Braaten Wins Wolf Point School Election

Liara Braaten and Verlin Steppler were winners in contested school board elections in Roosevelt County on Tuesday, May 6.

Braaten won elected to a one-year position on the Wolf Point School Board. She defeated current trustee Robert Manning by a margin to 110 to 25 votes.

Prior to the election, Braaten said she feels she can offer her bubbly and persistent attitude to the school board. “I am willing to listen to the concerns of the community and the school’s current and future path.”

She said the biggest issues facing the school district are the aging infrastructure, lack of staff retention and lack of community involvement.

Steppler won election to a threeyear term in Culbertson. Steppler unofficially received 148 votes to win the three-person race. Heather Carlisle received 66 and Chris Newbill had 48 votes.

Prior to the election, Steppler said being present and approachable are important attributes to establish positivity on the school board. “I feel the purpose of public education is to prepare students to be productive citizens within their environment. While expectations may vary from one age group to another, or between individuals, the ability to be a productive and caring member of society is beneficial to all.”