School board election: Keri Hill

Keri Hill (incumbent)

Background: I am a lifetime Columbia Falls resident. I have vested interest in this district. My children are fourth generation graduates of CFHS.

Professionally, I have co-owned a spa business in Kalispell for 16 years. A couple years ago, I expanded and opened a sister spa in Columbia Falls, which has helped me with even more community connection. My family and I attend multiple district events! We love being involved.

I believe my long-term commitment to the district has prepared me well to serve and represent the people who live here.

The $84.4 million high school remodel bond was rejected by voters, but the school still needs upgrades. What improvements would you like to see and what do you think is an appropriate budget that will pass muster with voters?

Community engagement is key. As prior bonds have been put out there, the high school bond is vital. As we move forward putting another bond on the ballot, the district should actively involve our community. —through more public meetings, surveys, and advisory committees— Getting our residents feedback is priority to me. I encourage our residents to attend as many meetings as possible, make phone calls, and be involved. Their voices, opinions, questions matter. This will help form our amount.

High school enrollment is down this year and kindergarten enrollment has been down the past couple of years. What can the district do to encourage families to send their children to school and what can be done to encourage those that are here to stay?

 I think the key is trust: if families believe the district offers a safe, high-quality, and responsive education, they will choose to come and stay. We need to appreciate the great educators we already have and continue to hire highly qualified ones. Hiring and retaining qualified educators is very important in today’s fast-paced world. Trainings to keep our educators up to par is also a priority. We also need to ensure that the education we provide prepares students not just for today, but for five, 10, and even 20 years down the road. That means focusing on skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and real-world problem solving. I 100% believe we are trying to do that with the trade classes we offer. I want what students learn in our schools continues to benefit them throughout their lives.

What are your goals as a school board member?

My goals as a school board member have and will always be focused on student success, financial responsibility, and building trust with the community. 

If there’s anything else you’d like to add, please do so...

I am running for this trustee position because, my goal is to help build a school district that the community is proud of—one that attracts families, supports students, and remains strong for years to come. Always have open and transparent communication!