About Scott
Parent. Neighbor. Trustee.
I’m a longtime Missoula resident, a Hellgate Elementary parent, and a trustee on the Hellgate Elementary School District #4 Board of Trustees. I ran in 2025 because I believe in strong schools, engaged families, and transparent, accountable leadership, and that’s the standard I hold myself to on the board.
On the board
Hellgate voters elected me to the Board of Trustees in May 2025, and I took my seat at the board’s June 2025 meeting as one of seven trustees. My current term runs through May 2028. A trustee’s job is to set policy, oversee the budget, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and make sure the district stays focused on its core mission: educating students. I take that job seriously, and I bring to it the same commitments I made as a candidate.
I’m proud that the educators of the Hellgate Elementary Education Association endorsed me in 2025. Teachers and staff experience the board’s decisions firsthand, and I want them, along with parents and taxpayers, to see a trustee who listens, collaborates, and leads with integrity.
Why “Always for Children”
The person I look up to most is my father, John Rouse. He dedicated over 50 years of his life to education, serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in Texas, Colorado, and Montana—primarily in public schools. Even in retirement, he hasn’t slowed down, continuing to contribute as an educational consultant.
His personal motto, Always for Children, is something I strive to live up to. It guides my decisions as a school board member.
Professional experience
Technology leadership
For over a decade, I’ve worked in leadership roles at innovative tech companies including Acquia, VMware, and FileWave. I’ve led teams of consultants and account managers, supporting clients ranging from global Fortune 500s to K–12 school districts and higher education institutions.
What I bring to the board from that work:
- Financial management and budget oversight
- Team leadership and consensus building
- Implementation of educational technology solutions
Law enforcement
In late 2019, I took a break from tech to serve my community more directly as a police officer for the Missoula Police Department. That work strengthened my ability to think clearly under pressure and gave me new insight into public safety, including school safety protocols.
- Conflict resolution and problem solving
- Calm, clear decision-making in high-stress situations
- Tactical building safety knowledge relevant to school environments
After two years of service, I resigned in good standing to return to the tech world and better support my family.
Entrepreneurship
I’ve also spent years running my own businesses and supporting my wife’s local small business here in Missoula. That hands-on experience taught me the value of persistence, creativity, and wearing many hats, along with practical skills in web design and application development, photography and content creation, and accounting, bookkeeping, and small business operations.
Full professional profile on LinkedIn
Volunteer and community involvement
As an Eagle Scout, service and leadership have been lifelong values for me. I’m an active volunteer and mentor in youth programs that directly benefit families in our district:
- Cub Scout Pack 4104: Treasurer (former Cubmaster and Den Leader)
- Boy Scout Troop 1911: Committee Chair
- Ten Ring Junior Shooters: Volunteer Assistant Coach for a youth precision shooting club
These roles keep me closely connected to the Hellgate community and give me a firsthand view of what our students need to grow and succeed.
Family and personal life
My wife, Jessica, and I are the proud parents of two energetic sons, both Hellgate Elementary students since kindergarten. Our younger son is in 5th grade at Hellgate, and our older son, a Hellgate graduate, is now a freshman at Big Sky High School. Like many families in our district, we value academic excellence, dedicated educators, and a safe, supportive school environment.
When I’m not working, volunteering, or preparing for a board meeting, I enjoy:
- Hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors
- Cooking and sharing meals with family and friends
- Supporting my kids in Scouts and school activities
Let’s connect
As both a parent and a professional, I understand the importance of balancing vision with action. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns about our schools, I’d like to hear from you.