, family situations, friendships, heartbreak, accomplishments, and sudden life changes. Some way earlier than the rest of us.

Sometimes simply being seen makes the difference.

I’m incredibly proud to work in a high school where that isn’t just encouraged, it’s something our staff understands can be invaluable in ways we may never fully know.

And when a student asks me how my teacher licensing process is going, or asks how my Saint Paul School Board campaign is going, it reminds me that the relationships go both ways.

Just as they matter to me, I matter to them too.

Which brings me right back to:

“Mr. Schell, you’re back!”

There’s something bittersweet about hearing that, because for some students, adults consistently showing up may not always be their norm.

But it also tells me something important:

I showed up.

They noticed.

And it mattered. Hugely.

To my administrators, teachers, paras, and everyone who worked unbelievably hard to get us through this first week, y’all are phenomenal.

You’ve been pushed and worked to your limits getting another school year off the ground. But we made it.

A new year has begun.

And once again, we showed up.

We’re back. ❤️📚

Mr. Schell is back.

Schell for Saint Paul Public School Board

Educator • Equity • Excellence

Prepared by Frinds of Schell for MN

08/25/2026

🍎 Back to school is officially getting real! 📚

I started my own back to school training today, and our main session focused on Conscious Discipline. We had a really good conversation about safety, connection, self regulation and what an equitable classroom actually looks like for both students AND staff.

Equity isn’t everyone getting the exact same thing. It’s making sure students have what they need to succeed, while making sure educators have the training, tools and support to make that possible. I’d love to learn more about how this is currently being practiced in SPPS and where we can strengthen it.

This brings me to one of the biggest back to school topics… School Supplies!

And parents, before spending a fortune on back to school shopping, check what you already have!

The markers probably still mark. Pens still write. Pencils sharpen. Binders can survive another year, and backpacks definitely don’t expire in June.

Reuse it. Thrift it. Pass it down. Save where you can.

And if you’re able, grab one extra school supply item while you’re shopping and donate it. Back to school is exciting, but it can also put a very real financial strain on families and teachers. A little community support goes a long way. ❤️

Campaign season is getting busy too, and there are several chances coming up to hear from me and ask questions:

📍 September 16 | Carondelet Village | 6 PM
A community conversation with School Board candidates where residents can hear directly from us and talk about the issues that matter to them.

📍 September 28 | League of Women Voters Candidate Forum | 7 PM
A nonpartisan candidate forum giving voters a chance to compare candidates, our priorities and where we stand on important SPPS issues.

📍 October 13 | Youth Led School Board Candidate Forum at 825 Arts | 5:30 PM
One I’m especially looking forward to. Saint Paul young people will help lead the conversation and ask candidates about the issues affecting students directly.

📰 West St. Paul Reader Candidate Questionnaire:
I’ll also be answering their candidate questionnaire so voters can read more about my background, priorities and positions on the issues.

You’ll also find me at the downtown Saint Paul farmers markets on Saturdays and Sundays, along with other Saint Paul markets and community events throughout the rest of campaign season. I’ll be talking with voters, answering questions and passing out campaign signs.

I’ll even be showing off my back to school haircut! 😉

If you see me, come say hi! Grab a sign, ask me something, tell me what you love about our schools, or tell me what you think needs to change. I want to hear from you.

Here’s to a great start to another school year, Saint Paul. 🍎📚

Educator • Equity • Excellence
Michael Schell for Saint Paul School Board

Prepared for by Friends of Michael Schell

07/27/2026

A Major Metropolitan School District in the 21st Century should not be running on 20th Century Building Standards.

When 60% of the 74 SPPS buildings are over 60 years old and still using old ventilation systems, that is not an equitable district. You don’t have some with brand new state of the art systems and others with nothing. That’s true, some schools in the SPPS still have Zero AC in their buildings and are told to use fans and designated cool zones. Those are not acceptable solutions and do not address these issues long term. So what’s being done?

After reading through the FY2027 budget I’m happy to see some improvement and repairs being done to HVAC systems in about 4 schools, but what about the others? There needs to be a more transparent and efficient district wide plan to have every building meeting modern standards for heating, cooling, ventilation and air quality by 2030. While a plan exists, I feel we are not being given appropriate answers. Plans can be revised, and that is something I’m willing to take on myself.

