May 8 Mail-in Elections Local Election Guide

Potomac School District 11 ~ Vote for One, Tree-year Term ~

Thomas H. Brown

Being born and raised in a small town outside of Eureka, Mont., I have

experienced first-hand how smaller schools with high teacher to

student ratios can form a child's life, in an incredibly positive way.

I moved to the Missoula area to pursue a career at Neptune Aviation

almost 13 years ago, at the age of 20, following tech school. A year

later I began my life in Potomac where I would soon begin to raise my

two children, Levi and Silas.

As a volunteer coach for local hockey and wrestling clubs, I enjoy

giving back some of the very rich hours that so many teachers, coaches

and mentors shared with me as a child. My experience working with the

local children and watching them grow and learn gives me a profound

sense of belonging.

I am running for Potomac School District 11 Trustee with intentions to further

give back to the community and the families in this area. I will

provide an outside perspective and very unbiased input on the issues

that will be presented to the School Board. I am well versed in

systematic problem solving, I very much enjoy finding solutions to

issues presented while ensuring that ethics, laws and every person

involved is taken into account. This is a requirement of my current

employment and something that I truly find second nature.

Schools across the nation are continually being faced with new

challenges. Funding, security and quality of life for the faculties

and students are being threatened every day. I would like to see Potomac

among the forefront of the communities who stand up to protect

what is right and continue to provide the students with the

opportunities they deserve over these very developmental years.

I look forward to many years here in the valley and vow to continue

giving everywhere I can.

Gary Long - Incumbent

I've owned property in Potomac Valley for 15 years and have lived here full time for 10 years. I raised one son who is an Aeronautical Engineer. I love hiking, fishing the Blackfoot and exploring the history and back roads of Montana by Jeep.

I have nine years of school board experience and five years of experience as a mentor of the Missoula High School Robotics Team, Go Mr T. I led fund raising efforts and met regularly with Missoula School Superintendent.

A big focus of Robotics is teaching problem-solving skills and how to develop a functioning robot from their ideas and then compete with other high school teams. For four years I was an active officer and participant in the Parent Club when my son was in grade school. I work for a large aerospace company managing our supplier base, working closely with the management of multiple small to very large size businesses.

I currently serve on the school board to give back to and participate in our community. I serve for our kids and neighbors.

I would like to see us continue to develop our grant writing skills. Safety of our kids and our school is very important and a topic around our state and country. We have completed a safety assessment of our facilities and training of our staff and administration. We have already taken action on many security steps and would like to see those continue.

I would also like to see us reorganize our Sports Booster Club and develop ways and opportunities to encourage more parent participation and volunteering.

One of the challenges I see facing the board and the Potomac School is loss or changes in how Montana schools are funded. Budgets change every year and is an ongoing challenge.

Another challenge at Potomac is keeping ahead of technology. We also have funding challenges and changes coming to our Friday programs.

I would like to ask for your vote on the mail-in ballot for the Potomac School Board Trustee position. Thank you!

 

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