School elections are May 5 with contested trustee races in several school districts. 

The Daily Inter Lake reached out to candidates in contested school board trustee elections. Candidates were invited to provide voters with information pertinent to serving as a trustee regarding their education, background, experience, reason for running and one priority issue affecting their respective school district.  

Information provided by participating candidates was edited for spelling, punctuation and length.  

The Flathead County Elections Department, which is conducting school elections, has an April 15-20 window to mail ballots to registered voters. 

Bigfork School District 

Bigfork School District has two openings for three-year terms. The candidates are Mary Lustig, incumbent Paul Sandry and Alisa Kennedy.  

There is also one opening for a two-year term. The candidates are Scott Cummings and Kate Averill.

Mary Lustig  

Occupation: Homemaker. 

Family: Husband, Daniel Lustig and children, Gwenna, a Bigfork High School sophomore; Gray, a Bigfork Middle School eighth grader and Charlie, a Bigfork Elementary School fifth grader. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Nutrition Science, University at Buffalo (2006); graduate work in molecular physiology and biophysics, Vanderbilt University (2006-08); registered dietetics degree, Kansas State University (2010). 

Background: As a stay-at-home mom with three children who attend Bigfork School District, I have loved getting involved in our beautiful little community and have met so many wonderful families that also call Bigfork home. I have been a coach for my kids’ recreational soccer teams and have served on the Bigfork Soccer Club board as the recreational soccer coordinator for many years. I truly enjoyed helping the littlest kids in Bigfork have a safe, fun environment to get physical activity. Throughout the years, I [have] been active at the school doing various things such as helping teachers support reading activities, chaperoning on field trips, working at the garden, helping at PTA-sponsored events and working in the concession stands at high school sporting events. As a registered dietitian, I am passionate about advocating for schools to provide healthy, affordable meals and plenty of physical activity.   

Why are you running? I have always valued public education. My mother taught middle school English for 33 years, my father served on the school board for 11 years, and my grandmother told stories about putting herself through school to become a teacher during the Great Depression and starting her first teaching job in a one room schoolhouse. I feel fortunate to have had excellent teachers, staff and coaches to set me up for success during school and after graduation. Serving as a school trustee is the perfect way for me to give back to the community of Bigfork doing something I am passionate about.  

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? I look forward to being “a learner” when it comes to serving on the school board, as I know that there will be things that require me to do extra research, questions that need to be asked and answers to be obtained from listening to educators, board members, staff and the community. Educators at Bigfork Elementary School encourage their students to not only be learners but to also be respectful, be responsible and be safe. I pledge to demonstrate these four principles.  

Every school district needs to constantly reevaluate what opportunities they can provide for their students based on changes in enrollment and the latest challenges or issues that arise. I plan to think critically about various ways the school district can ensure it is providing the best education that the community can fiscally support.  

I’ve seen firsthand the importance of strong partnerships between families, educators, and the community of Bigfork. If elected to the school board, I plan to foster these partnerships and ensure that Bigfork schools produces students that make the community proud.

Paul Sandry (I)

 Occupation: Attorney. 

Family: Wife, Christine and adult children, Phil, Ben and Josh. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts degree, University of Montana; Juris Doctor (high honors), University of Montana; LL.M. in taxation, University of Florida. 

Background: The 21 years of service as a member of the Bigfork board of trustees provides me with institutional knowledge, skills and unwritten “know-how” to assist with most all issues that come before the Board. 

Why are you running? I have a sincere desire to continue the district’s ability to provide a quality education to children and to strive to improve the education the district offers. I also want to balance the burden of the taxpayers with the actual needs of the district. Finally, I want to provide some measure of continuity and mentorship for new and newer board members, given the increase in number of the board and the relatively short tenure of most board members. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? A top issue facing all districts is academics and student proficiencies. Bigfork has an excellent teaching staff and innovative administrators who analyze the education model, constantly searching to improve student outcomes. But distractions, such as cellphone use and chronic absenteeism, cripple the educational process. The board recently banned the use of cellphones during school hours and committed to an attendance policy mandating student attendance, which has been atrocious in many cases. Addressing academic issues requires frequent communication and collaboration with the educational expertise possessed by teachers and school administrators.

Alisa Kennedy 

Occupation: Lawyer. 

Family: Husband, Chris; children, William, who will be a senior at Bigfork High School;  Alexandra, who will be a freshman and adult stepchildren, Claire and Cameron.

