2026 Trustee Election Questionnaires: Nick Babcock

Nick Babcock

Age: 31

Length of residency in Anaconda: 31 years

Born and raised where: Born in Anaconda, raised here as well.

Occupation: Mail Carrier

Family: Wife and three children, two of which attend Lincoln Elementary. 

Education: Anaconda High School graduate class of 2013

Military service, if any: None

Previous political offices held and/or memberships in community/professional organizations: None

Question 1: Why are you running for school board, and what skills will you bring to the board?

I am running for school board in an attempt to help facilitate a quality education for all students, in an environment where they are safe, nurtured, and taught to thrive in their individual capacities. I bring a dedication to well-informed questions, answers and decisions that I hope to see benefit the entirety of the student body, staff, administration, and parents. 

Question 2: How will you work to improve communication in the school district among the board, the administration, staff, students and the public?

I will work to improve communication by personally attempting to establish where aforementioned groups believe the gaps in communication and understanding exist amongst each other. I find that a good portion of issues are resolved by a simple, honest conversation. I believe a good trustee will make mutually beneficial decisions for all those involved in a prosperous education.

Question 3: The percentage of students with special needs continues to rise in our district. What can the board do to guarantee this population receives access to a quality education while still providing the same opportunities to its traditional and exceptional students?

I believe the board and staff could investigate all possible options for more personalized educational tools. In a time where technology, information and specialty tools are so widely available, it would be massively beneficial to each student to have a semi-tailored approach to their education. The district implemented proficiency based learning to some extent recently, I believe the majority of students could benefit from this type of approach. 

Question 4: School safety continues to be a concern for students, parents and staff. How will you work with your fellow board members as well as administration, educational staff, parents, students and other stakeholders to address school safety concerns?

I will personally work towards a safer environment for all by identifying the concerns of the students, staff and parents at each school building. I believe what is necessary for security in regards to Lincoln could differ wildly from what is necessary for the JR/SR High School, and vice versa. I also believe that the most mutually imperative duty facing all groups involved, is to personally contribute to a safe and beneficial education for all. 

Question 5: In an era of uncertainty in public education and with an increasingly high cost of living in our area, how will you work with other board members, administrators and community stakeholders to recruit and retain high-quality educational staff for our schools?

I will work with all involved to insure that everyone’s children are well-educated by staff that are proficient and dedicated, who experience immense validation in the results they produce. I believe this can include, but is not limited to, investing further in current staff, attending universities in recruitment attempts, and investigating programs designed for districts facing these issues of recruitment and retention.