Margaret Hall

Background

Profession: Associate Director of the Model Forest Policy Program, a national non-profit

Educational background: Univ. of Idaho B.A. (French /Finance); Univ. of Washington M.P.A. (Emphasis: Community Development); Univ. of Washington – Paralegal Certificate (Emphasis: Business) Northwest Community Development Institute Certification (Years One, Two, Three and Advanced Class); Sustainable Building Advisor Program Certification

How many years as a Bonner County resident: Bonner County has been my home-base for over 40 years.

Marital status: Married

Family: Husband, parent-in-law, (step) siblings, multiple (great and step) nieces/nephews, and cousins (multiple generations).

Questions

1. Work to regain trust in the Board by being transparent and consistent in our actions; address the findings of the forensic audit in order to regain financial trust of the community; schedule and hold Board training(s) in order to better function as a board; and discuss, as a board, ways to improve listening and responding to community concerns and needs.
2. The three most significant issues facing the board right now are the need to: 1) Regain trust in the Board; 2) Minimize community polarization; and 3) Resolve/solve the critical issues regarding the district’s superintendent so the district can move forward. These three issues are most significant because they are key in developing a functional team and setting a healthy environment for students, staff and the community.
3. Solutions for above are: 1) Board business needs to be done in open meeting unless the issue is clearly an exemption under IC 74-206, Executive Session; decisions made need to be deliberated so people understand why a board member votes a particular way; and finally, members need to come prepared to a meeting. 2) The pendulum needs to steady itself. To do so, we need to be respectful and civil to one another. Treat each other as you would like to be treated or you would like someone to treat your grandparents. 3) The Board needs to meet and take action on next steps as quickly as possible for all concerned.
4. Acknowledging what you have heard is the first step, then discussing how – within the parameters of being a trustee – you can help address those concerns. The issue may first have to be referred to the Superintendent, Building Principal and/or Department Director. If it is an issue regarding a policy or procedure, it may be a recommendation to other Board members that the policy be reviewed. Some issues may be a “quick fix”, while other issues may take longer to address, especially to ensure the rights of all students, parents and/or staff are protected.
5. Over the past several months, the West Bonner County School Board has gone through a lot of turmoil, culminating in a recall election in August of two of the five trustees. In November, three of us are up for re-election. Hopefully once these moving parts are settled, the board will start functioning as a team for the long-term betterment of the District – its students and staff - and community. The Board has to pull together for everyone to succeed and take advantage of the opportunities out there.
6. Misinformation, rumors, false claims that are swirling around and being twisted. Addressing such actions are two-fold: 1) Clearly stating what actually happened or what was said and why it was said; and 2) Listening to people’s concerns and being able to discuss those issues through a constructive dialogue.
7. The District has been very much scrutinized over the last year related to a number of issues. The biggest issues still pending are the forensic auditor’s preliminary findings report and determination of next steps needed to address any issues identified.
8. Find ways to communicate with each other and identify things that you might have in common as a starting point for a discussion, rather than focusing immediately on where you disagree. Listen, be respectful and civil to one another. Recognize that there are times that you are going to have agree to disagree. Be consistent in your actions and have patience.
9. The people who I have had the opportunity to get to know over the last 40+ years through working, volunteering and sharing laughter and tears together. The region’s mountains and waters and crisp fall days with their changing colors.
10. Recently there has not been much spare time but when there is, I like to read, hike, hunt for wild mushrooms in the fall, and spend time with family and friends.
11. I try hard to understand issues from different perspectives…putting myself in the other person’s shoes. An issue is so often made up of shades of grey, not “black” or “white”. It is less a situation of changing my mind but more trying to do a better job of listening in order to grasp from where the differences come.
12. My family … my mother (and step-father) because of their love and warmth they shared with those around them; my father because of his love of community and duty to it; my older brother because of his integrity and ability to work with and be respected by both colleagues and adversaries; my sisters because of their abilities to overcome challenges they have encountered; my younger brother because his quick wit and warmth; my step-siblings because they make our family whole; and finally, last but not least, my husband – who challenges me to think and keeps me supplied with chocolate.
13. Personal integrity.
14. What is your basic philosophy of life? Mine is two-fold: • “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you;” and • If I am going to criticize something, then I had better take steps to find positive solutions…including rolling up my sleeves and becoming engaged.
15. I am committed to listening to the voices of my constituents and community. I will do my due diligence before making a decision and will strive to be a strong, steadfast advocate for public education on behalf of West Bonner County School District students, parents, staff and the community.