Libby School Board candidates discuss qualifications, issues
Les Nelson, 72
Incumbent
• Occupation: Retired.
• Children in the district:
I have no relatives in the district – student, staff or administration.
• Why run for school board?
Education is at the core of everything positive in our culture, from economic development to crime reduction. If my background can be useful in enhancing education, I’m willing.
• What unique talents do you have that will aid you in serving the district? If elected, what committees do you think you cold best serve?
I have a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering and a master of divinity degree. I have worked for 10 years in research and development, owned by own business for 10 years and been a parish pastor for 23 years. I am currently serving, or have previously served, on building and grounds, budget and finance, negotiations and insurance committees.
• Have you ever served on a publicly elected board previously?
Yes, this position.
• State the top five priorities you see in serving on the school board?
1) Serving all students. 2) Recruiting and developing the best staff possible. 3) Complete development of students – academic, wellness, physical fitness, arts and communication skills. 4) Good stewardship of the district’s property and physical resources. 5) Openness to change as technology and society change.
• What one thing would you change in the district and how would you enact to achieve that change?
I am not running with an agenda other than providing the best education possible for our students.
• What do you believe the school district does proficiently?
Within the boundaries of Montana Code Annotated and limited and constantly declining resources, I believe the district is doing a very proficient job of educating our children.
• In what area in serving the public is it least proficient?
I would like to see the public better informed and more involved in the schools.
• The district has trimmed its coaching staff, and as it moves forward, how important is athletics to a child’s education? If you have to create a percentage split between academics and athletics, what would it be and why?
Athletics is an important element in education, as are the arts, music and speech. A percentage split, however, is the wrong question; academics and athletics are corroborative in education, they are not in opposition.
• Libby School District is now smaller and leaner than it has been in a very long time. Describe the future you see for Libby Schools in the next 15 years.
Downsizing is a challenge – cutting staff, closing buildings, reducing programs – but it doesn’t have to mean reducing the quality of education. We must, however, be planning now for the district of 15 or 20 years in the future. Our two primary campuses are 44 and 50 years old. Technology is increasing exponentially. What worked 50, 25 or even 10 years ago is not adequate anymore and won’t be in the future.
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John Carlson, 51
Candidate
• Occupation:
Forest Service biologist.
• Children in the district:
Daughter, Anna
• Why run for school board?
I want to support the schools and help. My thought was to volunteer for the school board where my experiences would be best used.
• What unique talents do you have that will aid you in serving the district? If elected, what committees do you think you cold best serve?
I have handled budgets and strategic planning in the Forest Service for the last 15 years. I am a good listener and problem-solver.
• Have you ever served on a publicly elected board previously?
Not on a public board. I have served on boards for several non-profit organizations.
• State the top five priorities you see in serving on the school board?
1) Maintaining the integrity of the curriculum. 2) Fiscal responsibility. 3) Planning for the future. 4) Maintaining extracurricular opportunities. 5) Improved communication for the community.
• What one thing would you change in the district and how would you enact to achieve that change?
One challenge I see is a lack of information sharing to the public. Times of change require increased interaction between all the parties involved. I would work to improve and increase the information to the public.
• What do you believe the school district does proficiently?
The schools do a great job getting students ready for college. My third son is at MSU as a freshman and I see he was well prepared.
• In what area in serving the public is it least proficient?
Information sharing. It is difficult to track school-sponsored activities, district business, decisions, and I have a student in the schools.
• The district has trimmed its coaching staff, and as it moves forward, how important is athletics to a child’s education? If you have to create a percentage split between academics and athletics, what would it be and why?
Athletics is extremely important. The mind and body go hand-in-hand. They both need exercise. If I were to make a split it would be 75 percent academic, 25 percent athletics. Academics, math, science, reading, history etc., are the core of education.
• Libby School District is now smaller and leaner than it has been in a very long time. Describe the future you see for Libby Schools in the next 15 years.
I see the district getting a bit smaller but leveling out with regard to student numbers. The district has done a great job of preparing students and had the highest percentage of graduating students in the state. I would anticipate a continuing emphasis on quality education and preparing young adults to be successful in the endeavors.
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Sarah Crace, 37
Candidate
• Occupation:
Census Bureau field representative at present, traffic control flagger next month.
• Children in the district:
Zach, 16; Alex, 14; Cody, 10.
• Why run for school board?
To be more involved in what happens with our schools.
• What unique talents do you have that will aid you in serving the district? If elected, what committees do you think you cold best serve?
I grew up in the Libby School District, K-12, and having three kids and a niece in the district. I want what is best for them and all the kids of Libby.
• Have you ever served on a publicly elected board previously?
No, I have never served.
• State the top five priorities you see in serving on the school board?
All my priorities are rolled into one, doing what’s best for the children of Libby.
• What one thing would you change in the district and how would you enact to achieve that change?
At this time I don’t know what one thing I would change.
• What do you believe the school district does proficiently?
Doing what’s best for the kids.
• In what area in serving the public is it least proficient?
Keeping the public informed.
• The district has trimmed its coaching staff, and as it moves forward, how important is athletics to a child’s education? If you have to create a percentage split between academics and athletics, what would it be and why?
I feel athletics are very important to a child’s education. There are kids who need the exercise and feeling part of a team. And to be part of a team means they need to keep grades up. Not all kids will go to college with scholarships for grades. The sports scholarships help those children out.
• Libby School District is now smaller and leaner than it has been in a very long time. Describe the future you see for Libby Schools in the next 15 years.
I’m hoping that within the next 15 years, another business opens up or the mine. To bring more families to Libby. Our schools and teachers have a lot to offer the children who live here.