001Uh this meeting is being recorded and this record recording is not constitute the official official record and which it will be available on the website. I'll need an order. Sorry. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Uh do want to note as well Courtney Miller will be taking our notes today. >> Courtney at baseball? >> Yeah, maybe the baseball. Yeah. Word up. >> Yeah, absolutely. Can you get up? >> Um any revisions to the agenda? >> Just um once we've finished the business of the consent agenda, then I got to go be sworn in cuz and then we'll restructure from there. >> Great. Uh public comments? Anyone? No, okay.
002Seeing none, we'll uh move on to the approval of the minutes, please. >> I move to approve the minutes of the meeting. >> I second the motion. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? No slate. Uh any recognitions, combinations? >> And yet I do have a couple. Um Brad Packer, our math teacher, is retiring this year after 30 years in Montana public schools. That is a very commendable career. >> Yeah, drivers ed. Both the camel's back. >> Yeah. >> Um >> And and Brad's been with us for I think 7 years um and just he's really going to be missed not just by us but you know the lives that he's touched in in students across Montana is as many. Um And then this is part of the agenda agenda
003today too. Mr. Blassingame is going to be leaving us. And Britney can probably speak to it even in a little bit more than me. Like Andrew was really instrumental in in building our tech program here over here at the school and our CTE program. So you know, personally and professionally he's going to be missed by many people in the school district as well. >> Well, hopefully he's still maybe hit the golf tournament with us once in a while. Oh yeah, I am. I am. I know this would have been possible that he said. We really do appreciate everything so much. >> Thank you. >> Okay, and welcome to superintendent's report. >> Okay, I put a couple things in the agenda. Um and then in my report. So anticipated enrollment as of today we're about four
004below anticipated than where we sit today. Um we still have people that you know, still people coming. Somebody just came in and asked about information today. I anticipate we're probably going to start higher than we are than where we sit today. Which is going to be good for us. And you'll see I mean we're we're running at about the accreditation standard across the board especially at the 4K five level. Um as we're starting to see smaller classes move through that's just kind of where we're at. Um fifth grade is the only one that's really up for question about you know, potentially splitting next year. Right now we're one over the the accreditation standard. Um and we'll follow the law based on everything. If it sneaks up a little bit you know, much more we'll try
005our best to get another teacher. In that vein we had two applications for an elementary position. We interviewed them both, offered them both jobs. Both had already been locked up by somebody else. Um you know, in in 10 years that that pendulum has shifted from 30 people coming out of Montana State University applied. This year we did have one recent graduate apply. You know, we even called the Department of MSU and they sent us somebody. So, that's kind of where we're at from an enrollment perspective, but that's the one we're paying the most uh the closest attention to and Principal Shirley's on top of that. >> Good. >> Um I attached the reconciliation petition. If you remember, this is from House Bill 486. So, we're anticipating 664,000 um from Ennis in fiscal year '27. And
006I don't know if you read through this at all, but the taxable value over there is insane. >> Yeah. But can you help me understand it, doesn't it? >> Courtney, can. >> Okay. >> You can help me understand it better. Go. >> Go. I can't hear you, so what was the question? >> Just can you kind of walk the trustees through that taxable value um and how we arrive at the at the reconciliation payment amount? >> Sure. So, the reconciliation is based on two ratios. The first is the is the taxable value of Big Sky School District to Ennis School District. And then the second second of that is is a a proportion of the number of kids in relation to um what we have and what they have in in full enrollment. And then
007those two ratios are multiplied times the number of kids that are actually out of district. Um so, the the purpose all of which is last year's data. So, since our school budget is based on the previous year's enrollment, the our reconciliation money is based on the previous year's taxable value and head count. Um but it's multi- what I say multiplied number of kids that are out of district, it's at it's the is this year's number of kids out of district. So, it's the law is not well written from that standpoint, but the math works out in our favor because the inverse the inverse relationship of kids as well as taxable value. >> So, A&B is the same no matter what district, right? >> I'm sorry. >> Yes, the actual A&B is the same no matter
008what district. >> Do what do you mean actual or you mean the >> Compared to the district's kids. >> number or >> Um, cost. >> I mean >> For the state the state pays the same per kid no matter where they go to school. >> Right, so it's this is a way to make up for that difference. So, Yes, the short answer to that is yes. From the state they're getting the exact same amount as we are. >> But they have to pay us more tax dollars >> than they're getting. >> Well, that's when it comes to the general fund, yes. However, the reconciliation is based on taxable value, which is you know, changes every year. >> Of all the schools. >> So, you remember this was a response to the potential of that property
009or that school district line being up for discussion to potential remove. So, it came down to a a It could be a way to relieve the taxpayer in this district, but it wasn't written that way. It was written to come directly to the school district as opposed to reducing the the tax footprint. >> So, we essentially get the A&B plus a differential based on the taxable value. >> Correct. But look at the number, their taxable value is now $1.3 billion. >> Yeah. >> Right, and the different and this is non-general fund dollars. This is the this money goes in the flex fund, which gives us some the ability to use it in a lot of different ways. >> How many students does that represent? >> Uh this year, I think it was 70. >> And
010uh 648,000 or yeah? >> 16 people, 17 AMPU. >> Yeah, in fiscal year '27 >> Half is paid December 1st and half is paid June 1st. So this year we're getting 480,000 in that same two two payments. We received one. >> But the the total annual is about 640 for the 17 kids or >> No, so it also right, it's also dependent on our mill on what our mills are based at. So when we adopted the fiscal year '26 budget, we we amped everything up if you remember with permissive levies. We paid off all of our debt. So next year, um if you'll bear with me for 2 seconds, I can tell you pretty closely what we're anticipating. >> I'm just trying to figure out how much those kids are worth cuz it's way more