Education: Columbine High School, Littleton, Colorado (1988); Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Biology, University of Colorado-Boulder (1992); Juris Doctor, University of Denver (1996); LL.M. Taxation, New York University (1998).

Background: For the last 30 years, I have worked as a lawyer representing real estate developers that build, and banks that finance, affordable housing. It is a legal community that I fell into after graduating law school with a loose plan to do something good in the world and it has been an unexpected and rewarding career, with a deeply positive social impact. 

I also love volunteer work and wherever there is an impactful opportunity — sign me up! I am a board member of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, which is the leading advocate for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and in 2025, we were instrumental in advancing a historic expansion of the Housing Tax Credit, which is projected to finance another 1.2 million more affordable homes over the next decade than was otherwise possible. I have served as a middle school youth group volunteer leader for the past two years at Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church and I am the volunteer team manager for the Bigfork Grizzly Barrels youth shotgun team at the Bigfork Gun Club. I previously served (in a less rewarding capacity) as my HOA treasurer for a three year term, and I was the PTA president of my kid’s elementary school in Golden, Colorado.

Why are you running? I believe I have the leadership, fiscal responsibility and strategic planning skills required for the role of a school board trustee. I want to serve Bigfork schools to contribute to the community and ensure our kids are receiving a quality education in a safe and engaging environment. I believe it is important as a trustee to bridge communication between the school board and the community of parents and students, but also ensure that the voices of teachers and administrators who are with our kids every day are represented in our education decisions. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? Bigfork schools need to boost enrollment. Bigfork is a great community and you do not need to live here to appreciate all that it has to offer. However, families in and around Bigfork send their kids out of district because of the specialized programming or extracurricular and sports programs at the Kalispell Schools. We, as a community and school board, need to establish our identity as a school district and we need to promote what we have to offer. Bigfork schools need to identify specialized or alternative academic and extracurricular programs to draw families in and maintain enrollment. I personally favor the idea of establishing technical programs at Bigfork schools. The Bigfork School District could consider using the old fire station to house technical programs once the fire department moves to its new building. Programs to provide industry certifications, technical programming for skilled trades, dual-enrollment options and credits with Flathead Valley Community College will cause families looking at schools in the Flathead Valley to pause and not look elsewhere but want to learn more about Bigfork schools.

Scott Cummings 

Occupation: Financial adviser and president of Noisy Creek Capital. 

Family: Wife, Lauren Cummings and children, Henry, Sonny and Schei. 

Education: Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California. 

Background: My background as a local parent of three children gives me a personal stake in the success of our schools. Professionally, I bring experience from aerospace, consulting, finance and the technology sector, including leadership roles that have strengthened my ability to solve problems, manage resources and drive results. I also coach youth sports in the Bigfork community and, during college, taught STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to inner-city middle school students. Together, these experiences allow me to bring a balanced, practical and student-focused perspective to the school board. 

Why are you running? I want to serve as a trustee for Bigfork schools because I care deeply about the success and well-being of our community’s students and faculty. As a parent, I understand the importance of a strong educational foundation and a supportive school environment. I value collaboration, transparency and listening to families, teachers and the administration. I will prioritize student achievement, fiscal responsibility and student safety. I am committed to contributing my time and perspective to help our schools continue to grow and provide the best opportunities for every child. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district you want to serve and how would you work to address it? One of the most pressing challenges facing Bigfork Elementary is low math proficiency, with only 30–40% of students meeting or exceeding standards. This underscores the need for stronger, more consistent support in foundational math skills. I would address this by advocating for evidence-based curriculum improvements, drawing on successful practices from high-performing local districts and top national models. By strengthening classroom instruction, increasing accountability, and fostering meaningful family engagement, we can create a clear, measurable path to improved outcomes for all students.

Kate Averill 

Occupation: Flathead Lake Lodge and Crossroads Christian Fellowship. 

Family: Husband, Chase Averill and three children who attend Bigfork Elementary School — Brooks, a fifth grader, Hank, a third grader and Blake, a kindergartner. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia (2006). 

Background: My husband and I are fortunate to continue the Averill family legacy of operating Flathead Lake Lodge, which celebrated its 80th summer this past year. In addition to the lodge, I also work at Crossroads Christian Fellowship, organizing events and projects for the church. My involvement in these two areas has given me the great joy of connecting with our community and experiencing firsthand the issues that impact all of us on a day-to-day basis. I am constantly reminded of what an amazing community we have here in Bigfork and am truly blessed to call this place home. 

