001This meeting is being recorded. The recording does not constitute the official record of this meeting. All documents from this meeting are available on the school board page of the district website. Call the meeting to order. We stand for the pledge of allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Any revisions today? Shift to public comment which I believe we have. Um >> somebody from Mckin Street had requested public comment. Um, if you would raise your hand now or Jared, maybe you're gonna give the public comment. >> Do we see? >> Oh, it's Karen head just popped in. >> Should I allow her to talk? >> Yes. >> Jared, can you hear us? >> Yes,
002I can hear you now. Sorry. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Sorry. Oh, is this Jared or No, sorry. >> Yeah, this is this is Jared here in NS. So, um but I do believe Karen Hedgelund was going to speak. Is she on? >> It looks like she's muted. >> I am here. Sorry, guys. >> Got you now, Karen. Yep. >> Um I'm sorry for the late uh join there. Is it time for public comment? >> Yes, please go ahead. >> Thank you very much. Um, my name is Karen Hedglin. I work for Mckinstry Engineering and we have been assisting the Nis School District over the last nine months or so with some of their work um on site. they have um asked their community for a levy last year to kind of make some
003repairs and take care of what they have. And so we did a roof project and we're now um working with them on some mechanical repairs this coming summer. The other piece of that work was some long range planning um that we're helping them with over the next 12 months. And so I asked uh Dustin if I could attend today um so that we could communicate well with the Big Sky School District um and make sure that we were informing you of what it was that we were doing. Um partially because we want to make sure that we're um very upfront and transparent and also because we recognize the connections between the NS school district and the Big Sky School District. And so we would like to be um good communicators in terms of what it
004is that we're up to. And um what are we up to? Well, we're just starting a public process to talk about what kind of long range planning the district needs to do. It probably looks a lot like some fairly simple classroom additions. Um possibly some reconfiguring of title and special education space. Um but we don't know yet. We don't have any drawings. We don't have any lines on paper. And we haven't even met with the community yet. Our first public meeting will be February 3rd. But my goal in coming to you today was just to um reach out a hand and communicate and let you know that we're embarking on this process for the next 12 months and we would like to um keep you informed and answer any questions that you might have as
005we move through the process. But I anticipate um starting with the NSIS community February 3rd at 6 PM um for our first public meeting. And as we move through the process um I'd be happy to keep you informed in written uh form or at your schoolboard meetings, whatever you um prefer. >> Great. Excellent. Thanks, Karen. We appreciate um you guys getting out and reaching out, contacting us for sure. Um and yeah, I'm happy to stay in touch as you guys move forward uh with what's going on and uh yeah, we'd love to just stay in touch. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate the welcome and and um Dustin, I'll I'll stay close with you. >> Sounds good. Great. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. Appreciate the time. >> Yeah, have a great day. Okay.
