The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

In official minutes of the regular meeting of the Big Sandy School Board held December 15 trustees present were Kurt Strutz, Darin Genereux, Diana LaBuda, Brad Weaver and Brandon Gasvoda.

Staff present was Brad Moore, Superintendent Maryetta Engle, clerk and Heather Wolery, elementary lead teacher.

Visitors present were Charles Sipler and Walt Sivertsen.

After the call to order and the Pledge was recited there was a welcome of guests, approval of minutes and no public comments.

In correspondence it was noted that the Big Sandy Teacher’s Association is ready to begin negotiations. The Chouteau County Superintendent sent a Finds of Fact approving the petition to attach the Big Sandy Elementary School District to the Big Sandy High School District to form Big Sandy K-12 District number 2 on July 1, 2016.

In old business Superintendent Moore got an unofficial quote for cameras to place at three doors. The quote was from Schine Electric and was for $6600.00. Superintendent Moore will try to get an official bid before the next meeting.

In new business the Board gave a student until the end of the semester (January 19, 2016) to get his grades up to passing. If his grades are not up to passing, he will not graduate.

The Board approved Macy Page and Katie Hanson as substitute teachers.

An open discussion was held between the facilities managers, Superintendent Moore and the Board regarding the new equipment, schedules and expectations. The new equipment seems to be working well, scheduling needs to be adjusted for the employees and clearing up some of the long-term grime will take time. Also discussed were the expectations of the facility managers according to the job description.

The Board approved a three-year commitment to Montana Schools Insurance.

Darin Genereux and Brad Weaver spoke regarding the Safety Plan committee meeting. During that meeting they had discussed the research each member had done and the goals of the committee.

Brandon Gasvoda reported on the Negotiations Committee and some of the ideas that had been presented to consider.

The clerk reported that the staff Christmas Party will be at the Mint on December 16, 2015 at 7pm.

Superintendent Moore reported that the board planning will start in January of 2015.

Superintendent Moore reported that Linda Schwarzbach is ready to retire. We will be advertising for an assistant cook/head cook in training after January 1.

Diana Keane had approached Superintendent Moore regarding the possibility of working at the school for one day a week to provide mental health services.

So far this year bus maintenance has been higher than expected.

Jack O’Conner from the Office of Public Instruction has provided Title training to the teachers and paraprofessionals on December 11, 2015.

Superintendent Moore has asked for a list of items the teachers and staff would like for the custodians to complete over Christmas break.

Superintendent Moore is working on a presentation of the modified school schedule for the January 19, 2016. He would like Board members to be thinking about their expectations for the non-teaching staff on Fridays.

Bill Edwards approached Superintendent Moore regarding the fact that the lot next to his house is owned by the school district. He would like to see what it would take to transfer that lot to him.

The FFA District Meet was held here on Monday, December 14, 2015. It went well.

Claims were approved and warrants were approved, the meeting was adjourned.

The next regular School Board meeting will be January.