Why are you running? With young kids currently attending Bigfork Elementary School, I have a real-life connection to the current issues facing our school. These issues not only impact my family, but our community as a whole. As my husband and I work to carry our Bigfork family business into its fourth generation, I am committed to preserving what we all love and cherish about this town. My mother-in-law, Maureen Averill, was on the Bigfork school board for almost 20 years, and if given the opportunity, I hope to dedicate myself in a similar way to the continued success of our Bigfork schools. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district you want to serve and how would you work to address it? I believe a priority of Bigfork schools is finding even better ways to care for our teachers. As a parent, I am entrusting the school with my children, and with that comes the responsibility to not only educate them, but to support their well-being and help them reach their full potential in a safe, positive and motivating environment. We can’t achieve success for our children without a strong, supported staff of teachers. Having kids of my own has opened my eyes to the tremendous gift our teachers are. If elected, I will have the best interest of our teachers in mind. How can we continue to hire good teachers while fighting the high cost of living in Bigfork? I also believe we should place a strong focus on training and support. Are we providing the best curriculum, and do our teachers feel confident and supported? What more can we do as a board, as parents and as a community to help our teachers? By taking care of our teachers, we are helping the school’s overall success in areas of enrollment, test scores, school culture, etc. I am eager to learn more about these issues and working together on their solutions.

Cayuse Prairie School District 

Cayuse Prairie School District has two open seats with three-year terms. The candidates are incumbent Tyler Hash, Samantha Healy and Brian Hogue.

Tyler Hash (I)

Occupation: Student, stay-at-home dad and part-time Army Reserve officer. 

Family: Wife, Rose, a Cayuse Prairie alum and children, Aldo, a Cayuse Prairie first grader and Oren, who starts kindergarten next year. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in French and Arabic, United States Military Academy; entering Montana State University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program in the fall. 

Background: I have served as the board chair for the Cayuse Prairie School board for two and a half years, navigating the board through the four-day week change, the current levy campaign and the recent superintendent hiring process. Through these, I’ve learned a lot on how the board can best communicate with the district, the school and Cayuse families to ensure we’re meeting the best outcomes for our kids.  

My background as an Army officer also has given me experience in organizational leadership and strategic planning. Most recently, I’ve been involved as a ROTC instructor, teaching and mentoring our next generation of Army officers. 

What are you running? I strongly believe in the importance of our public education system in developing and preparing our community’s children for the future. A solid education is one of the most important investments we can make for our kids’ futures, and it starts with communication and collaboration between the school staff, families and the district at large to ensure that this happens effectively. I believe I can make a meaningful and positive impact on the success of Cayuse Prairie School for both my kids and the future of the whole community. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? Funding is, unfortunately, one of the most critical challenges Cayuse Prairie faces. We have a strong staff, solid student outcomes and a good reputation in the valley. However, each year, we are hard-pressed to maintain programs, provide fair compensation to the staff, and provide the structure and support needed for continued student success. 

There is no magic solution for the education funding problems seen locally in the valley and across the state. That being said, our school board exercises oversight on school spending, advocates for local levies (when needed), weighs the value of programs and staffing when we set the budget and cuts need to be made, and advocates to our state lawmakers on the realities of rural education in the state and the need for adequate funding. I’ve been a part of all of these processes for the past three years and hope to continue into the future so that we can provide the best outcomes for our kids with the resources available.

Samantha Healy 

Occupation: Pediatric dentist. 

Family: Husband, Josh and children, Noah, Lou and Oliver. 

Education: Doctorate. 

Why are you running? I want to serve as a school board trustee because I care deeply about the success and well-being of the public education in our community. Strong schools shape strong communities, and I’m committed to supporting educators, listening to families, and making thoughtful decisions that create opportunities for all learners. I bring a collaborative mindset, a willingness to listen, and a focus on ensuring every child feels supported, challenged and valued in their education.

Brian Hogue 

Occupation: Small business owner. 

Family: Wife, Crystal and children, Grace, Carter and Lily. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development, Texas A&M University. 

Background: I am a proud product of a small rural school. I was born and raised on a ranch in southern Arizona, and my experience as a state and national FFA officer shaped how I view the importance of strong local education and the unique opportunity a small rural school can provide. 

Since 2013, I have owned and operated multiple small businesses, giving me hands-on experience in financial stewardship, long-range planning and working effectively with employees, contractors and community partners. I also bring governance and leadership experience from serving on the National FFA Board of Directors. I have also served as executive vice president of the Neely Foundation, an education and community-focused private foundation. I have volunteered with organizations focused on youth development and education, including REAL Montana (class five member and volunteer) and Field of Hope, an agricultural education nonprofit working in Africa. 

