Steve Culp

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.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and outlined procedures for public comment. Agenda items included the review and adoption of the agenda, with a motion to add item 13 regarding the hiring of Jake Seedall as a junior high boys basketball coach. Discussions covered the approval of claims and warrants, including adjustments to catch up on past payments and details regarding software implementation for financial processes. The administrator report detailed facility updates, including progress on a boiler operator certification, finalization of the 2021-2022 audit, hiring of substitute teachers and an interventionist professional, and progress on the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA). Updates were provided on strategic planning, graduation rates, technology grants involving AI training and repurposed laptops, and the Montana Reef grant activities including professional development. The team is also implementing a new MTSS behavior system, developing an Emergency Operations Plan in coordination with local law enforcement and fire officials, and planning the administrator's evaluation for the subsequent months. Finally, plans were discussed for introducing music classes, specifically guitar lessons, starting in January.

The meeting involved public comment periods discussing community engagement strategies, particularly regarding a signed letter from community members, and questions about tabled policies scheduled for the next meeting. Discussions also covered the facility maintenance budget being over budget due to increased supply costs and unforeseen repairs such as broken windows and elevator code compliance, which will be covered by the general fund. Updates were provided on various facility matters, including fixing a gym leak and receiving air quality sensors from DEQ for a University of Montana research study. The Superintendent provided updates on strategic planning goals, the upcoming comprehensive schools report, resolving health insurance issues, and the status of hiring new professional staff following a resignation. Furthermore, the board was informed about receiving 150 repurposed laptops for free through an Amazon grant.