The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

The Big Sandy High School Ad Education received a grant from Montana Farmers Union for a $33,000 subterranean geothermal greenhouse. The greenhouse’s placement site is undecided, but Layne Taylor, ag teacher, will work with Dan Schrock to find a place to place it. They are considering putting it somewhere by the football field.

The upgrades to the wagon project are scheduled to start in two weeks.

Superintendent Schrock reported he is advertising the Mountaineer. No one has stepped up to drive buses. They will continue to have the bus inspections and the necessary requirements, hoping to get some drivers. Dan Schrock said, “ I don’t think this situation will solve itself magically. It will take community members focused on solutions and want to work with the school district to solve the problem that we have concerning bus drivers. Then we will have a solution if we work together; we can if we pull together in the same direction, I don’t see where anything can stop us from doing anything. Based on my experience in this community and the volunteers that have stepped up and wanted to put their years that they don’t understand. They’ve never had to be in this situation. I think when the situation is solved, it’s because people will be inconvenienced and they’ll think about it. Pragmatically, hey, I can make money driving for this district, enrich myself financially, and with employment benefits. Why don’t I do that instead of driving to town anyway, with my child, and only being paid a portion of that car? So will the problem be solved when people step forward? And unfortunately, I don’t have an easy answer for when that will be. The board stepped up and offered incentives. I researched competitive wages and other schools in the area. So they were comparable. I will remain hopeful.”

The bus routes will remain the same if they can find drivers. There are three routes, South East, Kenilworth, and North.

Athletic Director Melanie Schwarzbach recommended Teal Poole for the Junior High Volley Ball coach. Teal Poole was hired. They also raised the Per Diem to the students for meals in post-season to $20 per day.

The following is wording concerning 8th-grade participation in high school sports.

1) In activities where seasons are concurrent, 8th graders may only participate at the high school level at the coach’s request and the athletic director’s approval.

2) 8th-grade participation at the high school level will not be allowed, regardless of the athlete’s readiness, if junior high program participation numbers are reduced to the point that a junior high program is impossible.

3) If an 8th-grade student begins a junior high season, they must finish that season before beginning a high school season. They may attend high school practices before the junior high season ends but may not miss a junior high contest to attend a high school event.

Melanie Schwarzbach contacted Chauncey Terry to build some new football goalposts. New goal post pads have been ordered.

The coaching handbooks have been revised, which was approved.

She has also been working to set up a new team communication system which will be used instead of the Facebook platform.

Wendy Taylor reported for the Booster Club that the Annual Fall Sports Booster Kickoff dinner will occur on August 29th, starting at 6 pm.

Travis Bauman said he had ordered 25 new Chrome Books to replace books that needed to b replaced.

Dan Schrock reported in his report to the board that he is advertising for a paraprofessional, a concession Manager besides bus drivers. “Western Sports Floors will return for the gym floor between the 17th and the 24. There was some streaking in the perimeter paint from work in June. They feel that additional cleaning of the gym floor and two additional coats of finish will improve. (with no further cost to us).” Dan also mentioned that Western Sports Floors has been an incredible company to work with. “At the end of the day, our floor will be fantastic and a source of pride for our school and community.”

The band room at the high school has a new carpet, and the music room at FE Miley will also have a new carpet. Brandon’s received the bid.

We also have a new fire suppression System. “It was ordered and will be here for installation the first week of August.”