Glasgow School Board Meets

The Glasgow School Board met in regular session on Dec. 12. The meeting was held at the GHS library. All trustees were in attendance, along with Rachel Erickson, Brenner Flaten and Mike Zoanni. GHS principal Brett Huntsman was absent.

During the public comment period, Lexie Pehlke gave a brief presentation on her recent trip for JMG.

Three trustees utilized the board comment period: Trustee Suzanne Billingsley advised that she has been trying to secure a transcript for one of her children via Power School, but has been unable; Trustee Mona Amundson asked that administration look into a request from Huntsman at the last meeting to check on a possible policy for the grading system in the district; and Trustee John Daggett referenced the retirement of Carol Keys and asked that it be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. He explained that he wanted all of the board members to hear the “story” and they can decide if they wanted to do anything about it. There was no clarification given regarding the request by Daggett.

New business items included personnel actions. Pam Southern was hired as a para-educator at Irle School, Colby Voxland was hired as a para-educator at GMS, and Rachel Pewitt was hired as a para-educator at GHS. Jamie Hanshew was hired as a janitor/housekeeper at GHS, and three substitute teacher/aide positions were approved: Sheila Peterson, Emily Griffin and Janice Kaiser. Additionally, Janice Kaiser’s resignation as a para-educator at GHS was accepted.

The board also approved a new account for a mythology club. At this time, it is the intent of the mythology club to raise funds for a trip to Greece in 2020.

Two policies that were listed for a first reading and a second reading were pushed to the policy committee for review.

Merlin McKean reported on recent activities the students were involved in, including the Polar Plunge, the Remembrance Tree, the community Thanksgiving Dinner and the Block of Bucks.

The GEA is gearing up for upcoming negotiations, reported Carla Swenson.

Erickson and Zoanni each gave reports for their schools, including current absenteeism rates. Irle School data shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 18 percent. Erickson attributes the number of students absent to cold/flu season and athletics.

Zoanni reported a 15 percent absenteeism rate at the middle school with illnesses and sporting activities also contributing to the data.

Fiina Fauth, third-grade teacher at Irle School, provided information to the board regarding upcoming efforts to convert the playground to an inclusive playground that will benefit all students, regardless of their mobility. She reviewed plans to incorporate more paved spaces, a sensory path and a walking path that will run the perimeter of the playground. She explained that the estimated cost of the project is $16,500 and she has already been discussing fundraising options with the Irle School PTO. Superintendent Bob Connors and Principal Erickson indicated their support of the plan.

Brenner Flaten reported on the Class C Showcase and the Scottie Wrestling Invitational. He advised that there were 16 teams in town for the basketball tournament and 19 teams in attendance for wrestling.

Superintendent Connors reported enrollment is 22 kids down from last year and four kids down from last month. He informed the board that Ryan Hartwell recently passed his boilers license, and reported that the district is planning on three days of active-shooter training in February, 2019.

He also informed the board that Mr. Huntsman is in Bozeman for recruiting. Specifically, the district is looking for a high school English teacher and an elementary teacher in addition to potential openings for the upcoming school year.

In conclusion, Connors reported on and discussed upcoming training for Power School. He reported that three personnel will be attending and advised that the training will ensure that the schools will be proficient in utilizing the software program.

The meeting was adjourned and the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 9.