I believe these experiences will help me provide steady, thoughtful leadership and governance for the Cayuse Prairie School District. 

Why are you running? I want to serve as a trustee because Cayuse Prairie matters to my family and our community. Small, independent rural schools are increasingly rare, and without steady leadership, they can disappear. I want to help ensure Cayuse Prairie remains strong, independent and successful for the long term, not only for our three young children, but for every family in our district. My father and grandfather served on our rural school board, and their example shaped my view of civic responsibility. Win or lose, we will stay involved as parents and volunteers. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? Growth is the largest issue facing our district. Small school districts like Cayuse Prairie often feel growth pressures more sharply than larger districts. With fewer staff, fewer dollars and less built-in flexibility, even modest enrollment changes can strain classrooms, staffing, transportation and facilities. In the east valley, this is not a one-time challenge; it is likely something we will navigate for years, possibly decades to come.

My approach would start with strong stewardship of current resources, making sure every dollar the community invests is used wisely and transparently. I would focus budgeting decisions on the outcomes that matter most: Supporting excellent teachers, strong classroom learning and a school culture that families are proud of. I would also prioritize long-range planning (enrollment trends, facility needs, staffing projections and reserves) so we are not reacting late or making costly short-term decisions.  

Handled poorly, growth becomes a drag on our students and staff. Handled well, it is an opportunity, and Cayuse Prairie can remain a place where teachers want to teach, students want to learn, and parents are proud to send their kids. 

Columbia Falls School District 

Columbia Falls School District has three openings for three-year terms. The candidates are incumbents Barb Riley, Megan Upton and Keri Hill and Kenneth Russell. 

Barb Riley (I) 

Occupation: Real estate broker. 

Family: Husband Russ; two children, both Columbia Falls School District graduates and two grandchildren, one of whom attends Ruder Elementary. 

Education: Lincoln County High School, Eureka; attended the University of Montana, majoring in business accounting and finance (moved back to Flathead Valley for husband’s job relocation before completion). 

Background: Before being elected to the Columbia Falls school board, I was a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteer in the elementary and junior high schools for seven years. I also volunteered as a public member to the school board policy and long-range planning committees.  

During my tenure as an elected trustee, I have served as board chair and currently represent our board as vice-chairperson. In 2005, I was elected by statewide school board members to represent the northwest part of Montana to the Montana School Boards Association, a membership organization that provides education training to school board trustees and advocacy for public schools in the Legislature and Congress. During my tenure with the state board, I served as president [for] two separate years. I also served as an at-large director for the National School Boards Association for six years (2011-2017). I was president of the Montana Schools Unemployment Insurance Program for eight years, and I am currently the board chair for the new health insurance trust, Bridged Health Alliance, that will begin servicing health insurance plans for over 220 public school districts in Montana on July 1. I am a board member for Montana Log Jam Inc., a nonprofit that raises funds for victims of timber-related accidents.  

I am also a proud 11-year partner supporter of the Columbia Falls Community Market. In my professional career, I have served as treasurer of the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors and as state director of the Montana Association of Realtors. I am active with public relations and volunteer work with the Realtor organization, as well as government affairs work. 

Why are you running? Decisions impacting our schools are not made just in the local boardroom. State and federal requirements have huge impacts on how we work locally and sometimes come with huge tax implications that locals can’t control. I have dedicated over 31 years to our local district, being an active participant in the state and federal advocacy process, fighting for a rational system of funding with greater fairness to taxpayers, and for more flexibility that allows our local schools to provide as many opportunities for our students and families as we can. I want to continue this fight! 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? One of the top issues facing Columbia Falls schools is meeting the needs of our high school students. Our building is nearly 70 years old and was constructed for a traditional, academic lecture-style learning space and activities. Today’s students need access to hands-on learning [and] career and technical spaces that allow them to learn skills that can take them directly into the workforce. The aging structure has great “bones,” so we don’t need to scrap it. But we do need to revamp the space for different learning needs. A community group is working to bring this to reality. As a taxpayer advocate, we need to be smart in our approach because costs for construction are not getting any cheaper. I’m hopeful our community will see that a solid investment in this renovation will pay dividends for years to come, providing flexibility for new programs and activities yet to be known. New, fresh spaces provide a feeling of pride and energy. Our students, staff and community deserve this!

Megan Upton (I) 

Occupation: Co-owner of 406 Soap & Candle Co. in Columbia Falls. Previous owner and massage therapist at Columbia Mountain Massage Therapy. 

