Bianca Ward Virnig

Bianca Ward Virnig lives in Eagan, Minnesota. Virnig earned an A.A. from Century College and a B.A. in English from the University of Minnesota. Her career experience includes working as a director of health and safety at BrightWorks.[1]

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Bianca Ward Virnig did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

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Bianca Ward Virnig participated in [the profile publisher]'s 2017 survey of school board candidates.[4] In response to the question "What do you hope to achieve if elected to the school board?" the candidate stated on September 24, 2017:

My goal is to help turn possibilities into realities that create an infinitely better future for all children in our community. I hope to continue to support the initiatives set forth by the board while providing a fresh perspective as a current ISD 196 parent. I would like to reach out to strategic partners to hear their thoughts on how we can grow and improve and support our teachers, families and community.[5][6]

Ranking the issues

The candidate was asked to rank the following issues based on how they should be prioritized by the school board, with 1 being the most important and 7 being the least important. Each ranking could only be used once.

Education policy

Click here to learn more about education policy in Minnesota.

Education on the ballot

Issue importance ranking

Candidate's ranking

Issue

1

Closing the achievement gap

2

Balancing or maintaining the district's budget

3

Improving post-secondary readiness

4

Improving education for special needs students

5

Improving relations with teachers

6

Expanding arts education

7

Expanding school choice options

Positions on the issues

The candidate was asked to answer eight questions from [the profile publisher] regarding significant issues in education and the school district. The questions are highlighted in blue and followed by the candidate's responses. Some questions provided multiple choices, which are noted after those questions. The candidate was also provided space to elaborate on their answers to the multiple choice questions.

Should new charter schools be approved in your district? (Not all school boards are empowered to approve charter schools. In those cases, the candidate was directed to answer the question as if the school board were able to do so.)

No.

Which statement best describes the ideal relationship between the state government and the school board? The state should always defer to school board decisions, defer to school board decisions in most cases, be involved in the district routinely or only intervene in severe cases of misconduct or mismanagement.

The state should only intervene in severe cases of misconduct or mismanagement.

Are standardized tests an accurate metric of student achievement?

No.

How should the district handle underperforming teachers? Terminate their contract before any damage is done to students, offer additional training options, put them on a probationary period while they seek to improve or set up a mentorship program for the underperforming teacher with a more experienced teacher in the district?

Set up a mentorship program for the underperforming teacher with a more experienced teacher in the district.

Should teachers receive merit pay?

No.

Should the state give money to private schools through a voucher system or scholarship program?

No.

How should expulsion be used in the district?

Expulsion should be used and determined in accordance with the Administrative Regulation 503.3.2AR, Process for Removal from Class, Suspension, Exclusion and Expulsion of a Student.

What's the most important factor for success in the classroom: student-teacher ratio, the curriculum, teachers, parent involvement or school administration?

Teachers. I believe parents and the district are equally responsible for success in the classroom. The daily responsibility falls to the teacher but teachers cannot be successful without support from their administration, peers, parents and the community.

Candidate website

Virnig participated in the following survey conducted by the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. The survey questions appear bolded, and Virnig's responses follow below.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am a full-time working mother of three, a communicator, a researcher; I’m adept in compromise and skilled in planning for the future. I ask a lot of questions and I have over a decade of experience in public service. While I admittedly lack direct school board experience, I bring creativity, a fresh perspective and heart.[6]

—Bianca Ward Virnig (2017)[7]

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Take time to better understand the dynamics of the board and school administration as well as the challenges and initiatives facing the district. Connect more with the community and identify ways to collaborate with strategic partners. Look for ways to further engage parents, staff and the community.[6]

—Bianca Ward Virnig (2017)[7]

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I believe, government’s primary role is to build and maintain resources and services that individuals and small communities can’t do themselves in a responsible fashion. Hopefully, this is done in a progressive, innovative and collaborative way with input from the community.[6]

—Bianca Ward Virnig (2017)[7]