Laura Nilsen has served on the school board for the past two years, bringing a passion for education and community engagement. A proud graduate of Carlton High School, Laura continued her education by earning an AA from Lake Superior College, followed by a Bachelor's in Legal Studies in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. She later pursued and achieved a Double Master’s in Business & Management from the College of St. Scholastica.

In her professional career, Laura has worked as a Youth Counselor at JET: Jobs. Empowerment. Training, for the last 3.5 years, where she is dedicated to empowering youth and helping them succeed in life and the workforce.

When not working or serving on the school board, Laura enjoys gardening and spending time with her family. She and her kids have a small chicken farm, which has become a beloved family project!

Ryan Leonzal is a dedicated member of our school board, having completed his first full year of service. With over 20 years of experience in the human services field, Ryan works as a CTSS (Children’s Therapeutic Support Services) practitioner, providing vital school-based services to students through HDC. His professional background equips him with a deep understanding of student needs and the importance of mental health support in schools.

Outside of his professional life, Ryan has a passion for hunting, sports, and music. A talented musician, he played the violin and piano as a child and continues to pursue his love of music today.

Ryan’s commitment to student well-being and his diverse interests bring a fresh perspective to our school board, and we look forward to his continued contributions.

Sam Ojibway has proudly served on the school board for the past six years, bringing a wealth of experience from his career in public service. As both an officer and investigator for Fond du Lac police department, Sam has dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of the community he has called home for most of his life. His deep connection to the area, coupled with his commitment to public service, makes him an invaluable advocate for students, families, and the educational system.

Sue Karp has been an invaluable member of our school board for over ten years, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. As a licensed teacher in the Cloquet School District, Sue served for 37 years, with 27 of those years dedicated to the Gifted and Talented Education program. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education, along with certifications as a Reading Consultant and in Special Education.

Beyond her professional career, Sue is deeply committed to community service. She has been an active volunteer in our local community, including fundraising efforts for the Blackhoof Valley Community Center. Sue also gives her time as a volunteer transport driver, helping individuals get to medical appointments.

Her passion for education and community service makes Sue a strong advocate for students and families, and we are grateful for her ongoing contributions to our school board and community.

Dan Solarz is new to the School Board in 2025. Dan works as the Senior IT Project Manager and Business Analyst at the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office

I lead technology projects and work with teams to make sure everything runs smoothly and gets done on time. My main focus is on making things work better, solving problems, and improving how we do things.

This is my first year on the school board, but I've spent many years helping out on local nonprofit boards, including the boards for the local hockey association and the Carlton-Wrenshall Baseball/Softball Association.

I’m excited to bring my experience with planning, teamwork, and problem-solving to make a positive impact in our school community. I also volunteer as a firefighter with Carlton Fire and Ambulance.

Ben Nilsen is to the School Board in 2025.