“I want to help make ISD181 the best it can be!”
Mark’s story
Lelwica grew up in Staples and attended the University of Minnesota before entering the workforce and marrying his wife, Amy (Schmitz), a Brainerd High School graduate and local physician. Together, they have three children who graduated from Brainerd High School. The Lelwica family has called Brainerd home since 2008, building careers, raising their family, and investing in the community they love.
Lelwica’s decision to run for the ISD 181 School Board grew from his commitment to serving others and investing in the Brainerd Lakes Area. After months of thoughtful consideration, encouragement from family, friends, and community members confirmed his desire to serve.
“I’d be honored to serve on the School Board and help further grow and develop our district’s staff, students, and their role in the community.”
Growing up in a small town instilled in Lelwica the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and service to others. Those values have guided his lifelong commitment to strengthening the community and bringing people together.
Forward
Lelwica considers his most important role to be that of a stay-at-home father. During those years, he volunteered in his children’s schools, coached and supported youth sports, participated in YMCA programs, served through his church, and contributed to community activities—experiences that gave him a firsthand understanding of the importance of strong schools, engaged families, and a connected community.
As President and Co-owner of Roundhouse Brewery for more than a decade, Lelwica has built relationships across the Brainerd Lakes Area. As a small business owner, he understands the role education, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations play in preparing students and supporting a thriving community.
Lelwica’s faith serves as the foundation for his character and leadership. “Effective district leadership begins with listening to all sides, studying the facts, and making decisions that serve the best interests of students and staff,” he said. “I want to help us work together and move forward in a healthy and constructive manner.”
Together
Those who know Lelwica describe him as a person of common sense, integrity, and compassion—someone who listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions, considers multiple perspectives, and works respectfully toward practical solutions.
“As a School Board member, I will work collaboratively and focus on solutions that strengthen ISD 181 for current and future generations,” Lelwica said. “Leadership is about bringing people together around a common purpose, and I am prepared to serve the Brainerd community with integrity, respect, and dedication.”
