Hi Neighbor,

My name is Greta Callahan, and I look forward to serving District 6 as your school board representative. I am a kindergarten teacher, a single mom, a union president, and was born and raised right here in Southwest Minneapolis. I am running for School Board in District 6 because I believe that every student in our city, regardless of their race, zip code, and/or class, deserves an excellent, well-funded, and easily accessible education.

I’ve dedicated my entire life to making the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) stronger and better. I was born in District 6, raised in District 6, and am raising my son in District 6. This is my home and although my path to becoming who I am today was not linear, it all began right here.

My education journey started at Burroughs Elementary and subsequently Anthony MIddle School. There, I received a foundational experience that included strong academics, lasting friendships, and critical thinking skills. I believe every student in our city deserves the same quality, well-funded education I received and that my son is getting at Southwest High School.

As a single mother, this is personal for me. I’ve watched too many of my neighbors and colleagues leave MPS because they do not trust this district. This adds to the destabilization already created by the Comprehensive District Design (CDD). Now there are talks of school closures, which further alienates and scares our families. It doesn’t have to be this way, and on the School Board I will be one of the many pieces to the puzzle who will help create the changes and stability we need to rebuild trust.

My North Star is always our students.

As a kindergarten teacher, and former finalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year, I know what supports our students and educators need to succeed. My decision-making process always centers their needs first. I look forward to the honor of working side-by-side with this School Board and our new Superintendent Dr. Sayles-Adams.

This is a time of hope in the Minneapolis Public Schools. It is a time for leadership and further investment in our students. And a time for stability and safety. It is time to trust each other again. 

As a union leader, and President of the Teacher Chapter of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT 59), I’ve invested my time and energy into doing everything I can to make improvements to our district. I saw the incredible power the School Board has to change the lives of students, families, and educators. Through collective action, our union won life-changing wage increases for our hourly workers, groundbreaking language to support and retain educators of color and other underrepresented groups, class size caps, and a Social Worker in every building. Consequently, we are that much closer to having the schools our students deserve - but we’re not there yet. 

I have the experience, relationships, and passion to lead in District 6.

I bring a track record of improving MPS - both as a teacher and a trusted union leader. I’m excited to continue on the path of improving our public school system and working with our current leaders as a School Board member and I look forward to representing both our district and our beautiful city. I hope you will join me.

With love and solidarity,

Greta