006Move on to approval of the minutes, please. >> I move to approve the minutes as presented. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All those in favor? >> I I any opposed? Pass unanimously. The superintendent report, please. >> Uh yeah. So, I I handed this out. Um I'll be brief. Uh enrollment. This is reflective of the start of second semester because we do have some kids who go abroad and some kids are semester. So this is next week. Um as you can see I went back into my exact same report from one year ago. We're down 41 from that point in time. >> Yeah. And you know, as as we looked at this in conjunction with, you know, the the information and the countywide data that I shared last week and talking it through with the business
007office, you know, there really aren't many more students in the community going to private school. That number is pretty close. It's just a few kids in the community. >> That's that's kind of what we're coming to based on all all the data that we're seeing. Um, and then I'll just quickly talk about the timeline for the for the election. Things are going to have to happen relatively quickly in the next month. Um, so in November, we've already approved the resolution that we're going to have an election this May. We have one trustee position up for election. That's the seat currently held by Matt Dodd, and that's for a three-year term. The deadline for candidates to file is five o'lock on the 4th of February. So that's coming up. >> Um and that includes writing candidates
008too, which that that has changed. Um Thursday, February 19th, we have to certify the ballot. So at our meeting on the 10th, we're going to have to have um the ballot language done. Um so that's going to include so the budget committee meet budget committee is here next week. So we can meet with the business office and the budget committee next week and kind of see where we're at because we'll have to add levy on to that in February 10th if we if we have to. So if everybody could just at least put that on their calendars February 10th and we have to have three people here. >> Um >> and then election the election is May 5th and Libby can provide the paperwork for the trustee positions. And then lastly, House Bill 408. That's
009next Wednesday, January 21st. We've collected 634,000 across four donations and all checks are received. So, our our input team is ready to go. That's at 10 o'clock on Wednesday. Myself, Corky, Andrew, and Libby inputting those donations. >> Yeah. So we should be we should be good on that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Will we have any other publication out about the election other than what we put out as the district or will that be the paper things like that? Usually >> it usually is in the paper. Uh it hasn't been this time. Usually it was published though by Big Sky Resort Area District came to everybody and then they took out a full page ad. >> So it's on the website. I mean we've been talking about it every other maybe for a year. Is it in
010the peak? Is it on the thing we sent in? >> What's it called? At in the peak or on the peak. >> I can get it in there this week. >> Is that okay? Yeah. >> And then are they doing are they doing another um candidate meet and greet thing this year for that? Have you heard anything about that? >> I haven't heard anything, but I haven't I haven't heard a lot about the special elections to be completely honest. >> Yeah. Okay. There's not much else going on. >> I don't know if Bizrad has any went up or not. They must have because Kevin >> Well, so is Sarah. >> And so is Sarah. So I'm sure that they will. Um >> yeah, that was always a little bit closer to the mid to the
011end of March, wasn't it? That kind of right leading into voting time, >> right? Yeah, it was closer. Okay. Just didn't know if you heard anything yet. >> No. Okay, but that's a good idea. I'll put that in. >> Thank you. Are you doing middle and high school as I am. Thanks. Um, high school principal report. Um, from academic life, this exams are happening this week and we were halfway through come Thursday. Um, so the students are working hard to get our PI approved in the first semester. Our mass testing has started for the middle school math and English students that second round and that's the state testing assessment system. Um, MAP tests are going on right now. Um we you probably remember we h we moved away from testing every single kid. We just
012testing the kids who haven't receive any interventions along the way. Um friends of Big Sky Education FYI. Last week we had um scholarship meeting with the seniors. FZY's raised $116,000 in scholarships for class of 2026. So that's among what 28 kids. So that that's really great. >> Yeah, that's always amazing. Um and and then Marlo has a team that's reviewing the middle school English language arts and math programs and we'll kind of update that she'll update the board. It was time to review those for PE for the next month and a half. They're we're going to be focusing on evaluations for non-tenure staff. Um Joy, Devon, and the principles are taking science and reading training this month. That's where they're at today to focus on the high school students and that will be an an
