Whirlwind of Progress at Nashua School

At a meeting held July 19, the Nashua School Board made a commitment to meet weekly until the start of the school year. The recently hired superintendent, Bill Colter, stressed the importance of moving forward and getting things done.

Colter expressed his appreciation to the board for giving him the opportunity to serve as superintendent and discussed his role as well as the role of the school board. Colter encouraged open and honest communication and indicated that if a board member receives a phone call from a community member, it should be referred to him.

Reports were given by the booster club, the newly formed parent teacher organization (PTO), the Nashua Education Association (NEA), and the housing committee.

At the July 19 meeting, and a meeting the following week on July 26, Colter reviewed staffing with the board. Colter recommended not hiring a permanent business manager for the school for another month or more. He explained that there are several clerical duties that need to be completed before school starts and it would be best to wait and hire someone for the position until after those tasks are completed.

In an effort to improve the environment at the school, the board will be utilizing exit interview forms. Employees that resign will be asked to complete and return the form so the trustees can review the reasons why employees leave.

A long discussion was held between the trustees present, Colter, and members of the audience regarding the search for teachers. Colter is being very aggressive in his search for applicants and encouraged everyone present to suggest anyone that may be interested. He indicated he will contact any prospective hires in an effort to fill positions. He did interview someone for the English teacher position and arranged for a follow-up the next day.

The possibility of a combined fifth and sixth grade class was also discussed and will be considered.

It was noted that there are qualified people in the area that may be willing to teach or assist in certain areas. Colter requested that he be given the names and contact information of anyone that may be interested or may be a good resource.

Discussion was also held about the importance of keeping the community and parents informed. Suggestions were made to post information on the school’s website, the Nashua Porcupine Facebook page, The Glasgow Courier, as well as the post offices in Fort Peck and Nashua.

Patti Sibley reported on the efforts of the PTO, and informed everyone that there will be a community BBQ held Monday, August 15 at the school so the community will have the opportunity to meet new staff and become familiar with any changes at the school. Additionally, Sibley requested that there be an open house scheduled for students an parents to see the classrooms and bring in supplies, etc. Those present agreed that it would be beneficial, and it was decided to send out an updated letter to parents with details.

As of the meeting held July 26, teaching and extracurricular positions are:

Kindergarten: Tiffany Neufeld

First grade: Sue Hoyer

Second grade: Julie Cole

Third grade: Brian Nybakken

Fourth grade: Meagan Wersal

Fifth grade:

Sixth grade: Katie Noser

Math (7-12): Chris Bourn

Industrial Arts/History: Gregg Fromdahl

Science (7-12): Cindee Parker

Counselor/Math (7-8)/Title XI: Janice Rorvik

Band/Choir: Brett Baker

Business/Technology:

Art:

English:

P.E./Health: AJ Allen

Business Manager/Clerk:

Extracurriculars:

Activity Director: AJ Allen

Head Volleyball Coach: Janiel Olson

Assistant:

Junior High:

Head Girls Basketball Coach: Gregg Fromdahl

JV: Roger Trang

Junior High Girls Basketball Coach: Gregg Fromdahl

Elementary: Janice Rorvik

Head Boys Basketball Coach: Kirk Sibley

JV: Jordan Sibley *needs board vote*

Junior High: AJ Allen

Elementary:

Head Track Coach: Ryen Falkenstern

Assistant:

Cheer Advisor: Larraine Eiland

Pep Band/Music Ensembles: Brett Baker

Honor Society/STUCO: Janice Rorvik

LEGO:

TSA: Gregg Fromdahl

Yearbook Advisor: Kayla Rorvik

Concessions manager: Patti Sibley

FCCLA/Home Economics:

A meeting date was set for Monday, August 1 at 7 p.m. at which bus routes and personnel hires are expected to be finalized.