Get to Know the Candidates
The St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees invited candidates for the St. Tammany Parish School Board to complete our 2026 School Board Candidate Questionnaire.
The questionnaire gives candidates an opportunity to share their priorities, experience, and views on issues that affect our public schools, employees, students, and community.
Candidates were asked the same questions on topics including:
- School Board governance and accountability
- Collective bargaining
- Employee pay and working conditions
- Recruitment and retention
- Teaching and professional autonomy
- Safe and supportive schools
- Student programs and opportunities
- Artificial intelligence, technology, and screen time
Candidate Responses
Completed questionnaires will be posted below as they are received so Federation members and the public can learn more about the candidates and compare their responses.
* Indicates a contested School Board race.
New indicates an uncontested candidate who is not the current School Board member.
District 1*
Geoffrey "Geoff" Hingle (R)
Questionnaire not yet received
Brandi Lopez (R)
District 2
Roslyn H. Hanson (R) - Incumbent
Questionnaire not yet received
District 3
Adaline Villneurve Rutherford (R) - Incumbent
Questionnaire not yet received
District 4
Kalinda Fauntleroy (R) - Incumbent
Questionnaire not yet received
District 5*
Miranda Buras (D)
Charles Brandon Harrell (R) - Incumbent
Questionnaire not yet received
Tammy Harwell Penton (R)
District 6*
Amanda Reed Martin (R) - Incumbent
Erin Oramous (R)
Questionnaire not yet received
District 7*
"Ben" Banchs (No Party)
Isabelle Moore (R) - Incumbent
District 8
"Mike" Peterson (R) - Incumbent
Questionnaire not yet received
District 9*
Reid Mahne (R) - Not Seeking Endorsement
Samantha Ronquille (R)
District 10
Nicolle Balser (R) - New
Questionnaire not yet received
District 11*
Pamela Hotard (R)
Jesse “Bert” Stephens (R)
Questionnaire not yet received
District 12*
Michelle Hirstius (R) - Incumbent
Heath Panks (R)
Questionnaire not yet received
District 13
James Braud (R) - Incumbent
Questionnaire not yet received
District 14
Ronald Randolph (D) - New
Questionnaire not yet received
District 15
Michelle Ruffino Gallaher (R) - Incumbent
Questionnaire not yet received
About the Federation's Endorsement Process
Candidate questionnaires are one part of the Federation's endorsement process. The Federation also considers candidate interviews, public records, and other relevant information. Candidates do not have to agree with the Federation on every issue. We value clear and candid responses that explain the principles and information that would guide their decisions.
Posting a candidate's questionnaire on this page does not indicate an endorsement by the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees.
View the Questions
Want to see what candidates were asked?