My name is Jared Kainz, and I have been a member of the Thief River Falls School Board since 2025. I attended Washington Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, and Lincoln High School graduating as a Prowler in 1989. I have many fond memories of my time in school and being involved in sports during that time. Looking back there were many teachers and coaches that had a positive impact on my development as a student, and I still carry those experiences with me to this day. Many things have changed since 1989, and I am honored to be a part of the School Board to help steer our district through the changes yet to come.

I am serving on the following groups or committees; Athletics and Activities Group, Meet and Confer Outreach, Strategic Planning Committee, Transportation Committee, Wellness, Staff Development Advisory Group, and Multi Events Center Outreach.

My family holds education in the highest regards, having many members that have spent their careers as educators or involved in other roles within schools, me included. I am a school based mental health therapist, having provided therapy in several different schools in the state over the past 14 years.

I am married to my wife Stephanie, who is a passionate and devoted 4th grade teacher at Challenger Elementary School. We have two children, Isabel and Jack, both attending Challenger Elementary School. I am beyond happy that our children will learn and grow in the Thief River Falls School District and will be Prowler Grads in ’32 and ’35, respectively.