Snyder tabbed to fill Libby Public Schools trustee vacancy

The Libby School Board of Trustees approved a new member of its board recently.

At a special meeting Monday, trustees voted 3-2 to add Walt Snyder to its board. The opening occurred after Katie Benjamin cited work responsibilities that precluded her from handling the obligation to the board, according to Superintendent Ron Goodman.

Benjamin was elected in May 2024.

Snyder will fill the vacancy until the May 2026 election. He also joined three committees, building and grounds, insurance and technology.

Snyder was third in the May 2025 election for two trustee spots. Tony Rebo and Cody Katzer were selected. Andrew “Bo” Alsup was fourth in voting. He also applied for the open spot.

School Board President Alida Snow broke a 2-2 tie when she voted for Snyder. Her reasoning was Snyder would be more available to attend board and committee meetings while Alsup’s current work situation keeps him out of town for extended periods of time.

Snyder and Alsup were each interviewed prior to the board vote. Alsup’s interview was done virtually, owing to him being out of town for work.

“I’m excited for the opportunity and I’ll give it my best shot for the next year,” Snyder said. “I know Tony, Cody and Bo and I think my experiences help me in this position.”

The candidates were asked why they were interested in the position, what they thought were the biggest challenges in the school district as well as its strengths and weaknesses.

Snyder said he would like to see better communication and more parents involved. He also said he’d like to be able to have communication with the teachers.

“To see and hear what the teachers really want and need I think is very important,” he said. “Obviously, the budget is always going to be a challenge.”

Goodman queried him about how he’d work with people who have different viewpoints than his.

“In my work, I deal with a variety of people, property owners, city councilors and you have to be able to communicate well and hear them,” he said. “An old boss of mine once told me, ‘You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.’”

Regarding the balance of academics and activities, Snyder said he thought things were pretty balanced now.

“We hear a lot about kids who are involved in activities and how well they do in school,” he said.

“You commented about a kid who came to practice, but had missed school that day,” board member Bgee Zimmerman said. “How would you hold that kid accountable?”

Snyder suggested that it might not be a bad idea to tie sports participation to school attendance.

Snyder operates his business, Pinnacle Home Inspections, and is the building inspector for the City of Libby and is active in coaching his children’s youth sports teams.