Five Running for Two Spots on Malta Public School Board

Five residents of Malta have presented their signature petitions to vie for the two school board member positions that will be voted on for the Malta School District. The election date is Tuesday, May 7th and is conducted through the Phillips County Clerk and Recorders Office. This is a MAIL IN BALLOT.

Alphabetically, the candidates are Katie Brown, Carter Clausen, Clayton Jesson, Kyle Kluck and Jeff Zieger.

Please exercise your right to vote. The Clerk & Recorder’s Office will be able to tell you if you are registered or not. If you are not registered, you can go to their office on the 2nd floor of Phillips County Court House until NOON on Monday, May 6, to register. On Tuesday, May 7, you can register between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ALL ballots must be completed and mailed in or delivered to the office by 8 p.m. If you mail yours in, allow enough time for the ballot to arrive as no votes will be counted beyond 8 p.m. on Tuesday the 7th.

All candidates were provided with a questionnaire to introduce themselves as a candidate and provide some insight on their ideas, concerns and reason for deciding to run. Their responses are here for your review and consideration. Alphabetically, their responses were:

Question: Share with us about you: your employment; are you married, and if so, your spouses occupation; about your family (and their ages if you want to). Where did you graduate and what schooling do you have? What is your education field(s)?

Katie Brown: I've been married to my husband Ted for 10 years and we ranch as a family in Phillips County. We have three amazingly talented and community involved children, Anna age 11, Will age 8 and Ella age 6. All are currently in the Malta Elementary School. We both graduated in Malta and I pursued an education in ND where I graduated after four years with two Associates in Applied Science degrees. I am a Massage Therapist part time, substitute at the elementary school and fourth generation rancher. My children are the 5th generation of my family ranch and my dad still lives on the home place.

Carter Clausen: I am Carter Clausen and currently employed by the Phillips County Road Department as Road Foreman. I am married to Shyla Clausen who is the Malta Middle School English teacher. I have three children: Payton (23), Connor (20) and Kendall (16). I graduated high school in 1993 from Malta High School and graduated from MSU Bozeman in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management/Biology.

Clayton Jesson: I grew up in Whitewater and graduated in 2008. I am married to Alora, we have three kids Gracie (6) Greta (4) and Greer (2). I work at Ezzie’s Wholesale and Alora works at Montana Roots Accounting.

Kyle Kluck: I am Kyle Kluck, my wife of 17 years, Bridgette, and our two boys (13 and 10), ranch Southeast of Malta. I graduated from Saco High School and then went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree at Northern. Bridgette works at the Phillips County Attorney’s office and serves on the Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices and Malta Kids Club board. When I am not ranching, I am supporting our boys and their classmates in school related activities as well as Shooting Sports, basketball, and track.

Jeff Zeiger: I am Jeff Zeiger, married to Jessica Zeiger. We have three children. Klohie Zeiger (13) she is a 8th grader in the Malta Middle School and participated in volleyball, basketball (middle school/ high school) and track, she is also Student Council President of the Malta Middle School.

McKoy Zeiger (9) is in the 2nd grade. He loves hunting, fishing, being outside, playing baseball and hanging out with his friends. McKinzie Zeiger (5) will be a kindergartner next year and looks forward to meeting new friends, new teachers, getting to see her auntie everyday and having new experiences at the BIG elementary school. Jessy and I have been married for 10 years come this June and I have lived in Malta since 2012.

I graduated high school in 2010 from Big Sandy High School. After high school, I moved back to my home town of Hinsdale, Montana, where I was a ranch hand for two years for the Boucher ranch. In 2012 I moved to Malta to be with my now wife, Jessica and start a new job at Ezzie’s Wholesale.

I am now currently a truck driver for Sysco Food Services here in Malta, and deliver food across the West Highline to schools, nursing homes, and businesses. My wife, Jessica graduated from Malta High School in 2009. She then went on to Billings and received her licenses in cosmetology, along with permanent cosmetics and microdermabrasion, and graduated in 2010.

Jessica is currently a licensed cosmologist and works here in Malta at the 406 salons. She has been in the beauty industry since 2011.

When we are not at our jobs, we are busy chasing kids that are playing sports, or enjoying the outdoors.

Question: What factors did you consider when you decided to run for the School Board?

