I'm Christopher Lee — born and raised right here in Owatonna, Class of '98. I've spent my career in two fields that matter directly to this board: technology and public safety.
For over 17 years I've worked in IT, with leadership roles finding me early and often throughout my career. Today I work at Federated Insurance and serve on its Information Services Charitable Activities Committee, where I played an instrumental role in a fundraising effort that raised more than $20,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters this year.
My public safety background includes service as a Community Service Officer with Owatonna Police Department and later as a licensed peace officer serving West Concord, Waterville, New Richland, and the Prairie Island Indian Community. While with Waterville Police Department, I served as a School Resource Officer and worked directly inside a school building with students and staff.
Today I serve on ISD 761's Transportation Safety Advisory Committee. I'm also the single father of two, Rosie and Ivar, who will be directly affected by the decisions this board makes.
I'm not bringing a personal agenda to this board. I'm bringing what I already know — from the hallway to the budget spreadsheet — to the table where these decisions get made.
Safety is not theoretical for me. It is a habit I have practiced for most of my career. My experience as a School Resource Officer and current service on ISD 761's Transportation Safety Advisory Committee give me a firsthand understanding of school safety, trust, and prevention.
Every student deserves high standards paired with real support. Students who need extra help should get it early, and students ready for more should continue to be challenged. I also support strong early childhood education and development, because the foundation built before kindergarten shapes what follows.
Owatonna families have lived through a levy failure and significant budget cuts. Before taxpayers are asked for more, the board should ask hard questions, push back on the status quo, and make sure every dollar is accounted for. Transparency and fiscal discipline belong together.
Strong schools don't happen in isolation. They happen when families, local employers, nonprofits, and the district work together. A board member should already be doing the work of showing up, listening, and building those connections.
Teachers and staff are the backbone of our schools. Any decision I make on the board will start with the question of how it supports the people actually working with students every day.
A board member's job is to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and look for better solutions — not simply rubber-stamp what has always been done. I believe in showing up, doing the work, and being accountable for the outcome.
Every child in ISD 761 deserves to walk into school feeling safe, respected, and free to be themselves. That means addressing bullying and harassment consistently, maintaining clear safety practices, and creating a school climate where students know the adults around them will listen and act. Safety is more than physical security. It is also the everyday experience of knowing you belong and can focus on learning, growing, and thriving.
Owatonna is more than the city limits. Our district includes rural families, farmers, homeowners, and businesses whose realities should be part of every financial conversation.
I support strong schools and investing in students, teachers, and staff. I also believe every dollar we spend came from someone who had to earn it first. Before asking taxpayers for more, the board should ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, and make sure the money already entrusted to the district is being used effectively.
Every student should be able to walk into an Owatonna school and know they belong. Race, culture, faith, disability, family background, gender, identity, or who someone loves should never determine whether they feel welcomed, respected, or supported.
Our schools are strongest when students can focus on learning instead of wondering whether they are accepted. I support school environments where differences are treated with respect and every student has a real opportunity to succeed.
Bullying and harassment should never be dismissed as something kids simply have to endure. When a student says they do not feel safe, adults need to listen, take it seriously, and respond consistently.
That responsibility does not stop at the school doors. Parents and adults in our community set the example students see every day. We can disagree on values or beliefs without demeaning people who are different from us. Respect has to be modeled if we expect our kids to practice it.
A school board seat is a public trust, not a title to be used for personal influence, special treatment, or private interests. Board members should not use their position to pressure staff, influence members of the public, or advance a personal agenda.
If elected, I will hold myself to the same standard I expect from everyone at the board table: ask questions, listen, make decisions in the district's best interest, and remain accountable for the outcome.
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