2 other council members not running for re-election

Third Ward Councilor George Marin announced Monday night he will run for Albert Lea School Board in November’s election.

Marin, 48, pastor of Grace Christian Church, said running gives him a chance to contest races that have been uncontested.

He said his experience as city councilor will help him lend trust, transparency and experience to the School Board.

He hopes to provide a voice to teachers, parents and students.

“People want to be heard, and they deserve to be heard,” he said.

Marin’s wife, Jill Marin, is a School Board member. She plans to remain on the board if he is elected.

The terms of Julie Johnson, vice chairwoman; Linda Laurie, clerk; and Bill Leland, director; will expire this year. Voters will be able to select up to three candidates. The three with the most votes will win the seats.

George Marin said he loves education, believes in families and children and wants teachers to have a strong voice through the School Board.

He described attracting and retaining teachers as “huge,” and added he will push for good, healthy initiatives to draw teachers.

He said finding out how to attract and retain teachers is important, but noted he supports keeping the current coaches who are not full-time teachers.

Marin has launched a Facebook page, Time For Change, meant to recruit new candidates for Albert Lea City Council, Freeborn County Board of Commissioners and Albert Lea School Board.

Marin has been a chaplain for 22 years at Fountain Centers, serving the women’s and adolescent units. He conducts ministry at the Freeborn County jail, is chairman of the Albert Lea Human Rights Commission and works closely with Albert Lea Salvation Army.

Last summer, Marin led a team that helped serve at the Salvation Army’s soup kitchen.

Fifth Ward Councilor Larry Anderson and 1st Ward Councilor John Schulte V also announced they will not seek re-election.