ELECTION 2020: Plains School Board

NAME: Ellen Childress

OCCUPATION: Self-Employed

1. What is unique about you that would benefit the school board?

My time as a parent, a home school teacher, a mother of public school students and a public school teacher have given me a unique set of experiences which allow me to approach issues that come before the school board with an open mind and broad perspectives.. I am able to use that background to listen sympathetically and sometimes provide new outlooks on issues. My first three-year term as a trustee for the Plains Schools has added to my understanding of individual school and personal issues and how they fit into the picture of public education on a local and state level.

2. What do you think makes a school board successful?

A successful school board must consist of members who are educated in the dynamics of working with the school administration, familiar with legal requirements of schools, and who are willing to continue studying and learning the legal and financial ramifications of issues that come before the board. They must also trust administrators to provide clear and pertinent background information about constantly changing challenges, have confidence in each other’s judgment and be comfortable enough to ask questions and express differing opinions when necessary

3. What is your vision for education in your community?

If I could have anything I wished for, it would be that all student’s needs were met in a way that challenged them individually to reach beyond perceived limitations, expanded their range of knowledge, and fostered innovative thinking all while creating a sense of responsibility for each other and our communities. Every student should be inspired to follow their innate talents and work innovatively to achieve personal growth and satisfaction. Each student should attain life skills to use beyond the classroom and a willingness to use those skills to contribute to society.

4. What are the current challenges facing education and school boards?

In our changing society students and parents have a wider variety of perspectives and needs than ever before. Administrators and School Trustees must be open and sympathetic to addressing the challenges of recognizing that range of diversity, making decisions that respect that array of diversity and still provide for quality education of all students. This requires constant flexibility and creative approaches while still ensuring that educational requirements and mandates are met.

NAME: David S. Costner

OCCUPATION: Primary Care Provider-Nurse Practitioner

NAME: Julie T. Costner

OCCUPATION: Active Registered Nurse and Homemaker

1. What is unique about you that would benefit the school board?

We are our kids’ parents and the administrators of our homeschool. Our passion for education and character led us to form an individualized curriculum for each child. They have flourished in this system with our oldest completing his third year of college as he turns 18 and younger three children pursuing interests in National Bible Bee, music, sports, etc. As to experience, expertise navigating higher education, our degrees and healthcare experiences speak for themselves.

2. What do you think makes a school board successful?

Our schools have succeeded when we have a community of productive, civic minded, character driven individuals who are confident, competent, and adaptable no matter the inevitable changes in the marketplace.

3. What is your vision for education in your community?

The COVID-19/Coronavirus crisis has reinforced the maxim “Education starts at home.” We want to honor parents as having the primary authority and responsibility in making decisions regarding their child’s needs and education. We want to see children challenged and encouraged to reach beyond their expected potential. We want to see God back in schools via tough final exams; and we want schools where students, teachers, and parents are inspired and free to discuss and pray together as we face the challenges of our times.

4. What are the current challenges facing education and school boards?

According to Plains High School website: 67% of students are below proficient in math, 63% below proficient in reading, 56% below proficient in science. We care deeply about the future of these students and our community. It’s time for innovation and change. *Link to “Every Student Success Act” report: https://www.plainsschools.net/Page/1042.

NAME: Erika Swanson Lawyer

OCCUPATION: Business Owner

1. What is unique about you that would benefit the school board?

My experience on multiple boards over 25 years. I’ve learned how effective boards function, and how important boards are to an organization’s strategic initiatives. A willingness to thoughtfully listen and consider multiple perspectives when making decisions. My 3 kids attending school here; one graduated, one a senior, and one a 5th grader, gives me an understanding what kids face today. My Mom teaching for 30 years. I watched the passion she poured into her classes and students, witnessing her joy in their successes; and her frustration at challenges educators face. I want to support the hard work poured into our kids.

2. What do you think makes a school board successful?

Informed board members who understand the importance of the decisions they make in setting policy, in hiring administrators and educators, and holding school personnel accountable in the execution of the policies. Board members who are in touch with the current challenges our students and educators face and are willing to actively engage with community members about what is important to them in the school they fund through tax dollars, is what makes a successful board in my mind.

3. What is your vision for education in your community?

Preparing kids for success in whatever they’re passionate about. The world they live in is global, and our educational system has to keep up. Choices they have after graduation are much different than those available when I graduated from here 32 years ago. Inspiring a love of learning and curiosity to find answers to their questions using all the resources available to them is key to our kids being successful wherever they find themselves post-graduation. School boards have a direct impact on shaping our kids’ success. Board members need to be cognizant of that with every decision they make.

4. What are the current challenges facing education and school boards?

Funding; work-force shortages; IT; safety (real-time and on-line). School has become the place kids get breakfast, lunch, attention, education, counseling, tutoring, transportation, peer interaction, mentoring, physical activity, career advice, and for some, showers, laundry facilities, week-end sack lunches and a life-line. Given all the school is providing to many kids, I am amazed school board meetings aren’t packed houses every month. Most nights there are less than 3 parents or community members sitting in. Elected or not, I will be there-it’s too important not to be.

NAME: Rose Wagoner

OCCUPATION: Owner/operator of Rose’s Nail salon

1. What is unique about you that would benefit the school board?

I am a small business owner in Sanders County that consistently requires me to interact with the public. I am also a mother of two students that attend Plains School. I have coached within our school as well as out of the school. I sit on several other boards/committees involving our youth as well as the community. That’s what makes me unique.

2. What do you think makes a school board successful?

I think having a diverse group of people that can professionally express a difference of opinion but can then come together in the end to make the best decision is what makes a great board.

3. What is your vision for education in your community?

My vision for education is that every student gets the best opportunities available for an education that best suits their needs.

4. What are the current challenges facing education and school boards?

Challenges school boards are currently facing I feel are communication and being able to communicate with both faculty and parents. Also, the financial needs of funding programs to fulfill educational, extracurricular and more importantly the environmental needs of the students.

NAME: Ronald G. Warren

OCCUPATION: Professional Land Surveyor, self-employed, Rocky Mountain Surveyors

1. What is unique about you that would benefit the school board?

I am currently a School Board Member with 12 years of experience. I am a graduate of Plains High School and I went to the Montana School of Mines and Technology and graduated with a degree in Geophysical Engineering. Both of my kids also graduated from Plains High School and went on and got college degrees.

I am a local business owner and I aggressively back all organizations and groups that support our local community. This is why I live in Plains, Montana, because of this community and because it is a great place to raise a family! I am currently or have recently been a member of all of the following organizations; Plains Booster Club, Wildhorse Sports Association, Plains Lions Club, Ponemah Lodge #63, Eastern Sanders County Soils Conservation Board, RAC - Resource Advisory Committee for the USFS, Fair Foundation Board, The Montana Snowmobile Association / Montana Night Riders, Plains Motocross Association, Plains Business Association, and an avid supporter of the Paradise Center.

2. What do you think makes a school board successful?

Diversity of the Board, communication with the School Administration, and the most important of all is communicating with the

residents of the School District about what the school is doing and finding out what the needs and concerns of these taxpayers are.

3. What is your vision for education in your community?

To have all of the Schools in Montana exceed National Standards and have Plains exceed the State of Montana Test scores! I like to see a large percentage of students attend Colleges and Trade Schools and I want all of our students to be successful in life.

4. What are the current challenges facing education and school boards?

To spend the money entrusted to the school, by the taxpayers, as efficiently as possible; thereby, maintaining the best staff and

facilities as can be done with that money. There is a lot of competition out there for good teachers and staff and we are very fortunate that Plains is in a location that attracts good people!