Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction. Double click to edit and add your own text.
Bultum Academy is in its third year and, as required by Minnesota charter school law, is holding its board elections. The current board, consisting of five members (three community members, one teacher, and one parent), is fully compliant with state regulations. Founding board members have provided invaluable service, and current members may run for re-election. Teachers, parents, and legal guardians cannot run for community-member positions but may nominate candidates. Eligible voters include parents, legal guardians, licensed teachers, and board members, with each family allotted two votes. Please submit nominations by October 15th, 2024.
School Board
Training
Starting August 1, 2024, new charter school board members in Minnesota must complete training on the following topics both before they begin their term and within their first year in office.Topics required before taking office:
Board Roles and Responsibilities
Open Meeting Law
Data Practices Law
Topics required within the first year:
Employment Policies
Public School Funding
Financial Management
Board’s Role in Student Success
Meet Our Candidates
We are proud to present our diverse candidates for the school board, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Our candidates represent a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and expertise, reflecting the rich tapestry of our community. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment ensures that all voices are heard and valued in shaping the future of our school. Together, they are dedicated to promoting educational excellence and equity for every student.
Teacher Candidates
Robert Stubbs is an experienced educator passionate about providing equitable access to quality education. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mankato State University and an Associate of Science in Elementary Education with Honors from Normandale Community College, he is dedicated to creating a thriving learning environment for all students. He emphasizes forming positive relationships, fostering engagement, and ensuring that each student's needs are prioritized.
​
Currently, he serves as a 2nd-grade teacher at Bultum Academy STEM School, where his leadership and commitment to academic excellence shine through his daily work with students. His experience also includes teaching roles at Cannon River STEM School and District 191 Summer School Program, where he contributed to student success through his innovative approaches to teaching.
​
Robert Stubbs believes strongly in continual professional development and collaboration with parents, colleagues, and students. His dedication to bridging the achievement gap and supporting English Language Learners makes him a strong advocate for the underrepresented communities he serves. As a potential school board member, he aims to bring his deep understanding of the classroom and commitment to educational equity to ensure all students have the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Robert Stubbs is an experienced educator passionate about providing equitable access to quality education. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mankato State University and an Associate of Science in Elementary Education with Honors from Normandale Community College, he is dedicated to creating a thriving learning environment for all students. He emphasizes forming positive relationships, fostering engagement, and ensuring that each student's needs are prioritized.
​
Currently, he serves as a 2nd-grade teacher at Bultum Academy STEM School, where his leadership and commitment to academic excellence shine through his daily work with students. His experience also includes teaching roles at Cannon River STEM School and District 191 Summer School Program, where he contributed to student success through his innovative approaches to teaching.
​
Robert Stubbs believes strongly in continual professional development and collaboration with parents, colleagues, and students. His dedication to bridging the achievement gap and supporting English Language Learners makes him a strong advocate for the underrepresented communities he serves. As a potential school board member, he aims to bring his deep understanding of the classroom and commitment to educational equity to ensure all students have the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Zachary Etter
Zachary Etter is an experienced educator with a background in physical education and Elementary education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Waldorf College and has dedicated his career to fostering student growth both in the classroom and on the field. With a passion for health and wellness education, he has worked as an Elementary Teacher at Bultum Academy and a Physical Education Teacher at Hennepin Schools, where he developed lesson plans, implemented behavioral interventions, and built strong relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators.
​
His commitment to student development extends beyond the classroom, as he has coached junior high and high school baseball, football, and volleyball teams, as well as worked with students in various Special Olympic events. His classroom management skills and focus on inclusivity ensure that every student can thrive, regardless of their individual needs.
Outside of his professional work, Zachary Etter is actively involved in community service, volunteering at Bread of Life at FreedomWorks. His dedication to education, teamwork, and community-building make him a strong candidate for the school board, where he aims to advocate for equitable access to resources and positive outcomes for all students.
Robert Stubbs
Robert Stubbs is an experienced educator passionate about providing equitable access to quality education. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mankato State University and an Associate of Science in Elementary Education with Honors from Normandale Community College, he is dedicated to creating a thriving learning environment for all students. He emphasizes forming positive relationships, fostering engagement, and ensuring that each student's needs are prioritized.
​
Currently, he serves as a 2nd-grade teacher at Bultum Academy STEM School, where his leadership and commitment to academic excellence shine through his daily work with students. His experience also includes teaching roles at Cannon River STEM School and District 191 Summer School Program, where he contributed to student success through his innovative approaches to teaching.
​
Robert Stubbs believes strongly in continual professional development and collaboration with parents, colleagues, and students. His dedication to bridging the achievement gap and supporting English Language Learners makes him a strong advocate for the underrepresented communities he serves. As a potential school board member, he aims to bring his deep understanding of the classroom and commitment to educational equity to ensure all students have the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Sahra Tobe
Sahra Tobe is a dedicated educator and community advocate seeking a position on the school board to enhance the educational experience for all students. Currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Education at Concordia University, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from Augsburg University.
