About Malai
A Lifelong Advocate for Students
A Lifelong Advocate for Students
Malai Turnbull, Ph.D., is a dedicated advocate for students with nearly two decades of professional experience in public education. He brings the perspective of both a former teacher and current school administrator, with extensive experience in special education where he has championed the needs of students with disabilities. Malai is deeply committed to fostering a culture that celebrates all forms of diversity.
As a public school graduate, Malai has spent most of his life in public education and understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities students face. He has devoted his career to advancing equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning, while building strong partnerships with families, staff, and communities. He has been a proud resident of St. Louis Park for nearly a decade.
Malai wants to bring his experience as an educator to the board. Malai’s vision for the St. Louis Park School Board is to ensure all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential and teachers are equipped with the necessary resources to meet the demands of their students. He is committed to collaborative, transparent, and accountable leadership, advocating legislatively on behalf of the district and community, and promoting St. Louis Park as a vibrant, desirable district for students, families, and staff.
Licensure: K-12 Special Education - Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Director of Special Education, K-12 Principal
Education:
Ph.D. Education Policy & Leadership - University of Minnesota
M.A. Special Education - The George Washington University
B.A. History & Political Science - University of Minnesota
Malai’s Top Priorities for St. Louis Park Public Schools
Malai’s Campaign is Built on Communication, Collaboration, Transparency and Trust
Access and Inclusion
Malai is committed to access and inclusion, with a focus on students with disabilities. He believes neurodiversity should be celebrated and will work to ensure all students have equitable access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Strategic Plan and Mission
Malai supports the district’s mission and vision and will keep them at the center of decision-making. He is committed to advancing the district’s strategic plan, ensuring policies and practices align with preparing students for life beyond school.
Recruitment and Retention
Malai will prioritize recruiting and retaining excellent staff, students, and families. He will promote St. Louis Park as a destination district—a place where educators want to work, and where students and families are eager to learn and grow in a vibrant, welcoming community.
Vision
What Sets Malai Apart - Experience
01
Bringing Teacher Perspective to Policy Decisions
An Educator’s Voice Where It Matters Most. As a former teacher and current educator, Malai knows firsthand the realities of the classroom—lesson planning, differentiated instruction, IEP meetings, and supporting students and families through both successes and challenges. Today, in his role supporting teachers and special education programs, he brings on-the-ground knowledge to ensure policies are shaped by what truly works for students and educators.
02
Empower Students and Staff Every Day
Putting Kids and Teachers at the Center of Every Decision. No one cares more about student success than Malai. On the board, he will champion resources that directly impact kids, advocate for teachers' thoughtful curriculum adoption, policies, procedures, and support the rollout of the district’s strategic plan in ways that are both transformative and teacher-centered.
03
Strengthening School-Community Partnerships
Strong Schools. Strong Community. As a board member, Malai will work to ensure the community and school district remain connected and work together in partnership. collaborate, and work together. SLP is not just home to Malai, SLP means family. Malai will serve as steward of the community to help continue to market St. Louis Park as a wonderful place to enroll your student, and raise a family.
04
Connecting Schools with the Community & Championing Change at the Legislature
Families First, Every Voice Heard. Educators naturally build trust with families and community partners. On the board, Malai will serve as a liaison—listening to staff and parents, translating their input into actionable goals, and fostering meaningful partnerships that enrich students’ lives. He will also advocate at the state level to secure resources that strengthen both the community and our schools.
05
Informed by Data, Designed for Students
"Priorities That Put Students First." Every budget decision impacts our classrooms—staffing ratios, technology, facility upgrades, and vital support services. With his experience, Malai will ensure that dollars go where they matter most: directly into student support and teacher resources—while maintaining fiscal responsibility. He will also pursue creative strategies to boost enrollment and increase revenue, strengthening our schools for the future.
06
Shape Long-Term Vision of St. Louis Park
"Planning Today for Stronger Schools Tomorrow."School boards set the trajectory for years to come: future strategic plans, facility bonds, curricular adoption, equity initiatives. My classroom lens will keep that vision grounded in fairness—making sure policies dismantle barriers and lift all learners, and promote St. Louis Park Public Schools as a destination district.
What Sets Malai Apart
Inclusive, Student-Centered Leadership
Equity for Every Student
Inclusive Vision
Decades of Experience
Advocacy for Disabilities
Community Partnership
Future-Focused Leadership
As an experienced educator, Malai has the passion and the practical know-how that a school board desperately needs. Running is an opportunity to turn firsthand insights into strategic decisions—shaping an educational system that truly serves every learner, every teacher, and every family in our community.
1-Bringing Teacher Perspective to Policy Decisions
An Educator’s Voice Where It Matters Most. As a former teacher and current educator, Malai knows firsthand the realities of the classroom—lesson planning, differentiated instruction, IEP meetings, and supporting students and families through both successes and challenges. Today, in his role supporting teachers and special education programs, he brings on-the-ground knowledge to ensure policies are shaped by what truly works for students and educators.
2-Empower Students and Staff Every Day
Putting Kids and Teachers at the Center of Every Decision. No one cares more about student success than Malai. On the board, he will champion resources that directly impact kids, advocate for teachers' thoughtful curriculum adoption, policies, procedures, and support the rollout of the district’s strategic plan in ways that are both transformative and teacher-centered.
3-Strengthening School-Community Partnerships
Strong Schools. Strong Community. As a board member, Malai will work to ensure the community and school district remain connected and work together in partnership. collaborate, and work together. SLP is not just home to Malai, SLP means family. Malai will serve as steward of the community to help continue to market St. Louis Park as a wonderful place to enroll your student, and raise a family.
4-Connecting Schools with the Community & Championing Change at the Legislature
Families First, Every Voice Heard. Educators naturally build trust with families and community partners. On the board, Malai will serve as a liaison—listening to staff and parents, translating their input into actionable goals, and fostering meaningful partnerships that enrich students’ lives. He will also advocate at the state level to secure resources that strengthen both the community and our schools.
5-Informed by Data, Designed for Students
"Priorities That Put Students First." Every budget decision impacts our classrooms—staffing ratios, technology, facility upgrades, and vital support services. With his experience, Malai will ensure that dollars go where they matter most: directly into student support and teacher resources—while maintaining fiscal responsibility. He will also pursue creative strategies to boost enrollment and increase revenue, strengthening our schools for the future.
6-Shape Long-Term Vision of St. Louis Park
"Planning Today for Stronger Schools Tomorrow."School boards set the trajectory for years to come: future strategic plans, facility bonds, curricular adoption, equity initiatives. My classroom lens will keep that vision grounded in fairness—making sure policies dismantle barriers and lift all learners, and promote St. Louis Park Public Schools as a destination district.
Get Involved
Upcoming meet-and-greet events, school board forums, and listening sessions will be listed here. RSVP links will be added as they’re announced.