Plains School Board Q&A
John Holland
1. Why are you seeking a position on the school board?
As a present member of the school board I am seeking reelection because I enjoy being involved with the school system and I care about the kid’s education and also the staff that works with them.
2. What makes you an ideal candidate for this position? What experience do you have that is pertinent to this role?
I feel that by being a member of the school board for the last nine years it gives me experience and knowledge of the issues that arise with the school. Community members and teachers know that I am approachable and will listen to their concerns.
3. What do you plan to bring to the school board? What changes do you see are necessary?
What I can give to the school board is experience and someone who is interested in what is happening with the school. One person doesn’t make a lot of changes. It takes a board to decide, and I feel that I work well with the board in making decisions.
4. Give a brief overview of your education, employment, family history, etc.
I grew up in Plains and received 12 years of my education in the Plains school system. I own and operate a farm in the Plains valley and am the section foreman for the Montana Department of Transportation. I have been a volunteer fireman for 21 years, I am secretary/treasurer of the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District Board of Trustees and chairman of the Farm Service Agency. I have 2 children who both graduated from Plains. My wife, Dacy, is a realtor with Century 21 and also a volunteer in our community.
5. How do you differ from your opponent?
I am a lifetime member and volunteer of the Plains community and have nine years’ experience as school board member.
Jon Zigler
1. Why are you seeking a position on the school board?
Having six kids that have gone through or are going through the school system here in Plains, I’ve been able to witness the best and worst that the Plains education system has to offer. With extensive experience in running successful businesses and understand budgets as well as conducting thousands of interviews in my career, I think my talents would be a fresh and welcome addition to the school board.
2. What makes you an ideal candidate for this position? What experience do you have that is pertinent to this role?
As I said, I believe my experience in running successful businesses is critical. I coach or assist coach in baseball, football, and basketball at the elementary level so I’ve had a great opportunity to meet parents and discuss their kids educational experiences. I have been on several boards in the past and am currently on The Wildhorse Sports Association board as well as The Plains Baseball Organization board, so I know what it takes to be a part of a successful board.
3. What do you plan to bring to the school board? What changes do you see are necessary?
I plan to bring a breathe of fresh air with a clear objective of doing everything I can to help this board enhance the educational experience of every student. These students are the future and if we are not providing them with every tool possible to succeed, then we aren’t doing our job. In all honesty, the things I feel need to be deeply looked at are: How extensive is the interview process for our teachers and administrators? Are we budgeting money wisely? Are we dealing with adversity well?
4. Give a brief overview of your education, employment, family history, etc.
I was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Attended Scottsdale Community College studying Hospitality Management. College of Charleston, Supervisory Development Course Graduate.
I have worked all over the country in Hospitality Management. My former employers include Marriott Corp, Ritz-Carlton Corp, and Destination Resorts before getting the opportunity to become a Subway franchisee and move to Plains. My wife Shelby’s family has lived in this valley for the better part of a century so it’s a blessing to be able to raise my family here.
5. How do you differ from your opponent?
I don’t personally know my opponent or his views, so it’s a question that I am unable to answer.