Greetings- my name is Ryan Walseth. It is truly a privilege to have been elected as a Director on the Thief River Falls School Board. I grew up and graduated as a Prowler in 1989 and am proud to be serving the same school district that prepared me for the future.

I am serving my third year as Board Chair and serve on the Facilities Committee, Transportation Committee, Strategic Planning Board Committee, Activities & Athletics Committee, Technology Advisory Committee and MEC Outreach. 

I was also just elected to my second term on the Minnesota Rural Education Association- which represents 237 rural school districts throughout Greater Minnesota. As a product of rural education, I believe that it's important that our kids get the same opportunities as those in the metro areas.

My day job is as the President of Bergan Travel in Thief River Falls, which has been a very enjoyable career for the past 17+ years. I have also served as Chair of the TRF Downtown Development Association and Chair of the TRF Chamber of Commerce. I have a lot of pride in Thief River Falls and will work hard to keep it as a great place to live and work. I strongly believe in volunteering for these and many other great organizations, in order to give back to Thief River Falls.

I have three children - Leyton, 22, Georgia, 17, and Brielle, 15, who are, and will be, graduates of Lincoln High School. These are three very important reasons that having safe and strong schools are important to me. In the summer, we like to travel (of course) and spend time with family at Maple Lake. You will likely catch me traveling to see a Pearl Jam concert or two each year, as well as listening to vinyl in my spare time. 

We have such a great place to live- I really do appreciate what we have in Thief River Falls. I also believe that with a little work and common sense, we can make it even better.