2025 Candidates We’re Following
Minnetonka and Hopkins have non-partisan elections this year for school board, city council, and mayor.
Get to know the candidates we’re following below and visit their webpages for more information. Many would be happy to speak to you about your questions and concerns for the community.
Candidates for Minnetonka Mayor and City Council
The Mayor and City Council members are responsible for governing the city of Minnetonka, passing local laws and policies, establishing the city’s budget, and establishing a Strategic Vision for city and its residents. One Mayoral and two at-large Minnetonka City Council seats are on the 2025 General Election ballot, with terms running Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2029.
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Deb Calvert - City Council Candidate
Through conversations with thousands of neighbors at their doors and in meetings, and her service on the Minnetonka Planning Commission and the City Council, Deb has developed a deep familiarity with the priorities of our engaged community members – quality public services, a strong business climate, safe, welcoming neighborhoods, thoughtful development, diverse housing stock, and protection of our natural resources.
Deb strives every day to make Minnetonka “an inclusive community committed to excellence where all residents, workers and visitors are welcome in a beautiful, sustainable place, supported by quality, dependable city services.”
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Dr. Kimberly Wilburn - City Council Candidate
I’m Dr. Kimberly Wilburn, your Minnetonka City Councilor At Large. For the past four years, I’ve worked to represent you as Minnetonka faced the challenges of COVID, celebrated our achievements in greenspace management, and came together at ice cream socials and movie nights.
My commitment remains: to work collaboratively with neighbors, workers, and businesses to create a Minnetonka where everyone can thrive by: 1) bringing people together to hammer out ideas and find solutions; and, 2) being vigilant about ensuring the city is on a stable economic footing so that we are able to weather any economic chaos that may be caused by decisions made at the national or state level.
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Rebecca Schack - Mayoral Candidate
It has been an honor to serve the people of Minnetonka since 2018. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished. I am running for Mayor because I am excited for the opportunity to lead our city in continuing to provide a safe, accessible, and welcoming city for all who live, work, and visit.
I am a steward of our natural resources and an advocate for those who have been under-represented. In a time that is plagued with partisanship and division, I will continue to focus on bringing people together to make decisions based on our similarities and shared values, not our differences.
Candidates for Minnetonka School Board
School Board members are responsible for governing the Minnetonka School district, approving the district’s budget and monitoring finances, hiring a superintendent, and establishing a Strategic Vision for the district. Three Minnetonka School Board seats are on the 2025 General Election ballot, with terms running Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2029.
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Taunya Kolbinger
As a middle school Language Arts teacher for 14 years, Taunya has firsthand experience with what it means to ensure educational excellence and a safe learning environment for all. She focuses on centering learners and their needs while experiencing financial constraints and connecting policies to practices. She has served in various school leadership roles throughout her time as an educator.
Taunya is passionate about ensuring students' well-being and is skilled in fostering strong partnerships between classrooms, students, and caregivers. Taunya is also a parent of two elementary-aged children in the district.
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William Schumer
Every student deserves the skills, confidence and guidance to thrive in every stage of their education, and in life beyond the classroom. As a School Board Member, I will champion future-ready learning - a practical and inspiring approach that will help each child reach their unique potential.
I bring Fortune 25 leadership experience managing large, complex budgets, setting clear priorities, and building consensus across diverse perspectives. I commit to prioritizing student success; ensuring educators have respect, tool, and resources; promoting equity, belonging, and safe schools; using taxpayers dollars wisely; and using innovation to expand opportunities.
Candidates for Hopkins School Board
School Board members are responsible for governing the Hopkins School district, approving the district’s budget and monitoring finances, hiring a superintendent, and establishing a Strategic Vision for the district. Three Hopkins School Board seats are on the 2025 General Election ballot, with terms running Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2029.
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Rachel Hartland
I’m running for re-election to the Hopkins School Board because I believe deeply in the power and promise of public education. It’s one of the most important commitments we make as a society—a shared investment in our future—and every child deserves access to a high-quality, personalized education that helps them thrive.
As Treasurer, I’ve helped lead with transparency and responsibility through a difficult budget year—working to manage resources wisely, advocate for sustainable funding, and keep students at the center of every decision.
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Tim Molepske
I am standing up with our Hopkins Schools and our Hopkins Community. In our current political environment, it is important to uphold our core values, (Inclusivity, Innovation, Humility, Equity and Love) and stand with our community, students, caregivers, and teachers.
I do believe there are a lot of areas that need improvement. As critical thinkers we need to continually analyze and evaluate what we do well and where we need to improve. My vision for the School Board improves communication, expands accountability, promotes our schools, and builds trust.
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Sara Wilhelm Garbers
I’m running for the Hopkins School Board because I am not only a supporter, but a proud product of public education! As a kid who was raised below the poverty line, I had the amazing fortune of being raised in economically diverse districts with educators who invested in me and made my life possible. So now, as an adult, I want to give back and support our schools so that every kid might likewise have a flourishing future!
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Johanna Hyman
We don't have to choose between inclusion, belonging, and academic excellence - Hopkins Schools can, and should, deliver both. With transparent leadership and clear communication, we can give every student a path to succeed.
As an attorney, I’m not afraid to ask tough questions. My legal background makes me uniquely qualified to listen carefully, analyze complex issues, and push for thoughtful, evidence-based solutions that benefit our students and teachers.
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Eric Mandel
Drawn to solving complex problems, Eric built a career helping organizations navigate challenging decisions through stakeholder engagement, careful analysis, and practical solutions. Eric is ready to bring this experience to the Hopkins School Board. The same skills that Eric uses to help organizations establish manageable controls, determine and allocate necessary program resources, and achieve targeted results on time and on budget can help Hopkins turn educational ideals into measurable improvements in desired outcomes.