011than >> Oh, yeah. 8 or 10,000 dollars. >> Yeah, so I mean it would be 680,000 divided by 17. >> Yeah. >> And then the next we anticipate that dropping in half roughly for fiscal year '28. >> Yeah, and we're losing those some of those kids. >> But and our mill rate won't be as high cuz we we we we're we're milled out. So next year >> And this is going to continue for how long again? >> Well, as long as >> Until we >> Unless there's a legislative action to change it. >> Right, and redraw that line. >> Yeah, or redraw that line. Okay, so next year fiscal year '27, 17 kids at our budgeted meals of 29.1. Next year we anticipate 12 kids to be served and our meals are going to go
012down about by a factor of about 10. Um so we're anticipating, you know, about 310 to 330,000. Now, that could change, but as you look at our as you look at the enrollment from Madison County, I mean, it's declining. >> Right. There's not as many of them as up there. >> Yeah. We can't get 18 now. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> Um and then good news on the housing front or at least updated news. Um So, proposed schedule, we're um we're going to have our contractor assigned and here's the proposed schedule for the project. You know, June 4th, we're going to get the bids. Start They want to start the We're going to start sometime in June and then complete by August 15th. Our cabins right now are in about to go into be
013built. June 1st is our start build day. And then they need 7 to 10 days once So, right, this is only representing the price is only going to represent dirt work, infrastructure, you know, cement foundations, all that stuff. And then they the cabin company needs 7 to 10 days. So, if it's done the 15th, we're going to have a pinch point and I'll be working on that all summer if we have you know, if we have to put people somewhere else for a month. >> Right. >> Um we'll we'll be able to do that, I hope. Uh but I think, you know, as things are unfolding in the in the staff that we're hiring, we're going to be in about 90% with 12 units. >> Yeah. Wow. >> I think that that's good. And this
014year more than any at this particular point in the recruitment cycle, it is >> Key. Yeah. So key to be able to say to people yep we have a place we have a place for you you might have to live in a hotel for the first month we have 12 units so there's not going to be anything everything's full so my only anticipation right now that see the one we don't have spoken for the current units is one one of the bigger units and then if everything works as I think it's going to of the new units we'll have one possibly available available and we'll be able to talk to them because we'll have to send the rent structure rent structure is next month too and that's part of the policy there's some things I
015would like to to talk through with you guys on that one >> that'll be similar to what we've got now pretty much >> I think that's what we need to discuss but yeah I think you know make it as reasonable as we possibly can the good thing is we don't have any debt >> we won't have any debt on any of those units which is which is really a big deal >> awesome >> and then that's that's what I have >> thank you Dustin uh move on to Midland High School principal's report Dustin Smith >> I just want to say thank you to all our parents who made our staff and teacher appreciation week so wonderful we really have incredible food every day and nice notes and nice close out to come eat over share
016a meal um also bountiful and beautiful so thank you um in academics we are finishing our IB exams tomorrow and seniors have wrapped up their in in-person exams at at the high school last week we held the high school art acapella and theory of knowledge show and it was a really incredible display of creative work and musical talent so I just want to give a shout out to Miss Wright and Mr. Sullivan Mr. Sullivan for putting that on and for our students who participated and then just yesterday we had our group four science project presentations in the lawn pack in front of the whole high school and the grade 11 students did research on local environmental issues, collecting water and soil samples and analyzing it. We put together some really good data analysis and it
017was really our strongest collaborative science project yet. Very professional, very thought out. And then we are going for end-of-the-year math testing. So, we are just through the first week almost, luckily, and then we'll move on to the second week next week. Student life, we had our music uh I'm sorry, our middle school dance 2 weeks ago. And so, thanks to Dr. Brooke and the student council for hosting that. Um lots of energy and lots of sweets at the middle school dance. And then this Sunday we have our Harvest Hero Run and this year we're doing it at Lolo Peak with the NHS crew leading that. And it'll start at 10:00 and it's supposed to have some exciting weather. They have to try to run. We're just in the end-of-the-year cycle with graduation um for our
018seniors on May 24th, grade eight promotion, field day, and then this year um Dr. Brooke and the Lolo student council are starting a OMS minor market. So, students are putting together small business ideas and then they're going to be selling and marketing to each other in the cafeteria. So, it's going to be exciting. Yeah. >> I'm sure. >> Or outside if the weather >> Or outside, yeah. Hey well, yeah, lots busy wrap up. Can't believe we're there already. It's a cow. Yeah, thanks Dr. Mitchell. Uh elementary, that's all, please. >> Yes. Um we have had visitors and field trips galore as we come into the spring season. So, fourth and fifth grade had a visit from the Montana Constitution Road Show, which was really neat. Um they give some play space education and talk about
019the Constitution of the state of Montana. Third grade traveled um part of their national disaster unit. They went down to Quake Lake >> Oh, nice. >> and learn all about that. >> But they were scared to death. >> I know. not. We're a camping family. I was like, "Yeah." But no, they loved it. They had a a great time. Um fourth grade went to Jack Creek Preserve for two different days, all day adventures. Um and just really great. Um and then first grade just did their bear wear walking field trip down to Ram's Horn and put the little hangers on the doors to make sure that everybody knows to put their trash away. Did you guys got them? I thought so. They didn't make it up my hill. Um we are also in end of
020year assessment mode. MAP testing is happening this week. Um we do a reading assessment next week. Um wrap up all makeups for MAST testing. Um but I can tell you um we're doing the early literacy assessments. We've completed most of those and it's really exciting to see what's happening with our 4K program and the kindergarten program. So, um really fun stuff. Um I attended the Montana Safe Schools Summit, which was in Helena. And I think as we look at Matt exiting, I think that um organization is going to be pretty key for us. They have a lot of really great resources for public schools um in regard to safety. And so, um that's something we can lean on in the future. And let's see. Screen-Free Week survivor party is tomorrow. We had over 100 kids.
