One Nation, Under God
One Nation, Under God
The Malta and Saco Public Schools will be holding elections for school board trustee positions on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.
In Malta, Doug Ost, Kevin Koss, Cliff Merriman and Levi Tatafu are running for two trustee spots on the school board, one of which Ost currently holds (after replacing Gaelen Curtis) and the other seat to be vacated by RJ Tollefson who isn’t running for reelection. The two positions are for three-year terms.
In Saco, there are three candidates running for two trustee spots on the school board, Jay Yeska, Nena Malmend and Aaron Albus. The two positions are for three-year terms and are currently held by Yeska and Malmend.
Also in Saco, Holly Salveson is running for a spot on this school board, this position is for a one-year term. Salveson is currently a trustee on the Saco School Board and is seeking reelection.
What follows is a question and answer session with each of the candidates.
Malta
Doug Ost
1. Tell us about yourself:
My wife Bonny and I have been married for 38 years. Our children, Mykel Kay, Scott, Zachary, Tony, Eddy, and Tyler have all graduated from Malta High School with Marcus into his freshman year. We have lived in Phillips County for the last 36 years. I attended Northern Montana College as a nontraditional student and received my associate’s degree. My life experience includes ranching / farming, mining, construction, pipelining, and currently active in the oil and gas field industry. I own and operate a water service company located here in Malta. I recently retired after 28 years of volunteer service as an EMT for the Phillips County Ambulance Service. Over the years I have worked alongside some of the most dedicated volunteers throughout Phillips County.
2. What is your motivation for running for school board?
My motivation is driven by strengthening the “building blocks of education” for our students. This task encompasses a wide variety of interests, including curriculum review, student outcome based success, supporting classroom material needs and facility maintenance. Our curriculum should meet both a globally changing job market environment and prepare our students for everyday practical job skills. College or trade school bound students, and immediate job seekers, all benefit from a strong practical curriculum. I have watched my own children’s success as they have taken their different paths into the job market, reflecting on the basic education received at Malta Public Schools. I continually seek input about educational strengths or weakness our students have experienced since graduating. One of my personal goals as a Trustee is to review why we still have some students dropping out of school and what we can do to reduce this number. Supporting the classroom with the tools and materials needed to achieve success is a constant responsibility we all share. An intricate part of education is having a facility that can provide both a safe and productive learning environment. I support maintaining our facilities to a standard that will provide longevity for many future generations.
3. What skills/attributes make you a good school board candidate?
I am a good listener and treat people fairly. I am not afraid to ask the tough questions or to give honest responses for the questions I receive. Having a compassion for education and lifelong learning is an attribute I enjoy sharing as a trustee.
Seven years prior experience on the Malta School Board helped to hone my skills for being a good candidate. I also served as a regional director on the Montana School Board Association. As in the past I strongly support local control in our schools.
4. What issues concern you in education?
Funding: how it is raised and allocated to provide an adequate education for our children.
I do not believe that throwing money at various programs automatically improves education standards for our children. I have always believed the best investment is our staff, seeking and hiring the best. Teachers adapt to meet individual student needs, often without the newest or greatest educational tools available. We expect our children to be able to face the global job market challenges including those that are right here in Malta, Montana. Having a secure and motivated staff here in Malta accomplishes this goal year after year. Other issues include the rising costs for books, materials, equipment, higher Ed tuitions, student behaviors, and the bureaucracy paper work.
5. What do you believe the duties and jobs of a school board trustee should be?
I believe the duties are to provide guidance and governance for the school district as outlined by Montana State Statute. Provide a quality education for all our children; maintain fiscal responsibility and accountability on behalf of all taxpayers and to provide a safe and healthy environment for all our students and employees of District 14A. Additional duties include overseeing the preservation and maintenance of our facilities.
I believe a trustee should listen to their constituents, educate themselves about changing laws that affect education, and provide input for discussion on various issues that come before the board as a whole, while maintaining respect for differing views presented.
Kevin Koss
1. Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised here. I attended Malta High School after going through 8th grade at Sun Prairie. I graduated in 1986 and returned to the family ranch after a couple of years of tech school (Industrial Electronics) and a couple of years working to help pay for school. My dad and I ranched together until he passed in 2007. I continue ranching with my wife (Brenda Moore) and children , Kendal (17) and Kennedy (12).
2. What is your motivation for running for school board?
My motivation is the education of my kids and every other child in school. My wife home schooled our children for six years because we lived so far from town. We started with a hands on approach, and I would like to continue that. I also think the board needs a truly rural voice as well.
3. What skills/attributes make you a good school board candidate?
I think I am calm under pressure and listen well to people. In ranching, there are a lot of things that are beyond your control. That means you must learn to adapt to your situation and think on your feet.
