Glasgow School Board Accepts Resignation of Zahara-Harris

The Glasgow School Board met in regular session Wednesday, Feb 17. Present were all trustees except the newly sworn in Mike Kaiser, as well as student representative Luke Breigenzer.

Breigenzer began the meeting with his student report, which included the introduction of Speech and Drama participants Reece Hunsley and Mariah Holter, who performed (separately) for the panel.

Following the brief performances, GHS activity director, Brenner Flaten introduced wrestling coach Jory Casterline and Matt Reyling, who recently won in his weight class at the state tournament in Billings. Casterline spoke briefly about Reyling, his wrestling career, and his state win.

Moving on to new business, Superintendent Bob Connors announced that current GHS principal, Shawnda Zahara-Harris submitted her resignation to pursue other career opportunities and expressed his appreciation for her hard work at GHS.

The board approved accepting her resignation, as well as the retirement of both Sarah Slaats and Marcia Pehlke.

Other personnel items included the renewal of Mike Zoanni as principal for East Side School, Rachel Erickson as principal for Irle School, and Flaten as vice-principal/activity director for GHS.

In addition, the board approved the transfer of Melody Potter to the position of resource aide at Irle School and the hire of Lindsey Gustafson as the second assistant track coach.

During the reading and approval of policy changes, some discussion was held about making the proposed changes available to everybody for review. No decision was made, but Supt. Connors indicated, “we’ll work on that.”

GEA representative, Laurie Enebo, welcomed Mr. Kaiser to the school board, and reported that there will be a $500 scholarship offered to a high school student who will be attending college to pursue a career in education, or a current college student studying in that field.

In her report, Enebo also indicated the GEA would like to work with the board prior to negotiations and agree on a facilitator.

Each principal present gave their individual reports, with Erickson discussing the upcoming spelling bee and a grant opportunity that would allow for professional development of staff.

Zoanni discussed a recent guest speaker, Dominique Liboiron, who shared his experiences during a canoe trip from Saskatchewan to Louisana. He indicated the students were very attentive and enjoyed the presentation.

Zoanni also congratulated the Math Counts team that traveled to Glendive and placed second, including an individual second place finish by Chloe Moore. He also noted that the Middle School band and choir recently attended a music festival in Malta.

Flaten reviewed the upcoming 2B basketball tournament, the trading card program, and the drug and alcohol free posters that will soon be available to distribute to businesses.

In her report, Zahara-Harris congratulated both Morgan Miller and Mariah Holter for placing at the state Speech and Drama meet, and Logan Gunderson for being a finalist for the “Spirit of Community Award” for his work on the Paint Run/Walk to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Zahara-Harris also discussed the recent Sara Bell Memorial Nursing Conference, explaining that Mr. Glaser was able to attend with 11 of his students. She indicated that FMDH generously sponsored each of the students by waiving the $150 fee per attendee.

She concluded by reporting that 95 of the 248 students at GHS had made honor roll, which is 39 percent of enrollment.

Supt. Connors reported that overall enrollment is up 11 kids from last month, and provided a brief building report.

The meeting concluded with some discussion about the superintendent evaluation process and the “My Voice” survey results. High School parent input was very limited despite letters being sent home to increase awareness and encourage participation.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for March 16 and will be held in the district board room.