When asked to describe herself in one word, Dr. Viola LaFontaine replied "vivacious."

LaFontaine participated in the second of four interviews to select a new superintendent for Williston Public School District 1 that was held Wednesday night.

The current superintendent for the Belfield Public School District, LaFontaine spoke about written, verbal and non verbal communication and the importance of each.

"To me communication is a two-way street," she said.

She often prefers one-on-one communication if there is a serious issue. "I love technology as a way to communicate," she said.

She also spoke about non verbal communication and how necessary it is to be visible to the public.

"That's part of being a good leader, that you are out and you are visible," she said.

LaFontaine talked about getting the feelings and thoughts of people and making sure there is another step to obtaining opinions.

"It is important to ask and know and hear what people say, but then value it," she said. "One leader or one person doesn't have all the answers."

She also shared some comments about curriculum development.

"Curriculum is a whole lot of things, it's not just a document," she said. "To me, curriculum has a lot to do with what is important to teach and what are our values."

She touched on written and unwritten curriculum and the ongoing change of what goes on in the school and the classroom and that it has to be geared to the needs of the students.

"Curriculum is a process, and so the people that are teaching need to be a part of that. Curriculum to me has to be what the school is about," she said.

When asked about extracurricular activities, LaFontaine they are an essential pat of the academic environment and they help make a person stronger.

As for starting new programs, she said, "I don't like to rush into things."

She explained how important it is to share information and communicate, while asking people to help and give their input.

Born and raised in Belcourt, LaFontaine pursued her undergraduate degree in Bismarck and got a second degree in English with a minor in Native American studies. She graduated in three-and-a-half years and at 21 worked as an internal suspension supervisor at the middle school in Belcourt.

LaFontaine also holds a master's degree in elementary education and has experience in teaching seventh and fourth grade. She also has a degree in educational administration.

She and her husband have a blended family, and together they have seven children, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.