013um that will be in line with what the K5 kind of philosophy of approaching readings is in the science of reading. >> Um and Kate Rally attending the DP visual art training next month. And then lastly for students ski days begin next week for MS and LPHS. Um, you know, big thanks to Anita at the PTO. >> How are we doing for We had to have a certain amount of volunteers, right? >> So, if you remember at the last meeting, Matt, we decided to do a um just fingerprint there, people. >> And we're pretty close. >> Yeah, I checked that sheet today. >> I think I mean, they haven't the last of our communication was that they would let us know if they wanted us. There was a few people that have been gone, but
014I haven't heard anything from them. So, >> no news is good news. >> Yeah. I mean, almost 50 people >> and we've got back results for probably 44 of those. >> So, so we should be >> we should be good to go. >> We shared >> we didn't share the results with them obviously, but we shared who's been checked. Okay. Um, the BTO did a really great job of hosting up holiday party for the faculty and staff. Was really nice. >> Oh, nice. >> Um, Miss Jens did holidays around the world for one of our blocks and they learned about, you know, the different holiday traditions in Indonesia, Kenya, Swedenia, Australia. um staff are back in the building and really really looking forward to the second half of the year. She received lots of good
015feedback about the break was long enough but not too long to recharge and come back. >> Did seem like it was pretty long this year for some reason. >> Yeah, >> longer. I guess it really wasn't. >> And we'll have the calendar next month for next year. >> Yeah. Um, midar benchmark testing is going on and then kindergarten started skiing today >> in the red. >> Yeah. >> So, she says the same. Thank you to PTO. >> Yeah, those guys are doing great. Yeah, it's amazing. >> It's a lot of logistics. >> So, those guys do a fantastic job all lucky. >> Um, I think that's good. Thank you. Activities, Mr. Yes, thank you. So, first of all, um you know, it's basketball season. It's about all that's going on right now as far as
016school sports, but I just wanted to give a couple recognitions out first to the high school team. I mean, I don't know if you're aware, the girls team right now is operating with six players. One of them is an eighth grader. They are working their tails off. Um I just wanted to give the coaches and players some recognition. They're really making the best out of a tough situation and they're winning some games and >> um the the attitude seems positive, but um um you know, thanks for Libby and all the work that you've done to build that up. That can be tough, especially for high school kids in a class B school. So, really great job. Um at the Twin Bridges game on uh last Friday, we had two pretty awesome milestones. won. Uh Ryan
017Malnowski tied the single game three-point record to seven and um >> just letting him fly. >> Letting him fly. He was he was on fire. Five in the first half, I think. Um and then um Abe Greybo became the fourth student athlete um in Lone Peak High School history to surpass 1,000 career points. >> Awesome. >> And he did it halfway through his senior year. There's still nine games on the schedule, not including postseason. So, >> who's who's the leader of that? >> Um, I believe Eddie Stars is Bedway got his in I think the second district game last year. >> So, you know what to get. >> Not off the top of my head to to be alltime leading scorer. >> I don't off the top of my head. I can look at it's
018deep in the archives, but I can I can figure that out. But I' I'd say he's got a pretty good shot. And to my knowledge, he's the one who's done it the quickest anyway. >> 1100. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, he's got a good chance. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Totally. >> No pressure. >> Um but congratulations to Abe. That's an amazing accomplishment. >> Uh middle school girls basketball's in full swing. Uh they both won their first game against homeschool last night. And something that I just really wanted to highlight, especially going off what I just said with the the high school team. And this this is not um unique to us. This is going on across the state. We're looking really closely at it and um just with the low numbers, but I wanted
019to highlight the overwhelming numbers that the middle school girls basketball has come out with. There's currently 26 participating. There's 10 and 56 and 16 in seventh and eighth grade. >> Now, keep in mind this is the winter season. >> Famously during the winter season, we have lower participation both on the boys and girls side. But just to give you a little perspective, two years ago, um, which was, it's by annual, two years ago was the last time the girls had basketball season during the winter time and they had 12 total, fifth through 8th grade. >> Oh, wow. >> So, moving. >> Yeah, that crew is it's really encouraging that they're involved with those team sports and we're just really looking at ways we can keep them interested, keep them excited >> to participate in high