4. What issues concern you in education?
I’m concerned about what the children are learning, as well as how much they’re learning. What kind of effect does “Common Core” have on our local school. The budget is always an issue. How do we pay for all the day to day operations. How do we maintain our great quality of educators and staff, if there is possibly more money to be made elsewhere. Obviously, in this area, the distances traveled to school and activities are big. How do we do it, and maintain safety first?
5. What do you believe the duties and jobs of a school board trustee should be?
I believe the job of trustee will be somewhat like ranching. A person may not be the best in class at any single aspect, but must be good at a lot of things.
A trustee must help put in place those who are the best, for that application. He or she must represent the students as well as the parents and community.
Educating myself on a particular matter is the most important thing I can do to make the best decisions.
Cliff Merriman
1. Tell us about yourself:
1. My name is Cliff Merriman and I farm full-time 15 miles South of Malta with my wife Anna (Barthelmess) and two children; Courtney (7) and Beau (5). I grew up in Texas and Kansas and lettered in football, wrestling, powerlifting, and baseball. I have been involved in agriculture my entire life, being raised on a ranch in Meridian, TX most of that time. I graduated from Tarleton State University, a branch of Texas A & M, earning a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and Range Management. In 2006, while completing my internship I met my wife and we married in 2008. We moved to Wibaux, MT in 2008 when I got a job with the NRCS as a soil conservationist. We wanted to move closer to Malta, near family and friends, and continued to move this direction as job opportunities came up until 2012 when we bought a home and the farm. I love being in Montana and this community, so it’s been a blessing we could move back here to make our home.
2. What is your motivation for running for school board?
I believe in giving back and being invested in the community in which we live. Malta has a great academic and athletic reputation and my children are part of that. It’s true I did not grow up here, but I’m unbiased due to that and we have chosen to make our home here so I’m dedicated to the continued success of the Malta school system.
3. What skills/attributes make you a good school board candidate?
Over the years with my job I have served on several committees and boards, so I am experienced with the way boards functions. In addition, I would say my life and job experiences have taught me how to work with people from all walks of life in an honest, professional and respectful manner. Within my personal business I deal with contracts, budgets, deadlines and crisis management daily. Those are all attributes I hold in high regard and feel they can be used on the school board.
4. What issues concern you in education?
Making sure each child is given fair opportunity to succeed and the tools to be a productive member of our society upon leaving the Malta school system. Traditional education classes are a critical part to the foundation of our success, but I feel vocational and trade classes are equally important and I do not want to see them cast aside. Extracurricular activities are also important to teach kids team work, responsibility and the importance of balancing a workload.
5. What do you believe the duties and jobs of a school board trustee should be?
The number one duty of a school board trustee is to help ensure a safe environment on the Malta campuses for everyone, including students, faculty and visitors. It is also falls on the school board to provide the school system the tools and support they need to succeed! Also, accountability is critical on both sides, the participation and attendance of meetings regularly, listening and considering all sides to an issue, being fair, honest and unbiased towards all.
Levi Tatafu
1. Tell us about yourself:
I am married to my wife, Julia, of almost 10 years. We were blessed with 3 kids; 2 boys and a girl. Luke is our oldest and is 8 years old, Maddy is 6 years old, and Treyson is 8 months old. I am employed by Scout Energy as a pumper. In the summer, I have a side business called Big Sky Turfworx which I install and maintain underground sprinklers, hydroseed new or existing lawns, lay sod, and spray lawns. My hobbies include being at the lake in the summer, and ice fishing with the family in the winter.
2. What is your motivation for running for school board?
My motivation for running for school board is being involved and doing what I can to help the school and community. After talking to some close friends, family, and praying about it, the time just seemed right. Another big factor is that I believe a good school, teachers, and coaches equal a good student which in turn is a great asset to society. Last but not least and as I mentioned above, I have 3 kids who will be going through the Malta School System so it is important to me to try to do my part in helping the kids, teachers, and faculty members to have continued success and growth.
3. What skills/attributes make you a good school board candidate?
One of the skills and attributes that I bring to the table is being a team player. I have worked with people all my life and have learned that working together to meet a common goal is the only way to success. Although working together is great, I do believe that standing up for what you believe and think is right is also very important. Another skill and attribute I have is the experience of running my own business. I have learned a lot about managing my time wisely and working with a budget.
4. What issues concern you in education?
One of the issues that concern me in education is the teachers’ salaries. In order to attract and retain good teachers, I believe we need to continually strive for higher wages in order to compete with districts statewide. Another education issue that I am concerned with is technology. I think the Malta Schools are doing a great job in bringing technology to the classrooms, and I believe it is very important to stay current to better educate the kids.
5. What do you believe the duties and jobs of a school board trustee should be?
There are many duties that school board members have, but the most important job to keep in mind is doing what is best for all students and having the best interest for teachers in mind. I believe a school board needs to work as a team in setting a vision and reaching goals.
