Billings School Board Elections

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• Yes

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students?

• Yes

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• Yes

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• I would want to start some kind of committee that involves each of the student body presidents and if they have ideas to make school better let them be heard

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• I would make sure that all of kids were treated equally no matter what they believed in plus I would set up groups so that other kids can get to know the LGBTQ2S+ youth. I would also make sure that the LGBTQ community also had access to all programs and that the bullying would have consequences

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• I would have have a school wide celebration at each individual school and to share their Indian Education for All stories with the community and school board

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• No Response

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students?

• No Response

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• No Response

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• No Response

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• No Response

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• No Response

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• Yes

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students?

• Yes

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• Yes

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• I believe the school board needs to hear from students, parents, and educators when making decisions. It is also important to review current policies and programs. Ensuring that members of the community are heard, respected, and valued is a priority. This community supports our education system, and their trust is cherished.

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• Providing quality education to all children and youth in this community is imperative. Keeping the environment safe for all students and educators is essential. If the current programs and policies in place do not ensure these two items, I think it is important that we review options and hear from the community on potential needs within the schools to ensure these things.

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• There is a large amount of cultural history and diversity in our community. I would love to hear from the community and students what their thoughts are on this topic. I would also like to hear from Indigenous members of our community to ensure that all voices are being heard. Respecting and honoring the cultural diversity of all students and families in our schools is essential.

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• Yes

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students?

• Yes

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• Yes

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• Any student is welcome to address the school board at any regular, special, or committee meeting during public comment as well as contact the board as a whole or individually via their board email. I have and will continue to listen to/read those comments in order to make informed decisions for the benefit of every student.

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• I take the Trustee position very seriously as a representative for all students, especially for those who may feel they are being compromised in any way. That includes LGBTQ2S+ youth!

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• Naming one of our two new middle schools after Joe Medicine Crow, a Crow Chief, historian, author, and scholar was a step for SD#2 as a way to recognize the importance of our Indigenous Montanans. History is history; celebrate the accomplishments and learn from the shortcomings.

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• No

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students?

• Yes

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• Yes

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• I am prepared to listen to all members of the community. No one is more a “stakeholder” than the student. Their education and their future is a stake.

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• Equal treatment for all.

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• I am a newcomer to the SD2 Board. I have not gathered enough information on this subject.

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• No Response
  

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students?

• No Response
  

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• No Response
  

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• Students are welcome to speak in front of the board during public comment! That would be a great place for them to bring awareness to an issue they feel is of importance. Students and community members can also communicate with board trustees via email if they would like to share an experience or share their stories.
  

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• All students deserve to be treated with kindness and respect and valued for the way they were created. A school board’s role is to follow the law put into place by the State of Montana and does not allow any single individual to put certain policies into place.
  

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• Montana has a rich history related to the stories and experiences of Indigenous Montanans. These stories should be told and heard by students in Billings, Montana (and throughout the state) as it creates an appreciation for Indigenous culture and a respect for their heritage.

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• Yes
  

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students?

• Yes
  

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• Yes
  

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• I have already, and will continue to, reach out to each school in my district to learn what hardships each are facing and make appointments to meet with staff and student bodies.
  

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• I would work to establish gender neutral bathrooms, and strict procedures for consequences of bullying and work to have an LGBTQIA councilor available as much as possible.
  

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• Bring in story tellers from each tribe and keep literature for each available. Work to bring indigenous language courses to the schools and offer educational material about the tribes current hardships.

Do you support universal free lunches for all students?

• No Response

Will you commit to investing in mental health services for students? 

• Yes

Will you work to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff by limiting access to guns in schools?

• No Response

How will you ensure that students’ voices, experiences, and values are elevated to the school board when making decisions?

• Students’ voices, experiences, and values are one part of the equation when it comes to school board decisions. Many factors contribute to a healthy atmosphere of trust and respect. If elected, I plan to find ways to foster relationship between all community members (students included!) and educational staff.

If elected, what policies or programs, if any, would you put in place to support LGBTQ2S+ youth?

• If elected, I will approach my role as a trustee with humility, and a focus on providing the best possible care of and outcomes for all students. I recognize that students of all backgrounds need support in order to achieve success, not only in their educational careers, but in their personal journeys as well.

The Montana Constitution’s Indian Education For All Clause, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., turned 50 last year. How should schools in Montana uplift the stories and current experiences of Indigenous Montanans to the benefit of all students?

• According to our Montana constitution, it is “the goal of the people to establish a system of education which will develop the full educational potential of each person.” The distinct and rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Montanans is an important part of our story. By recognizing the unique backgrounds of all of Montana’s students, we can continue to gain an appreciation for not only the things that make us unique, but also the things that unite us in common.