Orono School Board Vice-Chair Sarah Borchers

I'm Sarah Borchers, and I've proudly served on the Orono School Board since 2014. I am committed to advancing Orono Schools' tradition of excellence in education to prepare every single student for the future.

My husband, Brian, and I moved into the Orono School District in 2000, and have enjoyed raising our two kids (currently a Freshman and a Senior) here. From ECFE and Kindergarten readiness classes at the Discovery Center all the way to the High School, the Orono School District has been an amazing place for our kids. 

I have been involved in supporting Orono Schools for over 10 years. I started by co-leading the PTO’s Fun Fest Silent Auction, then moved to serving as a board member on the Orono Foundation. I successfully ran for the Orono School Board and have been proud to serve in that capacity since 2014. 

Outside of serving as a school board member, I enjoy cooking, taking walks with Brian at Baker Park or on the Luce Line, and reading. We have two dogs, two cats, and five chickens.

About Me

Orono School Board Member Sarah Borchers sitting on a swinging bench with her husband and their two daughters standing behind them
Orono School Board Member Sarah Borchers crouching in front of a bed of flowers with her two dogs

My Experience

Since 2014, I’ve served on the Orono School Board. My deep experience in supporting the District’s strategic plan, work on continuous improvement, and understanding of the issues is an asset to the District and the communities we serve. Through hundreds of hours of volunteering, I’ve worked for our citizens to maintain and grow our world-class public school. Having this breadth and depth of experience ensures I can be an informed board member in serving our community. I’ve served on many board committees and as a School Board liaison to several organizations:

  • Association of Metropolitan School Districts 

  • Finance and Facilities Board Committee

  • Orono Action (Legislative Advisory Council)

  • Orono Foundation for Education liaison

  • Strategic Plan Steering Committee

  • Hiring committees for top leadership

  • Curriculum and Accountability Council

  • Community Education Advisory Council

  • Negotiations Committee

  • Orono Middle School Parent Association (OMSPA)

  • Spartan Parent Association (SPA)

  • Staff Development

Other volunteer experience:

  • Current Interfaith Outreach Board Member and Executive Board Member

  • Orono Foundation for Education Marketing Chair (prior to serving on the school board)

  • Orono PTO Fun Fest Silent Auction Co-Chair (prior to serving on the school board)

  • Junior League of Minneapolis, former President (prior to serving on the school board)

My Priorities

Communication

I believe that open and transparent communication with parents, teachers and staff, students, and community members is imperative to the strength of our schools. I’ve worked hard to listen to people with incredibly different viewpoints from one another, in an effort to find the best solutions for our students.

Continuous Improvement

I am committed to engaging with our teachers, staff, parents, students, and outside experts to find ways to serve our students and community better. Excellence is truly Orono’s tradition and a goal we work to reach.

Strong Fiscal Stewardship

As a long-standing member of the Finance & Facilities Board Committee, I am proud of the work we do to effectively and efficiently use the available tax dollars to run a world-class educational organization.

Collaboration

Orono Schools has a history of being run exceptionally well. A key component to this is how the school board works with school officials and outside organizations to find solutions and enhance programs. This ability to collaborate is a strategic advantage for Orono Schools, and that makes a difference for our students.

Endorsements

  • "I had the honor of serving with Sarah on the Orono School Board for two years. She is respected by her other board members, she is focused on the serving the students and citizens of the Orono School District, and relentless in her desire for continuous improvement of our schools."

    John Malone, Past Chair, Orono School Board

  • "We need leaders like Sarah who are not myopically distracted by hot-button issues or preconceived platforms of the moment. Instead, we need Board members who are committed to the greater good and a long-term vision. Sarah has the right temperament to continue Orono School’s tradition of excellence."

    Troy Hutchinson, Medina Park Commissioner and Former Orono Foundation for Education Board Member

  • "Our teachers, administrators, and school board members like Sarah Borchers work tirelessly to ensure that Orono remains at the forefront of education by continuously evolving and adapting to the times. We need selfless individuals like Sarah who have wholly dedicated themselves to the future success of our student body and community on Orono’s School Board!"

    Paul Springmeyer, Orono Alum

  • "I've known Sarah Borchers since she joined the Orono School Board and have witnessed her diligence and positive work style. She is approachable and thoughtful - always keeping the best interests of the students and the school district at the forefront. After the last few years that have been so challenging, the Orono School Board needs Sarah's experience and steady leadership."

    Melanie DeLuca, Ret. Director of Community Education, Orono Schools (1991-2021)

  • "I had the privilege of working closely with Sarah as our School Board liaison for many years during my time on the Orono Foundation for Education (OFE) Board. She is a very thoughtful, collaborative and strategic partner, who brings a wealth of experience and continuity from her own time on the OFE Board that will continue to serve our school board and community for years to come."

    Heather Pilakowski, Past Chair, Orono Foundation for Education

  • "I’ve been impressed with the professionalism and transparency Sarah Borchers brings to her role in the school board. She’s demonstrated the governance and leadership acumen required to navigate challenging times by focusing on what is most important, the well-being and academic progress of all the students in our district."

    Elizabeth Monico, Orono High School Parent

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Early Voting starts Friday, September 23

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