020school. And you know, one of the things that we talked about across the state is just the the the availability of clubs now has gone through even in the last three or four years has gone through the roof, particularly with schools nearby like a Boseman, a Great Falls, Helena, Billings. And so we see a lot more kids that are kind of focusing on one sport and doing club and participating in that year round. um which you know is a choice but it is nice to see that um the kids we we have looks like you know a positive outlook on participation >> coming through for our team sports >> that'd be great >> yeah and that is all I have >> great thanks thanks you guys manager report please >> um okay uh we received
021in December we received the first half of our um tuition from other schools. >> Oh, about that. Um, so that is good. Um, that includes half of the reconciliation payment. Um, so that's good. um uh through payrolls and liabilities for January and the next coming weeks we'll finish up with 2025 1099s and W2s and the official the second official count day is February 2nd. So after that we'll dive pretty hard into the budget. >> I was going to talk about the election but Dustin covered that. So >> that's it. >> Awesome. All right. >> Did she say something? >> No, she didn't specify that. She said they had this year or last year for the one they did for the levy last year. >> She didn't say anything. >> Chat, >> right? chat with the
022community and that they'd want to add classrooms. >> So, yeah, that's we should probably talk about that. >> Feel like it was implied that they were >> I would assume I would assume that's why they wanted it. Yeah. >> Yeah. So um if you remember like last year it was the same kind of conversation about the statement is if that once that gets kind of rolling into place um that legislation has has language in it that if if there's a proposal or a petition or something to move that district boundary that freezes being any opportunity for the other school district to debt. So we might see that come back around. >> Yeah, there's going to be something. >> Yeah. And and the taxpayer, right, to say people who >> we'll just kind of keep a
023close eye. >> Yeah. >> Exactly. That's kind of what I took from that as well. >> Okay. Good. Um, okay. Move on to everything's going on reportwise and our >> Yeah, I mean discussion action. So, >> yeah, except for um >> Oh, either Danielle or or Bessie would just like to talk. We had an initial meeting about uh negotiations just to kind of run through what's >> Yeah, I'll I'll leave it to them unless they would like to. Um so that is what this that part of the packet is. >> Yeah. So the pack is just those job descriptions and you remember the second half of that meeting we we talked about negotiations. >> Just more of just updates. It was more of an educational session, >> but they're changing some of the ways that
024they fund. Is that that's what I took away from that? Yeah, there could be some differences in funding and really we just kind of wanted to, you know, this Betsy's first time going through negotiations and learning the budget and learning about things and kind of where everybody's personnel lies. Um, I think the one kind of takeaway that we did have. Um, we're looking forward to going into negotiations and probably being able to do something that that is agreeable to everybody, but nothing that we're fighting against. So yeah, we're just keeping an eye on what the MTSC is doing. >> Yeah, we'll see because they're changing some of the formulas >> possibly. Yeah. And then we'll see where we're at in whatever, you know, mid to late next week. >> Was that part of what was
025discussed in that email that was out yesterday from Wendy TSBA? It seemed like there was something >> more just speculation of what things >> and then policies in three. >> Okay. >> So we can move on to discussion action please. >> Uh I motion to approve Jared Kelly as a 1.0 FTE certified staff employee. So I put his yeah I put his resume in the packet University of Wisconsin two years in Kisville two year one year in Boseman as a sobatical leave youth to work in industrial technology teacher think is going to be really good for he came up and spent the day >> looking at everything met the students um and frankly I'm not it was surprising that he was just kind of here in the area. >> Is he in Bosezeman? >> He's
026in Bosezeman right now, but extremely interested in the new housing development that we're going to have next year and then moving into the community. And he would have tried to get up here sooner um but had a lease that he just so but skier fisherman all those kind of things and competent highly confident in that. >> I mean, yeah, it looked almost too good to be true, >> right? So, he met Andrew. Uh so I look I look forward to have bringing him on a long term long term really we were lucky. So you know should you approve this he starts tomorrow >> he is going to be in the like a he's certified >> y in Montana already. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Y >> and so he's going to be the teacher. So yeah,
