Education, Not Indoctrination
Lifelong Brainerd resident. Local business owner. Current School Board member. DJ is running for re-election to keep Brainerd schools focused on opportunity, innovation, and success for every student.
Read the Announcement
Campaign News
For Immediate Release · July 14, 2026 · Brainerd, MN
Longtime Brainerd resident, local business owner, and current School Board member DJ Dondelinger today announced his candidacy for re-election to the Brainerd Public Schools (ISD 181) School Board.
“As a proud product of Brainerd schools and a parent of BPS graduates, I have always believed that every child in our community deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success,” Dondelinger said. “Our district prides itself on opportunity, innovation, and success. I will not accept managed decline for our school system. It is critical that we uphold and improve upon the benchmarks we have for our schools in Brainerd.”
“District 181 is losing students and quality teachers at an alarming rate and we can’t just sit back and watch. It is time we get back to the basics. We must support our BPS teachers, empower parents, and provide the students with the education they deserve.”
Dondelinger filed for re-election during the official candidate filing period and is seeking another four-year term on the ISD 181 School Board. He remains committed to community involvement and ensuring Brainerd schools continue to deliver opportunity, innovation, and measurable success for all students.
Where DJ Stands
School should be about education, not indoctrination, because every child deserves the opportunity to learn at the highest level. DJ’s priorities put students, teachers, and parents first.
Focus the classroom on reading, writing, math, science, and fundamental life skills that prepare students for college, vocational training, or whatever path they choose. Not political agendas.
District 181 is losing quality teachers at an alarming rate. DJ will keep fighting to support BPS teachers so the best educators stay and teach right here in Brainerd.
Parents belong in the discussion about what is being taught to their children. DJ will keep bringing parents back to the table on curriculum and classroom materials.
No “managed decline.” DJ will hold the district accountable for enrollment, standards, and results, and demand the same fiscal discipline he brings to running a business.
I’m not a politician, but a citizen who answered the call to serve my community and fix issues at the local level. It is not lost on me that you elected me to fulfill the promises I made… I don’t take this responsibility lightly. Now the real work begins. Onward.
The Record
In 2022, Brainerd made DJ the top vote-getter for School Board. He’s spent his first term doing exactly what he said he would.
Elected by his fellow board members to serve as clerk of the ISD 181 School Board.
Pushed for competitive bidding, scrutinized district contracts, and called for right-sizing administration as enrollment declined.
Joined more than 100 school board members from across Minnesota urging state leaders to keep girls’ sports for girls.
Fought to give parents a real voice on curriculum, library materials, and invasive student surveys, keeping the focus on academics.
Meet DJ
DJ Dondelinger grew up in Brainerd and graduated from Brainerd High School alongside his wife, Kris. Their two children, Max and Mackenzie, are BPS graduates too. For the Dondelingers, Brainerd schools aren’t an abstraction. They’re family.
