Glasgow School Board Meets

The Glasgow School Board met in regular session at the District Board Room on May 15. The meeting came just one week after the public rejected a general fund levy request for the fourth consecutive year. Prior to the start of the regular board meeting, the organizational meeting was held. The board canvassed and approved the school election results and Mona Amundson was sworn-in for another term as trustee for the school district. Amundson was appointed chairperson, Ryan Fast was appointed vice-chair, and committees were reorganized.

The regular board meeting began with the public comment period, which was utilized by Nick Dirkes. Prior to his comments, Amundson reminded those present that trustees cannot respond to public comments made to the board. Dirkes then indicated that he was speaking on behalf of the Cole family and read a redacted version of a letter that was sent to Elsie Arntzen at the Office of Public Instruction. The letter, written by Louise Lemieux of Glasgow, detailed several incidences of bullying, harassment and assaults at Irle School, specifically involving her granddaughter.

Despite the above referenced incidences being reported, the letter alleges inaction, to the point of criminal neglect, by Superintendent Bob Connors and Irle School principal Rachel Erickson. Furthermore, the letter describes Connors and Erickson as not having time “to be bothered” with the situation and asks why they still have jobs.

Although at times the board does interact with the public during the designated comment period, there was no response to the information presented by Dirkes.

Following the public comment period and the family’s departure from the meeting, business of the regular school board meeting resumed.

The board approved the hiring of several personnel, including Tasheena Wilcox at Irle School, Michelle Huntsman as a district-wide substitute teacher/aide and several coaches and advisors. Most notably, the position of the boys head basketball coach has been filled by Paul Yoakam. In addition, resignations were accepted by Jessica Lewis, Jo-Ann Batulan and Rebecca Holland.

Superintendent Bob Connors reported that Betty Joe Bense was recognized for her impact on a former student, receiving a cash donation for her classroom.

The trustees approved the following agenda items: obsolete items, budget amendment, comprehensive insurance package and a request for Valley County to conduct future school elections.

The board, however, denied a request by Connors for payment of dues ($2,000) to the Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC). According to it’s website, MQEC is an organization that advocates for adequate and equitable funding for Montana’s K-12 public schools.

Continuing on, the board adopted a pair of policies and discussed upcoming dates for ongoing negotiations.

The student representative, the GEA, principals and superintendent each gave reports, mostly consisting of upcoming end-of-year events.

The meeting concluded with approval of minutes, bills, travel leaves and student account reports.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, at 6 p.m. in the District Board Room.