The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

For the regular School Board Meeting of April 19, all trustees were present but for Brandon Gasvoda.

Staff present was Superintendent Moore, Clerk Engle and Elementary Lead teacher Heather Wolery.

Visitors present were Miranda Schwenke, Gabriella Blatt, Caitlin Bailey, Matthew Louvar, Alana Malmend-Ostrom, Cheryl Ostrom, Mark Ostrom, Cat Ostrom, Brianna Bernhardt, Andrea Rutledge and Dakota Terry.

Chairman Kurt Strutz called the meeting to order, the Pledge was recited and guests were welcomed. Minutes were approved and there were no public comments to the Board.

In correspondence a letter was received from Linda Schwarzbach regarding her retirement in June of 2016. Correspondence was received from the Montana Office of Public Instruction regarding accreditation status.

The Board approved the contracts of Katie Hanson for first grade, Calista Worrall for fifth grade, Margaret Fasteson for sixth grade, James Howland for library and Shersteen Cline for business/science.

Superintendent Moore reported that Bear Paw Painters have started to paint the gym.

In new business the Board approved a Senior Sneak trip for the class of 2017 to Pacific City, Oregon. The dates will be from May 11 to May 16, 2017.

The Board approved the FFA’s request to attend the National FFA Convention October 18 through 21, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. There will be two members going.

The Board voted to add a One on One aide to the salary matrix with a responsibility factor of .7 and to hire Cat Ostrom for that position for 2016-2017.

The Board voted to move the head cook responsibility factor to .35.

The Board hired Charlie Sipler for the position of Elementary Custodian with a boiler license.

The Board hired the remaining employees as a group at the recommended salaries.

The Board raised substitute pay to $80.00 for non-certified and $90.00 for certified.

The Board approved E-Rate technology purchases.

The Board approved a multidistrict agreement.

MAPS testing was approved for grades seven through eleven.

A presentation was heard from the Superintendent and Clerk about income and expenses for the lunch program. No action was taken at this time.

The Board approved the North Star Transportation agreement.

There was no new information from the Safety Plan Committee.

Superintendent Moore reported that he has accepted the resignations of James and Christina Anacker, Brittani Bergtoll, Kelsey Voeller and Whitney Peterson.

Superintendent Moore reported that they are still looking for English and Art teachers.

Superintendent Moore will try to schedule strategic planning for May 6 through the 19.

The Interview Committee will meet on April 25 and 29 at 1pm.

Claims and warrants were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

The next regular School Board meeting will be May 17, 2016.