Family: Husband, Andy and children, Noah, a senior at Columbia Falls High School and an adult daughter, Emma. 

Education: Columbia Falls High School (1999), attended Flathead Valley Community College for two years; massage therapy license, Massage Therapy Institute (2014). 

Background: I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years. For the past 10 years, I have served as the secretary for the Booster Club. I had the privilege of homeschooling my son for his eighth-grade year.  I am currently finishing my first term as a school board trustee. 

Why are you running? I am passionate about providing a quality education to our children and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I also believe student safety, both physical and digital, must be a top priority in our schools. Strong relationships matter to me, and I am committed to improving transparency between our district and families, as well as strengthening communication between teachers and parents. When families are informed and involved, students benefit. I want to serve as a trustee to support our students, empower our teachers, and help build a school district our community can trust. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? Low student enrollment is one of the challenges facing our district. Families now have more educational choices than ever, including homeschooling, private schools and online learning. We need to focus on retaining current students and attracting new families to our schools.  

As a trustee, I would, and I do, support strengthening early literacy and core academics so that students build a strong foundation from the start. High-quality education builds trust and confidence with families. I also believe in supporting teachers through manageable class sizes, clear classroom expectations and resources to meet different learning needs and address behavioral problems.  

Strong communication is imperative. Parents want transparency, consistency and to feel like they matter in their child’s education. Improving communication between the district, teachers and families will help build that trust.  

Also, we need to expand opportunities that make our schools more appealing, such as extracurricular activities, career and technical programs and flexible learning options.  

By focusing on academic excellence, supporting our teachers and strengthening relationships with families, we can create a safe, supportive environment that encourages students to stay and attracts others to our district.

Keri Hill (I) 

Occupation: Co-owner of a spa business. 

Family: Husband, Jason Hill and children,  LaKia, Jace and Jory who are all Columbia Falls High School graduates. 

Education: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees (2000); esthetics license (2010). 

Background: I am a lifetime Columbia Falls resident with a 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.  

Why are you running? I believe my long-term commitment to the district has prepared me well to serve and represent the people who live here. My goals as a school board member have and will always be focused on student success, financial responsibility and building trust with the community.  

I am re-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. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? Community engagement is key. As prior bonds have been put out there, the high school bond is vital. As we move forward [by] putting another bond on the ballot, the district should actively involve our community through more public meetings, surveys and advisory committees. 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 5, 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.

Russell Silas 

Why are you running? The most precious commodity we all have in a community, other than ourselves, is our children. It’s not our homes, our cars, or even our bank accounts. It is, with no doubt whatsoever, ourselves, our children and our families. 

This thought makes the most important job we have within our community is to do the very best we are able to see that we, and our children, are given every opportunity to be successful in our lives as well as in the lives of our kids. As kids, as young adults and eventually as parents and caregivers themselves. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? A few of the things I will be watching for as a school board member is the following: Are our school children growing up to be self-sufficient? Are we encouraging them to be proud of who they are? Reading, writing and math goes without saying — are they up to the standards for their age group? Where does our district fit nationally? Are we teaching them about the hazards of drugs? Are we giving them the knowledge to avoid unhealthy products, such as the overindulgence of alcohol, marijuana, meth, etc.? 

My personal favorites are: Do they know how to do CPR? Or how to apply a basic tourniquet? Do we teach classes on our Constitution? Do we begin their school days with a prayer and then the Pledge of Allegiance? Do we teach them to be grateful for the country we live in? Do we teach them how to participate in our local & federal governments? Do we teach them about their personal responsibility to our government? Do we teach them to show compassion for those less fortunate than themselves? 

Kalispell Public Schools 

Kalispell Public Schools has one seat open in the high school district for a three-year term representing Olney-Bissell, Pleasant Valley, Smith Valley and West Valley schools. The candidates are Krista Buls, Rich Terrett and Sheri Hand.  

Krista Buls 

Occupation: Medical office manager. 

Family: Husband, Justin and six children, three who attend Kalispell Public Schools and three who graduated from the school district. 

Education: College degrees in social work and nursing. 

Background: I was previously on the Kalispell school board for a year and a half but had to step away due to health issues. I am now healthy and eager to serve my community again. I have volunteered coaching for over a decade and Kalispell Middle School PTO. 