Saco
Aaron Albus
Nothing submitted.
Nena Malmend
1. Tell us about yourself:
My name is Nena Malmend. I am married to Andrew Malmend and I have three children and a grandson. My husband and I own the Cabin Café. I’m involved in the community as I am the Chamber President, a school board trustee since 2013-2014 school year, I’m a Rebekah’s member, and also a part of the school co-op committee. I enjoy watching all school activities since my son is a freshman. Any off time my family and I like to fish, hunt, and camp.
2. What is your motivation for running for school board?
I’m very passionate about my position as a Trustee on the Saco School Board. I take in as many training opportunity’s I can and always willing to learn new information like budget information or policy information that is always changing. The quality of education is very important to me. Every child deserves a good education. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful school, great staff, and students.
3. What skills/attributes make you a good school board candidate?
I believe that my ability to learn new things, listen to staff, students and fellow trustees and their requests or comments good or bad. Also how I take the community comments into consideration. I do this because we are all there for one thing, to make sure the students get a great education. It is so rewarding to be a part of such success as you watch the students excel in academics and sports and see our students because of our great teachers.
4. What issues concern you in education?
My biggest concern in education at this moment would be what the legislators will do about school funding. When funding’s get cut then school programs get cut. Another concern would be getting teachers to move to rural areas such as Saco. There are way more positions available than teachers across the state, also teachers tend to go out of state since their teacher salaries are higher.
5. What do you believe the duties and jobs of a school board trustee should be?
I think the jobs and duties of a school board member must communicate the views and decisions back to their constituents, we are locally elected representatives of the public and we are the communities advocate for public education.
I have truly enjoyed my position as a Saco School Board trustee and hope to continue to represent my community and School.
Jay Yeska
1. Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised south of Saco on a farm and ranch. I attended school in Saco and graduated high school there in 1974. I am currently in a partnership with my wife and son with a farm and a small trucking company. All three of my children as well as my wife attended and graduated from Saco Public School. Currently my grandchildren, nieces, and nephew attend.
2. What is your motivation for running for school board?
All communities need their local schools. Keeping the school open is continuing to be a challenge. The tough part is to operate and still provide a quality education. We are fortunate in Saco to have such a dedicated staff who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep everything running smoothly.
3. What skills/attributes make you a good school board candidate?
I have experience on the school board since I am currently serving as a trustee.
4. What issues concern you in education?
Small communities seem to have a more difficult time filling teaching positions. It seems fewer people are entering education as a career. Attracting them to a small community is a challenge. Compensating them while operating under a shrinking budget is tough. Providing health insurance continues to be a major concern. Since the costs are such an unknown for all of us, only time will tell how this will turn out.
5. What do you believe the duties and jobs of a school board trustee should be?
A trustee has to represent everyone in the district; whether it's academic or vocational students. Athletes, musicians, art students; everyone needs to be represented while being fiducious with tax payer money.
Holly Salveson
1. Tell us about yourself:
I am Holly Salveson. I have been a resident of Phillips County most of my life. My husband Ryan and I farm and ranch south of Saco. We have lived in the Saco school district for nine years. We are very blessed to have four boys, three of which are currently enrolled in Saco Public Schools. I enjoy working at home with my husband, spending time with my family, and being involved in my church.
2. What is your motivation for running for school board?
I was appointed to serve on the school board last June. My motivation to seek election to the board is mostly based on the experiences of the last 10 months. I have been very proud to be a part of this group of individuals that come together, to serve our community, by supporting the superintendent and staff of the school for the common goal of providing our students with a quality education.
3. What skills/attributes make you a good school board candidate?
I feel I will be a good school board member because, first of all, I am a mom and understand the importance of a parent’s involvement in their child’s education. I also understand that as parents, educators, and community members we have different ideas and concerns. I appreciate the opportunity to listen to what others have to say. I am committed to making sure that our school continues to operate in a financially responsible way and, although I have learned so much this term, I want to continue to learn all that I can about the school board functions that I don’t fully understand yet.
4. What issues concern you in education?
One of my concerns in education is that we constantly work to ensure that school is a safe, positive environment for students to receive a quality education from quality educators. As a mom, I understand that no two children are alike and so in education we must allow for their unique personalities and learning styles. I believe we need to always be looking for innovative solutions for students to learn in traditional as well as non-traditional ways. Another concern is that we keep our rural school operating. Saco Public Schools provide our students with the tools they need for wherever their dreams take them. It takes the support of the entire community to make sure our students graduate equipped to achieve their goals.
5. What do you believe the duties and jobs of a school board trustee should be?
I believe the duty of a school board trustee is to work with my fellow board members, our superintendent, and school staff to address issues, find solutions, and offer support so that our superintendent and educators can focus on the day to day operations of the school.
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