Three Seek Open School Board Seat

The Culbertson School District is holding a school trustee election May 6. The vote will determine one open three-year board position, replacing outgoing member Ian Walker. Voting is allowed from noon to 8 p.m.

There are three candidates hoping to fill the open position: Chris Newbill, Heather Carlisle and Verlin Steppler. The following answers were selected from survey responses prepared by Theresa McDonald. The deadline to file was March 27.

Local rancher Verlin Steppler named his top objectives and discussed why he’s seeking the position: “My wife and I have five children that reside within the Culbertson School District,” Steppler said. “I feel it is important to become involved in the decision-making process that will affect the students and families for the foreseeable future. With many obstacles that rural schools in Montana are facing, I think it is paramount to be proactive and give students every possible advantage to prepare themselves for a very competitive world they will be entering.”

Steppler was also asked his opinion about the possibility of a fourday school week: “With the information I have to date, I am in favor of the four-day school week, though I do think this is a topic that deserves careful consideration,” Steppler said. “It is important to see how our district’s residents feel about such a change. The divide between different sides of the argument continues to grow and we need to make the best informed decision that we can, as a board. The staff and faculty’s opinions are likely the most important perspective to gain on the matter, as teacher retention and new hires will factor into the resolution and result. Ultimately, I would approach this topic with an open mind, a commitment to transparency, and a strong focus on student and staff success. “

Heather Carlisle is a retired Army colonel with local roots. In her survey response, she said that she feels it is important to get involved with the school in Culbertson and added that she’s ready to work hard to provide the school with the best support possible.

Asked about long-term plans for the district moving forward, Carlisle responded: “Prioritizing regular maintenance, focusing on school safety, fostering a positive culture, offering competitive salaries and expanding professional development opportunities. The importance of recruiting and retaining quality teachers should be a primary focus for the board. By planning ahead, thoughtfully and collaboratively, we can make sure our district not only adapts to cutting-edge change, but also leads with purpose.”

In response to a question about promoting the positive aspects of the district and minimizing negativity, Carlisle said, “I would seek out opportunities to highlight as many positive aspects of our students and staff as possible, both on social media and the local paper. Hunt the good stuff.”

About a four-day school week, Carlisle said, “The school district needs to ensure that the advantages, disadvantages and any critical concerns are fully captured and understood before a change of this magnitude is made. Part of the research must include learning what worked well and what did not work well at other schools in the area who implemented a four-day school week.”

Chris Newbill is a local entrepreneur and a retired staff sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. He currently works for Microsoft.

Asked about his reasons for running, he said: “The simple answer is that I was encouraged to. Having three children in the school and relationships made with other children and faculty through activities in the community have given me a rough idea of what we do well and where we can improve academically.”

Asked about his views on the purpose of education, Newbill said, “Public education exists for our children to learn how to learn. [...] In the ideal outcome, they also love to learn and recognize learning doesn’t stop when you graduate from high school or higher education beyond that. Positivity spreads.”

On the four-day school week, Newbill said, “I have no issues with the district moving that direction. Other districts have already done so and provide some data points on the impact. However, it’s not about me or my situation and I would like to hear more from those opposed to the change.”

For more information, visit culbertsonschool.com/allnews/~ board/school/post/ join-our-team or call 406-7876241.