Tuesday, May 5, Alberton School District 2 of Mineral County will have a mail-in election for two school board trustee positions. Two candidates and the incumbent were all asked the same questions.

Cody Nagy (Incumbent)

What are your qualifications to be a school trustee?

My name is Cody Nagy, I am a third-generation Alberton Graduate and have been in this community my entire life. I have served on the school board for 4 years and when I started, I volunteered for the position because no one else was interested and the school administrators/faculty trusted in me to take on the role.

Why did you decide to run for this position?

I am running for re-election because I have a vested interest in this school/community and would like to be a part of the growth and path to success. While I feel great about the direction the school is headed there is always room for improvement and to be a voice from the community and taxpayer is a personal obligation to me.

What do you like about the school district?

Being born and raised here I am a small school advocate and always will be, the more a teacher is able to interact on a personal level with students, I feel will always set them up for a better future in life.

What are your views on the use of technology?

Technology is an everchanging resource in today’s society and educating our students on the newest part of this is the best way to set them up for success in the future. As a school district we should always be looking to improve in this area to keep up with the schools around us.

What, if any, improvements do you feel are necessary?

The two biggest things for me would be the state of the school itself, it needs a major facelift to make it more appealing and presentable to everyone. There are many projects that have already begun but I feel we need to take whatever measures necessary to uplift the entire school. The second thing would be extracurricular participation with students. The number of students that participate in extra curriculars is at an all-time low. We as a community and school need to figure out why this is happening and try to educate the students on how much these activities can help in everyday life from social skills to learning that putting the work in for something will achieve a greater reward.

Gary Gagliardi

What are your qualifications to be a school trustee?

I am an active member of the community, and parent of two children. I have a vested interest in the health and wellbeing of the students and staff, both in the school and the community.

Why did you decide to run for this position?

As a parent of two young children, one who will be starting in the school system this fall and the other next year, I feel it’s important to be involved in and supportive of our community. I am especially inspired to do things to benefit children, since they are our future. I feel that ensuring the best educational opportunities and settings is very important. I think having at least some of the trustees be parents who have children in the school system is a good thing.

What do you like about the school district?

I like the strong sense of community that we have.

What are your views on the use of technology?

Obviously, technology plays an important role in our society and culture today. I believe it is important that children are exposed to and comfortable with using technology, but I also feel it is important that they are taught responsible use. I think it is key that children learn from a young age about responsible internet and social media use. Too many young people today are too immersed in online stuff, like social media, that it causes their emotional and mental health to suffer as well as a deficit in their social skills.

What, if any, improvements do you feel are necessary?

I cannot point to any specific improvements that I feel are necessary. I think it is important that we remain flexible and ready to adapt to the different needs of our students and situations that may arise. In a small district like ours, the ability to adapt quickly can be a huge asset. I believe that being open minded to alternative avenues of education in lieu of a more classic approach can be beneficial to our students if it suits their particular needs better. I do not believe in a “one-size fits all” education and believe our school has already taken some steps to move away from that formula. I hope we can continue to make progress in that area.

Jane Moore

What are your qualifications to be a school trustee?

My qualifications for school board are varied. I have worked for the past almost 50 years in many different aspects of business

including accounting, management as well as work as a janitor and cook. This does give me a view from all aspects of how business works. Why did you decide to run for this position?

I am runner for school board because I believe that our schools are important and need to be about giving our children the best education possible. I do have two grandchildren in our school and want them to be qualified to go to college if this is what they choose. There is a lot of things I see that could be improved upon. There is also great things this school has to offer.

What do you like about the school district?

Our school being small gives the children a great opportunity with smaller classes there is more time for one on one teaching making sure the kids succeed. We have great teachers and support staff.

What are your views on the use of technology?

Technology is one thing the kids today need to succeed. Everything in today’s age is technology based however I still believe children should be taught how to do things without technology we all have become very dependent.

What, if any, improvements do you feel are necessary?

The biggest thing I see that needs improvement communication with parents, teachers, staff and administration. Communication is key to anything that is important.

For questions about the election, contact Arra Rausch arausch@alberton.k12.mt.us or 722-3381.