Two in Libby file for board

Two candidates — an incumbent and another — have filed for the two expiring seats on the Libby School Board of Trustees. The filing deadline ended Thursday.

In the Troy district, just one candidate filed to fill the two expiring seats on that board. Incumbent Board President John Konzen wants another three-year term.

In Libby, Lori Benson seeks to retain the seat she won three years ago, and Susan Monahan filed to fill the three-year position being vacated by Amy Fantozzi, a new mother.

Benson indicated shortly after the filing period began that she intended to seek another term.

“I feel like it takes awhile to get acclimated,” said Benson, who has two elementary school children in the district. “I am committed to helping the children in this district. I want to do more.”

Months ago, Fantozzi indicated she planned to seek re-election. However, that changed shortly after her daughter, Quinn, was born on Jan. 31.

“I thought about running, but (Monahan) seems like she’d be a good addition,” Fantozzi said. “I talked to my husband, and we just decided we should concentrate on our family. I wanted to be home now, I may run again.”

The board is expected to approve the candidates at its April 14 meeting. Because there were just two filings for the two positions, the need for an election May 6 to canvass voters is unnecessary.

“It saves the district $6,000 or $7,000, the cost of an election,” Superintendent K.W. Maki said.

Like Benson, Monahan has a child in the district.

“I just want to be there for the kids, to be involved in the process,” Monahan said. “There are so many rumors going around. I just want to know where the district is going. I sat in on some of the (superintendent candidate) interviews.”

Other members include Board President Ellen Johnston, Les Nelson, Bruce Sickler, John Carlson and Melissa LaGoy.

In the Troy School District, Konzen was the sole person filing. Konzen, the board president and former Lincoln County commissioner, seeks to retain the post he has held for three years.

Currently, the board is seeking a candidate to fill the other post. Warren Fahner holds that position, but he has sought not to seek re-election.

“We’re still looking for someone from the Yaak to represent the high school,” Konzen said.

Persons interested in that position should contact the board office at 295-4606.

Other board members in the Troy district include Vice Chairman Doug Chapel, Hy Boltz, Alison Lundin and Melinda Thompson.