Board of Education Members

Mary Granlund, Chair | Elected 2016, Reelected 2020, 2024

GranlunM@colheights.k12.mn.us

• University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, BA Psychology
• University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, MA in Social Work

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Day Treatment Program Manager - The Lorenz Clinic of Psychology

• Board of Education Subcommittee on Policy
• Liaison to Columbia Heights High School 
• Board of Education Chair

• Valley View PTO - President from 2013-2017, weekly classroom volunteer - 2012-2020, Columbia Heights Bridge Team Community Representative - 2016, Vote Yes Committee - 2017 and 2018

• SACA volunteer, Co-Founder of Citizens for Safer Streets

Laura Palmer, Vice Chair | Elected 2010, Reelected 2014, 2018 and 2022

PalmerL@colheights.k12.mn.us

• Glenbard West High School

• Vice President of Asset Management, Custom Art Framing

• Northeast Metro Intermediate District 916 Board
• Board of Education Subcommittee on Community Engagement
• Liaison to Valley View Elementary
• Board of Education Vice Chair

• Neighborhood Watch Captain, Columbia Heights

Michelle Pettway, Clerk | Appointed 2022, Elected 2023, Reelected 2024

PettwayM@colheights.k12.mn.us

• Charles F. Brush High School - Lyndhurst, OH, Sanford Brown College - Medical Assisting, NewBridge Training Academy - Phlebotomy, American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) - Medical Coding

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) at Allina Health - Orthopedic Specialty

• Liaison to Brightworks
• Liaison to the City of Hilltop
• Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD)
• Board of Education Subcommittee on Community Engagement 
• Liaison to Columbia Academy (July 1, 2025-January 6, 2026)

• Co-Parent Facilitator to the Families of Color Affinity Group at North Park School for Innovation

Julie Houle, Treasurer | Elected 2022

HouleJ@colheights.k12.mn.us

• DeAnza College - Associate Degree in Business Administration,  California State University - B.S. Accounting

• Engagement Director, Consulting & Accounting Solutions Team - CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP)
• Certified Public Accountant - Active License in MN
• Certified Internal Auditor

• Liaison to the City of Fridley
• Board of Education Subcommittee on Policy
• MSHSL
• Liaison to North Park School for Innovation (July 1, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026)

• In-home host and facilitator for classes in Biblical Citizenship

Jessica Medearis, Director | Elected 2022

MedeariJ@colheights.k12.mn.us

• West High School, Madison, WI
• University of Minnesota - Twin Cities- B.A. Journalism (Strategic Communication)
• William Mitchell College of Law - J.D

• Special Assistant to the President, Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College

• MSBA Legislative Liaison
• Liaison to the City of Columbia Heights
• Board of Education Policy Subcommittee
• Parlimentarian
• Liaison to the Family Center (July 1, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026)

• Early Childhood Parent Advisory Committee - Vice President from 2015-2017, Vote Yes Committee - Volunteer in 2018, Valley View Principal Search Committee - Parent Representative in 2019, District Calendar Committee - Parent Representative, District Title I Meetings - Parent Representative for HL and VV, Valley View PTO - President from 2018-2021, District Finance Committee - Parent Representative from 2019-2022, and Highland PTO - President since 2022

• Citizens for Safer Streets - Member, and Columbia Heights Election Judge - 2019-2020

Lorien Mueller - Temporary Appointment (November 2025-April 2026)

MuellerL@colheights.k12.mn.us

• Winona State University - Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
• South Dakota State University - Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Resource Development

• Vice President of Asset Management, Great Lakes Management

• information to come