What is a School Board?
A School Board is a local government entity that acts as the bridge between community and schools – Board trustees listen to parents, students and staff about their visions for public schools and act as advocates for their districts to the superintendent, district leaders and broader elected officials. School board members are elected by you to make important decisions!
What Decisions are Made by the School Board?
- Select school superintendents
- Influence textbook selection and the inclusion of topics into school curriculum such as comprehensive sex education, climate, and historically accurate Indian Education
- Determine funding for school services and programs including extracurricular activities and mental health resources.
- Make and/or influence decisions around school policies, rules and regulations, such as school dress codes, graduation requirements, anti-discrimination policies, disciplinary protocols, and other operational decisions that affect day-to-day functioning of schools
I Don’t Have School Aged Kids – Why Should I Vote in the School Board Election?
Trustees play an important role in the health and well-being of our community by making decisions around school food services, funding for mental health resources, establishing school safety protocols and influencing law enforcement presence on school campuses. Trustees also have a huge impact on our communities’ taxes by making important decisions regarding levying local property taxes, purchasing town land and buildings for school services, and school construction, expansion, or closures. These are all issues that affect our entire community!
Billings School Board Candidates Questions and Responses
This year’s election is an all-mail ballot election! In Billings, residents vote for the candidates in the district in which they live. To find out which district(s) you’re in, click here.
School District #2
Elementary Trustee, District #5
Jourdan Guidcie
Will you support students’ first amendment rights in school libraries by preventing censorship?
Yes
Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students (i.e. school counselors, prevention programs, and access to community resources)?
Yes
How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions? (70 word max)
I would work with the board to ensure student voices are hear through student advisory boards, student government leaders, and through surveys and other types of feedback.
What role do you think the school board should play in addressing homelessness and food insecurity amongst students in our community? (70 word max)
I think the school board should play a crucial role in addressing these issue within our community with free meal programs, advocating for increased funding and community partnerships. As well as, implementing programs like McKinney-Vento.
Amanda Brown did not respond to the questionnaire
Elementary Trustee, District #7
Luke Ashmore
Will you support students’ first amendment rights in school libraries by preventing censorship?
Yes
Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students (i.e. school counselors, prevention programs, and access to community resources)?
Yes
How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions? (70 word max)
I’m a former Billings Public Schools student and recent high school soccer coach. I’d ensure students’ experiences are elevated because they mirror my own.
What role do you think the school board should play in addressing homelessness and food insecurity amongst students in our community? (70 word max)
We should use every tool at our disposal to help these students. Trustees are leaders, and the school board should address problems that can harm students’ education.
John VonLangen
Incumbent
Will you support students’ first amendment rights in school libraries by preventing censorship?
No Response
Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students (i.e. school counselors, prevention programs, and access to community resources)?
Yes
How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions? (70 word max)
Students have an opportunity to speak directly to the school board during public comment at every school board meeting.
What role do you think the school board should play in addressing homelessness and food insecurity amongst students in our community? (70 word max)
Students who are experiencing homelessness or food insecurity can reach out to the Family Resource Center at the Lincoln Center.
Elementary Trustee, District #3- Teresa Larsen (Incumbent) did not respond to the questionnaire