Brown: I understand that volunteering on a board or for an organization, can take a lot of time and commitment and I am prepared for that.  While I sit on other boards, I am particular in the organizations I volunteer for because if one is not passionate about their time spent, I believe it isn't spent well. I am extremely passionate about my children's education and that is the number one reason I am running for the school board election . 

Clausen: When I decided to run for the Malta School Board 12 years ago, it was a decision that I did not take lightly. I carefully considered various factors. Several key elements weighed heavily on my mind before making the commitment. First, my understanding that the education system is important. Having a wife and many extended family members who are teachers, as well as raising three kids in Malta, I wanted to get involved and significantly contribute to strengthening educational opportunities for not only my kids, but other children. After serving on the school board for several years, I also considered the other demands when deciding to run again. Serving on the school board demands a blend of skills, including leadership, communication, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of educational law, finances, and practices, which I have. I also considered the needs and challenges facing Malta Public Schools and wanted to work to try to solve the issues. I have learned that serving on the school board demands a significant investment of time, energy, and dedication which I believe I have dutifully delivered on behalf of the taxpayers, students, staff, and school district. Other considerations for me have been, I know that as a school board member, I must face difficult decisions when I prioritize the interests of the students, staff, the public school system and taxpayers. As a school board member, we are at the front lines of public criticism. After considering all of these factors, I know I am an excellent candidate for Malta School Board so I may continue to establish a culture of support and success within the community and school district.

Jesson: With three kids coming up in the Malta School, I thought it would be important to give them a voice.

Kluck: I would like to ensure that we are improving communication between teachers, administrators, and parents. I want to foresee that we are not being persuaded by outside influences, i.e. government propaganda. In addition, working in other fields while living in North Dakota and Wyoming, my experience in those communities allows me to bring diversity to the board. It would be a privilege to contribute to the continuation of Malta Schools being a great place to learn.

Zeiger: The factors I considered when I decided to run for school board are: I want to maintain a high expectation when it comes to education for our students all while maintaining the level of excellence that we have currently instilled in our kids.

Question: Do you have any experience in the education and/or on Boards?

Brown: I am Vice President for PC CattleWomen,

President for RCAN; and board member for the County Park Board.

Clausen: I have served on the Malta Public School Board for 12 years, where I have served as vice chairperson and currently serve as chairperson which I have been for the past three years. Through those years, I have served on all the board committees and have been a certified board member by Montana School Board Association (MTSBA). I was also honored to receive the Marvin Heintz Award from MTSBA. I am currently a board member for MREA (Montana Rural Education Association) and MCS (Montana Cooperative Services) which both strive to serve the needs of small schools throughout Montana.

Jesson: Candidate left blank.

Kluck: I served on the Malta Lutheran Church board for six years. I am currently and for the past two years, served on the Local and State Grazing boards.

Zieger: Candidate states was combined in previous reply.

Question: Do you have any concerns about the future and education of the students in the school system?

Brown: Rural education will always present challenges, from access to school for the extremely rural to attracting teachers to our part of the world.

Clausen: There are significant concerns facing the future and education of the students in the school system. One pressing issue is the lack of funding from the state and federal governments for education. With the lack of funding, it can compromise resources, infrastructure, and access to quality teachers and vital programs for our school. Additionally, there is a universal teacher shortage, leading to classes be taught online or even not offered for our students. These challenges intensify the difficulties the teachers face in the classroom, including lack of resources, diverse student needs, behaviors, social, and emotional well-being. Without adequate funding and programs, the educational experience for our students is at risk and could hinder their future success in a competitive world.

Jesson: I feel the school system is very important to our community and to the future of the kids and staff.

Kluck: I do have concerns about our children’s future education, mostly the propaganda our government is pushing. Our teachers and administrative staff are doing a great job of teaching the curriculum required while supporting our children in becoming productive adults.

Zeiger: I believe we have a good system and staff to work with but with the new four-day school week approaching this following year, I presume that there will be some hiccups along the way I plan to advise extra schooling for students that need it on a rotation for Fridays, allowing the opportunities for students to get the extra time needed, if this is something that hasn’t already been introduced into this four-day school week.

