Taunya Kolbinger

Taunya is a parent of two elementary-aged children in the district.  She and her family moved to the area in 2019 so that her children could benefit from Minnetonka's outstanding educational opportunities. Taunya contributes to the PTA by: helping to organize school events that bring families together, partnering with school leaders and educators to advance Board goals, and building connections among families. She aims to foster positive environments and experiences.  When she's not involved in education-related efforts, you can find her hiking, reading, or attending a concert.

As a middle school Language Arts teacher for 14 years, Taunya has firsthand experience with what it means to ensure educational excellence and a safe learning environment for all. She focuses on centering learners and their needs while experiencing financial constraints and connecting policies to practices. She has served in various school leadership roles throughout her time as an educator. Raised in Mankato, MN, she earned her undergraduate degree in Teaching Communications Arts and Literature 5-12 from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She went on to obtain her K-12 Reading License from the U of M-Twin Cities and her Master of Arts in Literacy Education from Hamline University. 

Taunya is passionate about ensuring students' well-being and is skilled in fostering strong partnerships between classrooms, students, and caregivers. She currently volunteers on the district's Mental Health Advisory Committee and the Teaching and Learning Advisory Committee, helping highlight issues that have a significant impact on our children. Taunya is familiar with the School Board's vision, annual board goals, and policies. She will  advocate for student-centered decisions that result in excellence in student learning and support, and a robust public education system for all Minnetonka Public School families. She is dedicated to elevating perspectives from the community to make informed decisions.