Stevensville School Board appoints Chris to open trustee seat after candidate interviews

The Stevensville School Board voted to appoint Chris to an open trustee seat following candidate interviews and public comment.

During a panel interview, Chris said he runs a construction business that serves K–12 districts across Montana and emphasized experience helping schools with bonds and building projects. "I run a construction business, around the state of Montana and do a lot of work for school districts," Chris said, describing that background as a reason to help the district navigate future bond efforts.

Tracy, the other candidate, described more than 28 years in public education — from paraeducator to administrator — and noted experience as a teachers-union president in Helena. "When the tech levy failed, I felt completely disheartened," Tracy said, adding she wants to help the district move forward and strengthen community support for schools.

Candidates were asked about time commitments, ethics and budget priorities. Both said students and staff would drive their decisions and that the board should set long‑term goals while administration handles implementation. On budgeting, each emphasized prioritizing core instructional needs and weighing cuts by their impact on students and staff.

At the public-comment period, a local resident, Becky, urged trustees to appoint Chris, citing his prior board service and steady leadership: "His experience, steady leadership, and dedication to public education make him an excellent choice for our school board," she said.

Trustee Steyer moved to nominate Chris, and Trustee Billy seconded the motion. The board then took a roll-call vote; the chair declared the motion carried unanimously and welcomed Chris back to the board.

The board administered the oath of office and recessed briefly to complete notarization and signings before moving on to subsequent business.