Question: How do you feel the school is handling the current budget and sticking to it? Do you feel there are any downfalls? Areas or possibilities for changes?

Brown: There is always room for improvement. I would hope our current board is making knowledge-based decisions for the school.  I am excited to learn more about our school budgets and am confident we can come together as a board to make the best decisions for our students and staff.

Clausen: The budget is always an intricate element of a school district. Think of the district budget as a pie. Each piece of pie is designated for a certain fund or item. These pieces cannot be spent on other areas and are not interchangeable. The management of our school’s budget is commendable, considering the constraints of the fixed funds and rising costs across various areas. By prioritizing essentials such as providing educational materials, staffing, facilities’ maintenance due to our aging infrastructure, as well as maintaining and obtaining reliable busses, lead to student and staff safety and educational needs. Within any school district, there can be numerous unplanned issues occurring but covering those incidentals is also a priority, all while trying to pay a competitive salary to our staff to be competitive in our recruiting and retaining staff. I have attended state legislation sessions to lobby for public school funding and issues, as well as work with other school leaders to help support bills that would assist our school district with funding. Overall, the school’s responsible handling of the budget reflects a dedication to maximizing the resources we have to provide a favorable environment for our students and staff.

Jesson: Candidate left blank.

Kluck: Given my ranching background, I know that budgets can go out the window with one major obstacle. Not having experienced the hurdles our current board was challenged with, I have no room to criticize what they have done. I look forward to having the opportunity to assist in keeping the budget in check.

Zeiger: I believe that there’s always possibilities for change and areas to be changed for example, bus trips, paid meals for student athletes and other extracurricular activities Budgeting in hotel stays not just for when weather is bad, but for times that games are late during tournaments

Question: What is your opinion on the current salaries of teachers and non-certified staff?

Brown: Being a substitute teacher I have learned firsthand that our teachers are underpaid heroes. They give our children the world, the least we can do is make sure they are also taken care of. I would hope in years to come, everyone is on this page and we can competitively compensate for their time and knowledge.

Clausen: I feel that the Malta community has a lot to offer for recruiting and retaining staff. Next year, Malta School District is implementing a four-day school week which will help attract teachers. Our school also attracts teachers because of our continued “Tradition of Excellence” which is demonstrated not only throughout our building by our administration, staff and students, but also in the travels throughout the state with our extra-curricular programs.

Jesson: Candidate left blank.

Kluck: I believe that if we want good teachers, we must be competitive with our surrounding communities’ pay. We also must consider that our budget doesn’t always allow for this. I would work hard at establishing fair wages for all employees while being aware of what our budget allows.

Zeiger: I believe the current salaries of teachers is not enough. I believe what our teachers do day in and day out for our students, let alone what they do year after year out of their own pockets for our students is selfless.

Question: Do you have any ideas for recruiting and/or retaining teachers?

Brown: In any case, a competitive salary is going to help recruit new teachers and help retain the ones we already have. This is a vital topic that needs addressed and I look forward to fully educating myself on this topic and getting a chance to bring concrete ideas and solutions to the table.

Clausen: I feel that the Malta community has a lot to offer for recruiting and retaining staff. Next year, Malta School District is implementing a four-day school week which will help attract teachers. Our school also attracts teachers because of our continued “Tradition of Excellence” which is demonstrated not only throughout our building by our administration, staff and students but also in the travels throughout the state with our extra-curricular programs.

Jesson: Candidate left blank.

Kluck: Making a better work environment for our current staff. I feel if there is better communication between the teachers, administration, and board members this would help improve retention. We need to make sure that the teachers feel heard and appreciated. Shawn Bleth presented us with information provided by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) at the last Community School Board Meeting. According to the most recent data from the Montana University Systems (MUS), there were only 383 education graduates in 2022, and in 2021, 86% of education graduates either left the state or started their careers in another field. Teacher retainment and recruitment is not just a local problem, but a state problem.

Zeiger: Although I do have my concerns about a four-day school week, I think that will benefit maintaining and recruiting teachers, but I also believe a more competitive wage along with benefits at a competitive level will be beneficial as well. Also, keeping an upbeat, high energy school, that people want to be a part of.

Question: Does the school offer adult education classes? If not, do you think they might consider them?