After working for many years in education design and architecture, I know first hand what a modern school and classroom should have at minimum. No longer does the statement “well we didn’t have AC in schools either,” no longer holds up because after 60+ years a building deserves a refresh. Modern HVAC systems should not be looked at as a luxury, but a necessity for many reasons. We don’t let our homes stay the same, so why should our schools!?

Airflow, Air quality, sickness prevention, and Comfortable Learning Environments, are just a few pros to having new HVAC systems. Modern and equitable facilities can also influence whether families and employees choose to remain with the district.

If SPPS can’t provide the same level of modern comfort, safety, and air quality that surrounding districts and schools CAN offer, then we have failed families and their students over basic living and learning environment expectations.

SPPS entered the FY2027 budget process facing a $14.35 million shortfall, even after voters approved more than $37 million in new annual operating levy revenue. Operating funds and capital improvement funds are separate and cannot always be redirected toward major HVAC projects. However, taxpayers still deserve a clear explanation of how each funding source is being used, why only select schools are receiving improvements, and what the timeline is for every other building.

I will ask those questions, and I will push for answers. We cannot claim equity in the classroom while allowing major differences in heating, cooling, ventilation, and basic building conditions across our 74 buildings.

As a School Board Member it would be my responsibility and duty to ask these hard questions and dig deeper into why our schools are still living in the 20th century while proposing an initial $14 million dollar shortfall on the budget.

My name is Michael Schell and as a Saint Paul School Board Member I will push for a revised or modified districtwide plan by 2030, with a clear timeline for bringing every SPPS building up to modern heating, cooling, ventilation and air-quality standards. Equity in the Classroom starts with Equity in our District and how we choose to improve as a whole.

We can do better, and I promise to be that loud voice that pushes some buttons. To ask why so many issues remain unresolved when I speak to our Saint Paul community. We deserve answers, your students deserve answers.

Educator • Equity • Excellence.

Michael Schell, candidate for Saint Paul School Board



Here are some pictures from this weekend taking care of my horse Sumi! It was a toasty one! Hope you all stay cool and safe in this heat!

07/16/2026

I have received many questions about who I am, why I am running, and what I would actually do to improve Saint Paul Public Schools.

I am Michael Schell, a Saint Paul resident, special education paraprofessional, and trained interior designer with experience creating educational spaces. Working directly in schools has shown me that student success depends on more than promises. It depends on staffing, resources, accountability, accessible learning tools, safe environments, and educators who are supported enough to do their jobs well.

My campaign is centered on Educator • Equity • Excellence, but those words must lead to action.

As a School Board member, I would push for a districtwide review of spending, staffing, programs, and administrative operations so we can identify duplication, waste, and resources that are not reaching classrooms. The goal would be to redirect more funding toward educators, paraprofessionals, special education services, classroom supplies, mental health support, and the tools students actually use.

I would support greater transparency by making school level budgets, staffing information, program outcomes, and progress toward district goals easier for the public to understand. Families and educators should not have to search through hundreds of pages to learn where money is going or why important decisions were made.

I would also work to strengthen educator equity by ensuring that staff across the district have meaningful input before major policies are adopted. The people working directly with students should help shape decisions about curriculum, behavior support, classroom technology, special education, staffing, and school safety.

Student equity means recognizing that equal funding does not always create equal opportunity. Schools and students with greater needs may require additional staffing, smaller learning groups, adaptive communication devices, sensory supports, transportation assistance, and targeted academic resources.

Educational excellence means setting clear, measurable goals and publicly tracking whether we are meeting them. When a program works, we should strengthen it. When it does not, we should be willing to change direction rather than continuing to fund it without results.

I am not running simply to identify problems. I am running to ask hard questions, bring classroom experience into district decisions, protect public resources, and help turn community concerns into practical action.

This campaign is about listening, measuring results, and making sure every decision moves resources and support closer to the students and educators who need them.

That’s me and Sumi. I’m a cowboy, and horses are a real part of my everyday life, not just a photo opportunity. This selfie with her daisy is a small glimpse of who I am outside the classroom and the campaign.

Educator • Equity • Excellence

I am Michael Schell
Candidate for Saint Paul Public School Board

07/14/2026

Today, I made it official.

I, Michael Schell, am officially a candidate for the Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education, and I was the first candidate to file for this election.