Why are you running? I want to be in a position where I can represent my community by communicating and making sure the district goals align with parents’ expectations. I’d like to ensure transparency for all aspects of the district to the best of my ability. Advocating for the teachers, ensuring longevity within our district. I’d like to review budgets and ensure tax dollars are used effectively to support our schools and student programs. I just want what is best for my children, the devoted teachers and administration and community. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? One of the top issues I believe that the school district faces is transparency. This isn’t just financially, but also when public controversy happens. I believe that we need to make a statement urgently. The entire community, parents, grandparents and students know or at least know a version of the instance. The community/parents want to know that the board has knowledge; they are investigating and will be taking swift action to ensure that our most important asset, our children, are the main priority and will be protected.  All leads back to transparency on all fronts, of course, protecting confidentiality. Being silent isn’t assisting in conveying confidence in our district to our parents and our taxpayers.

Rich Terrett 

Occupation: Owner of Honor Handyman and Eagle Mountain Ranch. Retired naval officer. 

Family: Wife, Lauren and children, Emily, Aubrey and Taylor 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management. 

Background: I retired as a finance and logistics officer in the U.S. Navy, where my primary responsibilities were managing the ships budgets and ensuring the Carrier Air Wing had fully mission capable aircraft. After retirement, I took my leadership skills and business knowledge to successfully build two local businesses. I have a diverse background in team leadership, policy adherence and operational risk management, and believe these can be very beneficial in future board decisions. 

Why are you running? I am looking to reinvest my most valuable asset — time — back into the community. I am not just looking to volunteer; I am looking to serve as we navigate significant budget challenges and local growth. I want to ensure our schools remain a source of pride for the community. That means leading with our conservative community values, ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely and parents’ voices are not just heard, but acted on. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? Our district is currently navigating a complex financial landscape. Rising operational costs, expanding inflation and significant population growth have created a budgetary gap. Outside of the box financial thinking and a “do more with less” attitude is needed to ensure all our tax dollars are utilized for only the essential needs of educating our children. My goal is that we address these needs without continuing to go back to the homeowners of the community to fill this financial shortfall. We also need to look ahead, as the recent growth in the valley will require more capacity in our schools, which has not yet been sufficiently addressed.  With my daughters currently attending Glacier High School and West Valley School, these needs are at the forefront of my focus to ensure our quality education system can continue to meet our community’s needs. 

Sheri Hand 

Occupation: West Valley School teacher and adjunct professor at Flathead Valley Community College. 

Family: Husband, Coleridge Hand. 

Education: Bachelor of Music Education from Northern Michigan University (2011), Master of Music in Music Education from Montana State University (2023) and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Montana (2025). 

Background: I served on a few boards, such as the Montana International Chorale Festival, Flathead Lake Music Camp and Troy Parks and Rec. I have taught for 14 years in Troy (seven years), Drummond (two years) and West Valley (five years). I am currently the Montana Music Education Association state manager-elect, and I have served on leadership committees at the school level. 

Why are you running? I want to serve as a trustee because I believe it is important that school boards have some knowledge of what goes on in the classroom. With my experience, I would be able to help the school board make difficult decisions that affect the students and teachers in the schools. Academics are important to our school and community because schools are teaching our future leaders. I want to ensure schools provide the best for our community and receive as much support as possible to help our students academically. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? I believe there is a lot of misunderstanding about school finances. School finances are very complex, and I want to help the community understand what is involved when they are discussed. As for addressing issues in the school district, schools across the nation are facing all kinds of challenges. The best we can do is take one challenge at a time and decide what is best for our students in our community. Kalispell School District 5 provides so many opportunities for the students. I want to make sure those opportunities continue to exist and help create outstanding members of the community.

Somers-Lakeside School District 

Somers-Lakeside School District has one open seat for a one-year term. The candidates are Dakota Baier and Shannon Jones. 

Dakota Baier 

Occupation: Self-employed. 

Family: Wife, Jasmine Baier, a Lakeside-Somers School District alumna and three children (expecting a fourth child in the spring). 

Education: Smith Valley School, Flathead High School and Flathead Valley Community College. 

Background: Professionally, I manage properties throughout the valley with his wife, where I have developed strong skills in budgeting, long-term planning, maintenance oversight and problem-solving. I am also involved with board service, including serving on the foundation board at my church. My work and board experience requires accountability, transparency and the ability to balance competing priorities — qualities that directly translate to effective school board leadership. In addition, I serve as a primary caregiver for my disabled brother, an experience that has strengthened my compassion, patience and understanding of the unique challenges some families face within the education system.  