021Five and their parents also should be commended. Um especially some of the little ones like the 4K parents WERE LIKE, "OH MY GOSH." UM SO THAT WAS EXCITING. AND THEN today actually we just hosted our math marathon. Um so it's an initiative to get kids um to know all of their math facts, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. We celebrated on the field with stations running around, lots of math. and the ninth graders help with that and so it's a fun celebration and um if the kids master they earn a water bottle or a water balloon to throw at me the last day of school. >> I think I have like 150 >> Whatever takes it. >> action >> That's awesome. >> I like to kind of like watch. Well, thank you guys again. I know it's
022busy time of year and so everything's going great in town site. So >> Yes. >> Um okay, great. Move on to activities? >> Yeah, I'll take that for John. He's um He's disposed. >> You didn't even know. >> I never see that guy. >> So you needed to see. >> Well, I am. >> Uh so tell me what you know. And girls softball divisionals are this week and they'll be making a charge for state next week. Track divisionals is this weekend. We already have some kids who pre-qualified for state and I don't know how many but at least one. Um and then tonight's senior night for baseball. They have one more game and then I think if they win they could probably make a little run into the playoffs. I don't know. A successful season.
023>> I'd just say there's a chance. >> There's always a chance. >> Um and then Well, kind of just coasting to the end of the year. Tennis is wrapping up as well. And spring sports there is a lot Yeah, spring sports in this school district. >> Yeah, it seems like it just even the last year so they've really taken off. >> A lot of spring sports, yeah. >> Which is great. >> So you you know, I would just mention it like the the tennis team parents and coach are very thankful that we were able to get that surface last year. >> good. It's made the season a lot better. For them. And then yeah, we'll just I mean August 14th is first day for fall sports. So >> I can't talk about fall yet. Great.
024Awesome. Thanks for that. Uh let's see. Corky, do you have your business manager report for anything today or? >> Yeah, the only thing I'll uh mention is that I did look through Libby's uh the budget to actual reports and the general fund's running about 80% um of to budget. We have some you know, some big payrolls to go um and end of year end of year expenses. So it looks as though we will be we're going to come under that $800,000 um target overrun. I don't know how far under, but we will be within budget um by the end of June. >> Ooh, great. That's great. Yeah. Excellent. Any questions there for I don't know. Great. Thanks, Corky. Uh we'll move on to discussion and action items, please. >> Do you want to Do you
025want to >> Sure. Um I move to approve a one-year leave of absence for Jay-Z's teaching position. >> I second the motion. >> So I mean if you rewind 14 years, he's done a lot of stuff for us um in the music department. And if you remember a year ago, he he requested a reduction in his FTE from two classes down to one class. And now he's requesting the one-year leave. I think he's got some projects going on that he wants to focus on and see if he would like the ability to come back after the the leave of absence. >> But he's still here. He's still going to do warm up act. >> He'll still do warm up act. So yeah, that that's part of like what he's requesting. That is a responsibility as
026artistic director remain cuz that is somewhat connected kind of to the school in a way. >> Is that telling me we need to replace them for the year or something like that? >> So we were able to and you'll see probably at next month's meeting when we present the timetable and the assignments. So he was he's done IB music in the last 5 years, 7 years. He's done IB music and IB theater. So next year Vanessa Wilson is going to Yeah. Yes, we're replacing We're not losing the program. We're just replacing the instructor and we're even going to be able to offer IB music again starting again next year with a with Tim Sullivan. >> Okay. >> Good. Good. >> I love Jay Z but will his pay adjust since he's not working that? >>
027So he won't he won't be paid to do that at all. So you see >> Oh, without pay. >> Yep. Yep. Yep. It's without pay. >> Okay. Any other questions? Call for a vote. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. >> I move to approve the purchase of oven as presented from Montana Food and Equipment. >> Second. >> Yeah, that's a still oven and that's for this building. So that's going to get installed this summer as well. I mean the LPHS kitchen. That you know, keep in mind right we do all of our cooking on that one. Um it's the same one that we currently have and we'll fund that through the building reserve. >> Questions? Call for a vote. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. I think there's no
028agreement. >> This is This is This is just for discussion. So right everybody we receive e-grant dollars, which is allows us to receive electronic services like the internet for cheaper. We need to have a CIPA compliant filter, but we just need to talk to say that at the board meeting and answer any questions that we do have a CIPA >> already filter already. >> And we always have And the tech department is here >> What is CIPA stand for? >> It's >> Children's Internet Protection Act. >> There you go. It's a congress thing that part of this e-rate dollars. They try to get all the schools to get this government funding so then we all have to have these filters to keep the students safe on our internet. >> Good. Let's move on to number
029four. >> I move to approve the classified staff renewals as presented. >> I second the motion. >> Um okay, this I made a mistake. This This is in the agenda, but I'm just going to say it out loud. Uh trustee died, you'll have to uh not be able to vote on this. Because your wife is part of the vote. >> Okay. Yeah, I'll recuse then. >> Yeah. So, this is the it just hit me when I when I pulled that up. I should have been listed in the agenda, so I apologize. But we're we're talking about that. Um Yeah. >> You should vote. >> We still have openings. >> Yeah, so Good. Questions? >> What are our openings? >> So, we have pair openings all the time. >> Okay. >> I'll provide all those in
