Kellogg school trustees appoint new board member

KELLOGG — The Kellogg School District Board of Trustees swore in Monica Ross as the new Zone 2 trustee on Tuesday night during the monthly board meeting.

Ross is filling the seat that was recently vacated by Chelsea Osterberg. She was one of two applicants who were interviewed for the position.

Ross is a Silver Valley native and Kellogg High School graduate herself who believed that her appointment was, “all about the timing.”

A mother to three students in the district, Ross has served on several committees in the past, including facilities, levies and many others.

When the vacancy came up, Ross was approached by numerous community members who believed her experience with the district and the community make her an excellent fit for the position.

There are numerous issues within the district that Ross is eager to more closely examine in her new role, but the first one that she said she feels needs addressing is the district’s ability to attract and retain quality educators and staff.

“Obviously we’re restricted by funding and our area has seen its share of struggles,” Ross said. “But getting and maintaining our staff is so important. I’m not just talking teachers either, administrators, coaches, anyone who has any impact on our kids.”

Ross brings a strong business background to the position, which she feels will be an asset to the board for many of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the role. Ross has a firm grasp of the limitations of her new position, but also knows the areas where she and her board members can have their most impact, including being visible in the community and schools so that students and staff know who their trustees are and can build relationships with them.

“I think there’s a misconception about how the board can or can’t affect things in a district. A lot of things are mandated by the state or higher and it’s our job to make sure that we’re following that,” Ross said. “But I love being part of the schools, I loved being a classroom mom for kids. I’m still a band mom. I was a substitute teacher for a while — I just think that if you haven’t experienced our kids in classrooms then you need to because our staff is amazing.”

Ross’s appointment comes just a month before an election will determine three of the board’s five seats, but she’s already taking a stand against the board being politicized.

“I’m the least political person that you’ll ever meet,” Ross said. “I don’t believe politics have a place in our schools and that a nonpartisan election should not have any sort of party backing. I think it’s just ridiculous. I think our schools should be a safe place for all of our students.”

The term that Ross has been appointed to runs through 2025 and she is planning to seek election to the position after that.