Greetings families,
The District 29 monthly board meeting was held on Monday, February 26. All trustees were in
attendance, and standard board business was completed, including the approval of meeting
minutes, expenditures, and payroll.
The policy committee has been busy reviewing and updating new and current policies that the Montana School Board Association has recommended to reflect the law and legislation governing public education. As always, the District's policy manual is available on the website.
The superintendent reported on the thoughtful group of parents and staff members meeting to
identify growth areas within the District and develop ideas to address these areas with a
strategic plan. This "Integrated Strategic Action Plan Development Team" is working to create a
program that encourages parent and community involvement through targeted communications around attendance, math performance, and staff recruitment and retention priorities. If you are interested in joining this team, please get in touch with Superintendent Price for future meeting dates.
Principal Broyles and Mrs. Torgerson highlighted the activities of LES's "Kindness Week," which
included participation at every grade level. Some activities included creating bookmarks to give
away, a canned food drive with delivery to the West Shore Food Bank, sunshine baskets, car
compliments, and 4th-grade students spreading cheer by telling dad jokes.
Principal McIntyre recognized the hard work of Ms. Joronen in getting 8th-grade students and
families ready for their move to high school next year. We also celebrate the 7th-grade SMS
student who qualified for the state spelling bee! Go Mustangs!
The consent agenda was approved. It included salary increases for three teachers who have
advanced their qualifications through continuing education. We also acknowledged the
departure of the district clerk. Trustees held an executive session to discuss the clerk's
departure, ensure accountability, and address any concerns from trustees.
It is with a bittersweet emotion that we plan to say farewell to Ms. Massie, the LES Office
Manager, and the beloved Mrs. Torgerson at the end of the year. Allie will be moving on to a
new adventure out of state, while Coleene leaves to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. We are
grateful for the time and love our staff give, and we wish those moving into a different chapter all
the best.
The board also approved the resolution calling for an election on May 7. At that time, two board
positions will be up for election. If you are interested in a Trustee seat, please contact
Superintendent Price. As the chairperson, I'd like to give a quick shout-out to the current
trustees. If you do not know them, this board is thoughtful, level-headed, and dedicated. It has
been a joy to serve alongside them, and I have found them to be people who care deeply about
the students, staff, and community. I value their integrity and the respectful way that they can
discuss situations and issues that are complex and difficult, even if we do not see eye to eye.
Without any personal agenda, they make decisions for the best of the students, staff, and
community. I am abundantly grateful for them.
Singular action items included the official hiring of the SMS custodian, Mr. Alford, and the LES
P.E. teacher, Mr. Benson. As ESSER funding (money allocated to help recover from learning
loss resulting from the pandemic) ends, the board initiated a reduction in staff positions at both
schools by one special education instructor for the 24/25 year. We are hopeful that although
these positions will be eliminated, the actual staff numbers will not be impacted. This is not a
sudden or unexpected change, as the master agreement acknowledged the temporary nature of those positions linked to ESSER funding. Procedural motions were taken to acknowledge the January snow days and loss of instructional hours, with the understanding that any instructional loss is made up by the extra time in our academic calendar and accommodations made within the grade levels. At this time, the remainder of the year's calendar will be the same, and there is no need for a make-up day.
Finally, the board approved a staff member's request for a year of leave in 2024/2025.
Congratulations, Ms. Perin, on expanding your family! We can't wait to see you again in the
2025/2026 school year!
Upcoming meetings include:
● March 5, 2024, 5 PM @ SMS - Negotiations Committee Meeting
● March 18, 2024, 5:30 PM @ LES - Finance Committee Meeting
● March 18, 2024, 6:00 PM @ LES - Regular Board Meeting
Have a wonderful weekend. Remember - no school on Monday, March 4!
Sincerely,
Jesica Swanson
Chairperson
jesica.swanson@somersdist29.org