030favor. >> I. >> Any opposed? Pass unanimously. >> I move to approve the Amplify ELA in grades four through six for the 20 2026-27 school year. >> I second the motion. >> So, the flyers in the packet, grades 4 to 6 would like to uh pilot amplify language arts. Um it's really we we've been using core knowledge. This is a more comprehensive put-together sequence version of that. Um the principals can speak to it, too, but they've investigated this significantly. Um so, it's it's for a pilot and hopefully for full adoption the following year. >> This is all the materials over there. >> Yeah. >> But in reality >> Yeah, it's really solid engaging topics to to teach language arts curriculum. >> What I like about the middle school curriculum is they really hone in on
031that. >> Do we not pay for it then? >> A pilot is just for our own internal >> Okay. >> purposes. So, we have to buy it. We Yeah, we also have to purchase it, but that will kind of it leads into what the next agenda item is. So, when we adopt something fully, uh we'll have the same conversation that we're going to have for the next agenda item, and then we'll advertise out to the community that these that these materials are on display for 30 days, and then people can come in. So, this will be that will be first reading, and then second reading is is is I think it's full approval. And then so, for piloting, we're just going to give it a test run for a year. >> Well, that'll make planning
032a lot easier. Yeah, much easier. >> We are still voting on this one, though, correct? >> Yeah. >> It's our second one. Now, we're doing a first and second readings. >> Yeah, yeah, you're still voting on this as a pilot. >> Any other questions? Call for a vote. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? That's unanimously. >> I move to approve as the first of two votes to fully adopt Amplify math in grades 4 K through 5 and and as a pilot for 6. >> I second the motion. >> Yeah, so we have been piloting this and actually the the assessment in fifth grade you approved that last year. The assessment data showed that it's worth grading. So want to make this a full adoption and then as a pilot in the sixth
033grade right to continue on to continue going. And then so after today's approval we'll have 30-day waiting period so probably in July I'll ask you to approve the full the whole thing but we'll put that out as a note as to the community that they can come the materials will be available here. >> Talking about math. I mean >> The teachers researched and found this themselves and so there's a lot of buying and they know what the kids want. >> That's awesome. >> Yeah, it sounds like it's starting great already. >> Any questions? All in favor first votes? All those in favor? I I I I Any opposed? That's unanimously. Next. >> I move that we keep going. I move to approve the position of wellness coordinator for Big Sky School District. >> I second
034the motion. >> So wellness coordinator for adult education in the district this person will be paid by the adult ed fund to work with our faculty and staff on physical and nutritional wellness and then in addition where he'll be assigned I have somebody in mind that it looks like he you know get up to take the position. Uh they'll be assigned to work on strength and conditioning with our students. And I have a donor lined up for the portion of of the contract that will be with our students. I imagine it will probably fall around 25 hours a week and will be at least 50/50. And he And he he works out with our uh our students already and at same time there's lots of faculty working out and he's been helping them for a
035year and a half anyway and I think I think it would get some traction. >> Yeah. I've heard nothing but I mean my my child has really enjoyed it and they've I've heard some of the he's up some of the teachers that have been there and I've heard nothing but positive feedback, too. So, that'd be great to to make it an official thing. >> And it sounds like there's a donor that'll pay for that. >> They'll pay for the student portion. The other portion will do do through adult ed. It It's That's a good way to structure it, especially if he's doing both things. >> Yeah. And then I have some in teachers line. >> And I haven't talked to any that have it. We'll see what kind of I mean see how it So,
036that's my own working out. Yeah, sure. I'll take a working lunch. I got to I got to do the training. >> Great. Uh any other questions? Call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I I. >> Any opposed? Pass unanimously. >> I move to approve the MSAA activities and dues as presented for fiscal year '27. >> I second the motion. >> Super straightforward. >> Straightforward. So, it's same sports. I mean, I don't know if anybody had a chance to look at that. So, we have baseball, boys and girls basketball, football, boys and girls golf, boys and girls soccer, tennis, boys and girls outdoor track and field cuz there isn't an indoor season. And then girls volleyball and you know, just to say we offer those things cost us $3,400. >> Wow. >> That That
037That's both You know, when we when we looked at how you know, how our athletic budget has kind of ballooned over the the course of the last 10 years. Like that's before we do anything. That's just our association >> just the same amount every year. No, it's just the same amount every year. >> Is it just a set amount or is it per sport? >> So, it's per sport. So, it it added up to 3,000 and then 368 was administrative fees. So, that's 1 2 3 I think it's 300 per sport. 3,000 / 12. >> It's not even. >> Just under it. >> The total was 3368. >> Yeah. It's just under 300-ish. >> And And that does include though act It It includes a little bit for uh professional liability insurance. >> Any other
038questions? We'll call for a vote. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? Passes unanimously. >> I move to approve the election results as presented by Gallatin County. >> And those are That's in the packet and I'm also going to hand it to you. I'm just going Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to use that. >> I second the motion. >> So, that's in the packet. Um There were 873 votes. 547 for Matt Rosendale, 326 for John Gans. Um also in the surround if you guys would sign this once you approve it if you approve it. >> Is that a Is that a typical number for voter turnout? Pretty much, right? >> We surprisingly there's 2,900 registered voters >> That seemed high to me. Or certainly like more than it's been in the past. >>
