Dann Babcox provided answers to the following questions via an email.
Tell us about yourself and your background?
I am 50 years old, a Livingston native, born and raised. Only leaving for five years for educational work purpose. Before I became a Fire Chief in 2009, I held all previously available officer positions (Lieutenant, Captain, Asst, Chief) within the department, while working full time as a truck driver. Before truck driving I worked for a local rental store. I have spent the majority of my adult life in service to the people of Livingston and Park County.
What inspired you to run for the school board position?
My youngest child was attending SGMS when several concerns were raised about school operations and safety. Instead of complaining or making assumptions, I felt the best way to understand and make potential changes was to get involved, become part of the solution instead of complaining about a problem
What are you hoping to accomplish if you are elected?
I would like to see consistency throughout the district, in policies, and practices. I would like to change perceptions about why the board makes decisions, instead of allowing assumptions that are incorrect to fester. The teachers and staff are tax payers as well and need to have the same access to the board as the rest of the general public
How are you going to accomplish these goals?
I intend on accomplishing these goals by working with the board, legal counsel, MTSBA, administration, the public, and parents.
What do you think is the biggest challenge we face in our schools today?
Security for the schools, along with safety has to be paramount and is essential for creating a optimum learning environment. Recruitment and retention of quality staff who are working for the best interest of the students. Along with some policy questions I believe the school should be teaching the basics and stay away from issues and subjects that should be dealt with by the parents in the home.
What do you think is the role of a school board member?
To follow the law. [Babcox included in his email the language from Montana Code Annotated, 20-3-324, describing the role of the school board, with special emphasis on the following section, which he highlighted in bold:
(1) employ or dismiss a teacher, principal, or other assistant upon the recommendation of the district superintendent, the county high school principal, or other principal as the board considers necessary, accepting or rejecting any recommendation as the trustees in their sole discretion determine, in accordance with the provisions of Title 20, chapter 4]
Who is an educator who impacted your life?
All of the teachers and educators in my life have had an impact on my life.
