Ballots go out for Bigfork school election

Ballots are being mailed out for May school elections.

Districts have through April 20 to mail ballots to voters. Ballots must be returned to respective districts by May 5. A ballot and its outer envelope must be signed by the person the ballot was issued to in order to be counted.

Bigfork is the only district that will have a levy request on the ballot in addition to a trustee election.

Trustee elections will also be held in Cayuse Prairie, Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Fair-Mont-Egan, Kalispell and Marion.

Trustees are volunteers who represent the public and are responsible for making decisions that impact how schools operate. Duties typically include reviewing and adopting policies, annual budgets and educational programs; setting achievement goals and holding schools accountable.

Following is biographical information provided by candidates whose names will appear on ballots.

In Bigfork, approximately 4,400 active, registered voters living in the elementary district will decide elementary and high school general fund levy requests in addition to a contested trustee race. Approximately 1,200 voters living in the high school district will decide the high school general fund levy only.

If approved, the levies would generate $331,625.12 for the elementary district and $259,828.94 for the high school district.

If the elementary levy is approved, owners of homes valued at $200,000 could anticipate annual taxes to increase by $29.20. If the high school levy is approved, owners of homes valued at $200,000 may anticipate annual taxes to increase by $18.30.

The majority of money raised by the levies will fund salary and benefit increases for certified and classified staff. Funds would also go toward professional development, textbooks, and supplies, which have been reduced over time to cover budget shortfalls, according to Bigfork Superintendent Matt Jensen.

The last time a general fund levy request was made was in 2007, according to District Clerk Lacey Porrovecchio.

Six candidates are vying for two seats representing the elementary district.

- Julie Kreiman

Occupation: High school math teacher at K-12 international academy.

Family: Husband John Kreiman; three children currently enrolled in Bigfork Elementary.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in secondary education, Grand Canyon University; master’s degree in educational technology, Arizona State University.

Background: Current member of Bigfork Art and Cultural Center; previous member of national and local education associations; and previous director of mathematics curriculum at Scottsdale Education Center.

Why are you running? In my 20 years of experience in education I have seen firsthand the impact that a school board has on what transpires in classrooms. I want to be an experienced advocate for the teachers, and as a mom, I want to ensure that my kids and all kids in the community receive the highest possible education that prepares them for future success.

- Matthew Meisner

Occupation: Co-owner of Bigfork-based Meisner Construction, L.L.C and Vessel.

Family: Wife Julie Meisner; four children Shea, 18, Corbin, 15, Savannah, 10 and Indiana, 8.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Bethany University.

Background: Through coaching basketball off and on for more than 20 years has gotten to know many students, seeking to be an advocate for them.

Why are you running? I would love nothing more than to be a part of this team working to cast vision for how we can best meet the needs of our growing schools. I love the community of Bigfork and would be honored to receive an election to serve on our school board.

- Wendy Miller

Name: Wendy Miller

Occupation: Piano Teacher and owner of Montana Leaf Works

Family: I am the mother of three children, ages 12, 16, and 18 and Aunt to 13 nieces and nephews ALL currently attending Bigfork Schools.

Education: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees

Background: I am currently serving on the board of Friends of Bigfork Fire Department.

Why I want to serve as a trustee: Having children and extended family attending Bigfork Schools for over two decades, I have a deep understanding of our strengths and the challenges we face. I will work collaboratively with teachers and administrators to rebuild trust and increase academic opportunities while keeping the interest of teachers and students first.

- Steven Neal

Occupation: Retired teacher and businessman, currently substitute teaches.

Family: Wife, who is a retired law enforcement officer; one daughter who is a University of Montana graduate.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education; Montana teaching certificate and continued coursework.

Background: Taught elementary and middle school for 12 years; was a business owner and consultant; previous governor appointee to the Statehouse Conference on Small Business; and multi-year Bigfork Christmas elf.

Why are you running? My business experience will allow me to make the best decisions for utilizing taxpayer’s dollars in the most efficient way possible, while my experience as a teacher will allow me to be an advocate for students of all ages, so that our investments in their education will be put to the best use in the classroom. After all that education has given to me in personal and professional fulfillment, I have a strong desire to give back whatever I can to education.

- Paul A. Sandry (incumbent)

Occupation: Attorney

Family: Wife Christine Sandry; three adult children Phil, Ben and Josh.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Montana; Juris Doctor (with high honors), University of Montana; Master of Laws in Taxation, University of Florida.

Background: Bigfork School District trustee since 2005.

Why are you running? I want to continue focusing on maintaining and developing policies to enhance student achievement and to maintain Bigfork Schools as strong public schools while advocating fiscal conservatism.

- MonaRae Tuhy

Occupation: Self-employed, independent contractor for the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork and Bigfork Playhouse Foundation.

Education: College, commercial diver, Master Gardener, Master Food Preserver, and continuing education classes.

Background: Bigfork Rotary president; Montana Organic Association board of directors secretary; Bigfork/Ferndale community garden volunteer coordinator; Rotary weekend backpack coordinator and school garden volunteer.

Why are you running? To represent those who do not always have a voice, to hold the administration accountable, ensuring that our students, teachers and staff have all the resources to make Bigfork a strong district and school — which includes arts, music, shop, science fair, speech and debate as well as all sports and other school clubs which makes for well-rounded students. Having attended almost all school board meetings for multiple years, I would like to be a more impactful participant on behalf of the community. ¦