Tarra Barrett

The meeting commenced with a welcome to a new administrative member. Key discussions revolved around the consent agenda, which included reviewing previous meeting minutes and warrants/expenses. A significant portion of the meeting focused on approving multiple Journal Voucher (JV) adjustments for June, July, and August, necessary for year-end financial reporting, covering items like scholarship funds and fixed assets. The board also addressed the amendment of the Strategic Action Plan, incorporating changes such as a 'grandfather clause' for existing out-of-district students and prioritizing children of staff members, with explanations provided on enrollment caps and associated support requirements. Finally, the board considered and voted on several out-of-district student attendance agreements (FP14s), differentiating between acknowledgments of students residing outside the district attending elsewhere and action items for students requesting enrollment into the district, with specific considerations made based on existing enrollment limits per grade level.

The board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussions centered on the consent agenda, which included updates on student enrollment changes and an updated warrant list, noting a payroll benefit miscategorization. The student leadership team provided reports, including a recap of the volleyball season and updates on hosted events like American Indian Heritage Day, along with plans for an upcoming middle school dance and yearbook work. Key action items involved the consideration of an out-of-district student enrollment request for a kindergarten student residing in the Marian school district; the board ultimately voted to deny this request due to exceeding established enrollment caps outlined in the strategic plan, which account for mandated support requirements for over-capacity classes. Further action items included the formal approval of the 2025-2026 substitute list, contingent on background checks, and the second reading and adoption of three revised policies: Policy 1310 regarding final adoption votes, Policy LC700 concerning uniform complaints, and Policy 3612 related to the prohibition of unauthorized student use of Artificial Intelligence in assignments. Finally, the board began discussion regarding policies concerning community use of school facilities, specifically addressing the interpretation of language related to the condition of equipment and facilities.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussions centered on the consent agenda, which included reviewing prior meeting minutes and warrants. A specific inquiry was made regarding the valuation costs for school inventory and copier usage expenses, leading to a commitment to better track individual copy usage and potentially involve the curriculum committee to reallocate funds if usage remains high. Student leaders presented information regarding high school guidelines for success (P.R.A.S.S. - Practice Respect, Act Responsibly, Work Hard, Stay Safe) and the school motto ('Safe Hands, Kind Words, Superior Pride'). Public comments included congratulations for an individual achieving the highest level of individual certification training in the MTSBA school board academy. The primary action item involved a detailed presentation on joining the Bridge Health Alliance trust, established under House Bill 332, focusing on Tier One (level-funded model) benefits, cost-sharing discussions, maximum financial liability protection, and the process for returning surplus funds to the district via administrative credits (60% rebate). Further discussion addressed annual premium increase caps, noting that initial year pricing is individualized, subsequent years utilize a pooled adjustment, and adjustments are capped at a maximum of 8% upward adjustment for fringe performing groups after two years.

The meeting commenced with the pledge, followed by a discussion on the consent agenda, including clarifications on employee retirement accounting and the allocation of funds for a copy lease previously charged to the wrong fund. Student leadership provided reports on several initiatives: a 'pause campaign' involving random checks for understanding, the results of National History Day with seven teams advancing to the state competition, the success of a recent 'gold dance' that funded supplies like lights and paint, and participation in MathCounts. The spelling bee schedule was also announced. During public comment, a member discussed the process and progress of students creating cutting boards in an elective class. Action items included approving the consent agenda, trespassing an individual from Kylo School until January 7, 2027, and adopting changes to the Emergency Operations Plan following a closed session deliberation. The board approved contracts for two cross country coaches for the 2025-2026 school year: one for Mary Eli and one for Tikica. Updates were made to several model policies, notably the facility use agreement, which now requires a fee from groups charging students for services, while remaining free for nonprofit groups offering services at no cost. The board also discussed Policy 1700 regarding complaints. Finally, the board authorized the Flathead County Election Department to run their 2027 election, and the discussion concluded with an update on Collective Bargaining Agreement Section 9.4 concerning transcript mailing procedures dating back to the 1998-1999 school year, and the distribution of the business manager clerk evaluation forms.

The meeting commenced with the consent agenda, which prompted discussion regarding expenditures for cleaning supplies due to new custodial staff procedures. Further discussion addressed accounting adjustments for snack program revenue within the lunch fund, and the use of Small Rural Schools grant funds to purchase thirty Chromebooks, which arrived recently. A significant portion of the meeting involved deliberation on Action Item A concerning retro pay for a teacher's contract adjustment due to delayed submission of final course credits (completed in October) past the November 1st deadline. Board members discussed policy implications, potential grievances from other staff members adhering strictly to deadlines, and the need for potential future policy clarification regarding grace periods for such late submissions caused by external university processing delays.