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Meet Kath Hammerseng

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I'm Kath Hammerseng, known around the community as "Just Kath." District 281 has been part of my life for generations. I graduated from Robbinsdale High School, raised my children here, celebrated three graduates of our schools, and now have grandchildren attending district schools.

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As a Realtor serving this community for more than 30 years, I've seen firsthand the connection between strong public schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and thriving communities. Great schools strengthen neighborhoods, support property values, attract families, and create opportunities that benefit everyone.

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Beyond real estate, I've spent decades in community service and leadership. I served on New Hope and West Metro's volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, and I've served on numerous boards and organizations throughout the community, including experience as both a board chair and parliamentarian. That background has taught me how to build consensus, lead through challenges, and help organizations move forward with purpose and integrity.

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I believe District 281 is at a pivotal moment. Our focus needs to be on the future, not the past, and that takes steady leadership, collaboration, accountability, and a renewed vision for our schools.

A Lifetime of Leadership

My experience spans five areas that I believe are directly relevant to serving on the District 281 School Board:

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  • Education and child development

  • Board governance and financial oversight

  • Community building and family engagement

  • Public service leadership

  • Deep District 281 roots and commitment

Leadership Roles, Service, and Positions Held

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  • Candidate, Robbinsdale Area Schools Board of Education (District 281)

  • President, Minneapolis Area REALTORS®

  • President, MAR Foundation

  • Board of Directors, History Theatre (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

  • Chair, Board of Directors, All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church

  • Board of Directors, Self-Esteem Center (Plymouth, Minnesota)

  • YMCA Board Member

  • Volunteer Firefighter, West Metro Fire Rescue District (20 years); Lieutenant (Retired)

  • Founder and Owner, Montessori-based childcare program

  • Curriculum Developer

  • Parent Educator / Adult Education Facilitator

  • Author, Telling Isn't Tattling (Parenting Press)

  • Realtor serving Minnesota families for 30+ years

  • Small Business Owner and Entrepreneur

  • PTA President, New Hope Elementary School

  • School Fundraising Volunteer, Zachary Lane Elementary School

  • Booster Club Volunteer, Armstrong High School Football and Hockey

  • Volunteer and Supporter, Armstrong-Cooper Youth Hockey

  • Founder/Organizer, MAR Foundation's inaugural fundraising gala

  • Graduate, Robbinsdale High School

  • Parent of three Armstrong High School graduates

  • Grandparent of current District 281 students

  • Longtime District 281 resident and community volunteer

Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

Education & Child Development

Early childhood education and school readiness programming, developmental and parent education, adult education and training, curriculum development, Montessori educational practices, family engagement, self-esteem education, youth development, and community-based educational programming.

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Leadership & Governance

Board governance, nonprofit governance, strategic planning, organizational and executive leadership, committee and volunteer leadership, board development, policy development, change management, consensus building, stakeholder engagement, and leading through organizational growth and challenge.

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Financial & Operational Management

Budget oversight, financial stewardship, fiscal accountability, fundraising, donor engagement, event planning and execution, small business management, resource allocation, contract negotiation, organizational sustainability, and risk management.

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Community & Public Service

Community outreach and engagement, public service, emergency response leadership, crisis management, public safety, coalition building, civic engagement, advocacy, and public policy engagement.

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Communication & People Skills

Zublic speaking, facilitation, training and instruction, written communication, community storytelling, conflict resolution, mediation, collaboration, listening and stakeholder feedback, team development, and mentoring.

Why This Matters for District 281

  • Deep, multigenerational connection to District 281 as a graduate, parent, and grandparent

  • Direct experience working with children and families, and supporting teachers and parents

  • School volunteer leadership, including PTA leadership and student activity and athletics support

  • Educational program development experience

  • Large-scale organizational governance experience, including oversight of significant budgets

  • A proven record of fundraising and community partnership development

  • A long history of service-centered leadership

Professional Recognition & Credentials

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  • Minnesota REALTOR® of the Year (2021)

  • REALTOR® of the Year (2015)

  • Anderson Political Achievement Award (2020)

  • Student of Jean Illsley Clarke

  • Board member, Self-Esteem Center

  • Published author, Telling Isn't Tattling

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