Board Nominee – Special Election 2025
Posted March 11th, 2026
Tim Nelson
Biography: Tim Nelson is a longtime community member and the parent of a Watershed High School graduate. With over 30 years of experience in software technology and development, he brings a strong background in problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork.
As the father of a special needs child, Tim is deeply committed to inclusive education and helping all students reach their potential. Over the years, he has volunteered in a variety of school and community activities and continues to support his children’s educational journeys.
He believes in fostering a learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of an ever-changing world while maintaining the caring, individualized focus that makes Watershed High School unique.
Personal Statement : "I would like to be able to give back to the high school community that was there to work with my son to complete his high school education.”
Ryan Cooper
Biography: Ryan was educated at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he obtained a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Teaching Communication Arts & Literature, and a Special Education license as an Academic Behavioral Strategist through the University of Minnesota. He has worked as a long term English substitute for high schools and middle schools in the Minneapolis area, including Watershed High School previously in 2017/18. Ryan has worked as a Special Education teacher with Watershed since 2020. Besides his education career, Ryan grew up on the banks of Lake of the Woods, and worked as a touring children’s theater director with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre. Ryan enjoys camping and hiking with his wife, Kelli, and their dog, Luna, as well as playing video games and role playing games, baking, and, as always, reading and writing.
Pat McLaughlin
Biography: Pat McLaughlin is the grandparent of a Senior at Watershed High School. He is a retired attorney and has been a member of the school board for the past two years.
Personal Statement: Watershed is a wonderful school. it breaks my heart that it is closing. Although this will be out last school year, the legal process we need to follow to close the school will not be done until later this year or next. we need to maintain a School Board until we have completed all of the steps needed to close. My term as a School Board member expires at the end of June, as do the terms of all but one of the School Board Members. I seek reelection so that Watershed will continue to have a School Board and I can help take the steps needed to complete the closure of the school
Tim Nelson
Biography: Tim Nelson is a longtime community member and the parent of a Watershed High School graduate. With over 30 years of experience in software technology and development, he brings a strong background in problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork.
As the father of a special needs child, Tim is deeply committed to inclusive education and helping all students reach their potential. Over the years, he has volunteered in a variety of school and community activities and continues to support his children’s educational journeys.
He believes in fostering a learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of an ever-changing world while maintaining the caring, individualized focus that makes Watershed High School unique.
Personal Statement : "I would like to be able to give back to the high school community that was there to work with my son to complete his high school education.”
Ryan Cooper
Biography: Ryan was educated at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he obtained a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Teaching Communication Arts & Literature, and a Special Education license as an Academic Behavioral Strategist through the University of Minnesota. He has worked as a long term English substitute for high schools and middle schools in the Minneapolis area, including Watershed High School previously in 2017/18. Ryan has worked as a Special Education teacher with Watershed since 2020. Besides his education career, Ryan grew up on the banks of Lake of the Woods, and worked as a touring children’s theater director with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre. Ryan enjoys camping and hiking with his wife, Kelli, and their dog, Luna, as well as playing video games and role playing games, baking, and, as always, reading and writing.
Pat McLaughlin
Biography: Pat McLaughlin is the grandparent of a Senior at Watershed High School. He is a retired attorney and has been a member of the school board for the past two years.
Personal Statement: Watershed is a wonderful school. it breaks my heart that it is closing. Although this will be out last school year, the legal process we need to follow to close the school will not be done until later this year or next. we need to maintain a School Board until we have completed all of the steps needed to close. My term as a School Board member expires at the end of June, as do the terms of all but one of the School Board Members. I seek reelection so that Watershed will continue to have a School Board and I can help take the steps needed to complete the closure of the school
Notice of Board Election - Watershed High School
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Posted February 25th, 2026
Watershed High School a board election for 2 community member seats and 1 teacher member seat on the Board of Directors on March 25th, 2026. Even though WHS will be closing at the end of the academic year we still need an active board for the closing process. Purpose of Election: To elect three Directors to the Board, each serving a term from July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2028. Eligible Voters: • All staff employed at the school, including licensed teachers • All parents or legal guardians of enrolled students • Current members of the Board of Directors Notice & Election Procedures: • Election procedures are published on the school website under School Board → Policies. • Notice of the election date and procedures is being provided at least 30 calendar days prior to the election. Candidate Information: Candidate names, biographies, and statements will be emailed to eligible voters and posted on the website by March 11th, 2026 Voting Details: • Voting will occur on a school day during the school year. • Ballots must be received in the Watershed High School office by 4:00 PM on March 25th, 2026. Results: Election results will be announced by 4:00 PM on March 25, 2026, with winners beginning their terms on July 1st,2026 For questions about eligibility, candidate information, or election procedures, contact Elizabeth Kneip. |
Notice of Special Board Election – Watershed High SchoolPosted October 28, 2025
Watershed High School will hold a special election for two community member seats on the Board of Directors on December 1, 2025. This election is being held because two board seats are expiring. The Board opted to hold special elections rather than simply appointing new members. A general election for one- and two-year terms will take place in March 2026, with terms beginning July 1, 2026. The Board values community input in selecting Board members. Purpose of Election: To elect two Directors to the Board, each serving a term from December 16, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Eligible Voters: • All staff employed at the school, including licensed teachers • All parents or legal guardians of enrolled students • Current members of the Board of Directors Notice & Election Procedures: • Election procedures are published on the school website under School Board → Policies. • Notice of the election date and procedures is being provided at least 30 calendar days prior to the election. Candidate Information: Candidate names, biographies, and statements will be emailed to eligible voters and posted on the website by November 14, 2025. Voting Details: • Voting will occur on a school day during the school year. • Ballots must be received in the Watershed High School office by 4:00 PM on December 1, 2025. Results: Election results will be announced by 4:00 PM on December 5, 2025, with winners beginning their terms on December 16, 2025. Interested in Running? Nomination forms are available in the school office or by emailing Elizabeth Kneip. Forms must be submitted by November 12, 2025. For questions about eligibility, candidate information, or election procedures, contact Elizabeth Kneip. |
Board Meetings
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The Watershed Board of Directors is comprised of Watershed faculty members, parents, and community members. The Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. at Watershed HS, 6541 16th Ave. South, Richfield, MN 66423.
The Regular Board meeting schedule is below:
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