Culbertson School Board Elections Set
Candidates Discuss Background, Philosophy
There are two candidates for Culbertson School board in the upcoming election. Voters will choose between Shadd Cullinan and incumbent Ian Walker for a threeyear term on the board. Polls will be open Tuesday, May 3, between thee hours of noon and 8 p.m. at Culbertson Public Schools, 423 1st Ave. West.
Walker is currently serving his first term as a member of the Culbertson School board. He has worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, a corn and soybean farm in the summers during college, the Boys & Girls Club of Richland County and as a research technician with the USDA research laboratory in Sidney prior to starting with the United States Postal Service in Culbertson and Sidney. Walker has a B.A. in philosophy from Concordia University and an A.A. in business administration with a focus in data analytics. He currently works for the United States Postal Service.
Asked why he chose to run for school board, Walker told the Community News, “Mostly because I live in the town,” he said. “I grew up with parents who were and are active in their community and feel that it is important for community members to at least attempt to be involved in organizations throughout the community.”
Walker said Culbertson is the first place he was able to get involved with school board activities as a member. Walker’s fiancée Amanda Marie Bushlen teaches Kindergarten at Culbertson Elementary. He said the community likely knows him primarily from his job with the post office. He does not have children or young relatives enrolled in the district.
Walker grew up in Sheridan, Ill., a town around the same size as Culbertson. He said hopes to help the district deemphasize sports and focus more academics.
“I think trying to find more of a balance between academics and athletics would lead to better outcomes for all of the students.”
Cullinan is restaurateur based in Culbertson and Sidney. He has connections with the Stagecoach in Culbertson and the Ranger Lounge & Casino in Sidney. He said he also serves currently on several boards and committees for the Montana Tavern Association.
Asked why he would be a good candidate, he said, “I want to ensure the children in the community have every opportunity possible at success both academically and extra circularly.”
Cullinan said the restaurant business has helped prepare him for the role. “ In my business,” he said, “I must constantly assess ever changing situations while keeping the long-term picture in focus. On the board I can help do the same.”
Cullinan’s children attend school in the district and wife Amanada Cullinan has strong local connections.
“We are deeply invested in Culbertson in every aspect of our life,” he said. “My wife was born and raised here and this is our home.”
Cullinan said his work with the tavern association has helped him prepare for a role on the school board.
“ I am attuned to working through issues in a board setting,” Cullinan said.
The remaining current members of the Culbertson School board are Paul S. Finnicum, Eric Bergum, Luke Anderson and Mark Colvin. For more information about the upcoming election, culbertsonschool. com.
