In addition to raising her own children, Marguerite Kaminski has a strong background working with children, mostly in volunteer capacities. It’s that experience she hopes to use if elected to serve on the Whitefish School District Board.

Kaminski has three children who have graduated from Whitefish High and another two who currently attend the school.

She has worked as a volunteer with youth soccer, and has been a swim instructor at The Wave, including being involved in the third-grade swim program. She also is a certified snowboard instructor and has worked as a substitute teacher in multiple grades.

“What differentiates myself from others is my breadth of experience with students of all ages in recent years in paid and volunteer positions around the valley,” she said. “I do have some insight from being in the school, but I would like more.”

Kaminski has lived in Whitefish for eight years. She is an attorney with degrees from the University of New Hampshire and University of New Mexico, and has served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

Kaminski acknowledges that she is facing three incumbent candidates and that she has a greater amount to learn.

“I want to gather knowledge,” she said. “My job is to go in there and learn about the education process. I’m not going to make any changes right away.”

If elected, one of her goals is to make the schools a better place for students. She said she respects the work that’s already been happening, but wants students to be excited about going to school.

“I want to make school exciting and dynamic,” she said. “I’m concerned about students learning the skills to be a good person — in their personal and work life.”

Kaminski believes it’s important students are getting the best education because they are all a potential future voter or juror.

Serving on the Flathead Soccer Club board, she said, has given her the experience of listening to different points of view.

“You have to observe and sometimes hold back,” she said. “You have to hear what people say and then offer your opinion. You have to be a good listener.”