Meet the trustee candidates running in Kila School District 20
The Daily Inter Lake reached out to school board trustee candidates in contested elections. The information below was provided by candidates for Kila School District 20 and edited for spelling, punctuation and space.
Kila School District has two openings for three year terms. Candidates are: incumbent Amanda Chin, Nicholas Blanch and Chloe Christiana. There is also one opening for a one year term. Candidates include incumbent Madison Crevier, Melissa Blanch and Kristina Stratton.
Amanda Chin (incumbent)
Occupation: Businessowner. My husband and I are the local distributors of Central Boiler brand outdoor wood furnaces.
Family: Wes Chin; son, Cole.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in accounting from DePaul University
Background: I have served on the Kila School Board for the last six years. As a board member, I have served on the budget committee, policy committee, curriculum committee and hiring committee. I am an active volunteer in the classroom and at school events.
Why do you want to serve as a trustee? I have the experience and dedication to continue to mold the school into a place where students of all learning capabilities are represented, staff feel supported and valued, and parents feel welcome and heard. The school is a representation of the community; how we value education and each other. Being a part of the school board has been a great way to give back to the community and preserve this place we call home.
Chloe Christiana
Occupation: 911 Dispatcher.
Family: Randy; two daughters.
Education: Whitefish High School graduate, attended Utica College and majored in criminal justice.
Background: 911 Dispatcher for 15 years, current Kila PTA secretary, volunteer first responder for over a decade.
Why do you want to serve as a trustee? As a parent with firsthand experience navigating the complexities of the special education system, I understand the challenges faced by families and will work to increase access to resources, improve teacher training and ensure students receive the accommodations they need to succeed. I am committed to making a positive impact on the education system and addressing the needs of families and students of all abilities.
I firmly believe that every student deserves a high-quality education and that means creating an education system that meets the needs of all students.
With my experience and commitment to the Kila community, I am confident that I can make a positive impact on the lives of students and families in our community.
Candidates for the one-year term —
Madison Crevier (incumbent)
Occupation: Instructor at the cosmetology school.
Family: Husband; three kids.
Education: Cosmetology and instructor’s training.
Why do you want to serve as a trustee? I am running for trustee for Kila School. For the past year, I have been on the board. I have seen how hard [Principal and Superintendent] Mrs. English works to make our school a safe and better place for our children. My goal, as a future trustee, will be to support Liz in whatever she thinks will benefit Kila School.
Melissa Blanch
Occupation: Operational support and integration manager; responsible for leading a team of cross-functional project managers that deliver complex technology programs and applications on time and on budget.
Family: Nick and Evelyn Blanch.
Education: Bachelor of Science in business management with a concentration in project management (2008) and Master of human resource management with a concentration in organizational change (2013).
Background: Strategic business leader managing multimillion-dollar projects and budgets for technology companies. Experience managing and balancing multimillion-dollar budgets through cost reduction, reallocation, optimization and elimination. Experience in operational process evaluation, design and implementation. Clear and concise multi-medium communication strategist. Former operational and financial auditor with legal and regulatory compliance experience
Why do you want to serve as a trustee? Our children’s education is the future of our community and country. I want to help our Kila school system reflect the values of the Kila parents and the community while providing an education that will prepare them for their future. I would like to help build a strong and transparent relationship between the school, the parents and the community providing different groups in the community a conduit to be heard. Serving as a trustee would allow me to share my business and financial knowledge to benefit the community and the children of Kila School.
Kristina Stratton
Occupation: I am a loan officer and the transaction manager at Black Diamond Mortgage Corporation.
Family: Ben Stratton; Boston, 15, Lola, 13, and Rhett, 3.
Background: I have been involved with Kila School for 10 years, from working in the classrooms, helping organize fundraisers and events, to cheering at sports events. Outside of Kila School, I have volunteered my time to organize many events that included free dental work for veterans, free community pancake breakfasts, fun runs and other charitable events.
Why do you want to serve as a trustee?: As a longtime member of the Kila community with two children enrolled in Kila School, I have witnessed the growth and unique needs of our small community. I am passionate about the education of our youth and committed to ensuring that Kila School continues to thrive. I believe that collaboration and creativity are the keys to success. As a trustee, I will work with the community, teachers and fellow trustees to develop innovative ideas to enrich the school experience. I am confident that I can bring a fresh perspective and valuable contributions to the Kila School Board.