Why are you running? I believe that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. I’m passionate about supporting teachers, maintaining responsible financial stewardship, ensuring safe learning environments, and preserving the values that make the Flathead Valley special. As a sixth-generation Flathead Valley resident and a parent with a long-term stake in the district, I’m committed to listening to families, respecting diverse perspectives, and making thoughtful decisions that prioritize students first. I also wish to help build an educational environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed, where families feel heard, and where the community’s voice shapes the direction of its schools. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? District 29 is facing limited funding, combined with the unique challenge of our population growth and new development. We must intentionally prioritize values and programming. As our community continues to expand, we must ensure that resources are allocated to keep up with infrastructure needs and student support services — without compromising educational quality. 

Balancing responsible fiscal stewardship while maintaining strong academic and extracurricular programs, while also addressing the rising behavioral needs of our students, is vital. Adequate funding for behavioral supports — such as school counselors, intervention specialists and teacher training — is essential to maintaining safe, focused learning environments where all students can succeed. Proactively investing in these supports reduces classroom disruptions, protects our students’ lifelong skillset, improves student outcomes and supports educator retention. 

I would work collaboratively with district leadership, teachers, families and community partners to ensure transparency in budgeting and alignment between spending and our district’s core values. Strategic long-term planning is essential so that growth does not outpace classroom capacity, technology access or student services. Most importantly, every funding decision must remain student-centered, protecting small class sizes, supporting educators and ensuring every child has access to the safe, high-quality education we love about Somers-Lakeside School District 29.

Shannon Jones (I) 

Occupation: Real estate agent  

Family: Married with two children in fourth and sixth grade at Lakeside Elementary and Somers Middle School. 

Education: Associate of Arts degree from Montana State University, with continued learning through professional and community involvement. 

Background: I’ve lived in the Lakeside/Somers community for 13 years. For about three years, I also worked as a substitute teacher at Somers Middle School and Lakeside Elementary, spending time in different classrooms and grade levels. That experience gave me a practical understanding of what day-to-day school life actually looks like for students, teachers and staff. Combined with being a parent in the district, it’s kept me closely connected to what’s happening in our schools and in our community. 

Why are you running? I am seeking to serve as a school board trustee because I have two children in the district and a strong investment in the future of our schools and community. I see this role as a way to give back by listening carefully, helping ensure resources are managed responsibly, and supporting decisions that reflect the needs of students, families and staff. I care deeply about public education and want to contribute leadership that supports both academic achievement and the overall health of our schools.  

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? I believe one of the biggest challenges facing our district is preparing students for a world that is changing quickly. Students need strong academic foundations, but they also need critical thinking skills, emotional resilience, and meaningful exposure to technology so they can adapt with confidence as things evolve. 

As a trustee, I would focus on keeping that long-term perspective in mind. The board’s role is to help set direction and ensure resources are used wisely. I would support thoughtful planning, listen carefully to educators and administrators, and help make sure district decisions reflect both strong academics and the practical skills students need beyond graduation. 

If we stay committed to high standards and steady leadership, our district can continue to be one that families are proud to be part of and confident in sending their children to.

Whitefish School District 

Whitefish School District has three openings for three-year terms. The candidates are incumbents Jerrie Boksich and Shannon Hanson, Karen Hilding and Gloria Nelson.

Jerrie Boksich (I) 

Occupation: Retired teacher. 

Family: Husband, Ray Boksich; adult children, Merika Barbieri and Garth Boksich and five grandchildren attending Whitefish School District. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education. 

Background: As a teacher in Whitefish for many years, I belonged to several professional organizations and served in various leadership roles on those boards. I have served two terms on the Whitefish School board, one year as the vice-chair and on the boards of the Whitefish Education Foundation and the Alpine Theatre Project board as the secretary. I also volunteer for Meals on Wheels weekly. 

Why are you running? Having taught in and retired from Whitefish School District 44 and later working extensively as a substitute, I have real experience with the workings of this district. I am running to continue the excellent instruction that has guided our students to grow academically and socially, placing Whitefish schools among the best in the state. My goal is to facilitate new ideas, methods and initiatives to support and enhance our solid foundational skills and classes to help students grow yearly. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? An issue facing Whitefish Schools and schools nationwide is balancing books, pencils and paper and screens for optimal education and mental health. Between phones, computers and TVs, our students are constantly jumping from one device to another, interrupting concentration and continuity of thought. The rise in mental health issues among teens has also risen along with the ever-increasing use of social media websites. Finding a healthy and educational balance for students is our challenge. 

