Alberton School District 2

The board meeting addressed several administrative, financial, and facility-related topics. Key discussions included enrollment report discrepancies, hiring updates for the upcoming school year, and the development of a strategic plan. The board reviewed facility repairs, including shed roof maintenance and sidewalk improvements, and discussed budget projections for the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, the board considered a proposal for an integrated security system with vape detection capabilities for high school areas. Educational initiatives such as the Montana Reads grant, music program additions, and foreign language opportunities were also presented.

The board meeting covered several operational and administrative topics. Key discussion points included the adoption of the meeting agenda, a public comment session regarding a journalism club update, school prom logistics, and parking lot safety concerns. The board reviewed and approved financial claims, warrants, and payroll. Administrative reports addressed facility improvements, including bus drop-off zone maintenance, the installation of a trash enclosure, and a successful facilities walk-through for safety compliance. Other topics included updates on grant applications, the transition to new school financial software, staffing updates for the upcoming academic year, and the development of a strategic plan with set goals for various school departments.

The meeting commenced with procedural remarks regarding recording and public comment etiquette. Key discussions and actions included the approval of Sierra Burbank as a paraprofessional pending a background check for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. The board also adopted a resolution to classify a 2005 Chevrolet SLV half-ton truck as obsolete, with discussions following regarding the potential sale of surplus vehicles and the acquisition of a replacement vehicle for driver's education. Furthermore, Delaney Meard was approved as a substitute teacher. A significant portion of the agenda involved a discussion and subsequent approval to explore a possible new health insurance plan for 2026-2027 through Bridge Health, motivated by dissatisfaction with the current provider, United Healthcare, including resolving discrepancies in billing and determining how to handle stipends for employees who opt out of coverage. Finally, the board tentatively scheduled the March board meeting for the 19th, 23rd, or 24th, and discussed the process for distributing and collecting evaluation forms.

The meeting included a motion regarding the consideration of banning an individual named Gary Gaglari from school property pursuant to policy 4315, which ultimately failed. A subsequent statement indicated the board felt the individual's behavior at the previous month's meeting was inappropriate and requested adherence to quorum rules for future attendance. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation and discussion on implementing a tipline system for school safety, covering its purpose, operation (including anonymous versus confidential reporting, 24/7 staffing, and tip triage), associated resources (training, materials), and statistics from other districts. There was also discussion and approval related to making up two days of school closure from December 2025 on March 27, 2026. Additionally, the board voted on approvals for hiring a literacy coach and technology dean of students, and the hiring of Aurora Sidell as a winter concessions helper.

The meeting commenced with procedural acknowledgments, including moving discussion item number five to be the first item on the agenda, followed by public comment. Public comments addressed student academic support difficulties, specifically concerning teacher availability for scheduling appointments. Another community member raised concerns regarding leadership handling of an issue and read a letter requesting the Board to initiate a formal inquiry into internalization with the Frenchtown School District to achieve financial stability and improve academic opportunities for middle and high school students. This request cited poor academic performance, funding concerns, and infrastructure issues as motivation. Following this, the Board approved minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting and proceeded to approve claims and warrants, including a large Amazon purchase covered by grant funds and payment for transportation repeater repairs. Administrator reports covered the required makeup day for a cancelled session (proposed for the last Friday in March), facility repairs including a lift replacement costing approximately $3,400 and successful elevator battery replacement, and positive lead water test results. The administrator also proposed forming a facilities review committee to prioritize capital projects. Budget updates noted securing $6,000 in grant funding for classroom supplies and furniture, although facilities maintenance is projected to be over budget due to necessary repairs. Hiring updates included selecting new staff members and interviewing for a third-grade teacher. Progress on the strategic plan, including setting SMART goals for curriculum and engagement, was reported. Planning for a Career Fair on May 13th, involving over 30 businesses, was announced. Technology upgrades, including new access points, a switch, and a firewall, are in progress. Professional development included paras attending a training day focused on the science of reading, and safety planning meetings were held to update the emergency operations plan. Finally, the Board was advised of upcoming federal monitoring for special education services.