Brown: I am unaware of adult education classes through the school, however, I think this would be an amazing resource for our community, so long as it supports, or at least doesn't take away, funding for our K-12 students.

Clausen: Every year adult education funds are budgeted by the board. The administration has explored different offerings throughout the years. If the administration and community find programs, interest, and available educators, I would support the classes.

Jesson: Candidate left blank.

Kluck: As stated previously, my wife is active on the PCCHC board, and I support their educational classes for parents and our community.

Zeiger: No I don’t think we do and I don’t think we really need to offer them. I believe that Gina Lamb at the Girls and Boys club provides great adult education courses, and therefore, I believe that there isn’t a need for the school itself to provide those adult education courses.

Question: What other boards and committees have or are you currently serving on, and how will this experience and exposure assist in your ability to serve the District?

Brown: Answered up above. With multiple years of volunteer work within the community and within the school system, I am very aware of the collaborative approach that is needed to be successful.  At heart, I believe that if we want to see a positive change we must step up to make it happen.

Clausen: I serve on the MREA (Montana Rural Education Association) and MCS (Montana Cooperative Services) board. In my 12 years on the Malta Public School Board, I have served on multiple committees (finance, transportation, building, personnel, and curriculum) learning all facets of the board’s duties. I attend multiple yearly trainings to learn as much as I can about being an effective board member and how to effectively serve the Malta School District taxpayers the best that I can.

Besides serving on the school board, I have also served on the 4-H/FFA Livestock Committee. I am an active 4-H leader, Malta Athletic Club member, Church member and community member. My wife and I also organized and ran the Malta Youth Flag Football organization for 14 years.

Jesson: Candidate left blank.

Kluck: My experience on the above-mentioned boards has shown that I can work well with others. Listen to all the facts and then make the best educated decision from those facts.

Zeiger: I have not been on any boards; I have been a part of the Malta Athletic Club. I don’t believe that being on multiple boards and committees will prevent me from my ability to serve the district and help make the district better. I do, however, believe that my experience that I’ve had with my current position at Sysco for the last five years involving customer service, will allow me the opportunity to hear people out on their opinions and or problems and allow me the best opportunity to solving, while finding the best solution and or outcome to any situation.

Question: What ideas would you like to bring to the Board for consideration and public input?

Brown: I look forward to the opportunity to become familiar with the issues and challenges the board faces.  I have no agenda going into this position other than the commitment to look at each issue with a fresh perspective and an open heart and make the betterment of our children and community the basis for every decision I make. 

Clausen: Some ideas that I will continue to suggest are maintaining and updating the school’s website and social media accounts which will help keep the community informed of school events. As well as being transparent to the taxpayers has been a goal and will continue to be going forward.

Jesson: Candidate left blank.

Kluck: I am not running for the school board to make drastic changes. My hope is that I can help make improvements and adjustments where needed for the benefit of the kid’s education.

Zeiger: I personally still have concerns about the four day school week and the amount of classroom time our children will be getting as I see education being the most important part of our children’s development and futures.

Therefore, the idea I would like to bring to the board for consideration, and also for public input would be the option for our students to be able to come in on Fridays for X amount of hours for additional help in whatever subject they may be looking for help with . I want to allow all of our students to have an equal opportunity in the classroom for further education and allow all students to be able to receive the education they need all while being at their own levels of learning.

Question: What would you like voters to know when preparing to cast their vote?

Brown: I am excited and passionate about this position. We owe our children the best-well rounded experience in their years during school to set them up for success. My entire life and well-being is based off of agriculture. Each one of us plays an important role in the survival of our community and especially our school systems. I hope to be able to highlight the positives of being a rural ag school and adding a different perspective to an already successful school system.

Clausen: I would like voters to know that I am fully committed to Malta Public Schools. Supporting the students and staff of the district, as well as considering the taxpayers. I will also work diligently to support the operations to continue the “Tradition of Excellence” that Malta has maintained for years. I will always BLEED BLUE!

Jesson: My goal would be to make decisions based on what would be the best for the school district as a whole.

Kluck: Vote for whoever you feel is the best fit for the job. Keep in mind, no one is an expert on any of the above topics. I will work hard to make educated decisions for the best interest for our schools.

Zeiger: I would like to thank all the voters for considering my input, and considering to give me your vote