Allyson Sellwood is a mom of three young Zephyrs, a thirteen-year veteran of local government, and a certified professional project manager. She's running for school board to keep Mahtomedi's schools the heart of this community.
Vote Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · Mahtomedi Public Schools, ISD 832
Allyson's Priorities
That's how Allyson approaches every project, and it's how she'll approach every decision on the school board.
Mahtomedi schools' reputation was earned in its classrooms, and that's where it will be kept. Allyson will keep the district's focus on strong academics and real outcomes, so that every student, at every level, is known, challenged, and prepared for what comes next.
Allyson has watched Mahtomedi teachers meet her own kids exactly where they are. Great districts keep great teachers by respecting their time, backing them in the classroom, and making Mahtomedi a place the best educators want to build a career.
New state mandates have added real, ongoing costs without permanent funding to match. Allyson has spent her career where state policy meets local budgets. She'll plan for these costs honestly, push for the state to fund what it requires, and protect Mahtomedi's classrooms.
Meet Allyson
Allyson was raised in Wisconsin, where her mother and grandfather spent their careers teaching in Milwaukee-area schools. After graduating from Brookfield East High School in 2005, a degree in history and political science from Winona State University grew into a career in public service. She served as a student trustee on the board governing Minnesota's state colleges and universities, worked at the Minnesota House of Representatives, and has spent thirteen years at Hennepin County, as policy aide to the chair of the county board, and now guiding strategic initiatives for the county.
In 2016, Allyson married Joe Sellwood (Class of 2004) and married into Mahtomedi. Her late father-in-law, William “Bill” Sellwood (Class of 1976), loved Mahtomedi deeply and spent his adult life giving back to the community as a coach and mentor. Joe grew up a Zephyr, and through him, Allyson learned to love Mahtomedi.
Today, Allyson and Joe are raising the third generation: Whitford (Class of 2036), Aurora (Class of 2038), and Evelyn (Class of 2040). With two kids already in district classrooms and a third close behind, Allyson has seen firsthand what makes Mahtomedi special, starting with teachers who know her children by name and tailor their teaching to each child's strengths and needs.
She is running because Mahtomedi's schools are the heart of this community, and she wants to keep them strong. Keeping them strong takes more than good intentions; it takes someone who reads government budgets line by line, knows how decisions made in St. Paul land on the school district, and does the difficult work of planning ahead. As a certified professional project manager, Allyson approaches every issue the same way: define the goal, listen to the people affected, follow the money, and measure the results.
Allyson and Joe live in Mahtomedi with Whit, Rory, and Evy. Now, Allyson is asking for a chance to serve the community she chose.
A Zephyr Family
From Bill's Mahtomedi education to Whit, Rory, and Evy's, the Sellwoods have called Mahtomedi schools home for more than 50 years.
Get Involved
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Questions about the campaign or ideas for our schools? Allyson wants to hear from you.
Support the Campaign
Lawn signs, literature, and postage add up fast in a local race. A contribution of any amount — from $5 to $600, the maximum an individual can give under Minnesota law — helps Allyson reach every voter in the district before November 3.
Questions about donating? Email Allyson@Allysonsellwood.com
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Allyson Sellwood for Mahtomedi School Board 290 Kenwood Street