Christianson, Capellen oust Hanson, Sharp

Alice Campbell Havre Daily News [email protected]

Newly elected Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees members Lee Christianson and Harvey Capellen will be sworn in Tuesday in the Robins School administration building at 12:15 p.m. Christianson, with 552 votes, and Capellen, with 350 votes, out-edged incumbents Gus Sharp and Todd Hanson in Tuesday's election for the win. " I 'm cer tainly honored, " sai d Christianson who added, "I am very excited something new." "I've always valued the profession. It's just nice to work with those people," he said. "I'm kind a of excited right now," Capellen said this morning and added that he's most enthused about "the opportunity to be able to serve and maybe make a difference." The people in the school system are what Hanson and Sharp both said they will miss the most about being involved in the schools as trustees. "Certainly, it's finance," Hanson said about the most challenging thing he thinks the new members of the board and the board as a whole will be Faced with in the coming years. And not just yearly budgets, but creating budgets that address what needs might be several years into the future and that create sustainable programs. He'll continue to be involved in the schools through his three daughters one is in eighth grade this year, one is entering kindergarten next year and one will follow shortly after. "It's been a pleasure," he said of his six years in office. Sharp said he views the "large number of new faces on the board and in the administration" even though they are "extremely talented and qualified people" as the biggest challenge immediately facing the new members and the rest of the board. Even with the learning curve and adjustments, "I'm sure the new people will do a spectacular job," he said. While he has no immediate plans to remain involved, he's keeping the option open. "Thank you to everyone for the last three years," he said. Christianson is already open to suggestions from the public. After thanking those who voted Tuesday, he added, "and if you have any input or advice, feel free to give me a call." He can be reached during the day at 265-5114. Capellen sent "a big hearty thanks for having faith in me, and I just look forward to working with the community, the schools, the administrators and to hopefully make a difference." He can be reached at 265-9553. Voters also approved the elementary building reserve mill levy continuation 556 to 258. Under the six-year renewal, $185,000 will be collected annually.