039Dr. Shipman >> Yep. >> and board, I just looked back um over the past 5 years and the the number of registered voters has increased from roughly 2,400 to 2,900 since 2020. The number of ballots that has been that have been mailed out has stayed at 21 to 20 about 2,100. So, what what is happening is that people are moving in, they're staying on the vote in effect staying not canceling their voter registration and then they're moving out. So, our number of registered voters per se keeps going up, but the number of ballots mailed out has not gone up for the last 6 years. >> And those those amounts of votes that number have been about the same, right? >> Correct. That nine eight or 900 of the 2,100 2,100 votes or ballots going out
040has stayed the same, correct. So, same number of votes same number of ballots for the last 6 years. You're approving the data. >> Is Matt saying it? >> Fake news. >> Oh, yeah, Matt. >> Yeah, he he can he should sign it. >> Okay. Do you do you approve of you? >> It's it's just signifying who All right, I approve of certified. All right. Thank you. >> You don't have to add. By signing that, we pass it, or do we have to vote? >> Yeah, we can do that. >> That's Yeah. >> We can move on? >> Yeah. >> We have to vote on that list of writers. >> You should. >> Yeah, we'll be signing. >> Um call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Pass unanimously. >> I
041move to open discussion of the >> I think it's this >> this one. It's also kind of election-related, number nine. >> Right. >> 10. >> Resolution. >> Yeah. >> I move to approve the resolution of Gallatin County to conduct our elections in fiscal year '27. >> I second motion. >> Any discussion? >> So, that's that's a yearly thing that if we're going to have an election next year, which was We know we will. Uh it's just the resolution that gives Gallatin County the permission to do that. >> Yeah. Call for a vote. All those >> I. >> Any opposed? Pass unanimously. >> I move to open discussion for the district's tech policies and devices and from um >> Yeah. >> And that And that perfectly leads into Yeah, I mean just Yeah, that's fine. >>
042And then from there we can make some some separate motions cuz there is a purchase and possibly a policy adjustment. Um we kind of began this conversation last meet meeting and now we have some recommendations after he admin and tech department met, trusty Baker staff. We looked over a number of items. I think there's the parents here too who might have some color to add. Um so, currently we have bring your own device practice in the high school, and I put that language from the handbook in your packet. Um the recommendation's going to be, I think, from the committee that met, including the techs the techs down that we abolish that particular um policy and practice in the school um and that we go to what they're going to talk about here in a second
043and that school district devices are the only devices that are allowed for learning purposes in our in our school um so I'll I'll let Betsy maybe kind of kick things off as the trustee who who participated in then we'll talk and so you'll see in there too we we can replace our Chromebook fleet with the nanos from or neo what are they >> neo from uh Apple that will that's the recommendation of the tech department now I'll actually let them I'll let you have that too so Betsy I'll turn it over to you and we're happy to have you chime in >> so we met to discuss it and I think like with everything with technology we're just trying to stay ahead of the kids with it and we kind of missed the mark with
044not with allowing them to bring their own computers to school but as we discussed in the meeting like the time that that that was established it made sense and um but now that the school has ability to buy these new computers for a lot less than they've been available before for the high school students um and that that will give the tech department more control over the access that the students have on um it kind of seems like a no-brainer at this point and then it cost-wise and you guys can go over that too but it seems like it really makes sense too because they'll be able to use the Chromebooks to not have to replace them once for the younger students like to cycle those through too so um I don't did I miss
045anything that I have to add I mean it seems like the these guys were very confident in with the new the new um the new yes that it'd be a good product for the school. >> We can as Betsy said, you know, we sent the kids home with their Chromebooks in March of 2020 and then it just became it almost became a free-for-all from there. >> Yeah. >> Right? With people like blessing he was here to begin with. I think when you go through this conversation and you know how we're seeing the dependency on screens and other things like you know the bring your own device I think Betsy mentioned it as last thing and really it's it the kids can be on their iPhones or really like their phone with them. >> Yeah. >>
046Um and Andrew brought up a really good point point in our meeting too like we have kids one kid working with a a $2,000 MacBook Pro and the kid right next to them you know working on a a Google Chromebook that's you know been beaten up in the school for 5 years. So it'll also kind of level out you know the technology offering for the for the students. Um and so we've we've reached this point and then we've even talked to the middle school level I think Marley you can you can speak to your conversations with the teachers of you know this pre-dependency of going back to you know the the computers or the Chromebooks or whatever they are going to hard. You get it out >> Yeah, not automatically open. >> when you need
047it. >> Yeah. >> You know when when the teacher teaching calls for it not just you know when it whenever we want. So I think eliminating in order for the for it all to work we need to eliminate bringing your own device to the school and if you do bring your own device you're not going to be able to get online anyway. >> Right. >> Um and and then purchasing the Chrome the the Nano Neos at really not a huge a significantly different difference. We can afford it we have a tech levy um so we're in good space to make those changes. >> And that and that price was uh over 4 years, right? Of what? >> That's the initial. >> I think there was an overall >> The initial was if I'm reading if
