Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey

I was pleased to be able to address potential voter questions in depth by responding to Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Survey recently.

My Ballotpedia profile contains my Candidate Connection Survey results, but the questions from that survey and my responses are as copied here for your convenience:

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a dedicated father, community member, and professional with a deep commitment to ensuring the success of Hellgate Elementary School District. As a long-time Missoula resident, I have a vested interest in the quality of education and the well-being of the students, teachers, and families that make up our district. With a background in leadership, problem-solving, and technology, I bring a fresh perspective to the challenges and opportunities our school district faces.

As a parent of students attending Hellgate Elementary, I understand firsthand the importance of maintaining a high standard of education, supporting our educators, and ensuring that our schools remain safe and welcoming environments for all children. My professional experience in customer success and account management has equipped me with skills in collaboration, budgeting, and strategic planning—skills that are directly transferable to making thoughtful, data-driven decisions on the school board.

I am running for the Hellgate Elementary School Board because I believe in fostering an educational system that prioritizes student achievement, teacher support, and community involvement. I am committed to listening to parents, teachers, and community members to ensure that Hellgate Elementary remains a place of excellence.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Enhancing Student Success — Every child deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. I will work to ensure that students at Hellgate Elementary receive strong academic support, access to modern learning tools, and an environment that fosters their growth and well-being.
• Supporting Our Teachers and Staff — Our educators are the backbone of our schools. I will advocate for competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and resources that enable teachers to focus on what they do best—teaching and inspiring students.
• Strengthening School-Community Partnerships — Schools thrive when families and communities are engaged. I will prioritize transparent communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and administrators to make informed decisions that benefit students and reflect community values.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The person I look up to the most is my father, John Rouse. He dedicated over 50 years of his life to education, serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in Texas, Colorado, and Montana—primarily in public schools. Even in retirement, he hasn’t slowed down, continuing to contribute as an educational consultant. His work ethic and lifelong commitment to improving schools and student outcomes are qualities I deeply admire. His personal motto, Always for Children, is something I strive to live up to, and it will guide my decisions as a school board member.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am analytical, results-driven, and committed to problem-solving. My professional experience has taught me how to listen, assess complex situations, and make data-driven decisions—skills that are crucial for serving on the school board. I also believe in accountability and transparency, ensuring that our schools are managed efficiently and focused on their core mission: educating students. Above all, I am a parent who understands firsthand the importance of strong schools, and I will always advocate for policies that prioritize academic excellence.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should be principled, transparent, and dedicated to serving their community. They should prioritize facts over politics, listen to constituents, and make informed decisions based on data and long-term impact. Integrity, accountability, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility are key. Most importantly, an elected board member should stay focused on the core purpose of their role—improving the schools and opportunities for students.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A school board member’s primary responsibility is to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in a well-managed, fiscally responsible district. This includes overseeing budgets, setting policy, supporting educators, and ensuring schools have the tools and technology necessary to prepare students for the future. The board must also work closely with parents and community members to ensure decisions reflect the needs and values of the district while maintaining a laser focus on the primary outcome: preparing our community’s young people to succeed in the future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that improve educational quality, teacher support, and school safety. Ensuring students have access to strong academic programs, technology, and mental health resources is critical for their success. I also believe in advocating for policies that attract and retain great teachers by ensuring they have the compensation, professional development, and classroom resources they need. Additionally, I support measures that enhance school safety while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment. A strong partnership between schools and the community is key to creating lasting, positive change.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Taxpayer dollars should be used efficiently and responsibly. Schools must have clear financial reporting, allowing parents and community members to see how funds are spent. I support regular audits, accessible budget reports, and policies that ensure funds are allocated toward classrooms, teachers, and student resources rather than administrative overhead. Fiscal discipline is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring money is spent wisely.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I see a strong need for advanced technical training, career pathways, and apprenticeships. Expanding STEM programs, coding courses, and hands-on trade opportunities will better prepare students for today’s workforce. Additionally, I support strengthening core subjects like math, science, and literacy while ensuring students have access to practical skills like financial literacy.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are the families, students, teachers, and taxpayers of Hellgate Elementary School District. Every decision made by the school board impacts not just those within the schools but also the broader community. Whether a resident has children in the school system or not, they have a vested interest in a strong, well-managed school district.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

To attract and retain top educators, we need competitive salaries, professional growth opportunities, and a positive working environment. I support investing in mentorship programs for new teachers, encouraging professional development, and ensuring that administrative burdens do not take away from classroom instruction. Recruiting high-quality teachers and staff is critical to student success.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Supporting students means ensuring they have access to strong academic programs, skilled teachers, and modern resources. Supporting faculty and staff means ensuring they have the tools, training, and fair compensation needed to excel in their roles. Community support comes from maintaining transparency, keeping schools fiscally sound, and ensuring that the district’s policies reflect the values of the people it serves.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

I plan to regularly engage with parents, educators, and local businesses to ensure our schools align with community priorities. I will attend parent-teacher meetings, seek input from educators, and collaborate with local industries to explore career training opportunities. Strengthening partnerships with technology and business leaders will help ensure our students are prepared for the modern workforce.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

Proper funding starts with responsible budgeting and prioritizing classroom resources over bureaucracy. I support seeking grants, fostering partnerships with local businesses, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Any discussion about increasing funding should be accompanied by clear accountability measures and a demonstration of need.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

Transparency and communication are key. I will advocate for clear, accessible updates on school decisions, budgets, and curriculum. I will also support opportunities for parents to provide input, whether through school meetings, advisory groups, or direct outreach. Parents deserve a strong voice in their children’s education, and the board should welcome their involvement.

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

An ideal learning environment is one that prioritizes strong academics, disciplined classrooms, and access to modern learning tools. Students should be challenged and supported in an environment that emphasizes problem-solving, technology, and real-world skills. Schools should provide a structured and safe setting where students can focus on learning without unnecessary distractions.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

I would like to see a stronger emphasis on academic achievement, better financial oversight, and policies that expand technical and career education opportunities. I also believe in revisiting policies to ensure that teachers can focus on instruction rather than administrative burdens. Schools should be focused on providing the best possible education, not on unnecessary bureaucracy.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching is measured by student comprehension, engagement, and long-term academic success. It requires clear instruction, subject mastery, and the ability to adapt to different learning styles. I support evaluating teaching effectiveness through student performance, classroom observations, and feedback from parents and students. Advanced teaching approaches, such as STEM-based learning, hands-on projects, and technology integration, should be supported when they improve academic outcomes.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

School safety is a top priority. I support strong security measures, clear discipline policies, and ensuring that teachers and staff are trained to handle emergencies. Schools must provide a secure environment while maintaining a focus on academics. I also support partnerships with law enforcement to ensure that schools have strong security plans in place.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Mental health support should be practical and focused on ensuring students and staff have the tools they need to succeed. This includes addressing stress management, providing reasonable access to school counselors, and ensuring a disciplined learning environment that minimizes disruptions. Schools should not take on the role of mental health providers but should provide appropriate support to help students thrive academically.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

The pandemic highlighted the need for better contingency planning and a focus on keeping schools open for in-person learning. Moving forward, decisions should prioritize students’ academic progress while ensuring that parents have a say in their children’s education. Remote learning, while necessary in some cases, should never replace the value of in-person instruction.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The primary job of a school board member is to set policies and make financial decisions that support a high-quality education. Board members must provide oversight, ensure responsible budgeting, and advocate for students while respecting the roles of teachers and administrators. The focus should always remain on academic excellence, student achievement, and preparing young people for the workforce or higher education.