Candidates for D C Everest board emphasize mental health, teacher retention and career readiness in timed interviews

At a special public meeting, a slate of candidates interviewed for a D C Everest Area School District board vacancy, telling members and the public they would prioritize mental-health services, staff retention and stronger school–business partnerships if selected.

Candidates reiterated common themes across separate 15-minute interviews. Multiple applicants cited mental-health needs and the district’s recent grant work: Tony Eilers and Steph Daniels said addressing student mental health and early-childhood needs is essential for learning, while Leif Christiansen and Amy Ebeling emphasized community and employer partnerships to prepare students for careers.

Candidates with education or finance backgrounds described specific strengths they would bring. Jessica Van Viren noted her background in health-care finance and volunteering; Ben Bliven credited district teachers for strong AP pass rates and said he would focus on addressing students’ basic needs so they can learn. Amy Ebeling pointed to the district’s junior-achievement and career programs and said her transactional-law experience gives her governance and financial perspective.

Several candidates raised teacher recruitment and retention as a pressing challenge. Lisa Jacobson, a former 20-year special-education teacher, and others said reversing industry-wide attrition is a high priority; candidates suggested collaborative solutions rather than abrupt policy changes.

The interviews were followed by a ranked-ballot process that produced a top three and a final vote to fill the vacancy.

The district plans to notify candidates of the board’s decision by email the morning after the meeting.