Screen devices are good for many tasks. Some information and processes are more effectively learned and retained when read in a book or done with pencil and paper. Recognizing this conflict, our district has written a Screen Initiative, requesting all teachers use books and pencils and paper whenever possible. Further, phones are no longer allowed in the classroom. Now, managing AI presents another serious issue for student learning. Purposeful supervision of devices and sites for appropriate usage at school is necessary. 

Karin Hilding 

Occupation: Retired engineering and sustainability project manager for the City of Whitefish (29 years). 

Family: Husband, Rob Gordon and adult children Maya and Ani who went through the Whitefish public school system. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Irrigation Engineering, Utah State and a master’s degree in water resources engineering, U.C. Davis. 

Background: Serves on Flathead County Transportation Advisory Committee and volunteers with the City of Whitefish Climate Action Plan Committee, City of Whitefish Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and Safe Routes to School events. Also, helped the City of Whitefish receive several Montana Safe Routes to School grants for pedestrian safety improvements around the schools. 

Why are you running? There are two main reasons why I would like to serve.  

No 1. Improve the vocational training opportunities for high school students. All students can benefit from courses that teach practical skills. With the upcoming high school addition, there will be better facilities available for vocational training. Woodworking, home construction, automotive care and repair, welding, electrician basics, plumbing basics, AutoCAD intro, surveying, solar energy intro and GIS.  

No 2. Provide more experiential learning opportunities. The Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship is a great facility for learning by doing. The students get to learn about growing and selling produce. There may be opportunities to job shadow at the City of Whitefish in the Parks, Planning, or Public Works departments, at Logan Health, or graphic design studios. During my tenure as a city engineer, I supervised six college graduate interns. When I was in high school, experiential learning was emphasized. In part because I was able to help build a solar water heating collector system in the 1970’s, I became an engineer. 

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? The school district could better serve students who might benefit from a different type of education than preparation for traditional college. Education has changed immensely because of the internet. You can learn to play an instrument, how to make minor repairs, languages, history, science, etc. on the internet. You can also sign up for free or inexpensive courses from the country’s top universities. 

Meanwhile, there are few opportunities for young people to learn practical hands-on skills. Not everyone learns best in a classroom setting. Science and engineering can be more understandable for some people in a hands-on setting. From my experience on construction sites for almost 40 years, I notice that many construction managers are extremely intelligent. They have developed the skills to fix complex problems that arise in the middle of construction. Most of the local contractors we worked with have had trouble finding young people to take construction jobs. We should not look down on the people that have skills to fix our roads, water, sewer, drainage, electricity and plumbing. Our schools should reflect the needs of our community for skilled workers. And we should provide opportunities to students who learn better outside the traditional classroom.

Gloria Nelson 

Occupation: Executive director of Project Whitefish Kids, a nonprofit that manages Smith Fields Youth Sports Complex and a part-time occupational therapist at Logan Health Whitefish. 

Family: Husband, Leif Nelson and three children — a Whitefish High School sophomore, a Whitefish Middle School sixth grader and an adult stepdaughter who graduated from Whitefish High School. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in child development, University of Texas at Austin; associate degree in physical therapy, Green River Community College and a master’s degree in occupational therapy, University of Washington. 

Background: I have lived in Whitefish for 21 years and have been a parent in the Whitefish School District that entire time. I currently serve as the executive director for Project Whitefish Kids, which has given me lots of experience working with a board of directors and serving the community. I have volunteered from an early age, as it was an important value to my parents, from the food bank to Habitat for Humanity. Among other places, I have been involved in volunteering in the Whitefish School District since 2005, when our oldest daughter was in first grade.  

Why are you running? I want to serve on our local school board, most importantly, because I value public education and believe that the greatest gift we can give our children is a good education to set them up for success. I was raised in a family that values community service and I believe that it is important to give back to the community where you live. I think it is key that the school board includes members with students currently enrolled in the school district, so the board can get a feel for some of the real-time issues facing our children today.  

What is one of the top issues facing the school district and how would you work to address it? I think one of the biggest challenges facing our students in the next four years is artificial intelligence and how it is going to impact education, learning and future career pathways. There are new advances in technology being made almost daily, and I believe it is our job as a school district to prepare our kids for the future. We don’t know what that looks like at this time, but it is important to be aware of how careers are changing and be able to prepare our kids to work with the tools they need to be successful in the challenges that lay ahead. This involves research, investigating what other school districts are doing and listening to the educators in our schools. I think as we move into this new age of AI, we will have to be vigilant in educating ourselves, our staff and our students in how things work and be open to a changing landscape.

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 406-758-4431 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.