Daniel Blake Shares his Vision Ahead of Board of Education Election
October 31, 2025
As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 4 to elect three new members to the Colby USD 315 Board of Education, six candidates have stepped forward to share their thoughts, priorities, and vision for the future of local education. Each candidate was asked to respond to four general questions that help the community understand who they are, what issues they see facing the district, and how they plan to serve if elected.
1. Please take a moment to describe yourself to the community, and what makes you passionate about joining the Board of Education?
I have devoted my career to education and community service. As a professor at Colby Community College with over a decade of experience in education, I’ve had the privilege of helping students discover their potential, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful futures. As a parent of two daughters in our local schools, I also understand—on a personal level—the importance of making sure every child has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality education.
My decision to seek a seat on the Board of Education comes from a strong belief that great schools are the foundation of a great community. I am committed to creating an environment where every student, no matter their background, feels supported and valued. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to promote transparency, strengthen accountability, and ensure that all decisions focus on student success.
2. What do you think are the top three concerns facing the school district, and how would you work to address those concerns?
1. Our district’s greatest strength is its educators, but keeping great teachers is becoming harder. To stay competitive, we must focus on fair pay, professional growth, and a positive work culture where teachers feel respected and heard. Investing in mentorship, development, and staff well-being directly benefits our students. When teachers are supported, the whole learning environment improves.
2. Students can’t do their best in school if their mental and emotional needs are not met. The mental health crisis in our schools needs more than awareness—it needs real action. I would support district-wide efforts to increase the number of school counselors and licensed mental health professionals, use trauma-informed practices, and provide consistent training for all staff. By focusing on prevention, early help, and access to care, we can build schools where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.
3. Trust starts with open communication—and that must begin at the top. Clear and consistent communication between district leaders, the Board, staff, and the community helps everyone understand not only what decisions are being made, but why. I will work to improve transparency through regular updates, easy-to-understand financial reports, and real opportunities for community feedback. When administrators, teachers, parents, and students share information openly, accountability and teamwork naturally follow.
3. While you likely won’t be involved in the hiring process of the next district superintendent, what qualities do you consider most important in a candidate for this position?
The next superintendent should be a visionary leader and a strong communicator who leads with integrity, openness, and compassion. They must work closely with teachers, staff, and families while keeping a clear focus on academic success and student well-being. They should also make thoughtful, data-based decisions, build a positive district culture, and represent our community with professionalism and respect.
4. Lastly, why should the community look to you for leadership on this board, and what would you like to say to the community?
I believe leadership is about service, listening, and collaboration. My background in education, program development, and community engagement has prepared me to approach challenges with both logic and empathy. I’m not running to push an agenda—I’m running to represent families and community members, to bring people together, and to help our schools grow stronger for future generations.
I’m here to ask the hard questions and seek real answers—not to simply say “yes.” Strong leadership takes courage, accountability, and a steady commitment to doing what’s right for students and staff.
To our community, I want to say this: your voice matters. The strength of our district comes from working together—with shared purpose and mutual respect—to give our children the best education possible. I am committed to being a board member who listens, learns, and leads with integrity, always keeping students at the center of every decision. Every voice—parents, staff, students, and administrators—deserves a seat at the table in shaping the future of our schools.
