Brad Barringer

The Board addressed various operational and financial matters, including the approval of personnel actions, student travel requests for conference participation, and the establishment or renaming of student activity accounts. A detailed report was presented on the RESTART program for at-risk students, alongside updates on school strategic plan reviews and National Youth Arts Month. The Board approved the 2024-2025 financial statements and audit report, the monthly financial reports for January 2026, and adopted process criteria for a potential Reduction in Force. Additionally, the Board awarded the contract for the Lewis and Clark Elementary School roof project, adopted a resolution regarding estimated changes in revenues and levies for the upcoming fiscal year, and decided against requesting a levy for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Revised board policies were also approved, and reports were provided on Career and Technical Education programs and a grant initiative for teacher attraction and retention.

The board convened to address the emergency closure of Lincoln Elementary School following significant roof damage caused by severe wind. The primary topic of discussion involved reviewing the necessary school closure protocols in compliance with Board Policy and Montana Code Annotated to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. Plans for meeting statutory student contact time requirements during the closure were reviewed.

The Regular Meeting agenda for the Great Falls Public Schools Board of Trustees included several routine business items for the Consent Agenda, such as approving personnel actions, Good Apple Awards, an incoming student attendance agreement, acceptance of welding supplies donation, and travel requests for HOSA and BPA activities. Key action items involved approving the 2024-2025 Financial Statements and Audit Report, the January 2026 Financial Report, declaring the possibility of a Reduction in Force (RIF) and adopting criteria, non-renewing temporary, non-tenured teachers whose contracts expire on June 5, 2026, awarding the Lewis and Clark Elementary School Roof Project to Jimmy's Roofing, adopting a resolution estimating changes in revenues/mills for the 2026-27 fiscal year, and approving the Budget Committee's recommendation to forgo asking for a levy for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the second reading of several revised Board Policies. Discussion topics included reports from the Great Falls Education Association Grant Team, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and the Superintendent Evaluation, with a formal letter on evaluation results planned for release before the next meeting.

The committee received an informational presentation regarding AWARE virtual PT and Regenexx. A significant discussion centered on the recommendation to be sent to the Board concerning joining Bridged, as the deadline for joining was approaching. The committee unanimously voted against joining Bridged for the 2026-2027 plan year.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, which involved the removal of the final 2024-2025 Financial Statements and Audit Report pending auditor submission. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering personnel actions, Good Apple Awards nominations for various staff, an incoming student attendance agreement, and travel requests for the Great Falls High School Symphonic Band and the Charles M. Russell High School HOSA and Chanteur Choir groups. Student Representatives provided detailed reports covering academic achievements, service projects, interdisciplinary learning, and athletic successes at Paris Gibson Education Center, Charles M. Russell High School, and Great Falls High School, including recognition of All-American status in Speech and Debate and success in the Congressional App Challenge. The Superintendent reported on trustee candidate filings, recognized staff, discussed enrollment trends, and summarized Strategic Plan feedback covering staffing, mental health, and instructional focus. Action was taken on the Second Reading of Revised Board Policies, including policies on Elections, Student/Family Privacy Rights, Health Screenings, and Intent to Increase Non-Voted Levies, with edits incorporated. The First Reading occurred for policies covering Board Officer Duties, District Policy, Complaint Procedures, and School-Sponsored Student Activities. The Board then entered a closed session for the Superintendent Evaluation process, reconvening to schedule the synopsis presentation for the next meeting.