048I remember the spreadsheet and reading it correctly and Jared feel free to jump in. The initial is 133,000. >> The initial? No, the initial is about 60,000. >> Yeah, and then it's over a 4-year period. >> Right, right, right. Over 4 years. >> It's all right though. Yeah, but >> It's more than it would have been if we hadn't been buying the Chromebooks we would have been buying anyway. >> So it's 3,000 square. >> Yeah. >> We were going to be replacing other computers anyway and all that. Yeah. >> And we also discussed too I don't know if this is where we would discuss it too, but um kind of blocking everything at first and then add you like kind of re-studying all the things that have been at they've had access to is that
049correct in my head? >> Yeah, that's exactly right. >> Yeah. >> So kind of starting fresh with the like filters essentially. >> Yeah. >> Again. >> And so that's going to take Like even if kids are bringing their phones and stuff, will this new setup still block them from getting on while they're here or stuff like that or is it just computers or >> Well, we still can't block cellular signal, right? But the cell phone policies honestly kind of in a way created this problem, right? Because then they no longer could use their phones so they were more inclined to use their bringing our own devices to get around things that they had been doing in the past >> could just use their phone to do that stuff. >> Um >> Okay. >> But but
050they won't be able to download anything. >> Yeah. >> They won't have their text messages. >> They won't be able to get They won't be able to load apps. They won't be able to Well, they won't be able to alter it without us. >> Right. >> And and that'll be the same if they go and log in at Starbucks. >> Okay. >> So like the safety feature follows them. >> Regardless of where they go. >> Okay. >> Even at home. >> On our device. >> Yeah. >> On our device >> No matter where they go. That's pretty good. >> And you you also said that I don't know how much I'm going to use but it will have the capability like this is a great computer too for them to learn on. >> Yeah. >>
05168 times improvement over the Chromebooks that we were >> Plus they get another operating system like exposure to the different >> And then those Chromebooks we have are being filtered down. They're still being used. We're not just getting rid of them and >> Exactly. >> We'll recover some from the high schoolers that use them and then they'll filter down to the elementary. >> Okay. >> And now they're ready to pass them on. But it does like I do think it is just very interesting that like we are just always trying to stay one step ahead of the kids with this and it's Well, it'll be just so interesting to see where it >> Yeah, and it is always evolving, right? 11 years ago we were trying to get computers in the classroom for all these
052amazing new ways we could use technology in education. And a lot of that's been great but it also has evolved into ways that you know, there's opportunity to not use it for education. And so this is a way to kind of control that and get the benefit out of it without some of the negatives that have cropped up. >> And I think too with the middle school going back to park for it's only out for instruction then it's gone. They don't take it home. They'll have paperwork for homework and things like that. Um so it will shift some of the responsibility sometimes you know at home you got to maybe got to title to look at the assignment if you forgot to write it in your planner for example. But I think it's better for
053them you know for the wellness and everything else, right? Um and the focus when they are at school as well. We also discussed it's probably going to make the enforcement of the cell phones like harder. That will be something we'll have to >> Yeah, it certainly will be clearer. >> or clearer is the name. >> Next step. >> Stay ahead. >> And something else that we possibly could revisit too is maybe I'll bring it up as an action item once I run some numbers with Andrew. Um, when we had what were those called Andrew, the the Microsoft machines? >> Services, yeah. >> The services. Um, if a student paid 4 years of insurance, we just gave them one to take to college with them. >> We'll try that. >> So we can discuss we can
054run some numbers on that if you want to see if that's something that we'd like to >> Yeah, yeah, exactly. >> So I I would suggest then maybe the motion should right now really just be around the um, purchase of the >> Apple devices. >> of the Apple devices and then cuz we didn't have policy that was that handbook >> Right. >> That was handbook language and we'll just remove that and then when you approve the handbook, you'll be approving that. >> Right. And that'll be next >> Next or next, for sure. >> Right. It's not next for sure, yes. >> And put some communication out I think to families say expect that, don't buy your kid a computer this >> Yeah, or I mean I have two motions two motions right now I'd like
055to >> I think it'd be cleaner to do two motions now and then it's out in the world. >> Nope. >> I'll move to I'm not going to do that cuz my kid will kill me. >> The purchase of the Apple Apple devices Neos for the high school. I second the motion. >> I'll put it to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes unanimously. >> Um, and I move to approve that we strike the bring your own device practice from the policy for the Oley Valley. >> Do we need to adopt any language with that or >> We'll adopt the bring your own device I think we just get rid of it. >> Yeah, get rid of it. >> I mean, we looked at it. It just makes sense to
056get it out of here. >> Okay. I second the motion. >> Call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> I'm going to vote against so I can tell my kid it is. Matt will not like this. >> I understand that the the motion is going to pass. >> Most passed three to one. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh all right. Anything else we need to do with that for now? >> Nope. >> Okay. We're done with that. Okay. Move on to number 12. >> I mean, maybe any of the parents >> Yeah, did you get >> any of the parents? >> I don't want you to come all this way for nothing. >> Any questions? >> Or just anything >> Comments, comments, anything? >> Yeah, I have a
057comment. Um I have like I have had some concerns with the current technology policy and the use of technology in the classrooms. One of my questions was the oversight of technology usage um in the middle school. It seems This is my first year in the middle school. And so prior to that, it was just the K5 experience. Um and it seems like my daughter is using her device a lot more and she's using it at home a lot. And so part of my concern as a parent is her access while she's using it at home. Um and also the like what she's doing while she's using her device and like, "Oh no, Mom, this is This is what my teacher told me to do. And I'm supposed to do that." And I'm like, "Really?" Time