Being the first to file was a goal I set the day I announced my campaign. Today, I met that goal, and I intend to keep meeting every goal and fulfilling every commitment I place before the people of Saint Paul.

I am not entering this race with institutional endorsements, political backing, or support from established school organizations. I showed up on my own, completed every requirement, paid my filing fee, and put my name forward because I believe I am ready to do the job.

I know I will have to earn every conversation, every supporter, and every vote.

I showed up. I did the work. I kept my word.

Now it is time to build a campaign powered by the people of Saint Paul and win one of the three School Board seats being decided this November.

Now off to teach my last week of summer school!

Michael Schell for Saint Paul School Board. Let’s get to work!

07/08/2026

In less than one week, I will officially be on the ballot for Saint Paul School Board.

So… what have I been doing in the meantime?

I’ve been exactly where I believe every school board member should spend time… in our schools.

This summer, I’ve continued working as a paraeducator in our Extended School Year Special Education program, learning something new every single day from incredible students and an amazing team of educators. Those experiences continue to shape my understanding of what our classrooms truly need and reinforce why I decided to run in the first place.

I’m also preparing for the upcoming school year and working toward earning my Tier 1 teaching license. My hope is to soon have a classroom of my own, continuing to serve students in an even greater capacity.

Outside of school, I’ve been building this campaign the same way I approach education by listening. I’ve been talking with families, educators, and community members about their hopes, concerns, and ideas for the future of Saint Paul Public Schools.

This campaign isn’t about politics. It’s about people. It’s about students. It’s about supporting educators. It’s about responsible leadership and ensuring every decision made at the board table keeps students at the center.

The countdown is on, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.

Let’s do this, Saint Paul.

Educator • Equity • Excellence

Michael Schell
For Saint Paul School Board
Prepared and Paid for by Friends of Michael Schell

Follow our campaign here!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EdeE577hC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/28/2026

Yesterday, I saw school districts across the Twin Cities showing up at Pride, standing with their students, families, and communities.

But Saint Paul Public Schools was not there.

For a district that serves one of the most diverse communities in Minnesota, that absence sends the wrong message. Equity is not just a word in a policy or a statement on a website. Equity means showing up, being present, and building relationships with the communities we serve.

When we say every student belongs, our actions have to match those words.

Next year, Saint Paul Public Schools will be there.

We will show up. We will listen. We will be present.

Because every student deserves to see their school district standing beside them, not just talking about belonging, but demonstrating it.

I also had the pleasure of speaking with group members from the Autism Society of Minnesota and the Minnesota Neurodivergent Group. Both of these groups help students like the ones I work with daily. Programs like this are vital to our communities and help in so many ways! Thank you for being there for our community!

I will be at the Twin Cities Pride Parade today and also will be back at the Pride Festival in Loring Park directly after the parade!

Happy Pride, Lead With Love, Create Greatness!

06/27/2026

It is Twin Cities Pride weekend, and I want to wish everyone who is celebrating a safe, joyful, and meaningful weekend. From young to old and everyone in between, I hope people get the chance to be surrounded by community, connection, and love.

As an educator and someone running for Saint Paul School Board, I believe one of the most important things we can do in our schools is make sure every student knows they belong.

Recently, I was recognized through an anonymous school shoutout board where a student wrote:

“Mr. Schell makes me feel safe and included in school.”

That message stuck with me because that should not be something unusual. That should be the expectation for every student walking through our school doors.

LGBTQ+ students exist. They are part of our classrooms, our families, and our communities. They are not a trend, they are not something someone is talked into, and they are not something that can simply be ignored because it makes people uncomfortable.

As educators, our job is not to decide which students deserve support. Our job is to create environments where students feel safe enough to learn, grow, ask questions, and become who they are.

I take pride in being a staff member students feel comfortable approaching. Sometimes students need help with academics. Sometimes they need someone to listen. Sometimes they just need to know there is an adult in their corner.

I will always stand for schools where every student and family knows they are welcome.

I will be out and about in the Twin Cities all weekend. If you see me, come say hello. Let’s talk education. Let’s talk real life. Let’s talk about what our schools need, what our communities need, and even your favorite local restaurants and businesses.

Happy Pride weekend. Stay safe, have fun, and lead with love.