Glasgow School Board Candidates Up For The Vote

Years ago the choice for your local school board trustees was a much more difficult decision, as sometimes dozens would run for a spot on the local board. Times have changed as work schedules have become more fast paced, as parents strive harder to keep their kids engaged in school and extra curricular activities.

This year three volunteers have stepped forward to run for a position on the Glasgow School Board. Here’s your chance to meet the candidates, two incumbents and one newcomer. All candidates were asked the same three questions: Give us a quick background - including your experience. Why did you run for school board and what makes you a good candidate? What are issues you’d like to focus on in the upcoming years? (These are three-year terms.)

The candidates were placed in the order their answers were received. So meet your Glasgow School District Trustee candidates for the 2015 school election year.

ALISON MOLVIG

I was born and raised in Glasgow and I am married to Rick Molvig. We raised three children who went to Glasgow schools for all K-12 grades. My husband is a farmer/rancher and I am a crop insurance agent in Glasgow. I have served on the Glasgow School Board for nine years, three of which I held the position of chairwoman, showing that I am deeply compassionate and committed to our schools. I have taken my trustee position very seriously, missing only two meetings in nine years, and would continue that commitment if re-elected. I am always trying to improve myself as a board member by reading state and national school board publications, discussing policies and curriculum with board members from other districts, as well as attending educators’ conferences across the state.

I am running for the Glasgow School Board because I am concerned about our students’ education. I have lived here my entire life and know personally the issues our community has. I am well versed in board policy and procedures and feel that my experience provides the Board with the expertise and continuity that is needed to help resolve the education issues our district faces.

My immediate goal is to help the Board resolve any last issues concerning the completion of the new elementary school and to help make the transition into the new school as smooth as possible. Other issues the board will be addressing include finding solutions to district needs as presented to us by the staff as well as trying to balance these with being fiscally responsible to our taxpayers. The board continues to review our policies and handbooks, striving to stay current with recommended and required policies and procedures. I would like to continue to support innovative teaching programs such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), which encourage hands-on learning that inspires kids to stay in school.

SHAWN ANDERSYN

I currently work as a manager for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry Job Service Offices in Glasgow and Wolf Point. I also served in the U.S. Army for over 11 years as an Intelligence Analyst. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado in Marketing and International Business (dual major), a Master’s Degree from Jones International University in Negotiation and Conflict Management, and currently am studying to earn my Ph.D. with Sullivan University in Conflict Management. I’m a life member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor society, and currently serve on the following boards; Rural Employment Opportunities, Glasgow Job Service Employer Committee, City of Glasgow Board of Adjustments, and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. I also speak Spanish.

I decided to run for the school board this year because I saw an opportunity to serve the community. I support the same core values as those in the strategic plan. I bring a strong work ethic combined with enthusiasm, integrity, and vision, which are essential elements for a collaborative community whose focus is on improvement without sacrificing the qualities that make the community special. The strategic plan developed by the Glasgow School Board represents a framework that provides focus and direction. This plan is one that I support and I feel I can contribute to its success.

I agree there are plenty of strengths and opportunities associated with our local school system. It is important for students to realize the value of education and the importance it plays in providing opportunities for a successful career. I believe it is important for students to receive a quality education that prepares them for the next step. There is a shortage of students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers, and it is important to attract more students into these vital fields.

NICK DIRKES

Going on nearly a decade living in Glasgow, I have found that this community is where I feel at home. I came to Glasgow for my position at the hospital after finishing my degree in Business from MSU a Bozeman. I have since completed a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from MSU-Billings. I have enjoyed the experience I’ve gained serving the last three years as a Trustee on the Glasgow School Board and look forward to the opportunity to continue my service.

I feel that continuity is important for our district at this time. We are a “young” board with only Chairperson Molvig having a significant amount of experience with the school district. Each, of the rest of us, have four years of experience or less. Given the magnitude of our positions, experience matters. We are a cohesive board and represent a balanced cross-section of the community. I believe the board as it currently stands possesses the skills best suited to carrying out the duty of the Board of Trustees.

I believe that a trustee bests serves the district by not approaching the position with a particular focus in mind, but rather a set of skills that compliments their fellow board members and a desire to serve the district and the community. That said, I look forward to continuing to work with the Glasgow School District leadership and staff as we continue to adopt the principals of 21st century learning. I also look forward to delivering the new elementary school to the community this fall. This project is nearly complete and has been a point of pride in my tenure as trustee. I ask you for your support as I work to ensure that our school district continues to live up to the rich history and tradition that is SCOTTY PRIDE.