058on Canva >> Yeah. >> creating fun little documents. But um So And so the one of my concerns and just like some feedback is how equipped do teachers feel with oversight with with like their knowledge of what the students are accessing, what the students are using while students are in their own classrooms, right? And then what are they sending the students home with? And so um that is just something that's in the back of my head and some I expect we won't answer, but something that I would like to say just spend awareness and I appreciate the thought of this new um adoption particularly for high school students having just one device that has um a higher metric for safety. >> Mhm. >> And I'm very much in the support of that. >> Yeah. Yeah,
059thanks Stephanie and I mean we I think we we can address and yeah, I think it's probably pretty individualistic especially in the classrooms. They have the capability to see the kids' um on their own screen or project the all the screens up on the on the >> whiteboard >> on the whiteboard or on any any uh any device that we have. We have the ability to watch really closely second by second. So it's more I think a comfort level of of timing for teachers to do that and then maybe even just, you know, more a little bit more possible professional development around and setting an expectation around when the diligence is on us to make sure that the kids are visiting something appropriately. >> And I'll I was oh, sorry. >> I was just going
060to say in my conversation with the teachers as well like in the middle school, they were all on board. You know, like lock them up. Lock up the computers for when we have very specific tasks. Um and we have and Jared's been helping us have have very specific training on Lightspeed which is our device that allows us to see everything the kids are on um when they're doing stuff in the classroom, but recognizing there's some limitations. The teachers also has to sit and help a child and can be you know, it's like that interface between those two expectations is imperfect. But I think maybe it's also nice if you guys talked a little bit about the filter systems we do have because I think it's important for people to understand like the different levels and
061layers of what we do do to try to protect them. Do you want to say anything? >> I mean the Lightspeed, how we see things in the filters that that's all attached as one thing. I mean we're able to see anyone's going to things and we can add them to the block list if it's not part of something that's or is supposed to be in the classroom, or supposed to be in be in the school. >> Mhm. >> I mean, there's the internet's a big place, I mean, something like that it's can't block everything, but you know, we pay attention to it. >> And then >> the teachers let me know that there's something that needs blocked, I'll block it. I mean >> It's a lot of back and >> It's a lot of actually
062>> Everybody wants it all when they want it, and then it all blocks when it's inappropriate. >> Cuz there's all this like really benign stuff that we need access to and we're like, "Jared >> It's >> It blocks >> I'm blocking things that shouldn't be blocked, right? >> Right. >> And that's one thing I think I can say from a parent's point of view, too. If y'all are seeing things, I'm in the same category y'all are. I got one in middle school and high school. Communicate with your teachers so the teacher can communicate with Jared because there's many things you're seeing at home that that are not up on the school. And the other thing to remember, this is not for you, I know y'all all know this, but for the world, like kids are
063going to bring their phones to school if you give them to them. And they can access whatever they want as long as they're hooked to the internet. The school can't do anything about that. As long as the cell signals are coming in the school, they can pull porn or TV or whatever they want on their phone. As long as they get a cell signal from Verizon or AT&T or whatever. So. Parents, we still have to be engaged. And I don't know how y'all do it here at home or or anybody listening, but you know, we just scroll through our kids phone and they fuss and I'm like, "Until you own and pay for it, you don't have a phone." And I I know we got that from another parent that that wasn't new to us,
064but And so by communication with the teachers, I think it'll be helpful because they can then tell us staring and glaring and do things that kids are finding ways cuz we know they will. They are smart and savvy and better with tech than some of us are. >> One of the other aspects to all these filterings is that it's constantly monitoring even what they're typing, whether it's an email or in a Google Doc. And that often leads to ways that we're investigating things that maybe they were trying to get access to that we can lock down a little bit more. But I mean, there's a constant discussion going around in all aspects of the school of what the students are looking at, what they're communicating on it. And yet, there's, you know, 300 some students
065here every day experimenting and and and finding ways to entertain themselves with it. So. >> Yeah. >> And and this is more just kind of an FYI on how how the filters really do work. Generally quite well. You know, if if if this ninth grader sitting at home on a weekend and types in suicide, that triggers an automatic email to three people. By the time we even triangulate you know, Andrew or Jared has given us a list of the last nine searches and, you know, maybe and then we know what our next that determines our next step. It's It's that quick. >> Right. >> Yeah. I mean, I have like three, four things a day that I have to investigate. Yeah, yeah, whether it's violence, self-harm, something. And it's not saying a lot of times
066it can be something really benign. They're doing a science project. >> Usually it is. >> Stop investigating, talk child, talk to the teacher, um and then intervene when it's urgent, obviously. So, we take it really seriously. It's imperfect, but we're really committed to protecting our kids. >> Well, it sounds like this will just improve it. Going forward to and we're just making those steps to continually be on top of it. >> Yeah, I I I think it's a multi-pronged solution right now, right? It's going to be better devices. It's going to be helpful for our students. >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. >> Great. Yeah. Good. Anybody else? Okay. Any other questions? >> Um all right. Did you guys vote? >> We >> Should we vote on people? >> Yeah, we can vote on them. >> I