027I mean and Andrew will still do kind of like you know how it was how it's always kind of been set up was you know he was his intent is to mentor somebody there's a lot there. >> So we had that staffed at you know 1.7. >> Yeah anyway. >> Okay. He's ready to start. >> Perfect. >> I didn't realize that. That's all >> tomorrow morning. >> All right. Well, all those in favor >> I oppose passes unanimously. >> Uh I motion to approve Oliver Woodford as a student teacher in H. >> Second. Thanks. >> Just a couple weeks. >> Strange situation for the student. um did a student teaching in New Zealand and due to how things fell wasn't able to finish because they went on summer break. Um so the PE department was
028actually up here. They brought up a big group of students and work with our students and the like head of the PE department was here and said, "Hey, do you think you could take this kid for two weeks, but he's also on the guest teacher list now too for tonight." So seems like a nice kid. I think that' be great. We can use him as a guest teacher too. >> And first >> any other questions? See none. Call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes unanimously. We can do this as a batch. It looks like, right? >> Yeah. I motion to approve the batch of policies as presented by the policy committee. >> Why why are those two yellow? >> We'll talk about >> those are the ones to
029talk about. >> Got a second. >> Um yeah, I'll second to approve as recommended which includes one adopt. >> Right. One to decide on. Right. Right. Do we need to talk? >> Yeah. Maybe we'll just briefly chat. I I'll turn it over to Matt or I I'll kick it off. Do >> you want to start? >> Sure. Yeah. 2335 has three options. This is for districts that are providing identity instruction and or sexed instruction. So option one was, you know, if you're providing both of those, this is how you're going to allow students to either opt in or opt out, but it was opt in, right? And option two was if you're only going to provide one of the two either identity or um sex. >> Uh and option three was you know we're not
030gonna the school district is not going to offer these as curriculum choices. >> We do that through outside >> so we just we're not going to do anything because Bridget Care handles it. >> We've had no problem with that program. It's been great >> generally. Yeah. I mean, >> people Yeah. >> The other one's about pronouns and figured we're not going to wait into that dispute at this point and >> we're going to support the kids and that'll be the end of that. >> Yeah. Agreed. So, >> and that was optional. >> It was optional. Yeah. Not not required. >> Okay. So the policy committee then recommends that we approve items A B CDE E F G H I J and L M N O on item D policy committee recommends that we choose option
031number three based on the discussion we just had and policy committee recommends that we decline to adopt Policy 2158 item K based on discussion. >> Wow. >> Perfect. Do you want to add anything? >> Great. Uh, do we need to adjust that motion or anything? Are we good? >> Yeah. So I'll move to adopt items A through C E through J and L through O as written. Adopt item D which is policy 2335 choosing the third optional option and decline to adopt item K policy 2158. Second on that. I second the motion. >> Anyone have any discussion on that at all? Covered everything we need to. Okay. >> Call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I >> Any opposed pass unanimously. Thank you policy committee for >> waiting through all that. >> Going
032through all those. I missed those days. Um I re or I motion to approve the job descriptions as presented. >> So those are in the packet. There's no fundamental operational changes really. Um this is one of my goals for the next these are all classified staff, right? Any certified staff. the job description so to speak is really governed by the collective party agreement. So that's all done, but to get the classified staff and just just to streamline things in the HR world. Um who reports do who exempt non-exempt. Um and again there there aren't any fundamental changes to the way that the the jobs are operated on and MTSBA does a very good job of putting those model. >> So we'll see some sort of recommendation from them. >> So we just go right on
033their website and grab them. >> Grab it. Okay. Perfect. to see >> and then we'll put everything in in Libbyy's office and then they recommend good practice and it is a good practice you know upon renewal or initial hire like you know here's the job description that goes along with the >> just like you do with the CDA >> any discussion questions call for a vote all those in favor >> I >> any opposed passes unanimously agenda, please. >> Uh I move to adopt the consent agenda as presented. >> Second, >> questions, discussion. >> All those in favor? >> I I >> I. >> Any opposed? Pass unanimously. Okay. Again, next uh meeting, February 10th, Tuesday, pretty important one. If everybody can make it, that'd be great. Then March 10th as well. We'll look at
034that on the horizon. Anything else? >> I think that's gonna do it. >> Great. Thanks everybody. Journey for me. >> Yeah. And she's a