Name: Julie Kuhlman
City/town: Moorhead
Candidate for: West Harrison Community School Board of Directors – District 5
Explain who you are: I live in Moorhead with my husband of 35 years, Brent. I was a 1988 graduate of West Harrison. We raised our two sons in Moorhead and they are also graduates of the school district. I have 6 grandchildren ranging in ages from 9 to 3 and love spending time with them. They are all very active so they keep us pretty busy. I have worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance company for 35 year and am also the current Treasurer for the Harrison County Humane Society if Logan.
Why did you run for this position? I feel we have some of the best teachers around and our current administration is very hands on and supportive so that made running for another term an easier decision.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I’ve been a director on the school board for the past 8 years. I’ve learned quite a lot about the school policies and what you can and can’t control as a board director.
What are your goals if elected? Continue providing support to our staff, listen to their concerns and make sure proper policies are in place to keep our school safe and a place where all students can excel for many years to come.
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Name: Lorraine Thomas
City/town: Modale
Candidate for: West Harrison School Board
Explain who you are: I am Lorraine (Peterson) Thomas, and my husband Barry and I live in Modale. I am in my 23rd year working as Branch Manager/Loan Officer at Community Bank in Modale. I have lived my whole life in Harrison County, mainly in Modale. I was a West Harrison graduate in the Class of 1978. I have one daughter, Paige Johnsen, that also graduated from West Harrison in the Class of 2010. I enjoy living and working in the smaller community and love working with people.
Why did you run for this position? I was appointed by the School Board to fill a vacancy when the district representative moved out of the area. I have enjoyed being on the Board the last three years, so I decided to run for the seat so I can continue to learn and be a part of helping to grow the West Harrison School District. My biggest concern when making decisions is what is best for the kids, and I would like to continue to make a stronger foundation for the West Harrison School District.
What from your background qualifies you for this position? I have serviced the area on many community boards: Harrison County Fair Board – Secretary for approximately 11 years; Modale City Clerk for approximately 10 years; and presently on the Modale Methodist Church Board of Trustees for approximately 7 years, to name a few. I think my experience from being on the community boards and working in banking has been a big help with understanding the way the finances work at the school and qualifies me to continue in this position.
What are your goals if elected? To make the best decisions, as a Board, with the kids’ success being the focus and priority. I hope we can continue to invest in the students, their teachers, and the West Harrison Community as a whole.
