JODY BAUER
I was born and raised in Balaton, Minnesota, where I attended school and developed the strong community values that continue to guide me today. After graduating, I attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls and earned my Medical Assistant degree. I began my healthcare career at ACMC in Marshall, where I worked for 30 years. Following the transition to Avera, I pursued additional education and earned my Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential. Today, I serve as the HIM/Coding Manager at Murray County Medical Center, a role that allows me to combine my years of healthcare experience with my passion for ensuring quality patient information management. I am the current Vice-Chair of the Tracy Area School Board and the Vice Chair of the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative Board of Directors.
My husband, Bruce, and I still call Balaton home. We are proud parents of two children, Tyler and Sam, both graduates of Tracy Area High School. Sam, Tyler, and his fiancé Alexus, and their children all reside in Balaton also, and we enjoy spending as much time with them as we can. Our Granddaughter Rory recently started Little Panthers Preschool. Watching her begin this exciting new chapter has been a wonderful reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to stay connected to family and community.
2. Although there are no outside challengers for one of the open seats, it’s important to know why you decided to run to keep your seat on the school board. What compelled you to run for another term?
I decided to run for another term on the school board because I believe education is the foundation for everything we do in life. I’ve always felt that if you can read, you can do anything. Reading opens doors to learning, opportunity, and independence, and it provides the skills needed to succeed in whatever path a student chooses.
I believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