067thought we already voted on them. >> Yeah, that was the issue I had before. >> Yeah, so now I'll just go by the easy >> Number five, please. >> Can we approve Grace Young as 1.0 FTE for the 2026-2027 school year? >> I second the motion. >> Yeah, so I put her resume into and then I put Yeah, Montana State University. I'm looking to move back to the Montana. >> State great. Grace Benson or Grace Young? >> And Grace Benson isn't Grace Young, the original tax board member. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's why it was it says both Grace both Graces. Grace Young then. Grace Young. >> Spanish though? >> Language? >> Well, I have Grace. >> Grace Benson. I second the motion for Grace Benson. >> For Grace Benson. >> I did read it
068right. >> I know. It It does It does say Grace Benson. >> I was testing you. >> Any other questions? >> What What subject is Grace asking? >> Uh it was Yeah, it was Spanish. >> All right, I call for a vote. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Can would just back up, right? Keep in mind that we never hire anybody specifically for a position. We hire them as FTE. But, yeah. >> Stick to >> Got it. >> And that was the >> Read it in the motion. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> All right. >> And so >> This This is just uh actual >> informational. I You know, Matt, we talked about Matt at the last meeting. And I I talked about Andrew today. I mean, two people that have meant a lot
069to the to the school district. >> And the community. So, again, yeah, thanks for everything. Well, you guys are going to be missed big time. So, really appreciate it. >> Um hey, go on to the consent agenda. >> I move to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> I second the motion. >> I'll call for vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> You're going to be assistant? No, or you always been head? >> Yeah, but I I'm going to be even depending on what kind of unfolds with some other people in the community where we're going to be like move up to more just like logistical management. >> Or maybe you're Um okay, so now we're going to talk about swearing in Matt Dodd as newly elected trustee. >> And I'll
070swear Matt Dodd in. Thank you. >> This time Newly second elected. >> You're sworn out and then sworn in. >> Yeah, stand up front. >> Have to stand up front. You can't do it in the car. >> Thank you so much for your help. >> You have to You have to stand in front of Dustin. >> He's in >> We forgot our seats. >> I don't know what you mean. >> Well, I can do it this year. >> So, I didn't learn my lesson again this year. I'm the secretary. >> I got to get a little piece of paper with that. >> You got to turn on the light. >> I got to raise my right hand. >> Should we turn on the light? >> Oh, that's right. Don't we just Yeah, do we have
071any nice Repeat after me. I do solemnly affirm >> I do solemnly affirm >> that I will support and defend the United States and the Montana Constitution. >> That I will support and defend the Montana and United States Constitution. >> I will faithfully execute the duties of office >> I will faithfully execute the duties of office >> with fidelity >> in regard to the best interests interests of the students >> in regard to the best interests of the students >> and their education in all decisions. >> Welcome aboard. Again. And then you can And then you sign there below. >> And there. Do you want us to mention? I mean this is all the way up. >> Yep. >> One thing I have a question about the computers. Is there any going to be any
072issue like with getting them? Like they're in the next file there cuz it was one of three. >> It seems like they had to make more than they were popular but I mean it's Apple. Their their supply chain is >> That would be a >> We'll move three. How many are back ordered? >> January >> December >> Because you need to order >> I'm going to put it on the back order of the gym. >> Celebrating >> Okay, and so just as as we lead into the board restructuring Um, I put this in the packet but I'll I'll talk about it publicly too as an FYI. Chair Jennings and Trustee McLean have terms that expire in May 2027, so 1 year from now. Trustee Biggerstaff and Trustee Rowley have terms that expire in 2028, so
073following that. And then Vice Chair Dodd has a term that expires in May of 2030. >> Do we want to move on to research here or do we >> I mean, that's that's up to you. As I sent out earlier in the week, the policy is 25 days from the election, so you would have only until the 30th, so it would require a special meeting. Um >> Can we do it with just the four of us? Is that >> You can. >> Yeah. And what do you guys want How do you feel? >> I am >> That looks great. >> I'm okay with the way it is. >> Because every And we're all staggered, so no one will be >> Everybody happy with >> You'll need a motion though, and second and approval on all
074of those assignments. >> On all of the >> Chair, Vice Chair, and District Clerk. >> Okay, so those three would need motions and seconds to start. >> So, I move to approve Matt McLean as Chair of the Board. >> I second the motion. >> We do all individually? >> Yep. I'll call for a vote. All those in favor? >> Aye. I move to approve Matt Dodd as Vice Chair. >> I second the motion. >> Call for a vote. All those in favor? >> Aye. I move to approve Libby Gregoire as District Clerk. >> Is that I think that maybe we can revise that motion to say appoint. >> Appoint. Libby Gregoire as our District Clerk. >> I second the motion. >> I call for a vote. All those in favor? >> Aye. I move to
075approve the committee as presented. >> I second the motion. >> I'll call for a vote. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Any opposed? As you named them, That's it. >> That's it. >> Is that a Is that a quorum? >> and there's three documents. You need to sign these three documents but just like you did to decertify the election. >> And Manny, you can adjourn the meeting. >> Meeting adjourned. >> Thanks everybody. >> Our next meeting June 2nd. >> June 2nd. So this is one sooner cuz it's that's the last week of school and sometimes that first week of summer is a difficult to get engagement. >> I may not >> He will be here. >> I may not be here then. I'm calling in from Georgia.