​
Her professional experience as a Community & Family Liaison, both locally and abroad, has equipped her with the skills to bridge communication between families and schools, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive. Sahra has served as a Teacher's Assistant at Bultum Academy, an Early Childhood Educator, and currently works as a Special Education Teacher. In these roles, she has engaged with students, learned about their unique abilities, and built lasting relationships.
​
With strong leadership, empathetic listening, and conflict resolution skills, Sahra is committed to addressing the diverse needs of the school community. She believes that collaboration among parents, educators, and students is essential for fostering a supportive learning environment. Understanding that it takes a village to raise and support bright young minds, she considers it a privilege to be considered for such an important role. Passionate about creating inclusive educational opportunities, Sahra is dedicated to empowering every student to succeed and would be honored to serve on the school board as an advocate for the future of children.
Parent Candidates
Reem Zemam
Reem Zemam is an AI developer and research scientist with a deep passion for utilizing technology to solve real-world problems. Currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, Reem's thesis focuses on developing a cutting-edge neural network model for early breast cancer detection through ultrasound image analysis. This research aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve early interventions using advanced AI techniques.
With a diverse professional background, including roles as a Chief Technology Officer and Systems Analyst, Reem has gained significant experience in technological innovation and data-driven decision-making. Her work spans overseeing technology strategies, developing scalable software solutions, and driving business improvements through AI.
In addition to her technical expertise, Reem is a dedicated mother and a strong advocate for educational excellence, making her an ideal candidate for the school board. She is committed to applying her skills and experience to ensure that all students have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for success. Reem's passion for learning, technology, and community engagement drives her commitment to creating a positive impact on education and student achievement.
Yadata Borana
Yadata Borana is a dedicated business owner and community leader with a strong background in both education and entrepreneurship. He holds an Associate Degree in General Education from MCTC and has experience managing his own freight business, where he oversees operations, financial management, and customer relations. His work demonstrates his ability to lead, solve complex problems, and maintain regulatory compliance in a fast-paced environment.
In addition to his professional experience, Yadata is deeply committed to community service. He currently serves as a board member for Bultum Academy Charter School, where he contributes to policy development, financial oversight, and academic performance monitoring. His work in governance highlights his dedication to improving educational outcomes and ensuring transparency and accountability within the school system.
​
Yadata is also the treasurer of Jaarmaya Aanaa Dadar, a nonprofit organization supporting relief efforts in Oromia, Ethiopia. His role involves managing finances, budget development, and financial reporting, further showcasing his leadership and organizational skills. His diverse experiences and passion for education and community engagement make him a strong candidate for the school board.
Community Members Candidates
Salad Abagira
Salad Abagira is an accomplished IT professional with over four years of experience specializing in technical support, application analysis, and cybersecurity. He holds a Master's degree in Cybersecurity from Walden University and a Bachelor's in Information Technology from Mount Kenya University. His expertise includes deploying secure networks, cloud infrastructure, and performing rigorous software quality assurance.Fluent in English, Swahili, Borana, and Oromo, he brings a global perspective to both their technical work and community engagement.
In his role as an Application Support Analyst, Salad Abagira served as the primary point of contact for technical issue resolution, managing enterprise applications, and enhancing system efficiency. He is passionate about cybersecurity, with hands-on experience in tools like Jira, Splunk, and Microsoft Azure. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving user experience and advocating for security best practices.
​
As a school board candidate, Salad Abagira believes education is the greatest equalizer and the best gift a parent can give. He is committed to advocating for equity in education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to the quality education they deserve. By amplifying community voices, advocating for teachers' welfare, and ensuring fair resource sharing, he is confident in his ability to provide the leadership needed to positively impact students' lives and their futures.
Abdala Yusuf
Abdala Yusuf is a dedicated business owner and community leader with a strong background in entrepreneurship. Since 2010, he has owned and operated multiple businesses in Minneapolis, including Safari Fashion, where he offers Oromo and East African cultural clothing and household goods, and Tawakal Hawal, a money-wiring company that provides financial services and transfers. His successful management of these businesses demonstrates his leadership, organizational skills, and commitment to serving his community. Abdala’s entrepreneurial spirit reflects his ability to navigate complex challenges, manage resources effectively, and create opportunities that benefit his customers and employees alike.
​
In addition to his business endeavors, Abdala is deeply engaged in community service through his work at the Tawfiq Islamic Center. Since 2015, he has been an active member of the fundraising team, organizing events, engaging donors, and promoting charitable initiatives. His dedication to giving back highlights his passion for improving the lives of others and supporting causes that strengthen his community. Abdala’s involvement in both the business and nonprofit sectors showcases his ability to balance diverse roles while making a lasting impact.
​
Abdala’s entrepreneurial experience, leadership qualities, and deep commitment to community welfare make him an exceptional candidate for the school board. He is eager to bring his strategic vision and collaborative approach to ensure the success and well-being of students and families.