EndorsementsLook Who’s Talking About Lisa
Endorsed by MT AFL-CIO
I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of the Montana AFL-CIO. Growing up in a union town instilled in me a strong belief in the power of organized labor and the importance of protecting workers’ rights. I’m committed to fighting so that every worker has a fair opportunity and is treated with dignity and respect.
Endorsed by the Montana Federation of Public Employees
I’m excited, humbled and very honored to announce my endorsement from MFPE, the Montana Federation of Public Employees for my primary election! In addition to my work as a union leader, I have had many opportunities because I am a member of this union. MFPE has 18,000 members across the state, serving not only teachers but a wide variety of public employees as well. To say that I am proud of this endorsement is an understatement. The people that do the day-to-day work of advocating for the professions, pay, and pensions of Montana public employees are nothing short of incredible. Listed below are the programs I have been involved with through MFPE:
-the Teacher Leadership Institute
-the McGarvey Scholar Program
-the Rapid Response Team that contacts legislators during and between the sessions to fight for bills that will help our citizens and fight against bills that will hurt our citizens.
-being a chair of the annual Teachers’ Educational Conference
-being a delegate as a retired member during our Annual MFPE conference
-attending NEA and AFT conferences in Chicago and NYC, respectively.
-working with the rESPect campaign to allow our classified school staff to qualify for unemployment benefits
I am committed to keeping our annual Teachers’ Education Conference, which will be under attack this next legislative session.
Thank you so much, MFPE, for this endorsement. I appreciate all you have done and will continue our work. I will be a strong voice in the legislature if I have the honor to be elected!
Endorsed by Sara Kiffe, Educator
Lisa spent 30 years as a beloved primary school teacher at Florence Elementary, where she not only shaped the lives of countless students but also worked tirelessly to support her fellow educators. As president of our union, she was a strong advocate for workers’ rights, serving on the negotiations committee and leading efforts to improve working conditions. She also chaired our Child Assistance Team, demonstrating her deep commitment to student well-being and academic success.
Even after retiring, Lisa has remained deeply engaged in supporting union members in our district, offering consulting and mentorship to ensure the strength and continuity of our local. Her passion for her students extended far beyond the classroom—she worked in the community to secure socks from Bombas for children in need and made sure families had access to laundry services so students could have clean clothing.
Beyond her contributions to education and labor, Lisa continues to serve as president of the volunteer board at the Missoula Butterfly House, further exemplifying her lifelong commitment to service and leadership.
Lisa embodies the spirit of MFPE through her tireless advocacy, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others.
Endorsed by Marilyn Ryan
I want to announce an incredible endorsement for my campaign. My heart is honored, humbled and grateful to have the endorsement of Marilyn Ryan. Being a fellow Anaconda native, I’ve always admired Marilyn. Our friends and families have been connected over the years. Marilyn attended the University of Montana as I did. For almost three decades, she was a cherished social studies, history and government teacher. Upon retirement, she served 5 years as President of the Montana Education Association and 4 years as a field consultant for the MEA-MFT, later having a seat at the table of the Montana's Teacher's Retirement Board.
Marilyn ran for the legislature in 2016 and served for two terms as the HD99 representative. She was only freshman Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, a coveted spot. Marilyn is brilliant, kind and approachable.
If elected, I will bring Marilyn’s dedication to Montana with me to Helena, fighting hard for our residents every single day.
Thank you, Marilyn, for your support!
Endorsed by Kathryn Read & Jennifer Kirby
Lisa is an Anaconda girl, one steeped in tradition, loyalty, and integrity. She was raised in a union household with both of her parents active in their respective unions. From a young age, Lisa has known just how important union work is. Even when she moved away from Anaconda, her upbringing stayed with her. At Florence-Carlton School Lisa played a vital role in the longevity and vibrancy of our teachers’ union over her tenure as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher. During her 30 years as an active union member, she served in multiple roles: building representative, vice-president, president,negotiating team member, conference representative --- she’s done it all. Her passion for equality and respect for teachers and of the teaching profession itself is unparalleled. There are many things that come to mind when thinking back on her years of service to our local union. A couple that stand out highlight her commitment to her fellow teachers and her advocacy for strength in numbers in our local union. Lisa always negotiated to strengthen our teaching contract. She fought hard for over a year to secure our most recent raise when she was told over and over that there was no money to spare. She knew it was there, she did her research and would not take no for an answer. And, we got the raise! Besides salary, she was committed to making sure teachers received the prep time they needed and deserved. The history of the union in Florence is strong and all things that we have fought for over the years, Lisa maintained with heartfelt dedication. Likewise, in recent years while unions around the state and country are facing severe challenges to maintain their members, Lisa inspired us all to stay strong. Our local union has a 90% retention rate even during the toughest times. Lisa understands the power of the union and knows how to help people understand its importance. Supporting and strengthening the union is something that comes naturally to Lisa Verlanic-Fowler. Through her years of service and commitment, her Anaconda heritage remained ever-present as she advocated for the teaching profession. Even after retiring from teaching last year, Lisa continued on the negotiation committee until they completed their process and continues to mentor new officers in our local chapter. She continues to be involved and committed to the mission of MFPE. She is a true civil servant.
Kathryn Read
Teacher and Librarian
Jennifer Kirby
Instrumental Music Teacher
Florence-Carlton School
Endorsed by Enna A, a forever student.
Endorsed by Peggy Hoy, Idaho Education Association: President-elect
Endorsed by Mary Horvath
https://missoulian.com/opinion/letters/article_4d2abb78-0988-4ac4-a090-740b99cd07a4.html