Sights set on school board

Candidates running for election to the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees recently had a chance to explain why they are seeking election and to share their policies and opinions on current issues.

A forum for the candidates was hosted by the school district and the Green River Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday, and livestreamed on the school district's YouTube channel.

All the candidates running for school board positions participated in the debate - Tate Davis, Joshua Walker, Mandy Drinkle, Lenore Perry, Jennie Malonek, Michelle Foley, and Tommy Thoman.

Out of the seven candidates, four will take the positions opening up on the school board, as none of the current board members whose terms are expiring are running for reelection. Those leaving the school board are Chairman Steve Core and Board Members Brenda Roosa, Mark Sanders and David Young. Current board members whose terms expire in 2026 are Ashley Castillon, Tom Wilson and Daniel Flom.

The new candidates running for the open positions used the forum as an opportunity to introduce themselves and explain their motivations in seeking to be on the school board.

All of the candidates have ties to Green River and Sweetwater County, with some having lived in the area for decades, like Davis, Drinkle, Perry, Foley, and Thoman. Others moved here more recently but have connections to the area, such as Walker, who moved from Evanston in 2019, and Malonek, who moved to Green River two and a half years ago but whose family has been in the area since the early 1900s. Many candidates grew up in and graduated from SCSD No. 2 themselves, and many have children who attended or are attending school in the district. Those without previous connections to the district, like Malonek and Walker, have experience working in education and leadership positions.

When asked about why they were interested in running for the school board, each candidate shared their motivations, with several expressing their appreciation for the district's strengths.

"I believe that we already have a great school district, but I'd like to build upon it," Davis said.

Davis also explained that he is already involved with local youth, and that his wife works in the school district and he is friends with several teachers, so he has opportunities to hear concerns and wants to work with people to find answers. Drinkle also has family connections to SCSD No. 2, with one of her daughters having worked for the district. Having heard an inside perspective, Drinkle said she wants to help make changes and build on what the district has.

Walker pointed out that his wife was on the school board in Evanston, and he feels that it has been a huge contrast to move from a school district that isn't always supportive to one that is, so he wants to help the board here continue to move forward.

"The times have motivated me to get involved," Perry said, explaining that seeing what is happening in education in general has convinced her of the need to be careful about how we educate our children so they can be engaged citizens and productive members of society.

Foley also noted that "there's so much changing in the world," with some positives and some negatives, and said she wants to prioritize kids learning and being safe, as well as both kids and teachers being motivated.

Malonek and Thoman both emphasized their desire to run for a school board position because of their desire to serve and be involved in the community.

"I have a lot of expertise," Malonek said. "I think that you won't get anybody who will work harder for you."

"I want to give back to the community," Thoman said, adding that he wants to listen to feedback as well as ensure the district administration is supported.

When asked about ensuring that students are prepared for continuing education or the workforce, several candidates, including Walker, Drinkle, and Perry, praised the district for having programs like concurrent enrollment with Western Wyoming Community College and opportunities for vocational education. Foley also noted that teachers are an important resource for finding out ideas to implement, and stressed the importance of hands-on learning. Malonek pointed out the importance of students having options to choose from, while Thoman added that "schools have to enable exploration from the students" and give them examples of paths they can pursue. Davis also emphasized the importance of elective programs in helping students find things they're interested in.

The candidates were also asked what the biggest issue facing the school district is. Drinkle pointed to issues that are concerns across the nation, such as safety and gun control, cell phone policies, and the possibility of a four-day school week. Davis also said the district faces several "hot button topics" that are concerns nation-wide, but stressed the importance of focusing on mental health.

"The biggest challenge is just to educate the complete individual," Perry said, pointing for the need to balance multiple aspects while helping children discover their strengths.

"I think one of the biggest challenges is the rate of change," Malonek said, specifically highlighting quickly changing technologies and the need to prepare students for the future. "Our kids need to be able to adapt."

Foley agreed that "the changing world" is a challenge, and finding the balance in preparing students to work with technology while understanding that they're still human beings is important. Walker also added that the "double-edged sword of technology" is a challenge that needs to be addressed.

"I think we're absolutely blessed to live where we do, and we don't face the same issues that you see through the nation," Thoman said, offering a different perspective. "I think our biggest issue in this district is absolutely funding," he added, pointing out that the funding structure of the school district makes it difficult to stay relevant, but the district needs to be able to hire the best staff and make sure programs stay in place and are expanded.

Summing up their main goals and reflecting on how they would like to be remembered if they are elected, the candidates each shared their perspectives on the changes they would like to see.

"I think that what I would bring is a point of view that we are in critical times and that  requires critical attention to our children's future," Perry said. She again stressed the need to educate the complete individual and give students a variety of skill sets and the ability to think critically. She also pointed out that it is the school board's obligation to create policies that reflect identifiable needs and goals with measurable outcomes.

Malonek added her belief in being "satisfied but not content" and the desire to keep improving, saying she wants to be number one in the state or even in the nation. She also pointed out that no one can achieve success alone, so "we all have to do it together."

Foley also wants to see students succeed, to not put up with mediocrity, and to know their own worth. She added the importance of being able to try new things to figure out what works best, and to do things in-depth so they're done well.

Thoman said he would want to be remembered  for maintaining academic excellence, being a collaborator and getting things done, and ensuring that no question remained unanswered and that concerns were addressed. He said student education and well-being are at the top of his priorities, but he would also want to make sure district staff are supported and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Davis expressed his desire for every child to leave the district feeling that they have opportunities to succeed. He also wants people to feel that they have a voice and are able to get answers for their questions.

Walker similarly hopes the board will be known for listening to stakeholder concerns, and wants district staff and administration to be supported and children to be prepared for the future.

Drinkle said she would like to see graduation rates continue to go up, and mental health cases continue to go down. She also wants district employees to be happy and proud when they come to work, which in turn benefits the students.

During the forum, the candidates also expressed their respect for one another and their belief that all their fellow candidates were strong choices.

"No matter who gets elected between everybody sitting up here today, I think the school board has a bright future ahead of them," Davis said.